Ford Lightning

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Ford Lightning

Manufacturer:	Ford Motor Company
Production:	1993–2004
Class:	Performance Truck
Body style:	2-door
Platform:	Generation I (1993-1995) Generation 2(1999-2004)
Related:	Ford F-Series
Similar:	Dodge Ram GMC Syclone Chevrolet 454 SS

A 1993 Ford Lightning (First Generation)

The Ford SVT Lightning is a sports version of the F-150 Pickup truck designed by Ford's truck-division and eventually released by the then-new SVT division.

1 First generation (1993-1995)
2 Second generation (1999-2004)
3 Third generation (est. 2009)
4 References
5 External links

[edit] First generation (1993-1995)

Ford introduced the model in 1993 to compete with the GMC Syclone and, primarily, the Chevrolet 454 SS. The Lightning shared its basic platform structure with the F-150, but custom modifications were made to Lightning chassis to increase rigidity. A 351 in³ (5.8 L) Windsor V8 producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 340 ft·lbf (461 N·m) of torque replaced the standard F-150 engine. The engine was based on an existing block, but Ford fitted it with a "GT40" intake and heads and used hypereutectic pistons to increase response, output and durability.

A Ford E40D automatic transmission equipped with an aluminum driveshaft was standard and the only available transmission. 4.10:1 ratio rear gears, special 17" wheels with Firestone Firehawk tires, Lightning badging, a custom front air dam that with integrated fog lights, and bucket seats with adjustable side and lumbar supports were part of the package. Suspension modifications made the truck stiffer and more responsive, and provided a 1 in front and 2.5 in rear drop in ride height, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and improving handling. These trucks were manufactured at Ford's Michigan Truck Facility in Wayne, Michigan.

Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Black Trucks	Red Trucks	White Trucks	Total Production
1993	5.8 L Windsor FI V8	240 hp (179 kW)	340 ft·lbf (461 N·m)	2,691	2,585	N/A	5,276
1994				1,382	1,165	1,460	4,007
1995				824	695	761	2,280
Total							11,563

Brochure comparing the specs of the Lightning to the Dodge SRT10.

[edit] Second generation (1999-2004)

In 1999, after a five-year hiatus, Ford SVT unveiled the Second Generation Ford Lightning. Powered by a modular 5.4 L V8, the new engine was capable of producing 360 Horsepower and 440 ft·lbf of torque. This was particularly due to the inclusion of an Eaton Supercharger that was factory installed. Behind the engine sat the 4R100 automatic transmission which connected to a rear end housing 3.55:1 rear gears. The Lightning featured specialized 18" wheels mounted with Goodyear Eagle F1 295/45ZR-18 tires. The Lightning's suspension system, which lowers the truck half an inch in front and two inches in the rear was also modified from the standard F-150. The suspension was largely unchanged for the 2001 Model. It retained the front short-and long-arm system with coil springs and a 31 mm solid stabilizer bar along with the rear solid axle with five-leaf springs and a 23 mm solid stabilizer bar.

In the 2001 Model Year, the engine design was slightly altered to produce 380 horsepower @ 4,750 rpm and 450 ft·lbf of torque @ 3,250 rpm. Another engine revision came in the 2003 Model Year when a weakness in the heads, the lack of sufficient threads for spark plugs, was addressed and fixed. At the other end of the drivetrain, the final drive ratio was shortened to 3.73:1 in 2001. Also, in 2001 the drive shaft was increased in size to a 4.5-inch aluminum unit, from the previous 3.5-inch steel unit. The specially developed 295/45ZR-18 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS unidirectional tires were upgraded utilizing a new generation F1 GS rubber compound; improving the tires' gripping capability. With these engine and drivetrain revisions, Car and Driver magazine drove a lightning from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. For 2003, the Lightning's cargo capacity was raised from 800 lb. to 1,200 lb.

The second generation Lightning was initially offered in just Bright Red, Black, and White paint colors. The 2000 Model Year brought the addition of the Silver color to the lineup. In 2002, True Blue, a very dark blue, was offered, but replaced with a lighter Sonic Blue in 2003. The 2003 Model Year also saw the introduction of the Dark Shadow Grey color.

These trucks were manufactured at Ford's Ontario Truck Facility in Oakville, Ontario until its closure.

Year	Engine	Power	Torque	Production
1999	5.4 L supercharged Triton V8	360 hp (268 kW)	440 ft·lbf (597 N·m)	4,000
2000		360 hp (268 kW)	440 ft·lbf (597 N·m)	4,966
2001		380 hp (283 kW)	450 ft·lbf (610 N·m)	6,381
2002				4,726
2003				4,270
2004				3,781
Total				28,124

[edit] Third generation (est. 2009)

There are many rumors about the next generation Lightning. A concept vehicle was released on the new 2005 F-150 platform, with a supercharged 500 Horsepower, 500 ft·lbf 5.4 L V8 engine and independent rear suspension from the recently-released Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator. However, all plans for a Lightning on the 2005-present F-150 platform have been dismissed. There is speculation this is because the weight of the platform would hinder a performance vehicle. The next Lightning is rumored to be released during the 2009 Model Year.