First, a bit about getting a Thunderbolt. These vehicles will be sold as original equipment straight from your Ford dealer and all Thunderbolts are completely covered by Ford’s manufacturer’s warranty. Choose from one of three colors (black, bright red, and Oxford white), then just ask for Option Codes 31L and D9P. Your Ranger, on it’s way to your dealer from the assembly plant, makes a quick (three to five day) stop in Kentucky. Here, SLP will transform your truck with their mix of upgrades — read on for the details. When it arrives at your dealer for you to pick up, it’s as if all the options had been installed by Ford itself.
The Thunderbolt base package for 2003 includes several visual upgrades:
- Non-Functional Hood Scoop
- Monochromatic Side-Body Cladding and Rear Roll Pan
- Three Exterior Badges
- Single Outlet Exhaust Tip
- Thunderbolt Logo Wheel Center Caps
- Monochromatic Grille, Front Bumper, and Fascia Extension
- Thunderbolt Headrest Appliques
Once the base package is added, three appearance / performance option packages are available:
Thunderbolt Level I
- Front Fascia Fog Lamps
- Soft Tonneau Cover
- Rear Lip Spoiler
Thunderbolt Level II
- Front Fascia Fog Lamps
- Soft Tonneau Cover
- Rear Lip Spoiler
- Performance Package
Thunderbolt Level III
- Front Fascia Fog Lamps
- Performance Package
- Hard Tonneau Cover
The performance package, with its combination of improved air inflow (via an under-hood cold air box, and exhaust outflow (courtesy of a cat-back exhaust system with dual outlets) increases the engine output by about eight percent (to 160 hp for the 3.0L V6 and 222 hp for the 4.0L V6).
On top of the base package and the three appearance/performance packages, several options are available for 2003:
- 16-inch Tremor Wheels and Bridgestone P235/65R16 Dueler H/T BSW Tires
- 15-inch Five-spoke, Aluminum Wheels
- Hoop Spoiler (available with Level III only)
- Handling Package (available with Level II and Level III only)
- Exterior Graphics
- Body Color Rear Bumper
- Thunderbolt Floor Mats & Key Chains (combo)
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.