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The SVT F-150 Lightning concept
Ford’s bold vision for a third-generation SVT F-150 Lightning sport truck
emerged from a powerful new-product cloudburst at the 2003 North American
International Auto Show.
The SVT Lightning concept was a surprise during Ford’s unveiling of the all-new
2004 F-150. Launching a “Whole New Era of Built Ford Tough,” the new F-150 is an
all-new full-size pickup architecture designed for more power, refinement and
unprecedented driving dynamics capability. It is the star of Ford Motor
Company’s biggest-ever wave of new-product introductions at the dawn of its
Centennial year.
“We are excited about the new F-150, because it will provide an outstanding
platform for the next-generation Lightning,” says Tom Scarpello, marketing and
sales manager for Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT). “The SVT F-150 Lightning
concept hints at what we could do with Lightning and sends a signal that we
don’t intend to give up our dominance of the sport truck market.”
The SVT F-150 Lightning concept features a six-speed manual transmission,
independent rear suspension and a 500-horsepower supercharged V-8. It is a
powerful combination aimed at extending SVT Lightning’s supremacy into the
future.
Since it was introduced in 1993, the Ford SVT F-150 Lightning has been the
undisputed sport truck king, making a name for itself as the “World’s Fastest
Production Pickup.” Ten years later, competitors are finally bringing Lightning
imitators to market. John Coletti, director, SVT Programs, welcomes the
challenge.
“It will be nice to finally have a little cross-town rivalry,” Coletti said.
“But we have no intention of being overshadowed on our home turf. The SVT
Lightning Concept showcases technology we’re developing to meet the competition
head-on.”
Cool Technology Takes Power to New Levels
Under the hood
Coletti’s team fit the SVT Lightning concept with an all-aluminum, 5.4-liter
DOHC supercharged and intercooled V-8 engine conservatively rated at 500
horsepower and 500 foot pounds of torque (SAE net). And while they were at it,
they invented and patented a speed secret for those times when even that much
power just isn’t enough.
Ford’s patented SuperCooler technology cleverly provides a special burst of
power for the SVT Lightning concept. Traditional intercoolers dissipate heat
from the supercharged air by circulating coolant through a front-mounted,
air-cooled radiator. With the SuperCooler system, the vehicle’s air conditioning
system is used to chill a small storage tank of coolant to about 30 degrees
Fahrenheit.
On demand, the SuperCooler system switches the intercooler flow from its normal
circulation and dumps the chilled coolant into the engine’s intercooler. In
turn, the intercooler dissipates up to 20 percent more heat from the charge air
– resulting in a denser air charge.
A green light on the instrument panel indicates the system’s readiness.
SuperCooler is activated automatically when the driver depresses the accelerator
to a wide-open-throttle position.
“This technology plays directly into the hands of the enthusiast,” Coletti says.
“The SuperCooler provides the edge for the driver, and it is done simply by
taking advantage of the hardware that already exists in the vehicle.”
As a result of this cool technology, the SVT Lighting concept can give its
driver as much as 50 transient horsepower for short bursts of 30-45 seconds and
regenerate within 2 minutes under normal driving conditions. While its effect is
similar to that of an aftermarket nitrous oxide system, the SuperCooler is
completely self-contained, environmentally friendly and regenerative.
The SVT Lightning concept engine features a Lysholm, screw-type supercharger,
paired with both an intercooler and the new SuperCooler system. The 32-valve,
double-overhead-cam powerplant boasts Manley connecting rods, two fuel injectors
per cylinder and high-performance heads similar to those on the limited-edition
2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R.
Exhaust gases escape through free-flowing headers and dual side pipes, producing
a classic American V-8 rumble. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a
six-speed manual transmission. The same Tremec T-56 transmission is used in the
2003 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra. In keeping with the performance nature of the SVT
Lightning, the short-throw, console-mounted shifter is more like that of a
sports car than a traditional pickup’s long-shaft, floor mounted shift lever.
