...and who sits in the back seats? Your children? The you guys drive?

...and have you ever driven with someone behind you in one of those little jump seats? They're right at your neck talking with their mouth about four inches from your ear. You can smell 'em, too.

...two seats. Passenger seat for my stuff.

Adios.

 

Sorry, I stuttered...

[I deleted the Dups - Doug]

[This message has been edited by Silver_2000_! (edited 04-18-2001).]

 

The wheelbase stretch for either truck (super cab or super crew) would be 19"s. This would be greatly beneficial to highspeed stability, as well as smoothing the ride. While the lenght and weight would comprimise handling slightly, not nearly to the extent you seem to belive, the rearward bias would certainly help those F1's last longer.
Again this would be a comprimise, one could now carry 4 people comfortably and in style I might add. If and when I did a Super Crew I would use the Roush suspension system, I drove a Roush Super Crew and I was really impressed with the handling. But the styling sucks.
My desire is to have something different than everyone else, the thing I hate is when people buy a great car or truck and become elitests about them in most cases these people created nothing other than the money to buy them. They think they are driving gods gift to the automotive world and that it cannot be improved upon. Get real people, innovation and imagination are what keep this hobby alive encourage your fellow hot rodder.
I garantee that I could build a Super Crew that would smoke an L on any curved road, and I could to it for a reasonable ammount of money too. I'd even ask my girlfriends (I could easily fit 4 in there) to flash you as we pass just so you don't feel so bad.
Face it the Lightning is one of the most practical performance vehicles on the market. Some people would be willing to sacrifice a little performance to get more practicality. Why do you think the last generation M3 came in Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible variants . . . people who can't afford 3+ vehicles need varying amounts of practicality from them.

The L is a great truck, and I just might own one this spring.

Gabe

 

Anyone that thinks they can take a extended cab or Super Cab, bolt on a few toys, and make it handle like the Lightning is smoking some wacky weed. I've got both an extended cab and a Lightning, and they aren't even in the same ballpark as far as dynamics. Even if you were to put a stiffer suspension and larger tires on a Ext cab or Super Cab, the extended chassis would flex terribly without a rollcage. You also have another 300+ lbs to haul around. For everyday 'sport' driving, you can approximate the overall feeling, but when you get serious about racing, the Lightning is way ahead of ANY other production truck. With some adjustable shocks and sticky tires the Lightning can challenge some serious sports cars, and some of our members have put in some time on road courses. Don't get me wrong...I'm not saying that if you threw enough money in a long truck that you couldn't get it to beat the Lighting in stock form; but to do so reliably, you would have to make some serious mods.

LocoSVT
00 Red Lightning

 

The best handling sport vehicles come in SHORT packages. Its nothing personal, its just the laws of physics.

 

I dunno, but I've seen a couple custom made ones on the street and in magazines.
They used an XLT SuperCab V-6 for the one I saw up close.
Built a 5.4L to the hilt, using Eaton Magnacharger (modified of course), and upgraded to the L tranny. New rear end out of a wrecked L, and front end from Ford Parts Dept. Looks just like a lightning, but with an extra 20 inches between the driver and the bed. I wish I had some pics. I will search for some and post on my web site.
www.bmgsite.com


