I'm new to this site. I am working on a 93 ford lightning with the entire under carage and body rusted out. I just wanted to see if anyone out there knows if a 1996 f150 short wheel base frame is the same as the 93 ford lightning? I bought the 96 for the engine (5.0) to go in my 1990 f150, which is running by the way, and the roller for the 93 lightning. Of course i have to change out the suspension,whats left of it. Can anyone help ?

 

Lightning frames are thicker than regular F150 frames.
0.170" compared to standard F150s 0.146"

 

I didn't know that , i was wondering why the lightnings are heavier that the 150s...Lew

 

There is also a steel plate scabbed into the outer vertical part of the rear of the frame just above the axle.

 

The Gen 1 frames are thicker with the extra steel plates, but you could use it, everything should bolt up it might be hard to find a Gen 1 frame, there more 96 frames in the junk yard there the gen 1's

 

Why is the frame thicker?

Very insteresting!

 

For better handling. Less frame flex.

The F150 frame weighs 38lbs less then the Lightning Frame

 

That's neat to know! Thanks!

 

Thanks for the info. I'm probably going to go with it and just add the plate to the rear of the frame causel like jason said it would be hard to find the actual lightning frame. I'm thinking it might make it a little faster due to the less weight. Just trying to bring this baby back to life after all there wasn't that many made in 93'. Thanks. I also have other ford projects(1990 f150 ex-cab)(1963 f100)and just got a 97' f150 for my daughter. Daily driver is a 99' ford ranger ex-cab

 

How does it compare to the thickness of an f250 frame?