SVT Lightning Concept’s Driving Dynamics
The SVT F-150 Lightning concept features an independent rear suspension and
SVT’s famous attention to every detail of the suspension, steering and braking
systems for driving dynamic capabilities that match the sport truck’s awesome
power.
The concept truck’s handling potential is immediately apparent, evidenced by
massive 22-inch cast aluminum wheels that convey power even standing still. The
wheels are wrapped in hand-cut Goodyear P295/40R22 tires in front and P325/45R22
tires at the rear.
Visible through the six-spoke wheels are equally impressive Brembo brakes –
six-piston calipers in front, four-piston at the rear – mated to platter-size,
380-millimeter, cross-drilled ventilated discs.
SVT engineers chose to fit an independent rear suspension (IRS) system to the
Lightning concept in lieu of F-150’s standard Hotchkiss type solid rear axle
with leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers. The IRS unit was adapted from
the Ford Expedition.
“The new architecture of the F-150 made it easier for us to adapt the
independent rear suspension system,” says Jeff Feit, SVT Lightning chassis and
powertrain engineer. “This allowed us to reduce unsprung weight even further and
fine-tune the handling in true SVT style.”
The front suspension is derived from the new F-150, with the upper control arms
modified to accommodate the oversized wheel and tires. The new rack-and-pinion
steering system of the F-150 contributes to the SVT Lightning concept truck’s
steering precision.
Quick-Out-of-the-Box Design
The new SVT Lightning concept isn’t just built for speed off the line. It was
designed to be quick out of the box, thanks to a new F-150 modular design
architecture that’s geared to flexibility. That made it possible to show off the
new SVT Lightning concept as a possible derivative of the new F-150 immediately
at the truck’s public unveiling.
“Modular design lends itself to special editions like this,” says Craig Metros,
F-150 chief designer. “Changing details such the front grille, the side body
panels and interior trim transforms the truck. The result is a specialized,
high-performance model, far from being just a wheel-and-tire package.”
The SVT Lightning concept is based on the new Regular Cab F-150 Flareside model,
finished in Liquid Silver Metallic and dripping with performance character. In
keeping with SVT Lightning tradition, the concept only has two doors. The rear
access doors on the new Regular Cab F-150 are replaced on the concept with
longer front doors and fixed B-pillars. Other SVT design cues include
electro-luminescent gauges, side exhausts, clear taillights and round foglights.
Stunning Performance Interior
The interior builds on the craftsmanship and meticulous detailing of the all-new
2004 F-150
The stunning interior of the SVT Lightning concept perhaps best illustrates the
benefits of adapting F-150’s modular design architecture. It builds on the
craftsmanship and meticulous detailing of the all-new 2004 F-150, according to
Jim Smithbauer, F-150 design manager.
“The luxurious Lariat interior was a perfect starting point for the SVT
Lightning concept,” Smithbauer says. “The color and trim emphasize the SVT
Lightning concept’s aggressive character, while the seat bolsters and
console-mounted shifter make the perfect cockpit for the performance enthusiast.
The dash and center console are accented with Liquid Silver Metallic to match
the exterior. The seats are covered in Mustard Yellow leather, complemented by
Ebony carpet and door trim. Even subtle changes emphasize performance, like the
red engine start button and the electro-luminescent gauges — an SVT trademark.”
Another emphasis on performance is the manual gearbox instead of the
top-of-the-line F-150 Lariat’s automatic transmission. Most pickups with a
manual transmission have shifters mounted on the floor. The SVT Lightning
concept employs a flow-through center console, enabling a short-throw shifter
reminiscent of a sports car.
Electrifying Exterior
The profile of the SVT Lightning concept is dominated by 22-inch tires mounted
on Gunmetal Gray alloy wheels. The work of F-150 designer Michael Trump, the
wheels feature a sculpted, flush face and positive offset for aggressive
strength resonating the F-150 “Built Ford Tough” character.
The roofline is slightly chopped for a streamlined, aggressive look. The panels
below the waterline (a horizontal character line that connects the front and
rear bumpers) are sharply sculpted to give the sport truck a more purposeful
profile. Integrated into these lower panels on both sides are dual exhausts.
