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I have a 1999 Lightning with 40,000 miles and mods of air-kit and headers back through exhaust, and factory tow package. Will towing with it effect the performance mods and put too much strain on the truck? Does anyone ever tow with a Lightning? I have never seen it....A little help,,
Buffchick
I have towed with mine many times. I have towed two wheeled utility trailers, car dollies with car, boats, loaded car trailers, and loads of lumber. Some loads were over the 5,000 pounds rated limit. The Lightning easily handled it all including one trip through the Rocky Mountains with a loaded car trailer.
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The point of life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, screaming "....HOLY ****!....WHAT A RIDE!
IMHO the only strain would be tranny heat. So drive it like you'd drive anything else when towing - carefully and not racing around - and you'll be fine.
These trucks are rated to do the work of a real truck. Unlike some trucks that are for performance only, and not rated to tow or haul a meaningful load.
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97 Expy XLT, 5.4L, 2WD | Intercooled Procharger| 10.5 psi | Full fuel system mods | 4.10 LSD | Tuned by Swanson Performance
The 4R100's in those trucks are pretty stout. You could put an aftermarket valve body in the trans to make the shifts firmer, but it's not really neccessary. Otherwise, make sure the trans fluid changes are done regularly, and your load is properly balanced.
On a side note, you wouldn't believe how many owners use Lightnings to tow their race trucks to Lightning Fest every year (GEN 1's and 2's). Most of these tow pigs are stock, or near stock.
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Matt C.
Intercooled Vortech, Victor Jr. heads, roller cam, 62lb injectors, 2800 stall converter, Eaton Locker, Pickrel Headers and Exhaust, FMS Mass Air using SCT tuning software. Road trip and dragstrip ready!
I'd recommend an aftermarket tranny cooler...I don't think the factory unit is adequate, but this is just my opinion.
In some cases they are and in others, they aren't, it just depends on what you're towing, how much you're towing, and how often you tow. With an aftermarket cooler, it's much bigger and much more effiecient than the stock setup. In this case a small invesment will yield a big return. This is just one of those "better safe than sorry" sort of things.
__________________ Excursion & 6.7 Forum ModDeath Row Inmate #21
2001 X PSD Limited, 203*, HD4R100, GEARHEAD TUNES, MBRP, Hpx, Frx, T500, RAS, Cass Stage I's, 38R w/HFO, M208, 6.0 tc/ic, CFM+, 6 inch lift, 4.10 Gears, Coolant Filter, CAT ELC, AE, Afe 6637, Riffraff Boots. Too much to list, but FAR from stock FTE Guidelines
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toreador_Diesel
Ford didn't call it a "Powerstroke Diesel" becuase they thought it would be a cute name to give a diesel engine...
I put one in my 99 dodge 5 yrs ago and used it for 2 yrs towing 5000lbs plus a day ...(really..worked 7 days a week to be able to afford a new ford..lol) and I am the only person I know who has towed a heavy trailer for an extended period daily who never had the dodge tranny sh&t the bed....I believe in aftermarket coolers now more than ever...I put one on my current truck to and have had 0 troubles as well...not that I expected them like I did with the dodge....and to my knowledge..(I sold it to a guy in my buisness who tows a work trqailer to..) and he has still had no trouble with the tranny....I'm sure had I left it stock it would have been found on the 401 here in Toronto before I sold it 3 years ago....
you can get them varying from 250 to way way higher...not even sure how high...lol I paid 500 installed for the one I have and had...I went to the same guy to get them both done..funny enough..I don't even know the brand or part number...may be able to find the reciept..I'll check but I am horribly disorganized..as I am sure I have it..I may not find either receipt
The 4R100's in those trucks are pretty stout. You could put an aftermarket valve body in the trans to make the shifts firmer, but it's not really neccessary. Otherwise, make sure the trans fluid changes are done regularly, and your load is properly balanced.
On a side note, you wouldn't believe how many owners use Lightnings to tow their race trucks to Lightning Fest every year (GEN 1's and 2's). Most of these tow pigs are stock, or near stock.
+1, good info.
Plus, I like the idea of adding an aftermarket tranny cooler. You don't have to break the bank to do that either. The Factory Tech cooler works well and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
I have a buddy in NorCal who uses his stock Gen 2 Lightning to tow his race prepped Gen 2 L to the track without any problems.
Stewart
__________________ The Brotherhood of FTE <-click the link 1999 F150 Lightning: WMS built block, 6lb lower, Monsterbox, Truetrac, CF driveshaft 1999 PSD F250 SC 4x4: 38R, Stage 2's, T-500, JW trans, Live Tuned, lotsa Riffraff stuff 2000 PSD Excursion 4x4: 38R, JW trans, F5, MBRP, AFE, OBA and Pre-Pump, V & B codes Never Fry Bacon NAKED!
thats all i do with my Lightning.. i tow a 5000lb boat every weekend. i also tow my race car with my sportbikes in the bed.. i HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS with my ride.
i'm running a 4lb lower and a K&N without a tune (i know i'm pushing it)
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Death Row Inmate #21 
