Ive got a question.

[weareweird69]

Hi, I just registered as you all can tell, and im looking to buy a Generation 1 Lightning. I was wondering what i should look for, like i heard you guys talking about motor mounts breaking etc etc.

I have been searching for one to buy for about 2-3 months now and i finally located the NLOC site again. I looked in the for sale truck forum immediately and almost cryed at the sight of the Red 94 Gen 1 for sale at right in my price range and it being sold.

So, if anyone would tell me what to look for in terms of things that commonly break or things that could lead to costly repairs id be very indebted to you.

by the way, if anyone finds a Gen 1 red or black lightning with a price range of 5-7 thousand thats in good condition in the western PA, eastern OH, Northern WV,etc etc, please email me at garrett@ptd.net .

Sorry for the length.
Thanks!

 

[gasguzzler]

Welcome to the Site! I don't think there are any major problems with our trucks, they are pretty bulletproof. Motor mounts generally don't start breaking until you put some major power through them, ie. supercharger, nitrous, etc.. Just keep your eye open for the common things such as dummy lights blinking (somewhat common problem), check oil for antifreeze (blown head gaskets on supercharged trucks are generally the culprit for this). On a basically stock truck I can't think of anything too expensive thats common. The more you read on this board, the more you will learn. I think we are the best source for Gen. 1 info., and if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. - Brian

 

[LIGHTNINGLINDSEY2]

sorry ya missed out on the l that has been sold
goodluck in finding one I'm still trying to learn about everything also, But the guys on this board are the greatest and I'm sure if
they can help you out they will chime.
The only thing I can tell you is I belive 93-94 did not have clearcoat which leads to early fading of paint, a repaint is costly if it is done right . if I'm wrong about the years I'm sure someone will jump in.
I'm probaly wrong again but I belive there is a diff in the trans between the 93s and95s, anyone else please chime in thank you .
good luck, later DAVID

 

[paul12]

I think that the 93' is the only year without the clearcoat. I have a 94 and dont have any problem with my paint. Other that people opening there doors into me.

 

[LIGHTNINGLINDSEY2]

YEA I hate that shiiiiiiitttt what the hellll are they thinking anyhow
just glad my is not a daily driver.

 

[Red 93 L1 #3383]

There are only three main expences involved with these trucks:
1. Speeding tickets
2. GAS, brakes,& tires
3. Go fast goodies

If you can do your own wrenching, these trucks are fairly cheap to up keep. I drive mine hard daily and have never been left walking (knock on wood) in the 53k miles I've owned it, its @ 75k now.

You won't be disapointed with the truck, besides I have to wait for something to break so I can justify upgrading

 

[weareweird69]

Thank you all so far, Yea i do alot of my own work. My dad owns a 93 F250 and we (my dad and I, i did most of work) just did a whole front end rebuild. Rotors, calipers, UV joints (4x4), shocks, and brake pads. Plus ive owned dirtbikes and quads for the last 4 years so im used to doing work on them, just recently i built my own quad from a box of parts Ill see if i can dig up a pic of my dads truck for you all.

This will be my first truck and theres no one around here with a sport truck except a Chevy X-Treme which isnt really a sport truck. If i come across any questions i think of in the time being ill ask you guys because you all seem to know more about them than me. Wish me luck on my search!

Im still going thru all the forums and topics, hehe, so ive got alot to learn im guessing.
Thanks

 

[gasguzzler]

One other thing that may or may not be important to you is that some 94's and all 95's have a center jump-seat so you can ride three people. The 93's and some 94's just have a center console.

 

[weareweird69]

Pic of my dads truck

Yea, i was wondering about that jump seat, i saw one with it and then one without and i got confused so im good now

Heres my dads truck Truck

 

[psmith]

I glad to see that there are also new members here as well. I registered right after I bought my black '93. ( I had been reading for a while) I bought the truck because I needed something to drive at the time, and because I had a '92 5.0l notchback when I was in college that had the full gt-40 package.

The more I drive it, the more I like it, so definitely buy one when you find the right one. From my own experiences, common problems are:

1. '93s did not have clearcoat so the paint did fade. The black paint on my truck was grey when I got it, but I spent 5 hours last night with the buffer and it looks great now.

2. Not all of the '93s or '94s have the roller blocks. You need a roller block in order to upgrade to a roller cam. Look for the casting F4TE by the starter to see if you have a roller block.

3. The trac lock clutches are pretty weak in our rear ends. Due to the design, the ears tend to break off of the clutches and wind up taking out the rear end. A typical sign of this is a bouncy speedometer.

4. The E40D transmission was stronger in the later years. I don't know all of the upgrades but that's what I have been told. My truck has 100K on it and it still shifts very strong.

5. Cruise control typically fails. This can be due to several things, but sometimes it's the clockspring in the steering column or the amplifier.

6. As others have said, once you buy one you are really tempted to spend a lot of $$$ on performance parts. I'm already looking for a used Vortech, a set of AFR heads, roller cam, etc.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your search.

 

[BackinBlack93]

Well I have to say you are making the right choice on buying a FORD:tu: As for problems I think everyone has done a good job so far but I wanted to add
1. They take forever to wash (not big problem)
2. Our 95 shifts poorly sometimes. (big problem)
3. Be sure you know the history on the truck. Make sure you contact original owner if modded try to buy the original parts back(will help if trying to sell later).
Other than those 3 you should be fine. These trucks are a blast. I cant speak enough cause I cant drive yet but I have driven it before and I ride in ours all the time. WE Love our Lightnings so much we are looking for one for my sister. And I'm trying to convince my dad into buying a 01 Black Lightning.

Later;t