installing headers
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New User
Joined: Jun 2003
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installing headers
I've got a '99 F-150 5.4L and I just ordered a pair of JBA shorty headers. I'm thinking I can put them on myself. Has anyone else installed headers on this truck, and if so would it be worth it to have them professionally done?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 262
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From: Tucson
installing headers
I have never personally installed headers, but I know what needs to be done and it is really not all that hard. I don't really know what the layout of the 5.4L engine is, but I think you might be able install them without pulling the motor. I personally don't think it's worth it to have someone else do it. They are pretty much bolt on so there's really no way you can mess them up.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
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From: Wake Forest, NC
installing headers
Broken bolts, improper torque leaking gaskets/flange seal. There is PLENTY to mess up. Its like saying the engine is a bolt in deal so there is nothing to mess up!
I think they give you 8 hours to do the manifolds on a 5.4 L so its probably somewhat involved.
I think they give you 8 hours to do the manifolds on a 5.4 L so its probably somewhat involved.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
installing headers
The manifolds on a 5.4 really arent that bad to do if you remove the inner fender liners first.
Make sure you pick up a new set of studs and nuts for the manifold to heads first though. It's quite common to find broken ones.
A really long extension with a swivel socket makes getting at the nuts where the manifold attaches to the head way easier too.
Boy do I wish i got paid 8 hours to do manifolds on a 5.4
I think the last time I did manifold gaskets I got around 2.5 hours for them.
Make sure you pick up a new set of studs and nuts for the manifold to heads first though. It's quite common to find broken ones.
A really long extension with a swivel socket makes getting at the nuts where the manifold attaches to the head way easier too.
Boy do I wish i got paid 8 hours to do manifolds on a 5.4
I think the last time I did manifold gaskets I got around 2.5 hours for them.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
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From: Wake Forest, NC
installing headers
I was going off of a banks install estimate. They said 10 hours for their full Powerpack which includes an air filter modification and a stinger system (cat back mufflers) The exhaust usually doesn't take very long, so i figured the headers to be worth 8 hours?! All in all the manifolds themselves don't seem too bad, don't even have any spark plugs or wires to worry about like we do on Big block for and chevy motor homes!
Just to R&R the manifolds I can't see being very long. Then again, banks could be giving shadetree times, not shop times.
Just to R&R the manifolds I can't see being very long. Then again, banks could be giving shadetree times, not shop times.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
installing headers
I get paid by the hour with a bonus for hours charged over flat rate. It's a good way to do it
If only Ford didnt keep cutting times that they pay
If only Ford didnt keep cutting times that they pay
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Joined: Jun 2003
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installing headers
Thanks for all the info. I'll make sure to get the studs and nuts and hopefully I'll get it done in one day.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 68
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From: Washington State
installing headers
I just spent the weekend putting headers on my '02 5.4.
The right side is easy.
Parking brake, jackstands, right wheel off, 5.5 mm nuts to remove the wheel well, (you'll break some of the plastic hold downs, ($.25 each at Ford), header goes in from the side.
Left side:
Parking brake, jackstands, left wheel off, wheel well out, front drive axle disconnected, clamp in front of Y pipe loosened, steering link apart from under dash, dipstick out, header goes in from underneath. You need three arms.
I installed the Banks headers. Very cool.
The right side is easy.
Parking brake, jackstands, right wheel off, 5.5 mm nuts to remove the wheel well, (you'll break some of the plastic hold downs, ($.25 each at Ford), header goes in from the side.
Left side:
Parking brake, jackstands, left wheel off, wheel well out, front drive axle disconnected, clamp in front of Y pipe loosened, steering link apart from under dash, dipstick out, header goes in from underneath. You need three arms.
I installed the Banks headers. Very cool.
