I am considering buying a 99 Lightning from a used car dealer. Are there any 1999 lightning issues? Any advice?


Thanks

 

Try to find a 01 and up unless the 99 is already moded you can buy an 01 for the money it takes to upgrade a 99 to 01 specs

 

I bought my 99 a year ago and love it.

The main issue is make sure the intercooler has been replaced on the SC side.

The rest is minor IMHO

You get the 3.55 gears.
Better Connecting rods.
Has prolly got the bugs worked out.

Just check it out real close and if the price is right enjoy.

Stuff like the clunk washers on the front drivers side A frame are minor stuff.
You won't have to worry about warranty if you want to do mods.
You might check the computer plug to see if it has ever been chipped.
GOOD Luck!

 

The biigest problem with the 99 and possibly 00 Lightnings were the leaky intercooler. Ford addressed this issue and by now all affected Lightnings should have the updated intercooler. The 99 and 00's come with 3.55 gears and 80mm MAFs, compaired to the 01+'s 3.73 gears and 90mm MAFs; and not to mention another ~20HP, even though the 99 and 00's were under-rated.

 

Lightning Boy, if you scan this forum you will find most of the attached but the primary design/quality problems are as follows:

- Stock intercooler splits and leaks
- Piston slap in 5.4 liter motors
- Lack of a high mileage rated tire for stock wheels
- EL dash gauge problem, dash lights go out due to faulty
internal fuse
- Frame clunk( as previously mentioned)
- Poor gas mileage( but that is to be expected)
- Requires premium fuel

These are just my observations. I think the '99s wheels and egg crate grills are the best looking.
Do yourself a favor and don't touch a truck that has been modified in any way. Much of this forum is occupied with kids that
have more money than sense and can't leave well enough alone.
This truck runs as strong as an army mule is stock form. It doesn't need any modification. Also, many of these guys talk like they drive like John Force much of the time. You don't want a truck, or any vehicle, that has been owned by someone like that and modifications are one way to identify it. Just some advice from your dear ole' dad.

 

The 99s are good vehicles. Sure we had our design problems but those can be worked out. The 99s are also the most affordable. If you do a thorough vehicle search, you should be able to find one as good in quality as a 00/01 but significantly lower in price. Then you mod the heck out of it.

 

hey Rick! If you like the truck and the price is right, but it. You`ll be glad you did. If it is modified already, then great, less money you have to invest later. I bought my 2000 with 22,000 miles on the clock and glad I did. It already had a Accufab throttle body on it which costs around $450. It had a bigger MAF and a Magna-Flow exaust and a few other things that I didn`t have to buy. Make sure the truck was well kept and you will be alright. Parts for these trucks cost alot so if there is something extra on it then great. The only thing you should look into is the intercooler recall. make sure it has been done. Also see if the computer on the 99 was reflashed to the 2000 specs. If the truck is clean and body/interior is good then stop drooling and take it.

 

Also, the rods of our Ls can safely handle up to 450 hp, I believe the 99 and 00 can handle more. How much more? Someone else may have to chime in on that.

 

I think the 99s and 00s were the best given that the Intercooler Fix was done.

There should be 99s around with the extended warranty...Get an Oasis Check.

I don't think Mods indicate abuse, I think my 99 is better than new.

Jim

 

All hail to th 99's!!!!!!!

Before


After

 

78f1hundo,

Your 20"s look great!!! Did you get them online?

 

Power to the 99's!

My earliest picture taken in june 00 of my 99

 

If want the hook up on the rims.....

Shoot me an email, I can get them cheap for you, less than 1100.00.

sahansen@oppd.com

 

My 99 Lightning is still running strong as usual even after modifications. You shouldn't have any problems once the leaky intercooler has been upgraded.

 

us old school dawgs in here. Go for a 99' as long as the intercooler has been replaced.

Jon