I just got back with my silver 00 L. Must say that I love it already. My dealer really made me a good deal since they had three of them on the lot. I have always been a ford man so how I got a Chevy is beyond me. Thanks, HANKFAN

 

Just curious if you used any of our techniques or if the Lightning struck you and you couldnt remember them! Congrats!!! what did you get for your chevy?

 

I got 16,500 out of my Chevy. This was $300 more than retail. I ended up giving $15,000 difference between the two trucks. This left be financing exactly $20,000 so my payments are $382 for 72 months and that includes the extended warranty. Not bad for a new L. Also is their any precautions or things that I need to check on my new lightning? Thanks, HANKFAN

 

Stop right there Hankfan,

If you like the 69 Camaro, Mach1, Dodge anything keep this truck!

 

Problems? Some of the 99's had engines replaced due to piston slap, but I don't think that is an issue with the 00's. It seems to me that an allmost universal problem with both years is the driver's side lower control arm attachment bolt sliding in the eccentric hole. This results in a noise at full steering lock (some describe it as a "clunk" but it sounds more like a "skreek" to me) and makes it impossible to keep the camber aligned. The fix is simple, a 5/8" I.D. star washer, but getting your dealer to do it is another matter.

 

Problems that I have had:

Engine leaking oil along with burning smell - engine replaced at 1500 miles.

Transmission vibration at 55 mph and 95 mph, also evident in park at 1700 rpm and 3000 rpm - transmission replaced at 2100 miles.

Star washer fix - essentially a "must do".

Suffer from Lightningitous - most things now revolve around this truck - driving, mods, sneaking out to look at it, washing, polishing, dreaming.........

Enjoy!!

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2000 Red Lightning Born 3-8-00 / Delivered 3-22-00
22% Window Tint, Clear Corners, MPulse LoPro Tonneau, AIM 2" Drop Shackles

'99 Yukon Denali - Silver, Lowered 1", Borbet CW4's, 285/60R18 Toyo Proxes S/T's, Hotchkis AntiSways, Edelbrock Shocks

2000 Red Trans Am Ram Air WS6, 6 Speed - Delivered 2-15-00 - Awesome Looking Car

 

What04 is correct about the “Lightningitous” thing. Welcome and congrats on your new L.

 

Half *** drive it easy for 500 miles (try to keep it under 130) and then drain the oil and put 5W30 (yes 5W30 unless you want to void that nice warranty you just bought) SYNTHTIC OIL in it, and then, and then, drive it like you stole it. The faster you break it in, the faster it will be. AND it will keep getting faster as you get more miles on it. I personally don't think these drive trains get to their potential until 8-10k miles. Have Fun!
noelvm