Looking at a lightning, what to look for?
 

Looking at 2000 in a couple days. has 102,000 miles.

Anything in particular I need to look for, or any potential problems I should look for? Thanks for any heads up.

Right about 100,000 miles the ball joints tend to start giving out. Something to look for would be if the wheels bow outward from top to bottom.

2000 Lightning
 

Hello I own a 04 Built Lightning, Look to see that it Does Not have a J code Trans, Ask if it has the Updated Intercooler ( All 99-2000's) Leaked and should have been up dated Check for a lower Pulley (Blower) Stock or over driven,Has it been tuned and by Who what is the Air Fuel Ratio, Go to Lightning Rodder.com and search this truck by Vin Number, Good Luck Lurch

I drive an 03 Lightning.

I recommend checking the exhaust headers for any cracked bolts (assuming this is still stock.)
Plugs are scheduled for a swapn out after 100K. As if they have been done or not. If not Ford dealers charge between $450 to $500 to change out plugs, boots and coil overs.
BTW 2nd Gen L's from 99 to 2002 had only 3 threads holding the plugs in. Many problems with th eplugs blowing out of the head and THAT's a pretty penny to fix. This was FIXED in 03 when Ford made plug threads with 6 turns instead of three.
So unless it's an 03 or 04 then pull the plugs to see if any are different than the others and ask the question if they have been changed out or if one did in fact blow out.

I will NEVER get rid of my 03 Lightning. One Bad Ass Truck,

Enjoy,
King Leo

Plug threads
 

99-02 Lightnings, Harley's have 4 Threads and under heavy boost( Plugs not torqued to 13 lbs have blown out) 03-04 have 8 thread and will still blow out if not torqued properly, These trucks are really nice but can hurt your bank account, I have put together many 10 secound trucks that are daily drivers, you can keep a stocker safe with not to much timing and a great Tune boost up to about 15 lbs is fine If tuned properly, Good Luck and have Fun,

Boost has nothing to do with the plugs blowing out.

This problem is not specific to the Gen 2 L's as it happens to the N/A 4.6L and 5.4L modular engines in the Mustangs, Crown Vics, and F150's too.

Mine blew when it was at idle.

The problem of spark plug blowout is not a condition of boost.

Stewart

I had a 2000 Lightning and I had one of the plug blow out, I was just driving not in boost when it happened.