Hello,

Just bought my lightning a couple of days ago. It is a bone stock 2001 with 32k on the clock.

I bought it mainly to haul my track car around. I expected that it would tow more than the standard F150. Is there anything I can do to up the tow capacity as I am planning on tow 5000 to 6000 pounds.

 

Hi welcome on this board you will learn alot

 

Air bags will level the ride

 

Thanks, once the towing situation is under control I will probably look into getting it chipped, a air intake, and some traction bars.

Right now I need to figure out why the towing capicity is so ****ty. Is it that they tried to save weight so the frame is not as stiff perhaps???

 

The tow capacity on a 2001 is 5000 lbs. It is lower then the regualr one due to the Lightnings suspension. It sits lower and usese different parts meant to allow the truck to handle and launch better.

Nothing like towing a race car to the track and then run mid 12's with the truck you used to tow your race car with I use to do it all the time when I had my 396 Stroker Supercharged Camaro. The camaro was still daily drivable but when I would go to a race track that was far I would tow it in case something broke.

 

Why would you expect that? The standard F-150 are made to tow and be work horses.

The Lightning is made to be a sports truck. It just has the fortunate side affect of being able to tow and carry an OK payload.

You have to understand its not an issue of power. Its suspension.

 

Also, the original F1s had a lower load rating. The newer ones have a higher (I think 2200lb) rating.

 

you will be fine, its just the tounge weight that the L cant handle as long as your trailer isnt too front heavy you should be fine.

 

With 450 ft/lbs I just expected that it would pull an small enclosed trailer with a track car.

If you look back I understand it the suspension..... now is their any thing I can do to beef it up?

Thanks for all the great info guys keep it up.

Sure is nice to have a truck that can haul as well as haul ***....

 

The L's power isn't even a factor. The heaviest thing I've pulled is a 3500lb trailer cross country. It was soooo hard to hold back and keep from running the tires off the trailer. The L is quicker even pulling a trailer than most trucks are empty.

I know one of the guys on here pulls a big-azz boat. He uses the active suspension thingamajimmy ( http://www.activesuspension.com ), and is happy with it. If you use a higher rated load balancing hitch, the L should pull 6000lbs with no problems.

 

Thanks for the info... any you guys that are towing running any extra tranny coolers or anything?

 

lightning comes stock with tranny cooler.

 

I've got some like new '03 leaf springs (stronger and higher payload) for sale... cheap if they'll help.

later,
chris

 

Welcome to the board. You will have lots of fun with your truck.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...y.cfm?gnum=720

 

Air bags or an ez lift bars, you will have no problem...........

PEacE.....................
Jim