How well do the frames on Lightnings hold up to all the abuse of drag racing, throwing circles and road courses? Do they ever warp or get bent out of shape? I am asking this because I have fished tailed pretty good and had some hard catches in the rear, and it made me wonder if I have knocked anything out of alignment or maybe even shifted the axle?

 

Anyone?

 

The frame? Seriously, you'd have to have a pretty serious collision to cause frame damage to (well, at least SOME cars), much less to our L's full frame. Warping or bending from "hard catches" I would find very hard to believe.

Now, tossing the wheels sideways into high curbs, I might expect some alignment or axle issues, but that's sort of common sense. Are you talking about using the L or abusing it? For racing, it's a tough vehicle. For abuse, you should be shot if you need to ask that question.

 

Your only concern would be driveline issues and suspension issues. If you drag race alot it is always good practice to check tie rods, u-joints, etc etc every time you unload at the track.

 

Hey, let the poor guy build up a few posts before you shoot him..........

 

You came to right place if you want to know what extremes these machines can go to.

We have a deverse group and the best competitors that have put this Lightning through it's paces.

I have never ounce read a post or heard of a problem with the frames under normal abuse and miss use.

The factory watches this board closely because our testing it much toupher than theres.

Besides this is a 4,800# truck that is made to haul and tow. You have to put some extra beef in for that.

 

I "flew" mine off a 25 foot embankment, broke the
wheels off the axles, was four wheels in the air, hit
hard, and the frame was 3 mm outta alignment.

BUILT FORD TOUGH, I say !!!

Any other vehicle would rolled over and prolly killed me.

 

Thanks for all the great replys, I feel much better now!

 

I gotta hear this one . . .

 

No flame intended...just an unexpected question. The frame would be the last thing I ever would have worried about on the L - even as the newb that I really still am.

That is, not to be worried about at least compared to my first car - the 1978 Nova (one year younger than I am). It had an A frame under the engine that bolted up into the body under the front seats. It was so rusted out that one day the bushing ripped right through the frame end, leaving the frame dragging along the ground and the car oddly off-kilter. Ahhh, fun times.