04 lightning here with 113,000 miles on it. Got it from a guy who couldn't maintain it for $5000. The only problem I'm picking up on is hard shift on 2-3. You mentioned it can be normal? I was thinking about a shift kit since the 4r100 is notorious for broken pressure reg springs in the accumulator.
Daniel Staley it could be normal, shift pressure may have been raised in the tune, or it could have a valvebody already. I would do the valvebody just so you know what’s in it, then have it tuned by a reputable lightning tuner so you know it’s good. Just for peace of mind
Have had my truck for a little over a year now. 2003 Harley Davidson. I haven’t done anything performance wise. Just cosmetic upgrades and interior mods(sound system). Had to replace intercooler pump. And did all regular maintenance. Recently started buying some performance parts. Hoping to install TR6,8 lb lower, ba2600, coil boots, punisher valve body, and some other things. You’re videos are super helpful man. Keep up the work!
I don't own a Lightning but everything you said is literally what you have to do to any car before modding. Nice video! I was looking up Lightning's cause I felt nostalgic and ended up here.
Just a tip. For coils, you can save a few bucks and get Denso's. Denso makes the Motorcraft coils, the only difference is the sticker on the top and the price. Denso's run about $10-$12 less per coil.
Just finished the TA Performance Rear End Cover today and loved how it looks! Thank for all the info man your content is fire and very well explained 😎🔥⚡️
Don't forget the supercharger oil as well. LMR is my go to when it comes to getting parts for my Ford Lightning truck. I bought an 03 over 8 years ago at 56k miles. The very first things I did were changed out all of the fluids motor oil/supercharger oil/motor coolant/supercharger coolant/power steering/brakes/trans/rear axle. Also all of the filters oil/fuel/trans. Then I replaced all 4 brake rotors, front wheel bearings while at it, all 4 shocks, pulled off the supercharger to clean out the turkey pan, changed out the spark plugs while at it, put in place a thick submersible 30R14/16 hose over the turkey pan elbow routed to an oil catch can T split, replaced engine pulley water pump, supercharger electric water pump, thermostat, alternator, brake pedal switch, and Y-fitting in the fuel pump. Took me about 10 days doing it alone on my own using simple tools. Cleaned & torqued everything to specs with threadlocker. Now it has 164k miles running strong on original motor and tran with not a spot of drip where it sits. What is keeping me up at night a little now are the rear crank seal and driveshaft universal joint. There is no leak and no play yet, knocking on wood. Also LSD clutches, keeping an eye out on those 3 things. The driveshaft universal joint I can handle on my own as its probably just a little PITA similar to that of changing out the serpentine belt with the darn cage pulley that had to put a wrench on the bell housing to get the crank pulley loose. Now the rear crank seal would be a different story if it starts to leak. The transmission needs to be drop there's no way around it to get to it. I do not have the tools to drop it let alone clearance from jack stands. It worries me because when it comes to a truck like this. I do not let anybody touch it or do work on it except me. To allow dirty grease, power tools, and not torquing anything down mechanic to put hands on it is a big hell no thank you. Let alone they'd probably do burnouts on these trucks if you leave it with them. Really they do not even see my truck when I buy new tires, they'd only see the wheels. So this rear crank seal thing will be a problem for me when it starts to leak, hopefully never til it gets to 250k miles where I'd probably overhaul the entire motor and swap in a t56 tranny. I do start and drive it around the block at least once a week to get all of the fluids flowing and gaskets/seals/o-rings up to temperature. Also for the air conditioning compressor and heater core to cycle. You guys that also own these trucks be sure you do the same. Damn ethanol in fuel can rust your lines and internals if it just sits. Funny story someone got into my truck with a slim jim when I parked it at the airport garage. Little did they know I had a custom quick release steering wheel and the truck was tuned to not exceed 1600rpm and 25mph with my hand held tuner when I left it parked at the airport. The hand held tuner and the custom steering wheel hub were with me of course that prevented my truck from being stolen. But they did stumped on my exhaust tips and vandalized my truck. I had it re-welded under my supervision and slowly repaired the vandalizing on my own. Replaced all of the fluids again including the rear axle in case they had contaminated it. For repairs that would be beyond me. If any of you know of any trustworthy places that would work on these trucks in the state of CA or FL let me know. Cheers 🍻
Thanks a lot! I'm on my 2nd Lightning now. 1st was a black 2000 which I ended up selling after I bought my grey 04. Just paid it off and about to do some heavy shit! Already sitting at a dialed back 493 whp.
