How to ID a Lightning

RTRMC

New member
I'm new to the Lightning community and am interested in purchasing a G3 Lightning. How can I verify a truck is a true Lightning and not a clone? Are there any known trouble areas to look for/avoid when purchasing a 2001-2004 Lightning. Thanks.
 
No such thing as a G3 lightning lol

Gen1 93-95
Gen2 99-2004
Gen3 dosent exsist


Sent from my htc EVO using Tapatalk
 
93-95 Lightnings 8th digit of vin is (R) R signifies 5.8-HO, only lightnings had this engine. so if it a R, it was atleast born a gen1 lightning.

dont know what the engine code is for the gen2 99-04.
 
The VIN on mine identifies it as a Heritage Edition F-150, not a Lightning.
I've owned two Lightnings, an 00 and a 04. Both VINs have two things in common. THe first digit is a 2, the eighth is a 3.

If they made a 3rd generation that looks like the current F-150s, I'd have to pass. FUGLY is the word.
 
Last edited:
The 2003 and 2004, set a little high and have a lot of body roll. If you're looking for a second gen, I would look for a low mileage 2001 they sit just right and have a little more power then the 99 and 2000. I have a first and second gen, a 95 for the first and an 01 for the second gen. A forged 408cu.in. in the 95, and a forged Whipple Charged 01 with a complete Eagle Rotating Assembly with H-Beam Rods. The 95 has 53000 original miles, and I'm the second owner. The 01 has 66,000 original miles on it, and I bought that new............., Mike.
 
Trick Question Gen 3 Lightning

You have a Gen1 Lightning, which ran from 1993 - 1995. Then you have a Gen 2 Lightning, which ran from 1999 - 2004. From 1999 to 2000 they had 360HP at the crank. And 2001 - 2004 had 380HP at the crank, maybe that's what he's thinking is a Gen 3.................., Mike.
 
Lightning

From 93 to 95 are your Gen 1's, and from 99 to 04 are your Gen 2's. Like Ronnie said before, Gen 3's just do not exist..............,Mike.
 
Sorry, guys been out of the country for a few months...what I meant to ask was how to ID a Gen 2...damn the fat fingers. Thanks.
 
Back
Top