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when did Lightning get interesting

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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:03 AM
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when did Lightning get interesting

I'm putting together a 95 F150 4x4( Needed trans and body work) for some extra cash. And in the last 2 months have found 2 93-94 cheap ? Lightenings . I didn't pay attention to them but got wondering when did they get Good? (supercharger,etc.)For the price I paid for a parts 4x4 could have had these 2 . thanks
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 09:23 AM
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First generation lightnings never had superchargers and I believe the specs for the engines were mostly the same (if not exactly the same) over the 2 or 3 years they were manufactured. It was just a tuned 351 with some extra mods to the engine, and racing suspension, etc.

-Chris
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 09:46 AM
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It was rated at 245 hp but it had more than that. It has gt-40 heads and intake on it with a different throttle body and airbox. Other little odds and ends are different.

Has better seats, very slightly modified suspension (lower, better shocks, different spring rates I believe), 140mph speedo, badges...etc...

Nice trucks and are getting rare.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 11:21 AM
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Yeah they do have different rated springs. I was reading about the tow and payload capacity of Lightnings vs Reg F150's the other day. The lightning has a smaller payload than a honda civic by 50 or 80 lbs, according to what I read. Pretty funny.

-Chris
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 12:36 PM
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Both the Lightnings were under $800.00 each. They ran but where real tired 140000 + miles and looked it. Other than speedo , and maybe motor/ intake parts ,ECM everything else was more or less trash. I knew I couldn't get my money back.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 03:32 PM
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Possibly some drivetrain parts for a single cab SB, maybe reuse the axles too, I assume they're the same as an F150. If wheels and/or tires those could go on craigslist/ebay for 300-400. Sell seats on ebay/craigslist for 200-300. Just throwin' ideas out there

It's a shame they were in such bad shape, I love the look of those trucks. That was my dream truck when I was a kid. Still love em, but I don't think I could buy for a daily driver because they don't seem to be much of a truck as far as towing and hauling. Just my .02.

-Chris
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 04:03 PM
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You'd be surprised how not tired that 351w might be at 140k miles. IF they weren't abused (yeah, like that's gonna happen) and were well maintained they could very well have another 100k miles in them.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by pfogle
You'd be surprised how not tired that 351w might be at 140k miles. IF they weren't abused (yeah, like that's gonna happen) and were well maintained they could very well have another 100k miles in them.
Milage dose not bother meThe truck I just built had a 120000 on it and my parts truck like 150000 . but you could tell that they were beat (Iknow that they might run another 100000) but there are enough low milage(under 120000) trucks around I would have trouble getting rid of it. I would like the motor but to have the money sit there now is not an option .
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 05:48 PM
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[QUOTE=Skandocious]Possibly some drivetrain parts for a single cab SB, maybe reuse the axles too, I assume they're the same as an F150. If wheels and/or tires those could go on craigslist/ebay for 300-400. Sell seats on ebay/craigslist for 200-300. Just throwin' ideas out there

I live in rust belt of PA Body was shot and interior is in worse shape than my parts truck . Only one had rims and they would need redone of powdercoated. The motor, intake,ecm and speedo would be nice to have but I'm not working till spring . I could have sold on eBay but my internet is so slow (old phone lines ) that I can't post pics it would take all night.And is hard to sell with out pics. Both truck have been advertised localy and are still there (I think)
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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Well in that case I would say you made a good choice NOT to buy these trucks. Man its a shame those things are so beat up... I can't imagine.

-Chris
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:56 PM
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I'm just saying from experience that I've had several 351w of the '92 to '96 age with a LOT of miles (last on had 190k+ on it) that all ran almost like new.
 
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by pfogle
I'm just saying from experience that I've had several 351w of the '92 to '96 age with a LOT of miles (last on had 190k+ on it) that all ran almost like new.
I know they run awhile. Ive had several but none got over 155000. 2 were since new oil change every 3000 miles. The worst was one I had ran synthetic oil from about 15000 miles . But I have had trouble with every motor ran on it that have came arossed. But I know things break. Milage dosent bother me. But codition dose I'lll buy a truck in nice shape with 130000 before I buy one thats trashed with 100000 But these 2 trucks you shuold have seen inside valve covers . They would have needed rebuilt . Although al other component would have benn nice to swap to other truck Heads intake etc. Thanks for reply
 
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Old Mar 5, 2007 | 08:17 PM
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hi guys up date . I went back one truck is still there . Other went buy buy $600.00 . The one left motor is trashed as I thought (sound like rod ). The guy wont take any less than $800.00 Well for the heads which need freshened up and intake ,ECU , Etc. its just not worth it to me. There are no other good parts . I got the air intake off it. It was layin in bed.(for $15.00) I was going to put lightning back together if it ran but oh well . Thanks for all input
 
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Old Mar 6, 2007 | 10:53 AM
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Jeez. I want a big speedo like that.
I'm going to be looking for a 95 lightning junker now.....
 
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Old Mar 6, 2007 | 01:19 PM
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speedo

Originally Posted by Talyn
Jeez. I want a big speedo like that.
I'm going to be looking for a 95 lightning junker now.....
I thought same thing but the plastic was bested out and more dust or mud in the works than I have on my whole truck. It may have worked but was to pricey for me.
 
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