Hi everyone my name is Ramjv and I'm a proud new owner of a 2003 ford lightning! I just sold my 300zx twin turbo and bought the lightning and I'm trying to learn as much as I can from here
In my opinion, if you want a fun truck, and want to start spending money.
Do all maintenance, filters and fluids. Depending on budget hold off for plugs for a future mod.
Get a valve body. Punisher valve bodies, or A1 Transmission. Either is great, neither will disappoint.
Buy a handheld tuner, lower pulley, belt, and plugs from a reputable lightning tuner(JDM, JLP, JJ @ WMS, many more). If you get a 6lb lower, get a MAF with it.
Get some basic gauges, fuel pressure and wideband are a must.
Put some exhaust on the truck(if you plan to delete the cats, do this and have the tuner you bought your tune from update your tune.)
Put a CAI if you feel like spending unnecessary money.
Buy traction bars