Well, I am giving in to the desire to mod my Black 99 L but there are lots of things to consider.

The current standing and considerations are:

Bought it used with 21k rear tires gone and unknown flip chip from dealer and don't know any history. I have had it 1 1/2 years and it has been very reliable and I am hooked.

38K miles showing now.
Some tranny slip
chipped paint
chipped windshield
4 years old and 4 1/2 more years to pay

There is a Ford dealer near me that has three 04 lightnings on the lot, Black,/ Shadow Gray,/ Red

I am thinking that in addition to the above listed items I would be gaining.
3.73 gears
aluminum driveshaft
bilstien shocks
14MM wheel studs
90mm MAF
better intake manifold
more sparkplug threads

Warranty
in dash CD player
overhead counsel
turnsignal mirrors

Please help me out with any other differences that I missed.

I could hold out for the new L in 06 but I think we got most of the kinks worked out of by 04 on the current platform and I ain't getting any younger.

I will keep my new bassani exhaust and put the old one back on since it was not damaged.

Haven't gone in to check price or barter yet.
I want to take a closer look at that metalic shadow gray. It looks a little more toned down than the other colors and it might be more forgiving when it comes to dirt and dust.

Again this post is about the differences between my current 99 and the O4 model.
Help me out here I got CRS

 

LED 3rd break light
Thicker interior carpet
Brushed Alum Door handels
Better Fog lights
Better/ Thicker Webbing in the block
500#s more of bed capasity
Clear tail lights
Differt front and lower grills

AND>>>>> Shadow Grey Metallic paint

...Thats what mine is and it's VERY forgiving paint color.

 

Thanks those are just the kind of facts I am looking for.

Is the Frame the same?
I was thinking I read about the frame being lighter weight boxed hydroformed or something?

Is receiver hitch standard on the 04?

I want to make sure I have all this straight when I confront the sales guy.

I didn't know the block had more webing other than the intake runners of the manifold....

Anybody else add more to that list?

 

YOU WANT FACTS BRO

Ya it's Better
DO IT.........

G, it also has more surface area to seal the heads,
AND the BETTER Head Gasket's too

G,
I think I know you good enough to know, it's time.......
You can prob get a good trade in on yours,
and a good Deal out the door with what they have on their lot.
ACT FAST the Fed raised the rates today.

Take off tomorrow, do it all in one day,
and post pic's of the new truck tomorrow night

OK ?

WOO HOO

 

Some general facts,figures and pics on Gen2's,99 thru 04.

Photo Gallery......................Website.......................Modifications

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

 

Thanks, it will be restless night with the thoughts of all kinds bouncing in my head.

 

someone has been coping/pasting

www.austinlightning.com -click Gen 2 info