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Might Buy a Lightning.

I have never been a truck person, but just recently I have taken much interest in the F-150 for some reason. In addition, I could really use a truck for moving from here to there (being in the military).

I also need another form of transportation when I pull the engine out of the Cat and really start powering it up.

My limit is around $18 grand, but I would much rather like to spend $15 grand or less. I know for a fact I can get a decent lightning from Carmax with 70k miles for about $15.5 grand or one with 29k miles for $18 grand. I was also considering a lariat supercab which would come with all the luxury and cab space.

but the Lightning is no more, and I would really love to have one now, because they are going to be worth something someday.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
2013 Focus (Daily)
1968 Cougar XR7
1987 Turbo Coupe
5 Speed, Stock IHI, Aeromotive 340LPH, Stinger 3in DP w/Magnaflow 3in Race Series ler, Hallman Boost Controller, Corbeau Fixed Back Racing Seats, Rebuilt 35# Injectors, Kirban AFPR, Stinger's Front Mount Piping w/Big NPR Front Mount IC, 3/8 E-85 Fuel Lines, SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch, Explorer 4.0 Dual Core Radiator, Optima Red Top Battery
1988 Turbo Coupe (RIP)
1984 Cougar (RIP) :cougarsmily:
1986 Cougar XR7 5 Speed.  (sold)

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #2 –
I would buy a STOCK one, they run well but the motors are weak espically the rods and if they have beaten on you are @ risk more so.
  Just my 2 cents




SCT Tuned by Me(Greg@SpeedyDyno.com)

E.T. 10.28 @ 136.5 MPH 1/4 mile: List of Mods; 351 EFI, AFR heads,AOD,Rousch 13in frt brakes,11in rear brakes, AirRide Tech air ride system, Sub frame connetors,2400 RPM stall, 3.50,BBK shorties,T62PT Turbos  air to air intercooled, Home built kit.
Car weights 3705lbs without driver:burnout:

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #3 –
Before I bought my supercrew, I test drove a dark blue metallic lightning with 11,000 miles. It was an awesome truck and I really wanted it but the prospect of having to use super unleaded in an already thirsty truck didn't appeal to me. The fact that I do still have one of my kids living at home kinda sealed it. I wanted to be able to take trips comfortably with the three of us and the supercrew is perfect for that. If its just one or two people going to ride in it regularly, then go for it.
TC#1- 2.5T- 10.14@134....9.76@138 with a 50shot
TC#2- Turbo BBF project
TC#3- parts car

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #4 –
My opinion is if you're just looking for a "here to there" truck go with a regular F-150, but if you're looking for a "get into trouble" truck, go for the Lightning.  I watched a slightly modified Lightning run 13's and low 14's in the 1/4 mile at a local track.  If I had the money and liked fords, I'd buy one.
'86 cougar gone to the big yard.
'86&'88 Jeep Comanches.

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #5 –
Yeah, don't waste the coin on a Lightning.  If you're serious about building the Cougar, then get a truck as a driver/mover, but not a toy.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon-  '81 Granada GL 2dr

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #6 –
get a diesel f250 4x4, u can have plenty of fun with that, it wount die, and its very usefull. pluss around hear diesel is cheaper than regular.

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Nate
...plus around here diesel is cheaper than regular.

Well for MD/PA, diesel is higher than premium.  Go figure.  When I went on my trip to NM in May, I did notice that diesel was cheaper in the mid-west.

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #8 –
I personally have seriously considered a newer Lightning, but later decided against it. If you do get one, make sure it is mostly stock(no pulley, tune, etc) and make sure its an Nov 02 built date and later. Ford added threads to the spark plugs to eliminate the dreaded blow outs. Listen for ticks also, they are common among beat on L's. Other than that, good luck and I think you would be happy with one.

Once you get used to driving a truck, you will never go back to a car. :D
1988 Tbird Stock bottom end 306, Windsor Jr's, Explorer intake, 125 shot.
Best ET: 12.11 Best MPH: 113.8 1/4 mile

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #9 –
Quote from: chrome302jr
Once you get used to driving a truck, you will never go back to a car. :D


I dunno about that. I drive a 78 econoline extended lenght van, its the same as a truck so shut up. I get sick of that thing so fast. But I have been driving it more then the cougar.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #10 –
Quote from: chrome302jr

Once you get used to driving a truck, you will never go back to a car.


