I have been a truck guy for as long as I have been driving. Since I used to live in NH it was most practical to have a 4X4. Now that I live out here in AZ I don't so much need a 4X4 anymore. I need a truck to haul around my CRF and my 954 when I go to San Diego. Always loved the look of the Lightning, even in the early stages 1994-1996, but more in the 1999-2003. Since they no longer make these trucks they have become a bit of a collectors item and damnit, I want one. It's got the performance, looks, and it's a pick up. I can haul my dirt bike and haul ass at the same time. I know there's a member here that doesn't speak very highly of his Lightning, but I must ask why. So come on in here and give some details. I want to know everything about that truck your likes and dislikes.


Dano

I had one and made the fatal mistake of getting rid of it. If I ever find another one, it is mine.

Only bad thing was gas mileage. Average was about 12. Sorry but there was no way to behave in that truck. Best was 17.

bubba has one. Has had it for a while... He'll chime in, if he doesn't, shoot him an email.

Yeah he was the member I was talking about. I'm hoping he chimes in here.


Dano

The 94-96's were just normally asperated 351's. They were quick, but by no means fast compared to the later supercharged models. Go supercharged!

For sure. I have driven a 1995, and it wasn't to shabby. I like the 1999-2003 much better and am looking for that year range. I'm kicking myself in the arse cause there was one here at work a guy was selling for $19k with 40,000 miles on it. It was a 2001. I knew I missed a good one there.


Dano

i like it, just the people here think if you own a make of vehicle then you are a FORD guy or a CHEVY guy and can have nothing else. I dislike Ford as a company and most of their cars suck, the only reason I bought it was that i have a discount at both GM and Ford and when I went to buy the FireHawk they would not give me the discount so I went across the street and asked the Ford rep what they had to compete, so I bought the L.

The Lightning is a nice addition to the stable and I will probably keep it until it dies. I have had no issues with it. I have just over 27000 miles on it in 3.5 years. The factory rubber probably needs replaced in the next 5k miles as i am breaking the rear end loose more often now. I have had no service problems and it rides as good as the day i bought it.

Since it is now lowered it can only haul 700lbs in the bed and 5k behind it. the 03's could haul a **** load more. I put a bike and all the associated track gear back there with no problems. I have hauled concrete, wood, and a loaded 6x12 trailer with no issues.

They are great to do stuff to - I have added a custom hood to aid in the Cold Air Induction, Grille and insert were replaces, I lowered it a couple inches in the front and rear to plant it more in the corners - i did not like the body roll of it, and some minor performance mods done to it (BARKS the tires with an auto shift to 2d and will jerk your head into 3d). As well as a new stereo, subs, amp, and 4x 3 ways put in.

If you want one go to the local ford place, i bet they have a used one. I know my ford place has one just like mine. the local chevy place has one too as they traded it in on a vette.

And I gotta give Bubba credit, he drives this truck like it was meant to be all the time... At least when Im with him...
Chris

yep - easy on the throttle and light on the brake - that's my motto

Just the way you ride you bikes.

jeez i figured that was coming - but from YOU

Motto for what? Maybe Like what CBR99XX said, bikes....

Can you blame him? He's got a get-out-of-jail card riding shotgun

It was all in good fun... Hmmm... Or did you mean something else by that. I feel a grudge match comin' on... Grattan, Road Atl... or Jennings.... You choose.

EDIT: I meant Jennings

If that truck really does jerk your head on the 2/3 shift, then you must have one helluva weak-ass neck.