What makes a Gen 1 lightning, a lightning?
 

I have been pondering the idea of making a lightning clone out of my 91 reg cab shortbox. Besides the drivetrain (i have planned a 5.8 liter and upgraded tranny) what else is different between a lightning and a lariat?

They usually have painted grills and bumpers, but what else? Seats/interior? Etc.?

many of the newer ones are supercharged. im not sure bout the older ones other than they are flaresides (duh). The interiors forgive me if im wrong but are exactly the same from the best of my memory. I think the interiors on the lightnings had more interior options. I might be completely wrong but this is from my memory and my memory has lied to me before

The gen 1 Lightning is a huge departure from 92-96 F-150 and even further from a 91 because the front clip is different. The following items are Lightning specific:

Engine
Trans
Rear end
Springs
Shocks
Sway bars
Frame
Seats
Wheels
Front valance and grill

Every thing can pretty easily be changed other than the frame. To be honest, by the time you buy and install all the Lightning parts you could have bought better stuff from the aftermarket and had a better handling and faster truck for less money. The L1 OE parts are getting pretty pricey.

Ok the frame is different, that one i havent heard before, what is different about it?

The rear end I would like to use is a stock l/s rear end, what was different about a lightning one? Just different gears or...?

I think the gen 1's I have seen were all fleetsides, i dont recall ever seeing a flarside one.

The front clip I should have mentioned is definatly different, and I allready have planned on doing the newer front end swap on it.

I guess then all i have to worry about is the looks, which from my mods I have planned, will allready look fairly close to a lightning.

Silver good point about the aftermarket stuff being cheaper too. I will probably go that route.

The frame is made from thicker steel and IIRC has a few extra braces in it.

The L rear end has cooling vanes/strengthening ribs on the pinion snout that are not on the F-150 housing. They also have 4.10 gears, but I doubt that is much more than marketing. A 3.55 gear would probably not give up much to the 4.10 since traction was non existent with 4.10's and the 3.55 would help with mileage if that's a concern.

Yes, all Gen 1's were fleet side.

I've always liked the 87-91 front end better, but that's just personal preference. When the 92 came out I thought they ruined what I believed was the 3rd best looking F series ever, but I am in the minority on that.

These items are Lightning specific

Rear
driveshaft
wheels
slapper bars
steering wheel
seats
door panels
floor mats
GT 40 cover plate
front bumper
front chin spoiler
frame
grill (color matched)
oil cooler
fog lights
120mph speedo with tach
side and tailgate decals

I'm sure there are some I can't remember also.

Dfferent door panels??? How so

I suggest you contact the ad in the chicago craigslist asap, and run over to get whatever he has. The ad is not mine.
Only 59,000 miles 1993 ford lightning GT40 parts

Looks good, but for myself I live in Canada, its aways away for me!

Sheldon I sent you a pm.

Thank you good sir :D

Another PM for you.