Quote from: Haystack
I dunno about that. I drive a 78 econoline extended lenght van, its the same as a truck so shut up. I get sick of that thing so fast. But I have been driving it more then the cougar.


Oh, i suppose I'd rather be driving my my '89 or '92 F-150 trucks than my Thunderbird...but since I'm not driving any of the three right now...:mad:

Rather have the car for a little bit of fun, tearing up the road, or whatnot, and it's kinda hard to carry 300 pounds of tools and gear in a Tbird ;)
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Haystack
I dunno about that. I drive a 78 econoline extended lenght van, its the same as a truck so shut up. I get sick of that thing so fast. But I have been driving it more then the cougar.


Guess I should specify, once you drive a NICE truck than you wont want to drive a car. And a  van dont count, I dont care what you say.

Dont get me wrong, a car is great to play around in, but for DD purposes, the room and height of a truck is great.
1988 Tbird Stock bottom end 306, Windsor Jr's, Explorer intake, 125 shot.
Best ET: 12.11 Best MPH: 113.8 1/4 mile

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #12 –
If you expect to use a Lightning as a DD, then you need to redo a budget for gas.  I owned a 00 Lightning for a year and a half and absolutely loved the truck, it was my DD.  When I bought truck, premium was 'only' ~1.95 here locally.  When it shot up, it was costing about 75-80 bucks in gas a week.  If you got the money, then sure.

As for the rods being weak, beat on, etc.  The stock motors are good til about 450rwhp, after that, well, you are asking for trouble.  For the price range you have in mind you are going to get a higher mileage one, and well, as they say, you get what you pay for.  A 'nice' L is going to be 19-22k IMO.  I don't get what everyone has against a pullied truck, etc.  You need to do your homework first before purchasing the truck obviously.  Check out http://www.nloc.org and read up on them.  You can safely run a 4lb lower pulley with no issues.  My truck only had a 2lber on it. 

Stock the 99/00 run high 13s with the 01+ running mid 13s.

If you have any questions let me nkow.
Ryan[/i][/COLOR]
1986 2R[/b] SVO
1984 T-Bird 5.0 (In Hibernation since 10/96)

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #13 –
If you expect to use a Lightning as a DD, then you need to redo a budget for gas.  I owned a 00 Lightning for a year and a half and absolutely loved the truck, it was my DD.  When I bought truck, premium was 'only' ~1.95 here locally.  When it shot up, it was costing about 75-80 bucks in gas a week.  If you got the money, then sure.

As for the rods being weak, beat on, etc.  The stock motors are good til about 450rwhp, after that, well, you are asking for trouble.  For the price range you have in mind you are going to get a higher mileage one, and well, as they say, you get what you pay for.  A 'nice' L is going to be 19-22k IMO.  I don't get what everyone has against a pullied truck, etc.  You need to do your homework first before purchasing the truck obviously.  Check out http://www.nloc.org and read up on them.  You can safely run a 4lb lower pulley with no issues.  My truck only had a 2lber on it. 

Stock the 99/00 run high 13s with the 01+ running mid 13s.

If you have any questions let me nkow.
Ryan[/i][/COLOR]
1986 2R[/b] SVO
1984 T-Bird 5.0 (In Hibernation since 10/96)

Might Buy a Lightning.

Reply #14 –
If you expect to use a Lightning as a DD, then you need to redo a budget for gas.  I owned a 00 Lightning for a year and a half and absolutely loved the truck, it was my DD.  When I bought truck, premium was 'only' ~1.95 here locally.  When it shot up, it was costing about 75-80 bucks in gas a week.  If you got the money, then sure.

As for the rods being weak, beat on, etc.  The stock motors are good til about 450rwhp, after that, well, you are asking for trouble.  For the price range you have in mind you are going to get a higher mileage one, and well, as they say, you get what you pay for.  A 'nice' L is going to be 19-22k IMO.  I don't get what everyone has against a pullied truck, etc.  You need to do your homework first before purchasing the truck obviously.  Check out http://www.nloc.org and read up on them.  You can safely run a 4lb lower pulley with no issues.  My truck only had a 2lber on it. 

Stock the 99/00 run high 13s with the 01+ running mid 13s.

If you have any questions let me nkow.
Ryan[/i][/COLOR]
1986 2R[/b] SVO
1984 T-Bird 5.0 (In Hibernation since 10/96)