Weight Loss and Aerodynamics

[65Matt]

In order to make my 5000 lb. box handle a little better, I've been trying to think of ways to remove weight & remove what I call 'aero barbs'. This is what I've stripped off of my truck so far:

Running Boards - 50 lbs.
Roof racks - 10-20 lbs.
Junk in the back - 50 lbs.
Bug shield on hood & sunroof

Does anyone have some more ideas on weight loss? I was thinking about removing the factory amp, a compact aluminum spare, etc. I dont want to gut the interior or give up creature comforts such as A/C, but just try to lighten it up a bit.

As far as aerodynamics, I'm going lower it and perhaps get a rear deflector. Sure, a wing will produce a little downforce on the rear wheels, but it seems to me that a rear deflector makes alot more sense since it would help air flow go down over the rear of the truck.

Any Ideas?

 

[JDraper]

You can remove a chunk of weight by going with a fiberglass front end. As for aero improvements. It's tough getting any major improvements out of a brick (I majored in Aero eng. in college). One of the ways to improve aero is to get smooth wheel covers. You generate a lot of turbulence from the spoked wheels, which creates drag. A bad side effect is losing cooling to the brakes. Another thing that will help aero is to smooth out the bottom of the truck, or divert the air around it with a low air dam. Side skirts help, and using a wing to pull air down the back of the truck will help reduce drag at the rear (That's why the Nascar guys want to run less wing at the big tracks.)

Good Luck!

 

[yob_yeknom]

I hate to be the one to break it to you, but the Explorer just isn't meant to be a light weight vehicle. Why are you worried about it anyways? That little bit of weight won't give a noticable improvement in fuel mileage or power either. So why worry about it?

 

[Bill Kemp]

When the ask " would you like fries with that?" just say NO. It helped me loose a little.....

 

[65Matt]

Haha! I probably could use to lose a little myself, but I just dont have the discipline!

I know that I will never have a lightweight, well-handling truck, fast truck. BUT, I want it to be pretty quick and handle well for what it is. I just feel that anything could use some improvement.

I'm pretty sure that the air dam from a 93+ Ranger will bolt on. That 4x4 one with the big fog lights is pretty sweet. Anyone know for sure if it will fit?

This is the look I'm going for:
Dead Link Removed

 

[yob_yeknom]

BUMP

Originally posted by 65Matt
I'm pretty sure that the air dam from a 93+ Ranger will bolt on. That 4x4 one with the big fog lights is pretty sweet. Anyone know for sure if it will fit?

I have been wondering the same thing. If anybody knows, please let us know!

 

[Spectre]

According to Ranger Power Sports, the whole front bumper assembly on 93+ Rangers and 95+ Explorers is interchangeable. I don't know about just the air dam tho.

http://rangerpowersports.com/mods/accessories/airdams.shtml

 

[jimbo74]

if it will be just a race vehicle and not to carry passengers ditch all of the seats except yours. put on cookie cutter tires.

 

[65Matt]

What do you think about these (created with photodraw)?

This is from a F150 Lightning
www.geocities.com/mstngmtt/Images/explorerlitningfront.jpg

And these are that Quake bumper:
www.geocities.com/mstngmtt/Images/quakeexplorerfront.jpg
www.geocities.com/mstngmtt/Images/quakeexplorerfrontright.jpg

 

[Jornum1]

Man, I have been looking around forever for a front bumper cover that would be sportier, and hated that there was nothing for explorers. Now I find out that 93+ ranger bumpers will fit 94+ explorers. Damn man. I am happy and mad at the same time Oh well that is good news though. Seems wierd that no companies have figured that out and advertised them for explorers also.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Xenon used to have front bumper covers for Explorers but I dont see them at carparts.com. Everything but....

 

[PUR PONY]

I dont know why companys dont make any body parts for explorers!!! what gives.. they even make them for blazers and Jimmys- who cares about those... what about the #1 selling suv on market!!!
i do however love the 99-01 front bumpers and have just updated my 96 to the fully painted 99-01 front bumper, new grille, and 98+ hood latch.... which will allow me to install my back ordered Speed Grille!!!!! I cant wait. And I am aslo going to get the Explorer Express lower airdam for it-

 

[4Wheelin]

Does anyone know of those bumper covers fro the 93+ Rangers fit on a 93 Explorer?

 

[yob_yeknom]

Originally posted by PUR PONY
I dont know why companys dont make any body parts for explorers!!! what gives.. they even make them for blazers and Jimmys- who cares about those... what about the #1 selling suv on market!!!
i do however love the 99-01 front bumpers and have just updated my 96 to the fully painted 99-01 front bumper, new grille, and 98+ hood latch.... which will allow me to install my back ordered Speed Grille!!!!! I cant wait. And I am aslo going to get the Explorer Express lower airdam for it-

How complicated was that hood latch conversion? I want to install a speed grille also!

 

[4Wheelin]

Where did you get the speed grille from? and I too am pissed that companies do not make very many aftermarket products for our Explorers. It is extremely disappointing when you see something you really like on another truck but then you go to buy it and you find out they don't make them for Explorers.

 

[PUR PONY]

The hood latch conversion was quite simple but i am not done. First off- you are going to need a few pieces. Its a good thing I had my dads 98 to rob them from- lol... so I dont know what it would cost for pricing... but you need the two piece latch and the plastic piece that goes over the grille.... that has the little flaps that open to get to your head light bulbs... they are different. The lower latch bolted right on.... for the second piece that attachs to the hood itself. I had to measure and drill 2 holes. Then I took a piece of stainless and drilled and tapped 2 holes. I needed that to slide up inside the hood to bolt to. The 98=+ is re-enforced for that... 95-97's are not. I then bolted that up. Then you need to grille the fiberglass piece that the grille attaches too so the new latch will clear and then install the new plastic piece. I can post pics if you need it. I ordered my speed grille from www.streetscene.com
I will also post pics of that as soon as I get it- was backordered 2-3 weeks

I have always wanted the speed grille and loved it. I had to change my Limited over though just to install it- lol.... so i want with a complete 2001 front setup and love it

 

[yob_yeknom]

Pics please! I want to see what I'm getting into before I go tearing up my hood latch.