Explorer Weight loss program

[GPNyce]

From some random section of my brain...i seem to recall hearing that the loss of 10lbs in a vehicle was the same as the addition of 1 hp. not sure if that is true or not...but hey, less weight equals better acceleration, and better gas mileage, for the engine doesnt have to work as hard. Here is a list of things that i have decided i could do without on the good ole Xploder:

-front and rear sway bars
-rear seats
-all rear seat belts / brackets (3 total, one in middle of floor, 2 in the walls)
-every bit of carpet and floor mats
-removed stock sound deadener from cargo area and under where back seats used to be...took me awhile, but got about 6lbs worth of the stuff off!
-stock air (restriction) intake box
-center console/rear climate control thingy(had a pretty heavy little blower motor in there to blow air to rear)
-spare tire holder/cable system underneath vehicle

thats about all for now i think...might have forgotten a few things...

 

[Patton]

Got running boards? take em off
Roof rack

all my mind can conjure up right now.

 

[Turdle]

The gas tank and transfer case skid plates are worth about 40 lbs--

 

[GPNyce]

Got running boards? take em off
Roof rack

all my mind can conjure up right now.

yes, the running boards are gone...i knew id forget something...as for the roof rack, i need it for 4 wheelin...

 

[aldive]

If you are wheeling and not racing, why the diet? Just curious.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Cutting the roof off will save on weight, but it might not be as aerodynamic. How much weight do you expect to lose? Fill the tires with nitrogen, and get low rolling resistance tires. Switch to synthetics too.

 

[aldive]

Torsion Twist, Shackles, a slammin' system, brown wire mod, gibson exhaust, tb spacer...more to come

How much does the sound system weigh?

You could loose more weight by removing the TB spacer.

 

[IZwack]

If you are wheeling and not racing, why the diet? Just curious.

Because the heavier the vehicle, the more power it takes to move it (say up a hill or over a rock), which means more torque going through the drivetrain which means the weak components, such as the U-joints and CVs, are being pushed to their limits. Engine torque alone isnt what kills U-joints .. its torque and the grip from the tires -- these are the two opposing forces trying to pop off the U-joint caps . But of course only a competition vehicle would probably get down to a level where every "speed hole" is given some thought during the design process

 

[GPNyce]

If you are wheeling and not racing, why the diet? Just curious.

i drive a lot, and im more about function than looks....so it doesnt bother me to lose some parts that i consider 'non essential'. also, this is a cheap and easy way to gain power and acceleration, both of which i like. furthermore, ive gained a huge amount of space inside, which is great for when i make long trips (i drive from nashville to boston a few times a year). besides these reasons...im not really sure why im doing it...who knows whats goin on in that brain up there...

umm...as for the system, i believe it weighs in about as much as i do...a solid 158 (give or take a lb or 2)...not too fun too carry around. as for the tb spacer...thats gaining me some more power and better throttle response...no, i didnt document the results...but i can feel em. i know lots of people say they are worthless and a waste of money, but on my X, it seems to have worked. i also have a gibson exhaust...the way i figured it...easier flowing exhaust means i need to get more air into the engine...so k/n filter and tb spacer.

oh, i just noticed your posting IZwack...you got it dead on...thats what i was trying to say...i just didnt use all those technical words...like 'engine' and 'torque'...haha...

 

[Exploderpilot]

i was gonna mention the stereo. maybe put your subs on modular connectors so you can pull it out at will?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could sell the things you take out if they are in good condition, and you don't plan on putting them back on (unless you decide to sell the whole vehicle).

 

[IZwack]

A few more to consider since we seem to be a utilitarian about this whole thing:

- roof liner
- door panels
- 5th shock (at the rear axle)
- the sound system (use a cell phone and call some1 if you need some entertainment - far lighter and portable than the stereo)
- airbag (kind of iffy here cauz of the whole safety thing but its worth mentioning as they are pretty hefty)
- the AC (pump alone is a heavy monster)
- if the vehicle is 4wd, remove the front driveshaft in the spring, no need for 4wd unless you plan to go off-road
- get a smaller battery (650 CCA is a good size, a light lighter than 900 CCA. 650 is what I run on my off-road rig)
- cut the braces thats under the hood itself
- most transfer cases have a dampener at the back of them thats a good few pounds - unbolt that!