Great video with smart information. My 01 Lightning was custom tuned with 2.76 upper while keeping oem sparkplugs, but I kept the lower stock. I think the only thing I might add, is to do a brake flush, get some new brake fluid. Kool video!
Good video I have a 2003 hardly Davison 100th anniversary thank you for the info next I'll be doing a little bit of mods am doing fluids first and I live in Florida to in the pan handle kept up the good work
Great video! My L 2003 I had to live in -26F .in winter it I think it's safer to run thicker oil. Transmission fluid most places freak out dont have the fittings to to to it. Oh damn mine is in the shop to be ready for it to go .yes fuel filter every 10k. Or less. Absolute big time difference.
Commenting so I can bookmark. I've had an 03 harley shamoo truck for 3-4 years now. I typically use it to tow or haul stuff since I have 3 AMGs that I daily drive. Seriously considering selling it since I don't drive it but I know this truck is really capable decisions, decisions...
Someone has one in Illinois and hasn't messed with me yet? They are super rare up north. Mine was from Houston several weeks on the waiting list to get one.
Great video..iam about to buy a red 01 lightning with 120k on it but it’s all Stock , that’s what i want I could’ve got another one with mods but i Didn’t. I plan on doing all the maintenance you mentioned. I just want a reliable lighting that will last for another 120k great vid again..👍
Dante’s Modular Performance makes a great valve body too Re the O2 sensors I ran Bosch for a few years and it messed with my warmup AFR (wild idling rpm ranges up and down) and once it warmed up even at idle and cruise where it should sit at 14.7 it bobbed around 13.8-15.5 When I put the OEM motocraft upstream O2 sensors back in all of that nonsense went away Engine is FRPP built short block, TF heads, stage 2.5ish cams, full bolt ons, efan, OBX long tubes, spintech X and muffler
Fantastic content! Getting a 2002 lightning in a couple of weeks it only has about 21k original miles and it has been garaged for most of the time so this could of not come in a better time!! 👊🏽👊🏽😁
Dont waste your money on an old truck get a 2020 F150 5.0L 10 speed instead. The Coyote 5.0L engine paired to the 10 speed is a far superior powertrain.
@@Jimmyxsx I disagree. I personally would never get a new truck, they are wanting way too much money, and depreciate in value way too fast. Lightnings are only going up in value, and are alot better bang for your buck. Simple bolt ons and your deep into the 12's
DebtLife Projects 30k ain’t too much money for a 2020 F150 5.0L. You can even get it with 4x4 and beat pretty much anything from a dig race. Add a whipple to that and it will run 1/4 times that lightnings can only dream off lol
Good Vid Shawn! I’m about to get to the point of pulling the SC and prepping for more boost. I have read the LR post multiple times, but I never get tired of gaining more knowledge on these trucks. Been my first hot rod since The early 90s so I’m like a kid again....lol.
Thanks man! Hell yeah, that's always fun lol. I know the feeling, my truck was my first hotrod in a while myself, and the first one I went and did a full on build on lol. It's fun, but man is it expensive lol 😂
Where is the part your supposed to delete I pulled my charger off to clean the cooler and found all the ceramic on wheels to be on top of cooler after cleaning I believe it's ready to be installed but would like to do it right and delete and catch can just not sure where or what to do.
