One month ago today, I purchased a 2000 Ford Lightning from a dealership. In that amount of time, I have brought it back for service four times (counting dropping it off tonight). Three of which was alignment related. I took the truck to two shops tonight before I dropped it off (one was a body shop and the other an alignment) and both said it could be a bent control arm and there could be perch/sub-frame damage. It pulls really bad to the right side regardless of surroundings. I have dealt with the salesman, sales manager, service advisor, service manager, GM, and even the owner of the dealership and not of them has been able to help me. I want to give the truck back because of the problems, but there are all giving me a real hard time. I was going to call Ford themselves and try to sort this out. Anyone have any other suggestions? As sad as it would make me to see her go, I feel I have no other choice. Sorry about the long post, but I needed to vent and ask for some help. Thank you.

 

I had this same problem and it turned out it was a bent control arm and a bad tire. The control arm was fixed under warranty, but the tire they wouldn't touch. They said it was called tire pull and several tire shops agreed with this. Discount Tire's answer was to put it on the back and after I did that I never had another problem with it pulling. Hope this helps.

 

If you like the truck it is time to find a real frame shop and have them look at the vehicle. A bent control arm is easy to fix, a bent frame is not. But you need to know exactly what the problem is before you can decide how to proceed,

 

Mine has always pulled slightly to the right. Ive had Ford align it, a tire place align and the shop that put my Rouch kit in to align it. Right now its the best its been but still not perfect. Theres a shop down the street from me that Im going to have look at it when I come home from vacation. Ive read here that aligning these things is a bitch. I read a thread here one time that an owner had numerous places align it but was never right. Finally took it to an old timer who didnt even use the computer rack to align it. Old school finally fixed it.

 

yea control arm is a simple repair. Basically ANY used vehicle you purchase especially a lightning is going to have to have a few minor problems. as for the dealership...they all BULL**** their customers because the salesman know less than you do. hopefully your truck cam with a 90day warranty.


i bought an 02 Lightning with 17,000 miles about 4 months ago.

So far ive had to replace:

front & rear pads

had to shave all 4 rotors (where warped)

Upper & Lower Ball joints both sides

control arm boots where blown

had to replace all 4 shocks (came with lowering kit i purchased)

replace PCV, oil change, Fuel Filter (minor stuff)