02 explorer pitb

Do I need to connect the "factory alarm disarm" wire? If it has a factory hood switch you need a disarm

which viper wire should I be using for "STATUS" (im using the blue from the satellite) It is called - status or ground when running and is blue

Where exactly, looking at the steering wheel, should I be connecting the starter and ignition  wires? Ive been using directly opposite the other side of where the key goes in, theres a little harness there with wires that match all of the descriptions and that's where I've been connecting them. Sounds like you got it

is the side of the starter wire going into the harness the ignition side? That's how I have it hooked up. If you are reffering to the green and purple starter wires on a viper you only need purple for start (depending on what you are installing)

Is there any preparation for the xk04 bypass that I should be doing? You should be good right out of the box on firmware

I am connecting the neutral safety toggle to the RED / white wire at that ignition harness, and what position should I be leaving the toggle in "ON or "OFF" to get the thing to remore start? Toggle on a DEI product is one side ground other side BLACK/ white nuetral safety (don't think you mentioned what you were installing) you want it on for start to work

Is is OK that I have the hood pin switch dangling and not connected? IT looks like the hood pin swich when depressed DISCONNECTS the ground so having it dangling is the same thing as having the pin depressed..... Hood pin is not required just make sure toggle is turned off when working under the hood or taking it to a shop for anything (if it sees ground start will not work)