what changes were made between 2002 and 2003 on the lightning?

 

Wheels, more spark plug threads in the heads, I think a few interior changes, payload (2" higher in the rear). maybe some more thats all I can think of.

 

I beleive there was also the gear ratio change from 355 to 370
and the storage bin from behind the seat.

 

gears changed '01-up (3.73:1) vs. 3.55:1 for the '99-'00.
MAIN CHANGES FOR '03-'04:
1. Cylinder heads had more threads added (8 vs 4) for spark plugs during the '03 model year
2. New engine block with thicker main webbing than previous years
3. Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant now used vs. green coolant
4. Payload increases to 1,350 lbs from 800 lbs (rear sits higher)

More here:
http://users4.ev1.net/~txclark/alocindex.html

 

Not all 2003s have the updated heads. 2003s were on lots before the change even took place. Even after the date is stamped on the head, it goes through engine building and truck assembly.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...7549&anum=7528

 

I dropped ev1 a while back, free hosting now though it looks like LOL.
New link- http://www.austinsvt.com/forum/lightningspecsb.php

# Available in Black, Red, White, Sonic Blue and Gray
# New design for wheels
# Slight change in fog lights to prevent internal cracking
# 6-disc CD player now in-dash, no more cassette player
# Perforated steering wheel cover
# Brushed Finish Interior Door Handles added
# Locks on top of door panels are black vs. gray on previous years
# Glovebox handle changed, also centered vs. left side on previous years
# Storage/tool box behind seats is deleted
# Passenger seat child security buckles added
# Tinted section on top of windshield is deleted
# Courtesy lights on the door panels are replaced with a full reflector
# Cylinder heads had more threads added for spark plugs during the '03 model year
# New engine block with thicker main webbing than previous years
# Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant now used vs. green coolant
# Improved carpet material from Lincoln Navigator
# Payload increases to 1,350 lbs from 800 lbs (rear sits higher)

 

Are you sure? When I called SVT to get my build certificate I asked that very question and was told that all 2003 L's came with the revised heads. I said even the early 2003's and he said "all 2003's". So do you think he was just mis-informed about this or just bull-pooping me?

 

Check the stamp on your head if you question it. 2003s were on the lots a month before the 2002 date in question. The head in the photo is from a truck that was built one month before 2004 production ended. The head and engine was built a year earlier.

 

I just looked for it with a drop light and a hand held mirror but couldn't see it. The build date on my SVT certificate for my 03 says 02/20/2003 and was vehicle #1779 out of 4270, so either they made a whole boat load in January or your on the money that they made a bunch of them in 02'.

 

If you remove the front tires, the stamps are easy to find on both sides. You can also remove an easy to reach spark plug, wipe some anti-seize on the threads, install it, remove it and see how many spark plug threads with anti-seize had contact with the head threads. The difference should be apparent. Also, there are 3 separate dates: the head, the engine and the truck build. At each phase time elapses as the component is stored, transported and introduced into the line.