When a manufacturer doesn't make something you want, you have to make it yourself. In the case of a truck, that may sound like an extremely daunting task to accomplish. Well, that all depends on what you are trying to complete. In the case of our blue steed here, it was a simple matter of making a mini out of a fullsize.
Jonathan Garcia of Cerritos, California, decided Ford left a hole in the Ranger line by not creating a downsized Lightning. If you are familiar with the Ford truck lineup, then you know the factory-lowered Lightning's main attribute is its killer supercharged motor pushing some serious ponies. So how about the mini version? It started with a trip to Explorer Express in Richmond, California.
Explorer Express is the manufacturer of the kit that propels Ford's 4.0L V-6 to new levels of power. An Eaton Roots-type blower sits squarely on top of the intake to shove an additional 6 psi of atmosphere down all six cylinders. Attached to the side of the huffer is one of Explorer Express' high-flow intakes. Minus any other performance modifications, the X-Charger is good for 75 additional horsepower at the rear wheels. Moving all compressed gas away from the heated cylinders is the duty of a 2-1/2-inch Bassani stainless after-cat exhaust. When this pony is sitting still, you can catch a glimpse of the dual-tipped exhaust exiting just in front of the rear wheel on the passenger side.
The Lightning F-150 has some stylish body reworking from the manufacturer, and we like how tastefully Jonathan applied the theme to his chariot. Beginning with the bug-catching side, a custom lower valance was bolted into place beneath the front bumper. Helping to light the twisty canyon roads are PIAA driving lights. FMS Automotive supplied the stainless mesh inserts in both the main grille and lower valance. Widening up the look of this Ranger are front and rear fender flares, as well as a body kit applied under the doors and bed. Bringing up the rear is dutifully handled by a one-off roll pan that replaces the bulky factory tailgater repeller. For added measure, a SnugTop tonneau encloses the bed. The only thing anyone is going to see if they mess with this Ranger are the carbon-look APC taillights.