I have noticed several people talk of having their L in the shop. Is this a normal experience when owning one? I have also seen where people are getting new engines put in???? How reliable are they? I plan on making mine a daily driver. If so, can I also expect to visit the nearest rental car company?

 

You mean some people have stock Lightnings?

 

There are some cases of exhaust rattle on the 2001 but as for the IC leak it appears to have been fixed. I had the exhaust rattle, some minor tranny work done, and the spare tire wench replaced....other than that it's been pretty solid. Sometimes you get lucky and have to see the servcice dept, but as long as it's covered, why B#tch? These are high powered performance vehicles, meant to be taken to the limit...so ENJOY!!! Would you spend $30K+ just to wash, wax, and let it sit all year? You will not regret taking the L plunge. Besides this is the best time to buy with all that low APR being offered. As for the rent a car, ALL '01 SVT owners are given free rent-a-cars while their vehicle is in service...win win situation!

 

We have almost 11,000 miles on our '01L. The truck has no performance modifications.

The only thing we have had done is have the fog lights replaced due to cracking. They still worked fine. Other than that, and Herbs washers, just standard maint.

The truck is extremely solid, and is used for work also. It is not babied in any way. It is also my daily driver. Has even been driven in rain and snow (it's ok people, don't faint). Towed a trailer for the first 1200 miles of its life.

For the most part, these are very well put together trucks. Most of the ones that you see spending serious time in the shop are used very hard at the track, with heavy modifications.

I know that the F-bodies had serious issues when used hard at the track also. As do most performance vehicles.

 

I have 19,000 miles on my 2001, and it has been perfect except for the pinion seal in the rear end. It is now leaking for the 4th time.

I don't know whats a matter with my dealer, pinion seals have been around forever. It shouldn't be to hard to fix.

Becides that it is the ***** and I love it.

Don

 

50,000 + miles race every Friday nite. Runs like a top. Drive it like you stole it.
noelvm

 

Buy it already!!! I've had numerous GM products and Ford is by far much better at quality control.

 

DonC, is the pinion seal leaking around the seal, or from the rubber?

Just curious, as 4 seals seams pretty strange to me. I have replaced many a pinion seal at my shop, and have never had one leak again.

 

Buy it you wont regret it. Your wallet might regret it though once you start modding her because once you start you cant stop hehe.
Vin

 

Hey Rick
I am not sure, but there is oil all over the rear of the gas tank. So it must be coming out the seal, and spraying as the driveshaft spins. I think it is leaking pritty fast all of a sudden I just put a half a quart of Mobil one gear lube ,and a tube of Limited slip additive into it today. I know it is not the exact weight fluid, but it was the only full Synthetic I could find.

 

Sounds like the rubber to me. The yoke could have a burr, or nick on it that is ruining the rubber. Or, you could have an idiot installing it, who isn't putting a sealant on the splines of the yoke, and the oil is traveling up the splines and out the yoke.

Frankly, if I were you, I would have someone else put in the seal the next time. 4 times is just WAY to many. Geez, most of the rears I see (have an auto repair and towing business), don't even need a seal till after 100,000 miles. Also, once replaced, they don't leak again for a long time (of course, I am doing the replacing. I don't like returns).

Let me know what happens. If you are ever in the Goldfield, NV area......... LOL

 

Aint that the truth

 

SVT say's that you get a free rental car if your truck is in the shop for repair. I haven't had mine in yet to find out but I will soon. Just for what seem's to be normal problem's. [cracked fog lights,exhaust rattle.front end clunk.]

 

D-townSVT, What is the story on the exhaust rattle ? I think i have a leak on my passenger side cat, could use any info you got.

FRITZ, Stock Silver 2001 "L"