Hello guys,
I was hoping maybe some of you F-150 owners could help me out.
Has anyone installed headers on the above mentioned models? I am ready to throw a set of ceramic bassani shorties on my 96 Bronco, but I have so much crap in that engine compartment! Wasnt sure if I should pull the plastic inner fender out, and attack it from the side, or attack the beast from the top. Also, do I need any special tools for headers? Socket set with that universal joint extension-thing (to be technical about it ). Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

 

I put the Bassani's on my 89 5.0. The headers were installed when I had the motor out so I didn't have to wrestle with it in the truck. I took a good look tho and think that I could easily (I say easily if you like standing on your head) put them in from up above without pulling the inner fender. Granted some of those bolts will be a challenge to start. You might consider some Stage 8 bolts that lock the bolts from turning. The nice thing about these too is that they have the Allen hex recesses so you don't have to use a fat socket for doing most of the tightening. Those bolts can get pretty close to the header tubes sometimes.

Randy

 

I installed JBS's on my 94 F-250 with a 351, And i removed installed the shorties on my 89 Bronco when the gaskets went out. The Bronco should be no problem. Get a friend to help. I dont beleave i had any problems with bolt clearence on the flowtech's on the Bronco. Nothing a 3/8 open end couldn't take care of. Now the truck was another matter. 10 hours to put on the headers.I had to make a wrench to get the last bolt on the drivers side. But the 351 is a taller/wider at the heads. I had to heat every maniflod stud to get them out. This truck had 97k on it when i bought it and NEVER had any work done to it. Orig plugs/wires cap/rotor/belts/hoses/ at least the guy changed the oil and collant.

 

Gee Tim, I'm contemplating putting some shorties on my 95 F250 and after reading your description, I'm having second thoughts! lol!
I've got the 351 as well, but it's a 2wd, not that that will make it any easier. If it wasn't for the stock mani leaking on the passenger side, I'd just as soon pass. but oh well. I'm kind of committed at this point. Or should be, literally.
How do you like the JB's? Noticable improvement? My 95 seems like it can't breath. Low power and 10mpg with or without the bassboat on back.

 

sluggo2
I think it depends on what headers you use as far as difficulty. If you go with equal length shorties yeah its a pain but normal shorties are not that bad. Definitely go with the recessed hex bolts just make sure you get a hex socket or allen wrench. I just installed the regular shorty on my 351 and it made it run a lot smoother. You may want to have your cats checked given the situation you described. Good luck

 

when i put them in my bronco i was doing an oil pan at the same time, but i found for the passenger side, take the starter out, unbolt motor mounts, and lift motor to the firewall, then the header will slide along the frame and up into place. the drivers side drops right it.

i also had a 302 if that helps any