From Azure Blue XLT to Anti-Matter Blue Flash

Rishie’s 2025 Ford Lightning Flash is actually his second Lightning. The first was an Azure Blue XLT, and while he liked the color, Anti-Matter Blue was always the one he wanted. The SmartCap also stood out more than he wanted against the brighter Azure finish.

When Ford introduced the Flash trim alongside 0% financing for 72 months, Rishie decided it was worth moving on from the XLT despite taking a loss on a truck that had only a driver-side power seat. The Flash brought the equipment he had been missing: dual power seats, the larger screen, trailer brake controller, vinyl seats, and the Anti-Matter Blue color he wanted from the start.

Once the truck was locked in, the build moved quickly. The SmartCap transferred over first, joined by a BedRug Impact BedMat to make the bed more useful without giving up protection.

Next came the stance and suspension. The Lightning’s factory positive rake was more than Rishie wanted, so he chose an Eibach Pro Lift Kit Stage 1 with shocks and springs. The adjustable spring-perch setup gave him the ability to level the truck while accounting for the added weight of the SmartCap. The submitted setup is described as a 3.5-inch lift with the rear leveled.

Lifting the truck also meant getting the alignment range back where he wanted it. An SPC adjustable front upper control arm added camber and caster adjustment, while SPC camber/caster bolts at the subframe gave him additional control over alignment and wheel placement in the fender.

The final piece brought some of Rishie’s JDM influence into the truck: 18×9 RAYS 57 DR-X wheels in Dark Bronze with a +20 offset, paired with 305/70R18 Toyo AT3EV tires. The setup gives the Lightning a more aggressive poke while keeping the build focused on everyday usability.

The part that surprised him most came after everything was installed. According to Rishie, the lift, more aggressive wheel fitment, and AT3EV tires did not produce a noticeable loss in driving range—an outcome that made the Toyos one of the standout pieces of the build for him.