Hello, I am looking to buy a used Gen 1 Lightning within the Saint Louis area. It seems prices are around $9K. I would really appreciate any specifics on things to look out for on the Gen 1 Lightning, when shopping used. I would really like to buy from a private seller who really took great care of their truck, as it will get excellent care in my garage, but that seems to be a longshot. Does $9K seem about right for average miles and good condition? Thank you in advance for any sound advice.

 

well you probably know the 1st Gens were produced only 3 years.

I have a 1993, they were also produced in 1994 -95. All three years all great trucks.
The 95s may offer more if your looking for a daily driver.
It will offer a center/console seat, CFC free AC, side impact panels in door, airbag, beefer trans (center bearing) brake/pedal interlock and alot of minor upgrades.

Some of those mods I listed for the 1995s came on 1994s. I have a end of production 1993 and transfered some of the items over to my truck, since most are interchangable on all trucks.

Most all Gen1s you will look at will have 80,000 miles or more on them. Dont let that scare you.
The drive train in these trucks are awesome. I still have the original engine (though modified) and trans in mine. I have never had any electrical issues and truck ran great. I have 124,000 and I still race it. I bought mine with all options and love cruise control still.

a few items to look at when buying 1st Gen Lightning:


1) look at the 8 digit in the VIN number, if its an "R" its a real Lightning.

2) front end (rubbing) and wear (ball joints) Has the truck been lowered; some aftermarket kits (springs) tended to wear out and trucks did not sit level..keep and eye on that.

3) Exhaust mods; this is a big one; if your going to register it, you will need cats and reasonable sounding muffler.

4) The rims surface on all year trucks tend to peel sometimes. so look at the stock wheels (all came with 17" rims)

5) Interior;

** pop the passenger side kicker panel (look for broken dash mount below dash (((tab))))
This is a problem ford knows about , theres a service bulletin) but does receive alot of news (the squeeky dash will drive you nuts)

6) Finally I would run a Car fax report on any truck your serously interested in. Check the emission, accident info.

again, 1st Gen Lightnings are very dependable and great daily drivers if you want a peepy truck, that still hauls.
take care
John O

 

oh, I forgot...for $9000 you could get an great deal.
I have seen many low low mileage trucks...for around that price.
though with the higher gas prices in my opion you can do much better.
take care

 

Im looking at a 1994 that is advertised as a Lightning. The 10th digit in its vin is an R. Whats that mean?

 

If you want to travel I have a 94 w/ 79,250 mile's I want 10,500. but I will take 9,000. for it . Completely stock has new tires & rims were done by kestone when tire's were installed. A/c not working . But I can fix it for the parts price it needs a clutch on A/C pump. I is sitting in frt. my shop for sale . Im the 3rd owner .

Northern, Va. Don

 

Can you send me a pic. of your truck?

 

Double check your count..the 8th digit needs to be a "R" not the 10th.
the R is a code in the VIN number to identify it as a real SVT product. that goes for the early model SVT Cobra along with the GEN1 Lightnings. The GEN2s do not have the R.

its just if someone who knew what they were doing could convert a regular F150 to a look alike Lightning. The Vin is something that will not change.

 

The R is 10th in the vin#. I payed the $20 bucks to get the vin report. Heres what it said
Year: 1994
Make: Ford Truck
Model: F150 Regular Cab/Special/XL/XLT
Style/Body: Unspecified
Engine: 5.0L V8 EFI HO
Country of Assembly: United States
, had been in a fleet for 38K miles, and wrecked on the right side.

 

94,
then I real dont know what that is. With a Lightning, the 8th digit in the VIN is a "R". With a VIN (vehicle Identification Number) the 8th digit descibes the Engine. The 10th digit tells the year.
I would say that the fact it lists it as a 5.0L confirms its not a Lightning. All 1st Gen Lightnings come with a 5.8L HO and automatic trans.
Check out EBAY, look up a Lightning and compare the VIN in those vehicles.
All will have the 8th digit as a R.
If you doubt the VIN plate compare with the info on the door plate.

The fact that it was a fleet truck tells me it may have been used as a TOW truck. I would look under the hood and see what the emissions tag says for year and Engine. If its a 5.0L its not a LIGHTNING.

 

I had looked at the vins on ebay and like you said the R is 8th on all of them. Found a couple here in Mo. with a 95 for sale and the R is 8th in its number. Thanks