There's an elbow with a hose that comes from the back/bottom of the lower intake manifold. Take the hose off, elbow out, and put a 3/8 npt plug fitting in the lower intake to block it off. Plenty of threads on Lightningrodder with all the steps/pics, google "Ford Lightning turkey pan mod/delete"
Good idea! I personally didn't try that, but im sure it works great! We soak alot of the parts at our shop (I'm a machinist) in dawn dish soap, and it cuts the grease pretty good
I know this is a long question I bought my 02 L with theses parts installed still on stock block what other parts should I be looking at if you was me ? Thanks! -2010 stock GT500 m122 2.76 pulley - JPC adapter plate - turkey pan delete - 60# injectors, kenne bell bap - fore adjustable regulator with LFP rails, walbro twin 255s all new lines with filter - JLP valvebody - Beltech 2/3 drop suspension/shocks with 1/2 coil cut - Rotorpros rotors and ceramic pads - metco billet idlers and relocating bracket - Dynatech LT with Bassani off road X and mufflers -SCT tune fore innovations -SCT maf
Seems like ya got most of it covered, maybe some efficiency mods, like an intercooler tank and heat exchanger, maybe a superduty trans cooler, stuff like that. Looks like a nice little build list tho, I bet it’s a sweet truck! 🤘
DebtLife Projects yes i love this truck all of the work was done from the previous owner I just got it a month ago I’m completely lost when it comes to Lightning’s so your videos help thanks 👍
DebtLife Projects might be a stupid question for you but I’m going to the track tomorrow night for the first time to do some runs should I turn my o/d off or just don’t mess with it ?
Chris Garret at A1 transmissions makes a killer valvebody. He’s the man for everything transmissions. Especially for these trucks www.a1transga.com/product/4r100-accumulator-valve-body-99-04-ford-svt-lightning/
Sure they would! I dailied mine for years, and alot of people do. Basic maintenance is key, that and if anything looks "rigged" up, It's a no go. If simple things can't be done/fixed properly, I'd worry about what else might not be, so look for things that are "rigged", that's a big red flag. Nothing real specific though, If all the basic maintenance is there, and it looks clean, you should be ok. Maybe browse the Lightning Facebook groups, and see what problems people seem to post often about, and you'll get ideas on what to look for.
Thanks for your info You thought me a few things I have p0171 vacuum leak do you think the suspect may be the elbow fitting to the Turkey pan ? I can not find the leak anywhere else My truck idle fine but after 30 seconds of idling it drops to 400 rpm and after 10 second it starts idling back up to proper rpm but has a choppy exhaust tone but engine is smooth Tap on the gas to 3000 rpm and then idle and then again 30 sec later............. I absolutely love the lightning even with this problem
Yes, that elbow is a very common place for vacuum leaks, that elbow deteriorates over time, that’s what happened to me. I would take a look at the elbow and plug/delete it, that way you won’t ever have that problem again, and it helps keep from over pressurizing the pcv. Plug it and run a catch can on the passenger side. 👍
Thanks man! Yeah I saw a big difference in the intercooler with water wetter. Air temps went down 10-15 degrees. Hope all is well with you, it’s so crazy in this world right now lol, to say the least!
Hey thanks for a very informative video. I did just about every thing you mentioned,. But I've owned My 2001 svt lightning since new. Here's the thing. It's had lean code issue since new' I've changed all O2 sensors Bosch brand did turkey pan delete and cleaned it Put a new fuel filter did the smoke test changed intake manifold gasket. Codes would go away for awhile then comes back PO171 bank 1 . Any suggestions? Thanks
That sucks really bad. Wish I had seen this video before a decent local mechanic. My 03 instant 11lbs of boost. Now it flatlines at super sad 8psi total flatline.
Wassup man just purchased a true blue 🥶 but I turn it on and it heats up quickly not overheating just heats up quickly is that a problem bc I have a supercrew and takes time to get up to normal temperature should I be concerned?
@@DebtLife_Projects It will look really nice when lowered, like you said, not slammed.......lowered......after that you should be done....well, until the next phase begins.......
