![]() The 1993 Lightning had an incredible 23 product "firsts" or pilot applications, including the first true dual exhaust on an F-Series, the first bucket seats in an F-Series, the first 17" wheels and tires, and the first use of synthetic lubricant in Ford truck rear axles. Stewart finally announced to the motor press, "I love the Lightning!" Key Ford engineers, managers, and executives involved in developing the original Lightning Performance Truck were Jim Mason, Robert Burnham, Jim Englehart, Terry DeJonckheere, Rory Carpenter, Bob Hommel, Terrell Edgar, Dick Liljestrand, Deb Neill, and Fred Gregg. Three-time World Champion driver Jackie Stewart was highly involved in fine-tuning of the Lightning's handling prowess, and Mr. Ed Hagenlocker, Ford's President, received more than 150 favorable articles in America's newspapers, magazines, and television outlets, and helped Ford regain leadership in the all-important personal-use truck market. The 1993 Lightning, launched on Decemand "christened" by Mr. ![]() 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. Bucket seats with electrically-adjustable side bolsters and lumbar supports were part of the package. 4.10:1 ratio rear gears, special 17" aluminum wheels with Firestone Firehawk tires, unique Lightning badging, a custom front air dam with integrated fog lights, a 120 mph (190 km/h) speedometer and unique under hood treatments including a special "Lightning" intake manifold casting all differentiated the Lightning from normal F-150s. The engine was based on an existing block, but Ford engineers fitted it with high flow rate "GT40" heads and used hypereutectic pistons to increase response, output and durability.Īn upgraded Ford E40D automatic transmission equipped with an aluminum driveshaft was standard and the only available transmission. m) of torque replaced the standard F-150 engine.The stock Lightning was capable of achieving 0.88 g lateral acceleration, yet it was a full-sized American pickup truck with almost all the hauling and trailering capabilities of the parent F-Series. The Lightning shared its basic platform structure with the regular F-150, but custom modifications were made to many vehicle systems, including enhancing the Lightning chassis to increase rigidity. Ford introduced the model in 1993 to compete with the GMC Syclone and, primarily, the Chevrolet 454 SS, in an effort to enhance the sporty, personal-use image of the Ford F-Series pickup. ![]()
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