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2000 Ford F-150 Extended Cab Flareside 4x4 Lariat
5.4L;auto;3.55LS;Black/Silver;ORP;remote keyless;floor-shift 4wd;Class 3
Mods so far:
Lund X-Terminator bug shield; Vent Shade Vent Visors; GTS headlight blackouts; Westin Black nerf bars; Pendaliner bedliner; Genuine Steel Products (Longtek Engineering) black Grille/Brush Guard; GTS Tail Blazer II Slotted taillight covers; Clear corner lenses; under hitch backup lights (for now); 2 KC Hilites Daylighter 6" 150W black round off-road lights
Pending
Crank torsion bars to level truck; Change gold 4x4 stickers to silver; 2 Polk Audio EX10 10" subs under rear seat
Wish list:
Roll bar; Lots of lights; Flowmaster 40 Series single to dual exhaust w/ 18" SS tips out back; Aluminum dash kit; Change factory striping to silver & black; White gauges; Optima red top battery; Hidden winch; Kenwood or Alpine TV/CD/AM/FM/DVD system w/ some thump; Viper alarm w/ remote start; Remote 5-spd Rancho RS9000s; 4" suspension & 3" body lift; 35"x12.5"x16" BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/As; 16"x10" aluminum wheels; 4.56 gears; Custom tonneu cover to fit around roll bar; A 18' - 26' boat to tag along behind

Please visit My Web Site (Updated Daily)
or e-mail me lariat4wd@yahoo.com

[This message has been edited by lariat4wd (edited 12-07-2000).]

 

Limos are long too. Guess that means that they handle better and are more stable at high speeds.

I should look into trading the L for a super stretch town car limo.

sheesh!!!

as i said b4....It's just wrong. Like a v6 in a vette, or a harley with CBR-like plastic instead of gleaming chrome...it would just be wrong.

------------------
2000 Red Lightning
95 Saleen S-351 Convertible/Triple Black
97 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

 

I know it's a matter of personal choice, but if someone likes the performance so much, shouldn't that apply to all their purchases? Unless they themselves have made compromises. I like my performance straight up. I've got a '93 L and '94 Honda CBR900RR. Chrome slows you down like an extended cab or a crewcab Lightning would. But then again, speed (and handling) costs money, how fast do you want to go.

I myself fall into the "it's never perfect from the factory" catagory. They make compromises for production to the masses. It wasn't designed personally for me. I racing striped my L just to be different. Even after 5 years now, no one has done an exact copy of my racing striped Lightning. When they do, I'll be painting it Gen2 silver. If you want to build a more than three passenger Lightning, go for it. You will be an original. I just hope you are prepared for the work. I think it would be cool, but I'd probably add go fast goodies to a extended cab or crewcab F-150. Might be easier to just add suspension and engine parts rather than cuting frame and totally disassembling a Lightning.

 

Daniniowa " I know it's a matter of personal choice, but if someone likes the performance so much, shouldn't that apply to all their purchases? Unless they themselves have made compromises. I like my performance straight up. I've got a '93 L and '94 Honda CBR900RR. Chrome slows you down like an extended cab or a crewcab Lightning would. But then again, speed (and handling) costs money, how fast do you want to go. "

uhhh....do you know what a harley is? They were never about speed. They are about cruising and style. Chrome would not be appropriate on a CBR anymore than plastic with neon colors would be appropriate on a harley. It was an analogy that I guess you missed.

And about everything having to be centered around performance...personally I have no interest in crotch rockets. For me...doing 150 on a bike is just foolish. That doesnt mean that I dont respect machines like the Hayabusa (spell?)...but its just not for me. Nothing wrong with having a well rounded personality.

It's not about the money....obviously.. since rice rockets are a hell of a lot cheaper than harelys.

When it comes to cars (and one certain truck) I like em to fly. Bikes...I like to put my feet up, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery and the outdoors. You gotta slow down sometimes and appreciate the surroundings.




------------------
2000 Red Lightning
95 Saleen S-351 Convertible/Triple Black
97 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

 

"Stretch the wheelbase for an extended cab, or God forbid, a supercrew, and you have a foul-handling, deathtrap-in-a-corner"

Really, is that why I see all of these Super Crews wrapped arround telephone polls, and Super Cabs up against gaurd rails.

"heavier/slower-performing"

Yes this is true, but one can always make more power. Some people would make this comprimise to allow their friends and family to join in their enjoyment.

"no-weight transfering"

Please qualify this, both of these trucks would have more mass than an L, but it would be closer to the rear axle which will help traction in these inherently tail light vehicles.

