Question I'm getting rid of my 02 Ranger 4x4, and I'm looking at either getting the new fx4 F-150 or an 03 Lightning. I live in Burlington, Ontario, Canada and I know that some of the winters here can be really bad. So if anyone on this forum lives near me can give me a heads up on what to expect with a Lightning in the winter I would be really greatfull.

I do a lot of driving both in summer and winter, my 02 ranger has about 90,000km's on it already...


Basically should I be doing anything to the lightning in the winter to prevent corrosion, maybe tires, some weight in the box...things like that.



Scott.

 

Take it from an L owner that was raised in Windsor, Ontario (that's across from Detroit for you great U.S. L owners).

KEEP THE RANGER! Do what ever it takes, borrow money, sell your girlfriend, what ever..............

If this isn't an option, I ran a high performance bridgestone on a previous supra I had. I can't remember the name of the tire, but it was strickly a snow tire and the car (I know you can't compare it to the L, but the rear was very light) ran awesome in the snow.

As far as corrosion, I held all of my vehicles together with "Oil Guard" oil spray - works like a charm.

D-Day

 

Hello Scott :

Although I do not drive my L in the winter, I have a friend who owns an 02 True Blue L which he drove all through the winter months here in Windsor.
The only thing he did was put some winter rims and all season radials on it. He felt that the truck handled great during the winter and really had no problems at all. I don't think he added any weight in the bed although I'm sure that would help matters.
As for corrosion, well, they use salt here which I'm sure they use the same in your neck of the woods so it would probably be a good idea to get it zeibarted.
Hope this helps some.
Now, go get that Lightning and let the fun begin.

My F150online Photo Gallery.....My Modifications


Have a great day eh!! ........................ Dave

 

Thank you for replying so fast, I think that is a good idea about getting some cheap rims and snow tires, its good to hear some guys still dive em in the winter with very little problems.


If anyone has any other type of (Tips) that they would like to share please do so.


Thank you very much guys...

 

I live in Vancouver, we dont get much snow, mostly rain, well always rain.

 

I live in Ottawa and the Lightning is my Daily driver. It also runs mid 12's. All the power on these trucks is made when you get into boost. A good set of 16" steel rims with some good winter tires and you will be fine. BUT!! You have to have the will power to never ever come close to pressing on the gas in winter. Even if there is no snow on the ground when the road is cold you have very little traction. I have been through one full winter already and it was one of the best vehicles I have driven in the snow. I had a 91 Olds Cutlas and a 93 Lumina Z34 that I drove in the winter before.

As long as you take what I say seriously you will be fine. You have to always pay attention adn never press on the gas to much. A friend of mine asked me if they are good in the winter and I told him yes as long as you are carefull. If you are not careful for even 1 second say bye bye to youre L. Well he got it drove it in the winter crashed it. 14 grand later it was back on the road only for him to flip it and total it 5 months later in the middle of summer.

Like I said it is doable. It wont be as god as a 4x4 ranger but I have had no problems doing it.

Good luck.

 

Hey Scott,
I drive the 02 True Blue lightning year round out of Windsor.
Like Dave was saying, I put a set of 16" F150
steel wheels on with some all seasons from Sears.
I put a couple of tube sand bags in the back and had no problems driving last winter. It drove just as well as the other F150 that I have owned.
The bonus is that your F1's last longer.
I had the truck rust proofed and undercoated in the fall before the winter.
Good Luck,
Scott.