I am seriously thinking about trading in my supercrew for a lightning. My questions are these

1) Is there anything to look out for?

2) Should I worry about the piston slap issue or just do it?

3) What do you guys like and dislike about your L?

I have the wife talked into it (I told her I would buy another older truck 4x4 to use for hauling stuff around and on snowy days) She fell for it and said If I could make it work that would be fine. She is so understanding of my love of cars and trucks and all things fast. I found my nearest svt dealer about 200 miles away and they have 4 L's one in each color. I am awaiting new from there internet guy on trade in and if they still have them and such.

I would really appreciate any responses about the good the bad and the ugly. Any things you regret or would do different.

Also how is the interior, I have a child and he will sometimes be riding in my truck and the booster seat comes with him of course. Is the interior ok with things like that.

Basically any thing to tell a newbie. I can't wait to get into my L. I have not had a real hot rod machine in a long time. I had a 69 firebird built to the hilt in high school and like a fool sold it to buy a truck (unfortunately not an L).

Thanks for any info
Paul

 

Good question, but what do you want to do with it?

If you're a medium type of driver that want's to melt into traffic fast.. at an normal fast rate then you'll be happy.

Do you want a platform to kill LS1's and Corvettes, well it's not really worth your time. Abet not one in a thousand normal cars/trucks can match you.

Do you expect to haul a ton of stuff, well again wrong truck.

This is only a real funny sports car thats real heavy and can get you in trouble some what fast.

Strange persons sould only apply.

 

My 2000 L is my every day driver. It is by far the best truck I have ever driven. I put aboue 2000 miles a month on it. City mileage about 12.5 On the highway with 6000 lbs of trailer about 10.5

I think the drivers a-frame bolt on the 2001 still needs to be fixed b4 you even bring it home. The intercooler problems appear to be fixed on the 2001 but not many of them are up to the 12000 miles that appears to be the critical point. The front air bag can be turned off for JR. I have heard that the Lightning has the highest costomer satisfaction of ANY vehical sold in the USA. If you can afford the gas...go for it. If I had my L stolen, I would by another without a dought.

Hope this helps

Andy

 

had a 99 white lightning and just loved it. bought an 01 and love it even more. we have a family van, and my daughter has her own car. the lightning is perfect for me. a total blast to drive. can take stuff out to the lake if you need it. will embarass lots of sports cars. build quality is excellent. just make sure you change to winter tires if you drive in the winter. then its fine. it is not a 4 by 4. but if you like sports cars with much more room and the ability to carry lots of things, then this is a great vehicle to own. i love getting into it every morning.

 

i picked up my 01 L a month ago tomorrow--what a blast! i love its responsivness-on the road/interstate. it will touch 100 mph(from 60mph) in a flick or two of the eye--ask the gravel-truck driver that made fun of my gray hair(over ch. 19-27.185). he may be still laughing-good sport. strangers will approach you in various parking lots(see my earlier post). so, it will run and it is good lookin'. but, don't expect to bring the groceries home unless you don't mind them sliding around the bed--the gas gauge drops rather rapidly(compared to my 97 f150 4.6), and some Ls have had eng.,trans.,i/c,etc. problems.

overall-for me(62 yrs. old, married, son grown-gone to california, have ext'd cab f150 for fishin' & haulin'), i grin everytime i look at/drive it! IT IS SOMETHING SPECIAL that not everyone can or should have. hope this is helpful--instead of confusing?

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2001 Lightning, silver, escort 8500, ranger 2950dx dual band radio, wilson 2000 ant., bot/picked up on 05/08/01, 1997 f150 xlt 4.6L 4x2 with: a/f one fipk, superchip, optima battery, bbk 75mm throttle body, edelbrock ias shocks--2001 lightning to come(she came--see above)

[This message has been edited by LIGHTNINROD (edited 06-07-2001).]

