1993-1995 Ford SVT Lightning F-150

Ford was not the first manufacturer to attempt to meld a high-performance image with a pickup truck, but it’s probably fair to say that no previous effort was taken so seriously as the one that spawned the 1993 F-150 Lightning. It was certainly an unusual way for Ford’s brand-new Special Vehicle Team to make its product debut; the group’s other premier offerings, the 1993 Mustang Cobra and Cobra R, which hit the market simultaneously, were more along the lines of what the public was expecting from the new performance vehicle division.

Perhaps that had a lot to do with the actual capabilities of the Lightning–the SVT crew had promised it would never produce a vehicle that did not offer significantly improved performance, so the new hi-po pickup would really have to deliver. This was no small feat, because it wasn’t enough to simply put a bigger engine in the lightest 1/2-ton configuration–SVT was about all facets of performance, so this unit would have to handle and stop, too. Considering that the platform dated all the way back to 1980, and used Ford’s trademark Twin-I-Beam front suspension that traced way back into the 1960’s, the team had its work cut out.

Of course, there was indeed more power, generated by a Lightning-specific version of the 351W engine, fitted with Ford Motorsport’s GT-40 cast-iron cylinder heads and GT-40 tubular intake manifold. Helping to make the 240hp and 340-lbs.ft. of torque was a tuned dual exhaust system that artfully snaked down one side of the chassis, as the F-150’s dual fuel tanks occupied the other side. All Lightnings from 1993-1995 used Ford’s E4OD heavy-duty four-speed automatic overdrive transmission and 4.10 gears in an 8.8-inch Traction-Lok axle, connected with an aluminum driveshaft.

The chassis rode much lower than a typical F-150, on special coil springs up front and leaf-spring packs in the rear that incorporated a sort of built-in “slapper”-type traction bar to aid in launch grip and ward off wheel hop. Monroe Formula GP shock absorbers were part of the package, along with 1-inch diameter anti-roll bars front and rear, and the whole lot rode on what were then seen as huge 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped with special Firestone Firehawk performance radials.
That stance coupled with the wheel/tire package went a long way to providing a new attitude for the Lightning, while a front airdam with integrated fog lamps, monochromatic paint scheme and subtle graphics drove the point home. Buyers could choose between a tubular rear bumper or a more typical step-type piece; both were color-keyed to the body. Inside, bucket seats, a center console and a leather-wrapped steering wheel continued the sporting theme.

Road tests of the day lauded the Lightning for its un-truck-like handling; it could work too, maintaining a 750-lb. payload and the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs. All ’93 models were either black or red, while white was added for 1994 and 1995. A total of 11,563 Lightnings were built for the three-year run, though the first year’s totals were about double that of the last.

The Lightning would return in 1999, with a more sophisticated engine, supercharging and improved performance, but first-generation Lightnings can provide great value as an excellent merger of performance and utility.

VIN Designation

If you’re looking at a real 1993-1995 Ford Lightning, the 8th digit in the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) will be a ‘R’.

1993-1995 Ford SVT Lightning 351W Engine Specifications

1993-1995 Ford SVT Lightning Specifications

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