Lawl. Couldn't resist the title. Anyways, my dad and I are gonna replace the starter on the 1997 F150 tomorrow(was gonna do it last weekend, but I couldn't get the goddamn Grand Prix ready to drive in time). Anyways, anything I should know or any tools I should have before we start? I'll give the truck's details below, just looking for some general pointers or tips/tricks you guys have found.

1997 F150 XLT
4.6/4R70
E-4x4
Extended Cab

 

Be careful getting the bolts out of the aluminum stud. When I loosened mine for the first time, the threads came with the bolts. I should have tapped them a few times on the head with a hammer, but I didn't think of it. If this is your truck's original starter, you might want to do this too.

 

When we pulled the starter on my 96 thunderbird 4.6L 2 years ago to do the torque converter swap the top bold was so siezed the broke 2 extensions, 2 or 3 sockets, and knuckles getting busted more than once before we finally had to take a torch and heat up the bolt.

BTW that top starter bold on an 4.6L bird is much harder to get to than a f150

 

I'm not sure if the 4.6 is the same as the 5.4 or not, but it took several different size extensions to get the right length to loosen that top bolt. I don't know how neverseize will work with aluminum, but you might also want to use some when re-installing the starter. Be sure not to crossthread the bolts. Other than that, it was purty straight forward on mine. It was the first major repair that I did on my truck. And I did it at age 15, so I'm sure you can!

 

well i was just assuming it was easier lol......on a tbird unless you got really small hands you need some extensions a swivel and some patience

 

Sounds like FUN!!!!

Engineering at its best

 

everytimei try to start my 1984 ford f-150 with a 351 windsor all it wants to to is grind so what could b the problem

 

check to see if the starter is loose and ready to fall out...

if not the drive or "bendix" is no good

replace the starter

...zap!

 

Yeah... I had my starter fall off once in the junkyard parking lot on my old truck. I push started it(And yeah, it has an auto).

 

yeah the top bolt on the starter of a 4.6L thunderbird, cougar, or Mark VII is such a PITA most guys don't put it back in.

 

When I bought my 95 I checked the oil and all the fluids. I knew it needed a clutch. Went to drop the tranny and the top bolt on the starter was broken and there was a c-clamp holding the top in and the bottom bolt was loose. No problems getting it out, but I did learn to disconnect the battery before you climb under to see what you need.