"bad-braking-dynamics, truck"

If one were to use the Lightning brakes the truck would still stop well. I belive they are sourced from the Super Duty which is designed to Tow over 10,000 lbs.

"I had a lariat extended cab before my lightning and the handling is not nearly as good. i would challenge anyone to try and follow me through the curves on any stock supercab."

Key words Lariat and Stock, if I were to build one this truck would not be either. My point is that a truck with the Lightning or Roush suspension would perform well, and even close to a Lightning.

"Anyone that thinks they can take a extended cab or Super Cab, bolt on a few toys, and make it handle like the Lightning is smoking some wacky weed."

My military service does not allow me such frivolous stupidity.

"Even if you were to put a stiffer suspension and larger tires on a Ext cab or Super Cab, the extended chassis would flex terribly without a rollcage."

Really, I guess Ford did not consider torsional rigidity when they designed the Super Cab and Super Crew, they probably fired the engineers after the short frame was designed and hired a bunch of retarded kids to section and weld the longer frames. Come on the F-150 all wheelbases is one of the most rigid small trucks of all time.

"You also have another 300+ lbs to haul around."

So I suppose your truck performs so much differently when you are alone and almost out of gas than it does when your girlfriend (approx 200 lbs) is with you and you have a full tank.

"For everyday 'sport' driving, you can approximate the overall feeling, but when you get serious about racing, the Lightning is way ahead of ANY other production truck."

No ***** that would be the purpose!!!!! I am serious about racing that is why I own 2 Mustangs!!!

"The best handling sport vehicles come in SHORT packages. Its nothing personal, its just the laws of physics."

Would you mind telling me which laws? The Lightning is anything but short. All of the top handling cars in the world have 90" to 100" wheelbases. They also weigh half as much, Ford has accomplished a lot with the Lightning, I would like to improve a Super Crew and belive I can match the L.

"Limos are long too. Guess that means that they handle better and are more stable at high speeds."

Damn you are an Idiot!! Either that or really juvenille. I never said a longer vehicle would handle better. When dealing with the scale of the vehicle we are talking about, a properly designed suspension can compensate for the 19" stretch.

A limo chassis although heavily braced, is inadequate for this comparison. Don't be silly. We are talking about a frame that was designed from the get go to be 19"s longer.

A top fuel dragster or LSR car has a long wheel base because of the stability offered at high speed. While neither type of car is known for its cornering ability, the engineers comprimised this inorder to gain high speed stability.

"...it would just be wrong"

If I were saying I was going to put a Chevy 454 in it I could understand it, but I still wouldn't say it. Is it wrong to improve a vehicle? So everyone on this board who does not own a Lightning but has made modifications to make their truck faster is wrong? Discouraging remarks have no place in the world of hot rodding. If you can prevent someone from harming themselves because they are considering something dangerous, do it. If you have legitimate technical info that you can back up provide it. If you have an unqualified opinion by all means share it, but do not expect the world to accept it as gospel.

"I just hope you are prepared for the work. I think it would be cool, but I'd probably add go fast goodies to a extended cab or crewcab F-150."

Work has never scared me, being different is fun. I would definitely start with a SuperCrew and add Lightning spec or better equipment. Especially because the Lightnings are somewhat limited production vehicles and I would not cut one up at the expense of another generation.

Why is it that you guys will not accept imitation as flattery. I love the Lightning, and might by one. I also think the Super Crew is a great truck and might be a more practical vehicle for me. But being the performance junkie I am I will probably improve either vehicle. If I did the SC I would not put SVT or Lightning badges on it because it would be neither. But the wheels and ground effects package have a nice clean look to them and I think they would look great on a Super Crew.

"Don't be hitting me with them negative waves so early in the morning."

Gabe
AKA: I want a Lightning limo so I can kill myself.

