My cousin is going to be purchasing a 99-04 Lightning in the next couple of months and I couldn't be happier for him as he is joining the Ford family for the first time. I told him I would help him find one, but first we need to do our homework, learn more about the truck and which year would be ideal.

I did a search on National Lightning Owners Club, but are there any other forums with good info?

Looks like the 99-01's are weaker on HP, driveline and gears. But they are less popular and cheaper I guess? So ideally we'd want to look for a 03-04, but it will cost a bit more since they are heavily sought after.

Someone said that the 5.4 stock motors on these blow out easily after a WOT downshift at highway speeds. I'm guessing the rods are to blame there? Do they have a forged motor or this is only a forged crankshaft?

Any good performance Lightning internet shops?

Any other info is appreciated.

Thank you,

Josh