The 61⁄2-foot Flareside bed has smoothed side steps, a hard tonneau cover
and an aerodynamic spoiler at the top of the tailgate. Aerodynamics also
influenced the rear of the SVT Lightning concept, where twin venturi tunnels
wrap under the rear bumper. The tunnels are designed to increase stability at
high speeds by reducing turbulence and generating rear downforce.
Above the rear bumper, the SVT Lightning concept has unique taillights featuring
a three-element design and a complex reflector showcased under a clear lens.
Unlike the production F-150, the grille of the SVT Lightning concept is separate
from the hood, creating a continuous arch from headlight to headlight. The
effect, according to Ford Tough Truck designer Damon Depeyster, is an
“aggressive, menacing brow.” To further accent the aggressive visage, Depeyster
created a new lower fascia that incorporates SVT’s trademark round fog lights,
and a new hood with functional air induction vents.
The design detail doesn’t stop on the exterior of the SVT F-150 Lightning
concept hood. Inside, the engine bay is meticulously detailed. The engine is
topped by a Performance Red air intake, in homage to ‘60s American muscle cars.
The supercharged, aluminum 5.4-liter V-8 is completely chromed and polished and
capped with “Powered by Ford” valve covers.
“This is a performance truck,” says Metros. “So the engine bay had to be all
business, all performance. It had to be clean and sophisticated, with an
unobstructed view of the engine. It had to be the ideal of the perfect engine,
like that of a custom hot rod.”
Adding Voltage to SVT’s Sport Truck Heritage
The Ford SVT Lightning concept marks the coming of a future third generation of
the “World’s Fastest Production Pickup.” It arrives as the Ford Special Vehicle
Team celebrates its 10th anniversary and Ford Motor Company is kicking off its
Centennial year. Since its introduction as a 1993 model, the Ford SVT F-150
Lightning has dominated the sport truck market. By the end of 2003, about 36,000
SVT Lightning pickups will be on the road.
The SVT Lightning has been constantly improved since its introduction, as output
has jumped from the original’s 240 to today’s 380 horsepower. Acceleration has
improved accordingly, with official 0-60 mph times dropping from an impressive
7.6 seconds to a scorching 5.8 seconds.
The Ford SVT Lightning concept making its world debut at the 2003 North American
International Auto Show hints that the next-generation SVT Lightning will raise
the bar even farther, and continue to dominate in the sport truck arena.
As it celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2003, SVT’s lineup currently includes
the SVT Mustang Cobra, SVT F-150 Lightning and SVT Focus. With more than 100,000
vehicles sold, the Ford Special Vehicle Team has become a leader in factory
high-performance vehicle development, marketing and sales.
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Type |
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Longitudinally mounted, single overhead cam, 90-degree
Triton™ V8, supercharged / intercooled, cast-iron block, aluminum alloy
heads, forged steel crankshaft |
Bore x stroke |
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90mm x 105.6mm |
Displacement: |
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5,410cc/330cid |
Compression ratio: |
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8.4:1 |
Horsepower: |
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380 hp @ 4,750 rpm |
Torque: |
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450 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm |
Specific output: |
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70.2 horsepower per liter |
Redline: |
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5,250 rpm (fuel shut-off occurs at 5,400 rpm) |
Valvetrain: |
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Single overhead camshafts, chain drive, roller-finger
followers with hydraulic lash adjustment, beehive valve springs, two valves
per cylinder |
Intake valves: |
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One per cylinder, 44.5mm head diameter |
Exhaust valves: |
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One per cylinder, 36mm head diameter |
Fuel system: |
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Sequential electronic fuel injection, Premium
calibration |
Induction system: |
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Pressure-charged Eaton Corporation Generation IV
Roots-type supercharger, water to air intercooler in "vee" |
Supercharger: |
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8.0 psi pressure |
Throttle body: |
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Dual-bore 57mm |
Mass-air sensor: |
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90mm diameter |
Exhaust manifolds: |
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Cast-iron tuned header-style manifolds |
Exhaust system: |
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Tuned dual exhaust, ceramic-coated dual side-exit
exhaust tips |
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DRIVETRAIN |
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Transmission |
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Four-speed automatic (4R100) |
Driveshaft |
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4.5-inch diameter aluminum |
Final drive |
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3.73:1 |
Rear axle |
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9.75-inch ring gear with limited-slip differential |
Gear |
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Ratio |
Maximum
Speed
in Gear |
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1st |
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2nd |
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3rd |
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4th |
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Reverse |
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SUSPENSION |
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Front: |
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Short- and long-arm type, coil springs, tubular