 

Thanks for the replies,

If I can get my act together I am going to do it. My family probably thinks I am nuts, but I will take them for a ride and then see their reaction. I love this truck and it seems to keep drawing me in.

I am buying an older truck to do the chores with and also to take fishing and camping. I am a car nut and so the lightning should fit my liking very well.

It will be my daily driver except on snowy days and then I will drive my other truck. I plan to enjoy the hell out of it.

Now the tough part, my dealer has one in each color and I just can't decide. I love the silver and am leaning that way. I will not get the black, My current truck is black and I can't keep it clean. Just the other day I cleaned it all up and polished it and then the next morning I woke up to about an inch of snow. The Gods get me every time.

Thanks again and any other input is valued.

Paul

 

I thought long and hard between L and F150 HDS before settling on HDS. I'm single, but with a girlfriend. No kids, no pets other than three obese cats. Not much stuff to lug around, except a boat.

What clinched the HDS over L is that I can fit more people in HDS. I entertain friends occasionally, and as my only car, L would not be sufficient for that purpose. But your situation is different from mine, and had I been in your shoes, I would have bought an L in a heartbeat. I still might...

 

It will be the best investment of your life. everytime I get in my truck I imediatly get happy and excited to drive her. everyone I know loves this truck and loves to go for rides in it. its the biggest attention getter and it feels great to spank a corvette with a 5000lb truck.

I plan on owning this truck for the rest of my life and as soon as the new 2003 body style lightning comes in, I'll be the first one in my area to have one of those. I'm a certified car nut, so I do want allot of cars. But nothing is like a lightning!!!

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I second what everyone else has said regarding whether you should get one or not.

Regarding color, I have a silver 01 and couldn't be happier with that choice. It really hides dirt well - better than probably any other color, IMHO. It also looks extremely classy, clean or dirty. I think black looks evil (in a great way), but it's just too much hassle. White's almost as bad for dirt, and red is just a bit too much for my eyes.

Best of luck with whatever you choose!

-Ollie


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"Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail me now!!!"
-Elwood Blues

 

I LOVE MY WHITE '99....but I wouldn't own it unless I had something else to drive in bad weather. I spend too much time keeping it looking great when just a short ride in nasty weather creates another 2-3hrs of work all over again.
I'm 46 years old and have had MANY vehicles but the L provides BY FAR the most fun I've EVER had driving....GO FOR IT!!!

 

I have been approved for the loan and am trying to make the deal over the internet to save some time. My nearest svt dealer is about 200 miles and I do not want to waste time talking, I want to get in and drive.

I am buying an older truck to drive in bad weather and to do truck duty for hauling stuff and camping and such. I will use the lightning for hauling *** LOL.

I am thinking the silver might be the way to go.

Paul

 

I got a '99 in red with 14500 miles and I am very happy with it. It is one honkin', sweet ride. I particularily like it on the highway. Great passing acceleration. Not very comfy on rough, washboard roads. Strong out of the hole. Good cornering power and brakes.

I too have a bad weather beater ('91 Dakota 4x4).

It is all a matter of taste, but with the new tail-lights, I think silver or black are the best combinations. White is not bad either. However, I think for the '99s and 2000s, I think red shows the lines and design a little better. And, I am not fond of red vehicles and generally do not like Fords.

My fixes to date (under warranty): replaced lower control arms for the "clunk" noise, rare banging noise, and erratic steering. Also, reinforced padding over bolster bars on outside of seats. Replaced one tailight lens that was collecting moisture. Have to get front bumper cover re-aligned again. Droops on passenger side a bit.

Make sure you check out your insurance and you probably want Ford's extended warranty if you think you will keep it for while or put on a lot of miles. The issue with piston slap and intercooler leaks is worrisome.

Good luck.

 

Get ready to be gawk at and being chatted with by strangers at stoplights and when you get in and out of the L.Not alot of people have seen them or even know what a lightning is.I love this truck!Buy it!!