2003 FORD LIGHTNING DARK SHADOW GRAY ONE OF 1170 PRODUCED 2ND OWNER

2003 Ford F-150 Lightning Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door Description

The SVT Lightning is a sports/performance version of the F-150, released by Ford's SVT (Special Vehicle Team) division.

In 1999, after a three-year hiatus, Ford SVT unveiled a new Ford Lightning powered by a modular SOHC 16-valve 5.4 L Triton engine producing 360hp (268kW; 365PS) and 440ft·lbf (600N·m), with a factory-installed Eaton supercharger. The 4R100 automatic transmission was used, and the rear gear ratio was 3.55:1. The Lightning featured 18" wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 295/45ZR-18 tires. The suspension system, which lowers the truck one inch in front and two inches in the rear, was also modified from the standard F-150. It retained the front short-and long-arm system with coil springs and a 31mm solid stabilizer bar along with the rear solid axle with five-leaf springs and a 23mm solid stabilizer bar. Monroe shocks were used from 1999-2001 then replaced with Bilstein shocks from 2002-2004.

For the 2001 model year, the engine design was slightly altered to produce 380 horsepower (280kW) @ 4,750 rpm and 450ft·lbf (610N·m) @ 3,250 rpm. Also, the previously leaky intercooler was redesigned. This problem was addressed as a recall in earlier models. A cast iron block was used instead of aluminum. These upgrades were critical in order to support the 8 psi (0.55 bar) of boost delivered from the stock Eaton M112 roots supercharger. 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, although "piston slap", a mild knocking noise while the engine is cold, was still present. At the other end of the drivetrain, the final drive ratio was shortened to 3.73:1 with a 9.75inch rear end in 2001. Also, in 2001 the drive shaft was increased in size to a 4.5-inch (110mm) aluminum unit, from the previous 3.5-inch (89mm) steel unit. The specially developed 295/45ZR-18 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS unidirectional tires were upgraded utilizing a new generation F1 GS rubber compound. With these engine and drivetrain revisions, Car and Driver magazine drove a Lightning from zero to 60mph (97km/h) in 5.2 seconds. For 2003, the Lightning's cargo capacity was raised from 800lb (360kg) to 1,350lb (610kg).

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 Gray color.

These trucks were manufactured at Ford's Canada Truck Facility in Oakville, Ontario until its closure. Special features specific to the Lightning included:[18]

• 5.4L 2V Triton Supercharged Intercooled V8 engine
• Modified 4R100 4-speed automatic transmission with OD lockout
• Limited-slip differential
• Auxiliary transmission fluid cooler
• Eaton supercharger
• Engine super cooling system
• Heavy duty battery
• Unique front fascia with integrated, round fog lamps
• Unique upper and lower grilles
• Unique front lower air deflectors
• Unique cab rocker and lower box moldings
• Unique wheels and tires
• 4-wheel ABS / 4-wheel disc brakes
• Heavy duty front and rear shock absorbers