Well it has been quite while since I have visited this place but i know its the best place for the best information on the web about the Lightnings. I still have my 03 and with the economy in its current array I doubt it goes anytimes soon. This brings me to my list of problems I need to address and wanted help.

1. On the steering wheel the left side buttons (on & off) for the cruise don't light up. Do any of you know how to change that or access that light bulb so I can take it to the store to get another.

2. Sometimes when i am turning into a drive with a bump I get a popping noise coming from the front wheel. It also happens when I go in reverse with the wheels turned very sharp. Seems i remember hearing this was a common problem but i can't remember if it was mentioned or not.

3. I recently put on a roll pan and would like to find a hidden hitch for my L that will snug up behind the roll pan. I have the flip down plate kit and the pan is cut for the hitch. Does anyone know a make and part # for the L with a roll pan.

4. I am getting ready to change the fluid in my rear end. I know there is some additive that is suppose to go in them. What is it and what oil would you guys recommend?

5. My truck currently has a magnaflow system on it. It is un-Godly loud and driving down the interstate at 80mph I can't hear myself think. I am thinking about putting on a Flowmaster 50 series muffler. Anyone have another suggestion that would be a better solution?

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

I'm new to the Lightning world, but have been reading up on some issues.

For your popping noise I was having the same issue. Check your balljoints. I had the same issue when I was backing out of my driveway and had it turned at full lock. I replaced the whole lower control arm that came with new ball joints and it no longer does it, however I have read some other guys still having this issue and recommend installing "clunk washers" because the drivers side control arm has an oval shape hole where the bolt goes through, rather than a circular shape.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-04...Q5fAccessories

I believe a company called Chickenear makes some of those washers as well.

For your rear end I'm assuming you might be referring to friction modifier, but I could be wrong. I'll let some of the other L guru's chime in on these issues. Good luck.

 

[QUOTE=NCLightning;

5. My truck currently has a magnaflow system on it. It is un-Godly loud and driving down the interstate at 80mph I can't hear myself think. I am thinking about putting on a Flowmaster 50 series muffler. Anyone have another suggestion that would be a better solution?

Thanks for all the help guys.[/QUOTE]

Flowmasters will be louder right out of the box. If your maggy is too loud, sounds like you have removed the cats. A lot of people, including me, run the Bassani, a slightly higher price, but you get what you pay for.

 

Well FireGuy, i have heard both stories, however, Flowmaster and I had a long conversation. I have names and dates to back up the conversation too as well as a recording. They assured me that the 50series HD will be quieter and less drone inside the cab than the magnaflows I have. Even with the cats they say there will be considerable difference and less noice. If there isn't they said there is a money back guarantee and they will pay the labor cost to have the old system reinstalled. We will see. i just dropped the truck off to have the muffler installed. Time will tell. About 4 hours to be exact cause thats when i go pick it up.

Rest of the problems I am still working. On. I guess i will just go by the book on the rear end fluid and use the Ford additive.

 

I had a Flowmaster super 44 and it had no drone to speak of, it all depends how far back the muffler is mounted. Post up a video when you get it back from the exhaust shop?

 

I will try, I don't have a fast connection at home and uploading videos takes a long time.

 

Didn't realize from you original post that you were that set or that easily convinced to go with the Flows........... I do hope you enjoy them, it is your vehicle after all.

 

Well I called a few places and the concensus was that the flow was the least drone from all the options so I just bit the bullet. I did get it back yesturday and it is a ton quieter. Now, don't get me wrong the truck still makes some noise, after all it is a L. But at 80mph on the interstate there is no drone at all, even with the hi-flow cats still on. I am much happier. The only issue was the guy at the shop didn't get the tips to line up right and now I am gonna have to go back to get that worked on. No biggie just a few bends here and there and it should be fine.