I am starting a new project and will be using this forum a lot!

Project: Install a 1999 F150 Lightning drive train into my 1997 F150 supercab.

Items I have procurred so far:
-lightning 5.4L engine, wiring harness, plumbing and computer
-lightning rear end, leaf springs, shocks, etc.
-lightning transmission and wiring harness
-lightning instrument cluster
-lightning left and right swing arm, springs, rotors, calipers for front end

I know of a couple of issues that I think I have a solution to, but need some help.

- The anti-thef device on the 1999 trucks.
I am thinking I can go to a junk yard and pull the under dash wiring harness, the pieces that go up to the ignition, and the keys out of a truck that is either a 99-03 so the new computer module will see the input from the anti-thef. Anyone know exactly what pieces I will need to pull and if this will work?

I am not sure if there will be any other issues, so now is your chance to help me by letting me know what I will be running up against.

I would love to have a service manual for the 99 lightning from ford, even if it is on a CD. A wiring diagram would be extremely usefull.


I have a 1997 F150 with 278,000 miles on it, XLT with a 4.6L. I have never changed anything other than wear items. I will post a bunch of before pictures today or tomorrow and then I will post pictures of all the parts I have so we can see what we might be missing. Noticed I used "we" cause I consider you all part of the team!!

Stephen

 

On anti theft, the PATS system has to match the PCM by programing.
It's not just a hardware deal. To simple to defeat that way.
Everytime the PCM has to be reprogrammed, the PATS and ignition keys also needs to be considered or the total system would not be any better than door locks on the truck.
The PATS and the PCM have communications with each other that make the system so hard to defeat. If the data does not match, the motor will not fire.
This is part of the PCM software.
My opinion is that for all the work to be done, you are not much better off than buying a Lightining to begin with that has all the factory hardware and software in place, then improve from that point.
Why make the end product so hard to arrive at when a Lightining model would fill the bill without all the hassle. You will end up with more expense and hassle sorting out all the issues brought on by trying to 're-engineer' the system.
Good luck whichever way you go.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/search.php

 

Why make the end product so hard to arrive at when a Lightining model would fill the bill without all the hassle. You will end up with more expense and hassle sorting out all the issues brought on by trying to 're-engineer' the system.
Good luck whichever way you go.

Bluegrass,
You are probably right about that, but I am not in a position to buy a lightning but I have collected these parts over time and I have no problem spending my weekends in a junkyard. And you can't usually find trucks in the yard, but since "cash for clunkers" there are all kinds of f150s out there with siezed blocks and good bodies. So you say the PATS hardware system is matched to the PCM? I know my programmer said he could just disable that part of the PCM so I could crank the truck, but I thought I would just get all the parts. So you are saying if I get the wiring harness, PCM and associated equipment from the donation truck it might work? If that is the case I can just get that PCM tuned for the engine.

Thanks for the link tarajerame! I am sure I will use that a lot! It seems you have been doing a lot of modifications on your engine as well. As I start this, let me know if you have any insight. I will be posting everything I am working on it when I start.

What fun!! LOL

 

Yes, a good software designer could disable the PATS feature in PCM software.
This is done by making changes in software words that contain the 'bit' info expected from the bus line to the PATS system.
If this is done, you don't need a PATS system at all.
Didn't know you had access to this kind of service.
We still feel you willl have so much invested and issues to work out that we hope you don't give up on the project.
You will learn a lot from doing this change-over, i'm sure.
Good luck.

 

do you know where i can find blow ups of the front end to fix auto body damage?

 

the PATS system can be disabled.

 

If his cluster plugs right in all he should have to do is program the keys to the PATS in the cluster. The keys are basic key fobs that are read by the pats system in the cluster.
If he installs the ECM, harness then all he should need is locksmith with a programmer to remove old key codes and install his key codes. When I installed a cluster into my truck it plugged right in and my buddy from ford came over and programmed my keys to the PATS and it fired right up.

 

I have a 1997 Ford 150 XLT. Got any front end parts?

 

I don't. Got rid of everything when I got a divorce and lost my house. I wish I still had all my Lightning stuff. But oh well. Live and learn I guess.

 

This one sucks without pictures...

 

He could do the front end conversion to a newer bumper and grill from a 2000. Probably cheaper and more available.