heyy guys i have a 2001 XL f150 4.2L. i just got a 2004 lighting motor and tranny. are there any things i should be aware of be4 i start to put it in the truck

 

You need the Lightning computer to operate the L trany for one.
You'll need the 4r100 tranny wire harness,dash wire harness, cross member for the 4r100 , 4r100 trany dipstick & dipstick tube,motor wire harness.You'll need to have the drive-shaft shortened and the exhaust rerouted to get around the tranny.
Do you have all the parts to go with the motor? Intercooler hoses,pump,heat exchanger,throttle & cruse cables,alternator,L radiator hose?
Here's a list of some stuff you'll need,,,you wont need all of it. Depends on how much you already have.
http://www.madenterprise.com/scparts.htm

Phil

 

Don't forget the 9.75 rear axle. I don't think your 8.8 will last long.

 

f150xlt is running an 8.8 but his beast is also a regular cab short bed

 

lol. 9.75 or swap up bigger than that... i finally popped the 8.8 pinion again. check out my gallery for pics of the carnage. 1/4 " spacer on the gear side of the carrier got nailed so hard it shattered

 

well i want to get ride of the v6 for sure... and i could buy the lighting motor with everything and tranny all for 3500

 

i could go to the junk yard and pull a 9.75 rear end and a drive shaft from an 04 right

 

your 8.8 will be fine just get a good LSD or locker, and have somebody who knows what they are doing put it in.

 

you can get a 9.75 rear end out of any truck with the 5.4L motor... or a Lightning.

drive shaft would be easier to have shortened, not gonna be expensive.

 

... only for so long will the 8.8 handle that kind of power unless it gets other help. i think i would know since i ran the 8.8 with a lightning powerplant... and it exploded... i think my comment counts

 

so i for sure need a drive shaft...i got an extended cab with reg. 6ft bed..

 

Yes,
your 4r70 is about a foot shorter then the 4r100.

Phil

 

i never said your comment didn't count, if its properly set up(with a good LSD or locker) the 8.8 can take a lot of abuse. its what ford put in the new GT500 which has a lot more power than a lightning motor. also what what were you doing when it exploded.

 

play nice guys, this is to help a newby, not scare him.

 

I cant believe it,,,another one of them guys that want to try to compare a light azz mustang to a heavy truck.
It's totally two different situations.
Yes the 8.8 is very strong. But trying to move a 55 or 6000 pound truck is harder on it then trying to move a little car.
Nothing last forever,
I just riped my 9.75 rear-end out of my truck.
Parts will only take so much abuse and like I said before.(if you aren't breaking something.Your not making enough power or driving it like a little old lady)

Now with that being said. If it was me,,I would rock the 8.8 with the Lightning motor until I ripped it out.
Then I would upgrade to a 9.75
Depending on what you do with the truck and how hard on it you are. That 8.8 could last for some time!

Phil