gas-charged Bilstein shock absorbers, 31mm solid stabilizer bar |
Rear: |
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Solid axle, staggered gas-charged Bilstein shock
absorbers, five-leaf springs, 23mm solid stabilizer bar |
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STEERING |
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Type: |
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Recirculating ball, power assist |
Gear ratio: |
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14.0:1 |
Turns, lock-to-lock: |
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3.3 |
Turning diameter: |
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44.3 ft. |
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BRAKES |
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Front: |
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12.1 in. (308mm) vented disc, twin-piston caliper |
Rear: |
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13.1 in. (334mm) vented disc, single-piston caliper |
ABS: |
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Four-wheel, three-sensor system |
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WHEELS AND TIRES |
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Wheels: |
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18 x 9.5 in., five-spoke cast aluminum-alloy, painted
surface, with locking lug nuts |
Tires: |
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Goodyear™ Eagle F1-GS™, 295/45ZR-18, unidirectional
tread |
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DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES |
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Wheelbase: |
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119.8 in. (3,043mm) |
Length: |
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208 in. (5,283mm) |
Height: |
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70.9 in. (1,801mm) |
Width: |
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79.1 in. (2,009mm) |
Track, f/r : |
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65.3 in. / 65.3 in. (1,661mm / 1,661mm) |
Head Room: |
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40.8 in. (1,036mm) |
Leg Room: |
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40.9 in. (1,039mm) |
Shoulder Room: |
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63.8 in. (1,621mm) |
Hip Room: |
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61.0 in. (1,549mm) |
Curb Weight : |
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4,670 lbs. (2,120 kg) |
Fuel Capacity : |
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25 gallons (94.62 liters) |
Weight Distribution, f/r: |
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57% / 43% |
Payload: |
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1350 lbs. (612 kg) |
Towing Capacity: |
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5,000 lbs. (2,270 kg) |
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COLOR AND TRIM |
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Exterior |
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Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat |
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Bright Red Clearcoat |
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Sonic Blue Clearcoat |
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Black Clearcoat |
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Oxford White Clearcoat |
Interior |
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Medium Graphite cloth with textured leather Ebony
accents, leather door trim |
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SVT
F-150 LIGHTNING INCLUDES |
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Driver and passenger airbags with passenger-side deactivation switch.
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(Always wear your safety belt and deactivate passenger
airbag when using a rear-facing child safety seat.) |
Antilock Braking System |
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(ABS) |
SecuriLock passive antitheft system |
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SVT suspension tuning, with lowered ride height |
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40/60 bench seating. |
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Six-way power for driver's seat, with cloth/leather
trim and specially designed lateral bolstering |
Leather-wrapped, 4-spoke tilt steering wheel |
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Premium electronic AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD player |
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Power Equipment Group: |
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Dual electric remote-control outside mirrors, power
side windows, power door locks |
Super Engine Cooling and Auxiliary Transmission Cooler packages |
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Engine oil cooler |
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Air conditioning |
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(manual control) |
Speed control |
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Electroluminescent SVT white-faced gauge pack |
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including supercharger boost gauge |
Dark tint sliding rear window |
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Unique SVT and Lighting badging |
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Floor mats |
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Remote keyless illuminated entry |
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with touch-key pad |
SVT-unique headlight, taillight, side marker and fog lights with clear,
crystalline lenses |
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Towing Group, Class III |
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OPTIONS |
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Tonneau cover (soft) |
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Ford bedliner |
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