Questions about the first Gen Lightning.

[Lonesome7.3]

I know the suspension was significantly different from the other F Series trucks that were out at the time but what else was different? What made the 5.8 in the Lightning different from the 5.8 in our 96 F250? Also, what if any interior differences were there? Were the gauges different at all? And finally were there any body mods on them? I would like to tweak the output of my wife’s F250 but I would like to do it with factory parts. So I am wondering what will not only interchange but also what our truck can benefit from. I am also interested because I would like to get a first Gen Lighting some day.

 

[slammedi'am]

Im currently looking for a Gen 1 myself.I had asked what do I need to look for if its a true Gen 1 on another site.I have a Gen 2 and know all the stuff about them,never really paid attention to them that close.one guy posted this to one of my replies....

gt 40 intake.. lightning intake plaque
gt 40 heads.. will say gt40 right up front of the heads below spark plugs
rear end will have fins on the bottom if its still true L rearend
if stock frame it will be boxed in above the rear wheel wells.. double plated looking
120mph speedo .. lightning specific seats also..

 

[slammedi'am]

And the 8th digit in the VIN will be a R if its a true Gen 1

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Cool, thanks. Did the first gen's come with any other color than grey inside the cab? Every older Lightning I have looked at had a grey interior.

 

[slammedi'am]

I believe so.You only had 3 exterior choices.White,black and red.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

The first Gen's did come with a 5.8 correct? I was just looking at some photogrphs on line and noticed the distrbutor is not the the correct place. Either that, or I have forgottne where it is on our 96 F250.

 

[slammedi'am]

Yes they all came with the 5.8L.Trying to find an info sheet on them right now

 

[batman]

it is basically a nite edition..same as mine..only 3 choices interior, red grey and a blue i think, the body package was the same as mine, whatever color the truck was the whole thing was done in, be it red or black. the suspension was the same sports suspension that mine has..small differences but they are huge if utilized in the right way.

 

[slammedi'am]

Heres something from Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Lightning

 

[Lonesome7.3]

The air plinum is way different as well. I guess the difference in the yaer is what the problem is. I did not think they made that much of design change in such a short time frame.