 

I know your military experiance doesnt allow it (cause no one has EVER done drugs in the military) but maybe you should smoke some of that wacky weed...cause you sound totally stresed out.

The limo thing was a joke....obviously. But anyway...everyone is entitled to their opinion..and I think an extended cab lighting would just be wrong. its not the gospel..just an opinion..one shared by many. I think an extended cab L is simply wrong...and it would not look good either.
this vehicle was never meant to appeal to the masses.

Yes it would be more practicle....so? A vette would be more practicle if it were a station wagon. That doesn't mean that it should be done...or that making it more practicle means that it is improved upon.

well anyway..hope that doesnt set you off into another childish banter of name callin...

have a beer..or something...u need to relax. learn to take a joke....and roll with it. maybe u had a stressfull day...but i can guarantee u that mine was worse....and I still got a smile!



------------------
2000 Red Lightning
95 Saleen S-351 Convertible/Triple Black
97 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

 

I am very relaxed, and I had a great day, but I do like to argue especially with apparently closed minded people. As far as drugs and military are concerned, I do not mix them, nor do I belive they should be mixed. I am not naieve I know drug use exists everywher. Childish? Yes I called you an idiot and if I were to base my opinion of you off of the limo comment then I would consider that accurate. The point is that you probably are not an idiot (I have no way of telling nor do I care) but that you felt I was unfairly judging you or your ideas. I have no idea who Mikey88 is and he has not responded yet but many people thrashed his idea and somewhat unfairly I belive. After all a Pantera, Cobra, or Corvette is a bar none sports car. A Lightning is a truck, that can hold its own with many performance cars.

I do not think more seats would make a Lightning better. I do think that a Blown 5.4 Super Crew with agressive suspension and brakes would be a pretty fun vehicle to drive. If some of the L's styling elements were included it make an otherwise plain truck pretty mean looking.

SuperCab/Crew Lightning = Not an improvement to the Lightning

Faster better handling Super Crew = Mega Improvement to the Super Crew

Don't get angry, I only used equal amounts of cynicism and heat as I read from other people.

Gabe

Oh and in the words of Homer Simpson . . . " I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer!"

 

This whole "dispute" is really a waste of time. SVE considered a supercab version when they were developing the 2nd generation truck. They trashcanned the idea. The at-the-limit handling was not acceptable, as too much understeer had to be dialed-in to compensate for the tail wanting to drag out of line. And rigidity was a factor. It simply was not up to the standard they wanted to meet with the Lightning, and they did not wish to put an SVT badge on a compromised vehicle. The Lightning is not about hauling the family, it's about hauling butt. Every inch of extra wheelbase increases lateral forces EXPONENTIALLY. Anyone who thinks they could build a BETTER-handling long truck is bending physics. By all means, if I had a supercab truck, I would want it to run and handle as good as possible! Just don't expect it to show up at the dealership with an SVT badge.

 

Just my thoughts, but I would not like to see anything else with our motors. I like the status we now have with our trucks and the simple fact that the resale value will always be high because of its limited production. And please keep our engines out of that ulgy a@# Harley thing that Ford calls a truck!!!!

------------------
97 Pacific Green Cobra #5538
Ex 99 Cobra owner
84 Mustang GT
2000 White Lightning
69 Dodge Coronet R/T

 

Well I read all of these responses and man I'm out of breath. I agree with several points made and never thought or said a Supercab L would be better or equal to the original. I actually Love the L but in my particular situation I need the supercab space. I have made several mods to my supercab and I am certain it does not come close to the L in performance or handling. I want an L very bad and as of the deal I just made today I will have one soon. I'm just not sure if I want the 00 or the 01. Thanks for the input and I look forward to joining the CLUB soon!!!

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1999 F-150 Lariat SC 2 WD, White/Silver, 5.4L, 3.55LS, K & N FIPK, Superchip, underdrive pulley set, Dynomax Super Turbo Series Exhaust, six disc CD changer, towing package and captain chairs