Any creative ideas/tips on weight reduction items for trucks?

My list so far:
-R bumper
-Tailgate
-Spare/mount/jack
-Cats
-Tailpipe
-AIR system
-R speakers
-Front sway bar/mounts? (not sure if that's a good idea?)
-Misc metal trimming (Lots of effort with very little return)


97 truck sbc

 

And this is what kind of truck??

And the cat converters themselves wouldnt really be weight reduction, inside is just honeycomb looking. They are worth money though if you went catless exhaust.

 

I would guess they weigh 8+ pounds each?

None the less, more flow without them...

 

AC and heating stuff can be removed along with tons of other stuff hidden in the dash. Aluminum or carbon fiber drive shaft. If you can fabricate then lots of cross members can be made much lighter. Going with lighter wheels from centerline or others will make a huge difference. Rear leaf overload springs. Bump stops. The stock seats are very heavy.

 

YEP what he said ^^^ most of your weight is going to come from inside the cab. but there are things like the wheels that will make a big difference also.

 

I will post up measurable items as I go. Once I get a few items listed, I will compile them all on the first post.

Stock Muffler and tailpipe = 33 lbs.

 

My truck started over 4700lbs when it was off the showroom floor. Last time I weighed it, it was 4110. In the process of loosing more weight as I type.

 

Mine will continue to be a driver and useable truck for me. I won't be deleting radio, ac, cruise, etc.. Also, since I will continue using it as a truck, some of the items I'm listing weights for will remain in place most of the time, i.e. tailgate & receiver hitch.


Drawtite V5 Hitch = 38
Receiver w/2" ball = 9
OEM R bumper w/brackets = 57
Tailgate = 47
Spare tire winch = 6
OEM aluminum wheel w/tire = 45

The truck is sitting noticeably higher in the back. Guess it's time for some shackles to bias more weight to the rear.

 

Have you thought about relocating the fuel tank or battery?

 

Nah, I have done the math on the battery deal on other more serious projects and you end up adding weight with the big wires. Not worth it for me. I do run a smaller end battery though.

Fuel tank will stay put as well. This is my DD, so nothing too crazy, just playing around with some of the easier stuff.