2003-Lightning

[cmech]

Can anyone please tell me of any changes or improvements on the, 2003-Lightning? I wonder if I should buy an, 03, or wait for
the, 04, coming at a much higher price tag?

[Jstas]

I do believe that the only change for 2003 was new wheels. Otherwise, its teh same as a 2001-02 Lightning.

[Chuck G.]

The steering ratio is different.I don't know if I like it better than my 2000 though. It might be a while before the 04 hits the street.If you don't already have a lightning by all means get one, even if its a used one.

[rcmike]

How much are the 2004 lightnings gonna sticker for?Thanks

[D Davis]

I've heard around $41- $42 thou. Unless you love the new style you can come close to the same power for a few G's on a used or 03 and put the savings into tires.

[beerkat]

I had that the chance to drive my friend's L which has an '03 steering box in it an there is a marked difference in the feel of the wheel, a much lighter touch to it. Also the the '03's have a higher payload, 1450 vs. 800. That raises the hieght of the back of the truck giving it a more sloped look. :)

[Mullins11]

I dont really like the body style of the 04 lightning!
The only difference in the 2003 lightning is the rims and they have keyless entry!
The 04's are suppose to be out in about october of 2003.
I heard from a salesman at ford that they are getting ready to stop making the 2003 lightnings and start on the 04's

[Mullins11]

I am getting ready to purchase a 2003 lightning and i was wondering if any of you guys could give me some ups and downs of this truck?
Thanks,
Jeff

[Jstas]

I think you are being snowed.

Number one, I have not heard of any plans for a new Lightning until 2005 at the earliest, released as a 2006 model. The F-150 is getting updated in 2004 I believe but not the Lightning. The production version hasn't even been finalized yet.

Number two, the 2003's only updates are the different wheels, the steering box, the payload capacity and they are offering a new color too. Thats it. Keyless entry has been on the trucks since 99 I believe so that is not a selling point. As far as I know, the only change for the 2003's payload capacity is springs. So if you want a 2003 type of truck, you can get the wheels from Tire Rack and goto the dealer and order a new steering box and new springs.

[NeilBerry]

I have been very happy with the lightning. It did have a front end Clunk when performing driveway navigation, but after a trip to the dealer it has been quiet.

[Ray Kaz]

Hello,

One other thing that was not menioned on the 03 models is the CD's are loaded into the dash unit instead of behind the passengers seat. I have checked the new 03's out and the only 2 things different from my 02 were the wheels and the radio/CD head unit. Did not now about he steering box ratio change.

Anyways, buy a Lightning. Used, new or whatever. If you want to wait for the 500hp model, I think you'll be waiting for a few years. And the other side of the coin is, how much coin do you have to spend on the new 500 hp model. I think it will be pretty costly.

Ray Kaz

[Mullins11]

im not going to wait for the 500hp lightning im getting ready to buy the 03'

[Mullins11]

One more thing, Do these trucks eat the gas like everyone has been telling me? Because when i get this truck, it is going to be my primary vehicle.:confused:

[NeilBerry]

Do not expect 20 mpg. Keeping you foot off it, helps. I still get a laugh when I look at the Low Emission Vehicle sticker. A Cobra is better, and a Focus is better still.

[khaine]

depends alot on how much time you spend in the boost... I get the best mileage in the 2000-2500 rpm range, and usually get about 400km between fillups

it's my daily driver for more than half the year, cause there is no way I'm going to drive my cars in bad weather :tmb:

[Steve Kincaid]

I work at the F150 plant here in Norfolk, and we will be the first to launch the new truck, starting in mid May. From what I here some people from this launch will go directly to the Lightning launch, since we will finally start building it here. The rumored launch time for the new Lightning is next summer (at best).

[beerkat]

I get about the same mpg has I did with my other full size V8 F150. That is as long as I keep my foot under control. My L is a daily driver also and around town I get 14 to 15 mpg. When I took my truck to a HP driving school I got about 8 mpg. The truck is not about economics, it is about fun and power.

[Six Spd Z28]

Things mentioned and not mentioned about the 2003 Lightning:

- Redesigned 18- by 9.5-inch five-spoke cast aluminum wheels
- Upgraded and retuned steering
- Standard six-disc in-dash CD AM/FM stereo system
- Brushed aluminum finish on interior door handles
- Improved carpet material (thicker)
- Perforated steering wheel cover
- 2 New Exterior colors: Dark Shadow Gray and Sonic Blue (Deleting Silver and True Blue)
- Payload rating increases from 800 pounds to 1,400 pounds
- Removed factory tint on upper part of windshield

The cylinder heads are revised with 8-9 sparkplug threads compaired with previous models having only 4 threads
Also the engine block is thicker than the 2002 model.

And one that I am not sure of.....
No courtesy lights on the door panels anymore, just reflectors. ( they are still there just do not light up anymore)

Hope this helps!!

[BlownSVT]

Hey Eric..........Check the CLOC forum on NLOC for some pics of FFW!! Jimmy

[Six Spd Z28]

Originally posted by BlownSVT
Hey Eric..........Check the CLOC forum on NLOC for some pics of FFW!! Jimmy

Thanks. I checked them out. It was nice to meet ya'!!

[car13guy]

I know I'm a little late on the subject, but I bought an '03 Lightning in Jan. I LOVE IT! Yes, the payload has been upped, and the rear is a little higher, the ride is also stiffer from the back, really bumpy when towing an empty car hauler - once you get the car on, it's pretty smooth. The biggest drawback with the higher rear end is that when it rains, the water accumulates in the bed, at least until you get on it, I personally don't like the covers, but it's a nice feature. As for MPG - I get close to the same no matter how I drive (even towing a small car...) The best I get (rough calcs) is about 11-12 MPG (California Vehicle). I got about 7-8 MPG during the first 3000 miles (that's also going easy the 1st 1K miles) Just turned 5K getting better gas milage and smoother idle. So CA dealers are tagging a $5000 markup on the '03s but expect to pay sticker at minimum. Also make sure it's a authorized SVT dealership - some Ford dealerships will not honor the premium service upgrade (loaner car, car wash, etc.) when buying an SVT, and forget ordering one from them, they are lucky to get one on the lot.

I love my dark shadow grey '03 Lightning! Unfortunately I'm getting the bug for MORE POWER!!! Maybe a few years with the '03 will suffice until the "500 HP" comes out. I also like the idea of a manual shift...:rant: