I am looking for opinions about the swap from a Ford Lightning to an SRT-8. What do you like better about the Jeep vs. the Ford? Anything that you miss about the Ford?

I currently have a 04 Ford Lightning with about every bolt-on. It has more than enough power but I really want something that is AWD.

I already have a loan pre-approved, I guess I'm looking for someone to push me over the edge. I figure an SRT-8 forum is the right place. :)

Any issues with 2006 models I should be aware of?

I had an '02 Lightning that I had modded quite a bit. I put over 100,000 miles on it before I sold it to buy my '07 SRT8 Jeep. I also had a '93 Lightning that I put over 200,000 on with no engine mods whatsoever. The '02 had WAY more power than my (stock) SRT does, was a lot quicker (after 60 feet, but not before), and would pull a heavier trailer. The SRT handles better, stops better, has room for my daughter's car seat (she's 3 today!), and my 100 pound Labrador Retriever. In the rain, the Jeep absolutely stomps the crap out of the Lighting, especially from a standing start, and being able to get four other people in it is a major plus. Don't know about any particular issues with the '06 SRT8 Jeeps, besides the all-too-common crappy Goodyear tires.

I miss my Lightning, but the Jeep has ended up being a better vehicle for my needs.

Eric

I had a white 2002 Lightning I sold last year. Awesome trucks! I miss the sound of the blower. But I might be buying the new tvs2300 kit from Magnacharger and that should cure that!
I like the Jeep better over all because it's much quieter of a ride. If you get one with some of the avalible options there are much more luxurious. Such as moonroof, nav, steering wheel controls, back up camera, heated seats, adjustable pedals, a lot better radio, rear DVD entertainment. The AWD and 4 door just tops it off.
How's that for a push! Lol

Thanks for your input. I figure I will add an intake, tune, exhaust, etc at least to the SRT-8. That should get it in the 12's, right?

I was hoping to drive my friends lightning this weekend & have him drive my jeep & see what he thinks...lol heres his modded lightning with headers,exhaust,pully swap,dyno tune,drop kit & some sorta aftermarket wheels & tires vs me when I was still new,I had paper plates,afe intake,corsa catback & tune. I ran a 12.93 this run & honestly forgot what he ran.He has a nice rig though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U4O_kBThFY

lets see some pic's of your beast!

Thanks for your input. I figure I will add an intake, tune, exhaust, etc at least to the SRT-8. That should get it in the 12's, right?

Yup easily in the high 12's for sure like a 12.80 at 105 mph! Could be faster though!

I believe if the Jeep will run 12's I won't be able to notice much off a power difference if any. Especially since the Lightning's power is not as street friendly.

I sold my lightning when I found out my wife was pregnant and our family was growing. I loved the lightning and would like to have another someday. So I went out and bought the baddest station wagon I could find. no regrets at all with the SRT8.

I had a Lightning with a built motor, transmission and swapped the blower for a Kenne Bell with 20 lbs of boost. Did 636rwhp and 737 rwtq on a Mustang dyno.
Loved it. I use my Jeep for business and needed and back seat.
Two totally different vehicles and love both.

Well, I sat in one for the first time today. I must say that they have a much nicer interior. Didn't have time to drive it, plan to tomorrow.

You might want to check out wkjeeps.com to see the difference by model year. It might convince you that you really want the 2009 instead (the year with the best and most options).

i had an 04. just had a CAI and Magnaflow dual in/dual out muffler. it was ok, but i don't miss it at all. i traded it in on an 04 4wd Nissan Titan. i got the SRT8 for the wife a while back and i'd say that the Jeep is a better all around vehicle. i like driving the Jeep far more than i ever did the Lightning.

good luck

I have both, a 2000L and the '06 GSRT8. Had the L for 9 years, put a whipple on it a year or so ago. Don't drive it much, the Jeep is my DD and I love it...Jeep feels faster but the Lightning will beat it down the 1/4 mile. The Jeep is more comfortable to drive by far...my $.02

I had a 2001 L that I added CAI, pulley, ported TB and plenum, upgraded trans, lowered and magnaflow. I loved the truck. It was fast but getting the rear to hook from the start was not easy. I traded the L for an 05 Vette. I loved the L but I love my new SRT more. I like having more interior room and a nicer interior with more options. I am still stock so my L would beat my Jeep in a 1/4 mi but I know I would get it off the line.

If you are looking for a really quick pickup that will also tow the boat to the lake get the L. If you want a fast vehicle that will take your family to the beach in comfort get the Jeep.

I have an 07 Jeep and an 04 L. The Jeep is my DD and it's faster. I love the Lightning for what it is, a truck that can haul stuff. The Jeep is more fun to drive and a lot more practical. If I could only keep one, I'd keep the Jeep.

I had an 01 Silver Lightning a while ago. Ported Eaton, 6lb pulley, exhaust, intake, tune. Put down 422 RWHP and 508 ft lbs torque. The SRT8 is so much nicer though, it's better all around.

Well to me they are essentially apples and oranges.I love my Jeep to death but it is fastly approaching non DD status for me.I am looking to possibly buy a Sonic Blue Lightning in a few weeks.That is just a beautiful vehicle(except for the dumb taillights)
That would be my daily driver.Looks like each of us are across the fence from one another Lol.
RaceRat,what is done to yours to run the 12.9?I swear I wouldn't mod it,but we all know that battle.

I HAD 3 Lightinings (93, 01 & 04) 3 Cobras (94, 03 & now 98)
Loved them all, but the Jeep is where it's at.

The first time I whooped my brother's 07 GT500 shelby... (killed it) it was too awesome for words.
He was so mad all he could do was laugh.

Lightnings are and always will be cool, but Jeep is superior........

When I hit the Powerball, I will have a barn full of cool cars ! :-)

I'd look for an 08/09 Jeep they come with more options than the 06/07, plus the 06 was the first year with all new model qwirks like upshift in manual not available, the one touch lane change feature for the blinker, nav, rear camera etc were not on the 06 I love my 07 but like the 08 color read out of the cool blue, touch screen nav, mygig, oem stock headlights, etc..

I agree with WS6TA above... you may want to look into the 09's & 10's if you can. They have much nicer interiors and added features you won’t get on the early years. I started out looking used at 06’s and 07’s but after I saw the steering wheel difference on the 08+ I changed my search criteria. Ended up going brand new at the end of the day with all the dealer incentives. Check out wkjeeps.com

IDK about the steering wheel to me the 07 has the best looking one the 08+ look ugly compared to the 07 steering wheel especially the center JEEP crest.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/texastourist/mercedes/3283476117_df2a421405_o.jpg

IDK about the steering wheel to me the 07 has the best looking one the 08+ look ugly compared to the 07 steering wheel especially the center JEEP crest.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y283/texastourist/mercedes/3283476117_df2a421405_o.jpg



08+ though went to a much beefier gauge / thickness wheel for fit and feel (plus added the carbon fiber look / feel to the leather too). My 06 Charger SRT8 had the beefy wheel in the 08+ and when I sat in a few 06’s and 07’s that was one of my major concerns when originally looking. Once you have a beefy sporty wheel its hard to go back to a slender one.
All of the years have some cool little features though and to each is own.

08+ though went to a much beefier gauge / thickness wheel for fit and feel (plus added the carbon fiber look / feel to the leather too). My 06 Charger SRT8 had the beefy wheel in the 08+ and when I sat in a few 06’s and 07’s that was one of my major concerns when originally looking. Once you have a beefy sporty wheel its hard to go back to a slender one.
All of the years have some cool little features though and to each is own.

lol that's funny because that's the biggest thing i noticed about the 07 i test drove, the steering wheel bothered me so much. so skinny and stiff. thought i was the only weirdo.