Weight Reduction (LippoSuction to my rear end)

Sounds, sound to me! But when no TC on will the authorities like the no bumber on?

If I had to split hairs like that, I would get rid of the truck and TC.

Wayne

Hmmm Peter, I dont actually know if its legal or not to run without a bumper. I will have to find out. Good heads up.
Was thinking with all of the modifications people do to their trucks and camper, most adding weight, this would be neat to say, this mod went the other way.

Wayne,
To some "splitting hairs" to others "modifying for improvement".
Just glad people don't split hairs about their suspension modifications.
To each his own.
Gerrit

I'll bet your rear bumper weighs less than 50 lbs if it's stock.
Not worth the trouble.

FireGuard wrote:
I'll bet your rear bumper weighs less than 50 lbs if it's stock.
Not worth the trouble.

I agree.

As tinky and lightweight as stock rear bumpers have become, I would look for weight loss somewhere else. Clyde, whose overdrive do you have? If you have 4.11's or 4.30's O.D. with a 3-speed would be a great idea.
jefe

Lance says you have the right truck . You have a 350 DRW truck, with mods . Air bags that make it level , right ?

I don't think the trucks going to notice it. PLus, I don't think the weight of the bumper is the problem.
I would think by the time you subtract the relatively light weight of a bumper then add back on another mod would (weight wise) not be worth it to you and not worth it to a dually truck.

Are the rear springs in good shape for 1988 ? How about talking to a spring shop to have them re-arched or see what your other spring options are , I think doing that would be a better way to approach things . ( Maybe add an extra leaf )
If that works out, you could still add the aluminum mod to make what you want back there.

Bob

Id bet an 1/8" piece of steel will weigh more than the stock bumper. If you want to do it for other reasons other than weight savings, please post pics!

GerritMaxwell, I just reread my previous post, and realize it could offend. That was not my intent, and I apologize it it did.

If I remember correctly, in California you are required to have bumpers front and rear. I think they must be able to withstand a 5 MPH impact. When I was a youngster, it was common to see someone with a 2"x4" used as a bumper, if they had no stock bumper for some reason. I do not recall the last time I heard of someone receiving a ticket for the violation.

Other than removing the tailgate, hitch removal, using one battery (if equipped w/two), changing to lighter tires and/or wheels, or run without a spare there is not much that can be trimmed from most trucks to reduce weight. Adding running boards grill guards can add weight pretty quick.

Wayne

Well they do make rear sheet metal, fiberglass roll pans to replace rear bumpers. Weight savings usually cumulative thing. Your '88s bumper probably weighs more than mine, though if I were to pursue be as much from appearance than anything else. Some do look good.


Certainly wouldnt offset the super hitch addition, but you could unbolt bumper & related brackets-weigh it out. At least give you idea if its worth the effort as far as weight savings. Me I want the rear protection so even if I did a roll pan Id be putting on nerd, I mean nerf bars...