Does doing a turkey pan delete mess with emissions? Like will it still pass smog and all that if you do a turkey pan delete? Cali is very strict when it comes to smog.
DebtLife Projects not to take anythi away from the A1 valve bodies, but the Punisher ones are spot on as well. Paul is great for service and taking time to answer questions.
4-6 lb lower pulley, 4 being conservative, 6 being a tad agressive, I went with a JLP 5lb lower to be in the middle...and you'll also need a maf, plugs, and a tune. Since you'll need a tune, may as well port the blower/plenum, that way when you tune it, you can take full advantage of it.
@@DebtLife_Projects I appreciate this man. Will the stock engine be able to handle the ported blower? I'm assuming it'll get some pretty nice HP gains from pulley,port,maf and tune. Thats basically all I wana do lol don't wana go too crazy.
Yup, you’ll be good! If it was me I’d have jokerz performance port it and the plenum, do a 4lb lower to stay more on the safe side, maf, plugs, and tune. That’ll have you at 425ish. Then do cooling and efficiency mods (heat exchanger, bigger intercooler tank, ect) to help cool the boost.
Just make sure you go with a good Lightning specific tuner. Eric Korn is the best. If not, JDM engineering is also legit. But tune is the key to it staying safe and healthy
@@DebtLife_Projects Damn, then ima need me one. All ive read is nothing but good reviews about his work. Ima hit em up. Does he have a website by any chance?
Me and my mechanic did the new turkey pan hose line and put it all back together and now my truck feels like it is driving funny and also shacking when i hit like 30 or 40 and clue? Or you have any problems when you put yours back together
Omg absolutely not! Mine is at 117k mi. Sad to say, I did not not listen to the Lightning Gods on lightningrodder.com. My 2003 intercooler supercharger nothing touched. I decide to let a non lightning person change out the fluids. No more 11 12lbs of boost. Bye. Now I am embarrassed to drive it only 8lbs of boost? Total flatline. Never lost to a corvette ever (aside from being in snow tires I wish I could buy). Cop gave me a ticket slowing down to 99. Lucky no jail. LIGHTNING OWNERS: DO not let anyone touch the intercooler or clean out the blower and fluid. BAD mistake. I might as well be driving a minivan full of kids. It is wrong on so many levels. If I have to drive across the country to let a lightning master fix it. 8 psi.it just flatlines there. So depressing. Why did I let them touch it? Not to mention the wannabe electronic person at Tess Corners Milwaukee WI. You lied to the owner and messed my truck up really good. You do not jank a relay out to make it sort of work. POS like you need to be fired. No boss man I'm a crap employee I didn't pull any relays. Yes you did bastard. I know it by heart no fooling me. Here I am with a salvaged interior wiring harness from a 2002 Sonic Blue RIP. Only thanks from help from the LRodder community. Rant over but I am deeply upset over this you have no idea. I'm mad I let anyone else touch it more than anything.
I respect the very informative and helpful video. A little too much rambling/repeating sentences IMO. Probably lack of an organized thought so repeating gives the mind time to think. Some short two second snips of videos would help what you're trying to explain instead of miming them with your hands. But over all, i appreciate the video. A little too long. In any case, i clicked on the thumbs up and it's worth a subscribe.
Super nice video good explanation on all I have a question.? What fog lights I should get for my Harley Davidson truck my ara bad looking already thanks for all I em follow you up fallow me to 👍👍👍👍👍
Yup, they get snug over time, but it should break loose. 6oz of supercharger oil, ac Delco is the same exact stuff as motorcraft, for a fraction of the price.
4x4 Ford Transmission Pan # F81z*7A194BA 4x4 Ford Transmission Filter # YC3Z*7A098*BA www.jlpracing.com/tranny-pan-filter-kit/ Ill update the description with these as well, it's so nice having a drain plug, I have no idea why ford didnt put one to begin with on these lol