 

[Tbars4]

...carpet, seats, plastic panels, rear wiper and bottle...

 

[GPNyce]

good ideas guys...thanks tbars, i never even use the rear wiper...might take that off tomorrow. as for my system...thats definitly gotta stay. i got addicted to systems before id ever even been offroading...back in the day when i thought it was cool to drive 92 camry...that was MAROON NOT PURPLE! sorry bout that...i dont have a self confidence problem...i swear.

other than that, all 4x4 equipment must stay also...thats another of my addictions...although im pretty new to it.

as for the A/C...couple of questions. is it run off of the serpentine belt? if so, how can i ditch it? also, is the A/C continuously on? it seems to run even without the switch being on the A/C setting. either that, or my cooling system just kicks a$$. my thinking was that the a/c could run: a little bit, fully on, or not at all. tell me if im way off the map here....also, will i gain more hp by getting rid of the a/c...dont they suck up power from the engine while they are on? ive never once put it on in the 2yrs ive had my X, even in nashville summers...i like my 4x65 a/c...as in, 4 windows down, 65 miles per hour.

 

[GPNyce]

A few more to consider since we seem to be a utilitarian about this whole thing:

- roof liner
- door panels
- 5th shock (at the rear axle)
- the sound system (use a cell phone and call some1 if you need some entertainment - far lighter and portable than the stereo)
- airbag (kind of iffy here cauz of the whole safety thing but its worth mentioning as they are pretty hefty)
- the AC (pump alone is a heavy monster)
- if the vehicle is 4wd, remove the front driveshaft in the spring, no need for 4wd unless you plan to go off-road
- get a smaller battery (650 CCA is a good size, a light lighter than 900 CCA. 650 is what I run on my off-road rig)
- cut the braces thats under the hood itself
- most transfer cases have a dampener at the back of them thats a good few pounds - unbolt that!

hmmm great suggestions...

i just finished herculining the floor...maybe next i could do the ceiling...and get rid of the roof liner.

as for the air bags...im kind iffy about keeping them. is there a safe way to remove them without getting blown up? and will it mess up the steering wheel and passenger side? i was thinking that passenger side would make a great 2nd cubby space...perhaps even a hidden one, or some type of lock box might fit in there.

 

[aldive]

as for the A/C...couple of questions. is it run off of the serpentine belt? if so, how can i ditch it?

Yes the AC compressor is driven by the serp belt. You need to get a shorter belt if you remove the compressor.

also, is the A/C continuously on? it seems to run even without the switch being on the A/C setting. either that, or my cooling system just kicks a$$. my thinking was that the a/c could run: a little bit, fully on, or not at all. tell me if im way off the map here..

The compressor is on in all positions except VENT and OFF.

..also, will i gain more hp by getting rid of the a/c...dont they suck up power from the engine while they are on? .

By removing the AC you WILL gain a little, very little;e, HP by removing the parasitic loss.



Have you considered underdrive pulleys as a way to free up lost HP?

What about a computer tune? This is a great way to gain some usable power.

Good luck ...

 

[aldive]

as for the air bags...im kind iffy about keeping them. is there a safe way to remove them without getting blown up?

One can safely remove the air bags by following the proper procedure.

Don't think I would remove them on a truck driven on the highway.

and will it mess up the steering wheel and passenger side? i was thinking that passenger side would make a great 2nd cubby space...perhaps even a hidden one, or some type of lock box might fit in there.

It will not mess up anything.

 

[L4CX]

I think you mentioned it, but how bout Skid plates? They weight a bit. Also, Maybe some lighter rims. How bout Window Motors and that kind of stuff. I dont know if you have power windows or not, but you could take out the motors and put in Manual ones...Maybe? Just a thought. I understand why you would want to do this, But I don't think I would want to. I like having a nice truck inside. If it was a strictly off road truck, I may take out the carpet and stuff. What'd ya do with the blower motor for the rear HVAC? I've been thinking about putting one in my dad's new explorer. He misses that option.

 

[aldive]

Have you considered an e fan?

 

[Charlie]

You could remove the spare tire. All the seats but the drivers seat. Exhaust systems are heavy. Removing front drive train/drive shaft, if it is 4wd.

Some other more extreme measures could include removing brakes, driver, engine, transmission, tires & wheels, body, frame...