Got the tick sound so here I go with the gaskets. I can get all the bolts out except the bottom two middle ones. Are you guys lifting the engine? The bolts are so close to the engine mount you can't even fit a socket on it! BTW this is the pass side...

 

Remove the starter to gain access. I just did this yesterday to my 5.4L V8 and had the same issue.

 

ya but the 5.4 sits up higher and has more room to work on

 

Yeah you probably will need to lift the engine, its was a major b*tch for me when I put shorty headers on my 4.6. I'd take a good look and see if taking the starter off would help though

 

Yea, the 5four sits higher, I did have to remove the starter tho. And , although you might not think so, - on the passenger side, you have to remove the AC tubing flange bolt. IF your installing headers.

Remember, - even if you use self lockers on the manifolds/headers, they'll need re-torquing every 20 miles to seat. Specially with triple gaskets.

Also, - replace your trans mount which works in conjunction with your motor mounts. These trucks are hard on that mount in particular and the exhaust damper is tied right to it. That's why these things shear exhaust manifold studs. The trans mount goes out and causes stress + vibrates the hell out of the Y. Also causes clutch pack fatigue in the rear end. I was working at the test track @ Ford Dearborn when I learned that one lol. I have pics of trans mounts that go bad if interested. Not many of the pass side of the truck (manifold) , just these -

 

I had to jack the motor up a little.

 

ive only done 5.4 headers, one 2v and one 3v. 3v was by far the bigger bitch

 

Yea, - you know there's only ONE guy on this site who said he didn't have a problem installing headers on his 4six, = shifty85.
In fact, he said he didn't even remove the starter. But, everyone else has had major problems installing them on their 4six. Makes me wonder, uknow. - Either everyone else is crazy or he's full of S H I T.

 

^Haha! Hey you gotta be nice, isn't he from your neck of the woods?? I know he was telling me how easy they were and it only took him 4hrs. BS.. It took me 17hrs and the only thing different from mine and his, is mines 4x4, but i don't htink that makes up for 13hrs! bahaha But oh well, they're on and i'm running pretty damn good now. Im gonna have to do something with them eventually tho and i'll prolly be able to do shorty's in 4hrs maybe with some luck now that i kno what to expect.

P.S. I didn't take my starter off. It would have just made the install more of a headache.

Goodluck to the OP