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The Features of the 1993 Ford F150
Besides introducing the “Lightning,” not much changed in the F150 from 1992 to 1993. The best-selling pickup continued to roll off the assembly lines, although there were some minor changes in trim levels.
Overview
The most significant change was dropping the Custom name as the base model. The XL would now serve in that capacity, and at least for one year, XLT would cover both the mid-level and top tiers.
The “Nite” edition would not be continued after two years in production. (Ford did not want to confuse folks with the unveiling of the Lightning). Cab configurations and engine choices remained intact.
The SVT Lightning
When Ford unveiled the new SVT Lightning in late 1992, it was in direct response to the Chevrolet Silverado 454 SS that had been released in ‘90. (Despite attempts to hype the powerful truck, the Chevrolet never caught on). Despite weak sales, and although only a limited number had been made, the performance truck had created some buzz, and Ford decided to release its high-performance half-ton.
The SVT Lightning was a beast. The truck was equipped with a high-output 5.8L V8, with GT40 cylinder heads and a less restrictive exhaust. The engine screamed when engaged, producing 240 hp and 340 lb/ft of torque. Ford also employed world-famous Indy driver Jackie Stewart to upgrade the truck’s handling and steering mechanisms.
In addition, the rear-wheel drive truck received an upgraded suspension, a hefty rear axle, improved stabilizer bars, gas-powered shocks, and wide tires, improving the ride. With the 17” aluminum wheels and the monochromatic grille (there wasn’t a speck of chrome anywhere).
Above all, the Lightning was fast. Very fast. It could push 0-60 mph in seven seconds and had a quarter mile time of 15.5 seconds. These times put it on the scale of most muscle cars (it could beat some sports cars). Ford owners referred to the new vehicle as a “Mustang GT with a cargo box.”
Initially, it was offered only a 4 x 2 Regular Cab in Red or Black, with a 6 ¾ ‘ bed (Ford added white as a choice for the following year). Ford produced a little over 5200 units the first year, mostly because of the outrageous price of $21k.
Trim Levels/Cab Configurations
Ford continued the F150 in three trim levels but replaced the Custom line with XL. While the Nite package was dropped, The Flareside was offered for another year. The Flareside was built as a short bed truck in 4x2 or 4x4 versions with two-tone paint schemes.
The standard F150 truck continued in Regular and SuperCab configurations, with the choice of a 6 ¾’ or 8’ bed. Two-wheel and four-wheel drive options were available.
Exterior
The 1993 F150 continued with the new front fascia that had been fashioned the year before with the introduction of the ninth generation. The large grille and headlight treatments were the same, and truck’s hood lines were molded to improve its aerodynamics.
Ford had lengthened the ninth-gen F-series by about three inches, although the wheelbase stayed the same as in other years. The additional inches increased the cab volume.
For 1993, Ford stayed with the same color palette used for Regular Cab models. For the SuperCab, they added colors like Wild Strawberry, Light Mocha, Medium Mocha, Mocha Frost, or even Mdium Platinum. Interiors were either Scarlet Red, Medium Mocha, Dark Charcoal, or in some rare cases, Crystal Blue.
Engine
Ford continued to offer the same engine lineup as before, with the 4.9L inline-six as the standard and the 5.0L V8 and the 5.8L V8 as options. All engines were EFI (electronic fuel injected).
Transmission
The five-speed manual with overdrive transmission was standard for the F150, with an option for a 4-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (E40D), or 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (AOD - E). Ford offered the automatic electric touch drive as an option on 4WD, allowing drivers to access the off-road capability with the flick of a button. Automatic locking hubs were options. Manual locking hubs were standard.
Interior
The interior continued with its same design as the 1992 model. Ford had set the dashboard back at an angle to provide more cabin room and better visibility of the instrument panel or environmental controls. The steering wheel integrated command buttons and power window and lock controls into the armrests for ease of convenience.
New power lumbar support was included on the XLT. The PowerPoint electrical adapter was standard on all models so that their sales brochure said customers could “plug items like coffee pots or electric shavers during break time.”
The XL trim was moved to the lower tier in 1993, making it the new base trim level. The XLT covered the mid and upper trim levels (depending on the packages and options ordered). While the XL still featured vinyl seats, a black steering wheel, and black rubber floor coverings, several options usually reserved for higher trims were allowed as options. Customers could upgrade their radios or add air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, and cruise control.
The mid-XLT trim level featured a cloth flight bench seat with power lumbar support. Air-conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo with a digital clock were standard. Most mid-level XLTs carried the 503A (Preferred Equipment Package 1). Other items like a cassette player or cruise control were sold as optional equipment.
The upper tier XLT trim carried the 507A Preferred Equipment Package, but it included tilt steering, cruise, and chrome-styled steel wheels as nominal items. While the same cloth flight bench was standard, customers could opt for Captain’s chairs with power lumbar support and a deep center console if they purchased a SuperCab with a rear bench seat.
Many other options were available, including extra insulation in the headliner and doors, dual fuel tanks, an AM/FM stereo with cassette, and a chrome rear step bumper. New items like remote keyless entry, hood covers, and bed liners were options customers could pay for.
What Are The Specs For The 1993 Ford F 150?
What Is a 1993 Ford F150 Worth Today?
Hagerry states that a 1993 F150 in good condition is worth $10,200. A used Lightning truck in good condition will fetch close to $25k. For a review of free listings of 1993 F-Series trucks on sale, vehicle history, and consumer reviews, see the classiccars.com website. .
