4.6 - Lightning 5.4 swap TOO many questions!
#46
Sorry to revive this long-dead thread but I figured it would be easier and save time to piggyback on an existing, related thread.
So Jean-Marc if I understood your posted instructions (at least the applicable part) correctly in order to use an L cluster (any year) on a non-L '99 F-150 you must:
- pull the entire instrument panel harness, which includes the instrument cluster harness, off a wrecked L (or buy new if you have $$$ to burn)
- install the entire instrument panel harness/instrument cluster harness along with the L instrument cluster
- reprogram the new L cluster with the existing PATS module
Is this correct? Can an L cluster be installed without pulling and swapping the entire L panel harness? (Using the existing harness and reprogramming new cluster to old PATS module)
Note that my truck is a '99 XL without tach; All I want to do is add a tach (no engine swap here) but since the L cluster costs just slightly more than a "regular" green cluster so I thought I'd just install the L cluster instead.
Thanks again for the ParInternational rearend suggestion btw, it's still going strong 10 years later. Of course a few parts have changed along the way: clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder, rebuilt tranny, master cylinder, brakes, rotors, alternator, muffler, pipes, tips... LOL. Probably spent enough $$ to pay for my '08.
So Jean-Marc if I understood your posted instructions (at least the applicable part) correctly in order to use an L cluster (any year) on a non-L '99 F-150 you must:
- pull the entire instrument panel harness, which includes the instrument cluster harness, off a wrecked L (or buy new if you have $$$ to burn)
- install the entire instrument panel harness/instrument cluster harness along with the L instrument cluster
- reprogram the new L cluster with the existing PATS module
Is this correct? Can an L cluster be installed without pulling and swapping the entire L panel harness? (Using the existing harness and reprogramming new cluster to old PATS module)
Note that my truck is a '99 XL without tach; All I want to do is add a tach (no engine swap here) but since the L cluster costs just slightly more than a "regular" green cluster so I thought I'd just install the L cluster instead.
Thanks again for the ParInternational rearend suggestion btw, it's still going strong 10 years later. Of course a few parts have changed along the way: clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder, rebuilt tranny, master cylinder, brakes, rotors, alternator, muffler, pipes, tips... LOL. Probably spent enough $$ to pay for my '08.
#47
#48
Only the Non PATS years (97-98) need to replace the PCM and harness to run a PATS Cluster. As yours is a 99 the L Cluster will plug right in. All you need after that is to have the Dealer or a Locksmith reprogram the PATS. Most Dealers will be touchy about the odometer reading on the L Cluster vs yours.
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#50
I've checked around but am not able to find a single dealership in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex who can do this swap for me. Can anyone local help? They said, and I quote: "This cannot be done because the Lighning cluster is different and has different gauges and wiring and even if we install it it still wouldn't work correctly." Another response was "We can try to install this for you but the technician said it wouldn't work." One thing is for certain, if you don't try something there's 100% certainty that it will never work
#51
I've checked around but am not able to find a single dealership in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex who can do this swap for me. Can anyone local help? They said, and I quote: "This cannot be done because the Lighning cluster is different and has different gauges and wiring and even if we install it it still wouldn't work correctly." Another response was "We can try to install this for you but the technician said it wouldn't work." One thing is for certain, if you don't try something there's 100% certainty that it will never work
You will need an independent shop to do it.
You don't even need a Lightning cluster. I don't have one in my truck.
What are you putting it in?
Phil
#52
The L cluster swap is just for fun, I just wanted the white gauges. The motor swap is coming up but I wanted to pay off my '08 FX4 first before I blow that kind of $$$. I only have a year left so it should be around summer 2012.
My '99 is an XL regular cab, short bed, rwd. She has gone through so many changes though so doesn't look anything like back in '99. Just got done with new leather interior, new Alpine double din head unit, Focal speakers all around. Had to get rid of the Rockford Fosgate T20001BD amp and the two T2D412 subs because I didn't want to tear up the new leather seats lol. Life without a box/subs is great though, shed about 100lbs, lots of leg room, but unfortunately also no bass.
My '99 is an XL regular cab, short bed, rwd. She has gone through so many changes though so doesn't look anything like back in '99. Just got done with new leather interior, new Alpine double din head unit, Focal speakers all around. Had to get rid of the Rockford Fosgate T20001BD amp and the two T2D412 subs because I didn't want to tear up the new leather seats lol. Life without a box/subs is great though, shed about 100lbs, lots of leg room, but unfortunately also no bass.
#53
Easiest way to go is with this.
http://www.stylintrucks.com/category...and-_trim.aspx
And an auxiliary tack if ya want one.
http://www.stylintrucks.com/category...and-_trim.aspx
And an auxiliary tack if ya want one.
#54
The L cluster swap is just for fun, I just wanted the white gauges. The motor swap is coming up but I wanted to pay off my '08 FX4 first before I blow that kind of $$$. I only have a year left so it should be around summer 2012.
My '99 is an XL regular cab, short bed, rwd. She has gone through so many changes though so doesn't look anything like back in '99. Just got done with new leather interior, new Alpine double din head unit, Focal speakers all around. Had to get rid of the Rockford Fosgate T20001BD amp and the two T2D412 subs because I didn't want to tear up the new leather seats lol. Life without a box/subs is great though, shed about 100lbs, lots of leg room, but unfortunately also no bass.
My '99 is an XL regular cab, short bed, rwd. She has gone through so many changes though so doesn't look anything like back in '99. Just got done with new leather interior, new Alpine double din head unit, Focal speakers all around. Had to get rid of the Rockford Fosgate T20001BD amp and the two T2D412 subs because I didn't want to tear up the new leather seats lol. Life without a box/subs is great though, shed about 100lbs, lots of leg room, but unfortunately also no bass.
#56
My 2003 F150 XL (non tach) got L cluster last week. Local dealer did not have any issues to do the replacement. They even hooked up the boost cauge for vacuum line. Works nice.
https://www.f150online.com/forums/19...ster-swap.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/19...ster-swap.html
Last edited by piggington; 06-08-2011 at 11:53 AM.
#57
Easiest way to go is with this.
http://www.stylintrucks.com/category...and-_trim.aspx
http://www.stylintrucks.com/category...and-_trim.aspx
#58
I have an L cluster in my basement I want to install. Basically for the 140 speedo.
Dose your link in your post have any details on how they set your mileage or any other good info such as the cost for the dealer to do it?
Phil
#60
In my case, I ordered a factory refurbed L cluster from Tousley Ford with correct mileage programmed in, so dealer had to match the cluster with ECM and program the PATS.