weight loss, my explorer is fat

[volver]

The 5.0 explorer's curb weight is over 4000 pounds. I figure if it loses weight it will be abel to accelerate faster and will have better fuel economy.

I droped the spare tire because it was all rusted, that probably saved 50 pounds. I try and drive around with only half a tank of gas, saves about 50 pounds again. Got rid of all the crap floating around in the cabin. My tools and spare fluids probably weighed around 50 pounds.

So what other ways are there to cut weight besides gutting the interior.
Can you make a estimate of how much weight each mod will save.

Personally i would like to start with fiberglass fenders and hood. Does anyone know how much weight that will save.

 

[Charlie]

Maybe removing rear seats? If those aren't used much, that could save a fair amount, along with gaining more cargo room. If you are looking for more power/better mileage, I'd take a look at Aldive's "quest for 30" thread on this site. Those methods will be more effective at getting more power/mileage for their cost, rather than just trying to drop weight/switching to fiberglass panels.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

There's not much more to drop, an explorer is just a heave truck. The only other thing you could do is take out seats, they are heavy. But I don't think its worth it.

 

[volver]

I use my back seat a fair amout. And the fronts i find pretty comfortable. so i dont want to replace then with racing seats.

hmm.....yeah theres not much. beside fiberglass panels

Do you know how much lighter they are than stock?

 

[techieman33]

Don't bother with the rear seats you don't lose much weight, they're maybe 30lbs together.

 

[Paraphoe]

Cut out the frame

 

[IZwack]

Rear hatch - this is almost impossible to remove with one person so its very heavy, probably two to three times as heavy as the hood.

1) Remove it
2) Spray it with some PVA (polyvinyl acetate - aka "mold release")
3) Lay on a few layers of fiberglass

And use the fiberglass as a replacement. The fenders dont actually weigh very much and I have a pair hanging on the wall (cauz they're light).

I'd still remove the rear seats - 30 lbs is quite a bit and every little thing counts IMO.

 

[celly]

Ditch the engine and drive it Fred Flinstone style. Unlimited mpg that way.

 

[techieman33]

Rear hatch - this is almost impossible to remove with one person so its very heavy, probably two to three times as heavy as the hood.

1) Remove it
2) Spray it with some PVA (polyvinyl acetate - aka "mold release")
3) Lay on a few layers of fiberglass

And use the fiberglass as a replacement. The fenders dont actually weigh very much and I have a pair hanging on the wall (cauz they're light).

I'd still remove the rear seats - 30 lbs is quite a bit and every little thing counts IMO.

I can agree with removing the rear seat if it's never used, but he said he uses his, and it's a pain to put back in.

 

[IZwack]

Ah ok.

Here's a simple one: the gas tank skid plate - heavy!

 

[volver]

lol, thanks, theres really nothing to remove

 

[volver]

actually there is an ad at the bottom of the page right now that says

"i lost 30lbs you can too!"

should i click it?

 

[Spdrcer34]

Lighter Rims...

Aluminum Driveshaft...

Or you can go old school NASCAR, and swiss cheese EVERYTHING...

Ryan

 

[slyfoxexplore]

Well if you dropped the spare, then drop the jack. (all 5 pounds)

I got a good one no one thinks of when you put after market exhaust on not only do you make more power you drop a lot of weight.

 

[gear_grinder]

lexain window, glass is heavy. the back windows dont open anyway.

you could turn it into a gheto sport track, -700lbs

 

[Electrohacker]

replace the seats or remove them

the center console is really heavy too

tube doors?

 

[97sprt4x4]

Things i would suggest would include:
Race weigh hood
2wd conversion
aluminum driveshaft(s)
Upgrade the rims, maybe do an offset to have better traction if you intend on making it quicker, traction helps both ways

Just some ideas,

Justin

 

[sport97]

Maybe drop the front sway bar? Im sure you may loose a little stability but many members drive without it. Or maybe the EE sway bars weigh less, but they are not exactly cheap.

If your serious and will remove even light stuff, pull off the front valance and fog lights if you have them

 

[Electrohacker]

I like heavy trucks and I cannot lie, you other botha's cant deny when a big ol clunker come in with the 4WD in your face you get leaf Sprung!

basically, I dont want none unless it weighs two tons hun!


lmao, now back to your normal thread

 

[97sprt4x4]

I like heavy trucks and I cannot lie, you other botha's cant deny when a big ol clunker come in with the 4WD in your face you get leaf Sprung!

basically, I dont want none unless it weighs two tons hun!


lmao, now back to your normal thread

This kinda made my night.

end side tracking...

BRAKES! if you're going faster make sure you can stop your pig, it'd be very depressing to hear you dropped all the weight and then went for a run and put it into the ass-end of something else.