Well, I finally decided to purchase my first performance mod for my L: a K&N air filter. I got home form my local Autozone, open the box and start reading the installation instructions. The first 2 steps stopped me in my tracks:
1. Carefully remove the wire connector from the Mass Air Sensor taking care not to break the connector or wires.
2. Carefully remove the wire connector from the Air Intake Temp Sensor taking care not to break the connector or wires.

Even though the instructions include some vague pictures, I am now hesitant about going through with the installation, as I am not that mechanically inclined. I don't want to damage my truck in any way, since I use it as my daily driver and rely on it everyday. Do I have anything to worry about, or should I just take it back? For those owners that have one installed, how easy was it really to put it in, and is there anything that could go wrong?

 

It should be an easy install, even for a novice. You won't mess anything up unless you yank one of the sensors out carelessly.

Are you talking about just a replacement filter or an FIPK air box replacement? I didn't realize K&N made an FIPK for the Gen II Lightning.

Most folks typically go with either a drop in panel filter into the existing airbox, or a filter kit from one of the big Lightning vendors - PSP, JL, or JDM.

 

none of that is neccassary to istall it. All you have to do is unclamp the three hinges slide he box to the tight side of the tuck and pick it up out of your way. itis harder to reinstall it because it has a tighter seal but give it a little force and it will slide right in.Hope this helps ask if you need any more help.

 

No, the instructions I quoted above are for the replacement filter. I've changed a few air filters on other cars, but I never had to disconnect sensors to do so.

 

I don't know where you got your K&N from but I got mine Fri and thought the same thing. Don't be intimidated by all that stuff on the instructions they send. just pop the latches make sure if fits snug and close it back up. I'm still kinda new to this to, but just in case you hadn't realized yet, if your ordering something and try to get it for an 02, you want find it, try it for an 01, from what I've found its pretty much all the same, hope this helps

 

Racer2, did you install the gasket they gave you with it as well? or did you just exchange the filter?

 

dboat,
What gasket are you refering to? Is this some thing new K y N is packaging w/the panel filter? For both the '00 y '01 L's the box came w/only filters inside.

 

I had one in my box also. It is an adhesive foam gasket that goes inside the filter box lid to ensure the filter has a good seal. I was also wondering if anyone installed it with the filter as well.

 

crazyfool,
I'm glad these provisions are now being packaged w/the filters...I sure could have used this gasket for my '00 bolt, as there was some sand sneaking past the edges where the filter seated.

The '01 has much improved seal. The air box looks the same as the 2000 model, but seems more ridgid somehow. The sides of the box on the 2001 has minimal inward flex in comparison.

 

No gasket with mine either, but easy to put in without unplugging wires. IMO it's a good idea to clean box to remove oily residue common to these trucks.