It's finally happened, I've snapped. I was supposed to wait another 4-5 months until March before I got the L. But I have officially snapped! I can't take it anymore, I'm about to order some mods even though I don't have the truck yet. Tomorrow I'm going to the dealership to take a final look at an 02 true blue L, I'm going to go over it with a fine tooth comb to make sure that it's what I want because I will be putting out quite a bit of money for it. Not to mention that I have to have my entire system taken out of the Xplorer Sport and put into the L for some more $$$. Is there anything that I should especially look for or ask the sales dude about the L, ANYTHING AT ALL???

 

Things to look for:

-Crawl underneath the front bumper, and make sure there aren't scratches from when they unloaded the truck (VERY COMMON!!)

-I dont' know how **** you are about mileage, but for me, 13 miles was too high...........I went with one that had 10 .

-Make sure there aren't any scrapes on the rims........guys that unload these aren't used to the huge tires on the Lightnings, but the smaller sidewall

-Drive it around, make sure you hit boost, pay close attention to how it shifts into OD under normal acceleration, and pay attention to how it shifts bet. gears under HARDER acceleration.......not necessarily WOT!

Good luck, and hopefully, one more to add to the family

lates,
JC

 

Why do you mention this? Should it shift firm or soft?

 

If you're looking at the L to buy that particular one, check under the front valance for where it scraped coming off the truck, check the weatherseal around the back window, it's usually bulging out, and check to see if the bed is straight by sighting down between the cab and bed--it's usually at least a half inch off. Have the dealer check the sparkplugs (so you can at least get it home to swap them out), and check out the foglight covers to see if they're cracked yet. I'm not sure if they have the in-dash changer yet, but if not, make sure you get the cartridge. Also make sure they don't mount the license plate holder in front unless you need it.

I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of right now...

 

thanks everyone, keep the suggestions coming please!

 

Reason I mention this is because I've heard of a few cases in which it'll feel like it slips out of OD, just to slip right back in.........almost like going into OD twice. Just make sure it goes into OD "normally"

JC

 

Number one the Sales Dude won't know schitt about it; hardly any of them do, but do ask if they offer a performance package
"and if it's covered under warranty". Some can install a chip, filter, etc.. right at the dealer.

If it's parked outside and it's cold, start it cold and see if it has "THE TICK" Then move the steering wheel from right to left, all the way till it stops, "do this while backing up" and see if it has "THE CLUNK" Then check the exhaust, bed, and bumpers to see if they are out of aliment. Next you want to check the spare tire and see if it DOESN’T COME DOWN. Then check and see if the windows make NOISES going up. IF IT FAILS MOST OR ALL OF THESE TEST, THEN IT'S A GENUINE LIGHTNING.

Hopefully you can get these regular annoying little things fixed before you ever pick it up. "INSIST ON A COPY OF THE WORK ORDER FOR IT" (if they need attention)

I'm not bashing our L's, they got waaaaaaaaaay more good than bad in them, and they’re awesome.
Beauty, Speed and Comfort, all pack into one hell of a Race Truck. "You'll love it", I DO.

 

An O2 True Blue huh .. I hate emmmmmmmm.... Lmao
Good luck man.. Peace

 

THAT is so true! Don't even need to look up the VIN when you hear the CLUNK ...

 

InS0mNiAc,

Which dealer has your L? I am in Agoura Hills and had to get mine from Barber in ventura.

Take a slow walk around the L, check the body, top to bottom. I have a factory ding in the tailgate that I noticed one week after taking it home. Not just any ding, a 21/2" crease ding, the only reason I didn't take it right back, I think the repair and paint after factory suck and it is only noticeable in the rright light.I'll just get it fixed when it really bugs me at a place I can TRUST.

One more thing to check, kneel down and look down each side to see if the ground effects are nearly straight and tight, had one on the driver's side by front tire just hanging, pushed the connectors in tight and took care of it. Make sure the exhaust pipes aren't hanging low and give the exhaust a rap with a closed fist to see if the clamps are loose and rattle.

The last thing I found was a loose tailgate fastener, where it attaches to the bed, the torx was finger tight.

If you want someone to check it with you, I'd be glad to meet you at the dealer, just a thought. I could have used some help with mine, I was soooo blinded by the beauty, all I wanted to do was drive out of the dealer as fast as I could.

Didn't take it back for the first free oil change either, they put you in the computer and you get hounded to come in for the different service schedules.

You can buy extended warranty cheaper than at the dealer, if you choose to go that way.

Whew, sorry for the length, things just keep popping into my little brain.

Good Luck

 

check out this thread, a pretty good list of known problems.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...=list+problems

 

FireGuy, I'm getting it from Galpin ford off the 405 and roscoe.

 

Galpin is okay from what I have heard. I have to replace the wife's Explorer in two months, I probably get it at Galpin. Big inventory and good service reputation.

It is supposed to rain starting late tomorrow, could cause some problems with check out. Two rules to live by, never buy a car at night or when it is raining, I didn't make them up, just been told that by friends.

Good Luck,
The offer stands to come by and help you check if you want. Just let me know.

 

As was mentioned. The only killer thing to look for is... Look around it very carefully. Look for dings, dents, scratches, etc. I lot of people usually look at the L. Also do the same on the interior. Just get in the truck and pay attention to how you get in it. Look at all the stuff that you touch, etc.

One last point. Look at the center console. You have to push a button to lock and unlock it. Check that the plastic around the button is not loose or broke (from people not using the button and just trying to force up).

Good luck. You'll love the L!

 

anyone else have any words of wisdom?