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Weight Reduction (LippoSuction to my rear end)

GerritMaxwell
Explorer
Explorer
Ok, Bad joke title.
Since I mainly run the truck with the camper on, only removing it to get construction material for work around the house or projects (not a daily driver). I was thinking about removing the rear bumper installing a flat (Thin piece of steel or aluminum in its place and a step into the receiver) and take advantage of the weight reduction (especially to the very rear or aft axle) savings.
Anyone else do this and thoughts?
1988 F350 Crew Cab DRW w/ 460 and a 6 speed Over/Under C6
Torklift SuperHitch, Torklift Supertruss Extension, Torflift Tiedowns, Timbren SES, Air Lift AirBags (For Custom Height/Load Adjustments), .....

2007 Lance 1131
11 REPLIES 11

GerritMaxwell
Explorer
Explorer
Hi All,
Thanks for the feedback!
Albeit this mod would not be the "Dragon Slayer" of weight reductions.

@AnEv942 -It would be a step in the directions of making the truck more user friendly and efficient by off setting (not completely, never will) additional weights that have been added (Tie-downs,hitch,running boards, etc...) for almost no cost other than a little time.

@languiduck -The Aluminum replacement will fill the gap the bumper will leave for an aesthetics appeal.
My father in law (Fabricator) puts the weight of the Aluminum sheet (roll pan type flat sheet) at 10-15 lbs. (Pending bends and structural support, ribs, etc.) he also puts the stock bumper at 70+ lbs. One way to find out. But if weight savings is equivalent to a full size truck battery in or out, I think thats significant enough. If bumper savings is barely anything, it'll just stay then.

@bobndot - The weight reduction mod is also not a "concerned with being to heavy" and affecting the suspension, although I will be upgrading/replacing the leafs soon (as well as other things), as it is time. Its a more of what else can be done and cumulatively combined with other mods together to improve the rig.

@FireGuard @jimh425 @jefe 4x4 - This truck is a 1988 F350 DRW 2WD
"1988 - A new line of Super Duty Ford F-350 trucks was introduced for the 1988 model year. These trucks filled a gap between the regular F-350s and the medium-duty F-600s. Standard was a 7.5-liter V-8 engine, while a 7.3-liter diesel was optional." "F-350s were offered with GVW ratings of up to 14,500 lbs. for 1988, made possible with the addition of available four-wheel disc brakes, heavy-duty axles, and 16-inch wheels. The optional diesel V-8 grew from 6.9 liters to 7.3." ~ http://www.blueovaltrucks.com/resources/f-series_history.htm
Everything is thick and heavy, including the bumper. Since the rear one is practically hidden, aesthetics are not an issue here, as I would never remove the front cause it would look funny.
Jefe, It does have 4.11's with a gear vendors over/under drive attached to the C6.



@Reddog1 Thank you, and gonna share thoughts and not selling truck or camper.
1988 F350 Crew Cab DRW w/ 460 and a 6 speed Over/Under C6
Torklift SuperHitch, Torklift Supertruss Extension, Torflift Tiedowns, Timbren SES, Air Lift AirBags (For Custom Height/Load Adjustments), .....

2007 Lance 1131

AnEv942
Nomad
Nomad
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...
01 Ford F250 4x4 DRW Diesel, 01 Elkhorn 9U
Our camper projects page http://www.ourelkhorn.itgo.com

Reddog1
Explorer II
Explorer II
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


2004.5 Ram SLT LB 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4
1988 Bigfoot (C11.5) TC (1900# w/standard equip. per decal), 130 watts solar, 100 AH AGM, Polar Cub A/C, EU2000i Honda

Toad: 91 Zuke

languiduck
Explorer
Explorer
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!
2006 F250
Palomino Bronco 800

bobndot
Explorer II
Explorer II
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

jefe_4x4
Explorer
Explorer
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
'01.5 Dodge 2500 4x4, CTD, Qcab, SB, NV5600, 241HD, 4.10's, Dana 70/TruTrac; Dana 80/ TruTrac, Spintec hub conversion, H.D. susp, 315/75R16's on 7.5" and 10" wide steel wheels, Vulcan big line, Warn M15K winch '98 Lance Lite 165s, 8' 6" X-cab, 200w Solar

jimh406
Explorer III
Explorer III
FireGuard wrote:
I'll bet your rear bumper weighs less than 50 lbs if it's stock.
Not worth the trouble.


I agree.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member

FireGuard
Explorer II
Explorer II
I'll bet your rear bumper weighs less than 50 lbs if it's stock.
Not worth the trouble.
13Jeep Wrangler
07 Ragen 21FB
12 Yamaha Super Tenere
14 Suzuki DR 650

GerritMaxwell
Explorer
Explorer
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
1988 F350 Crew Cab DRW w/ 460 and a 6 speed Over/Under C6
Torklift SuperHitch, Torklift Supertruss Extension, Torflift Tiedowns, Timbren SES, Air Lift AirBags (For Custom Height/Load Adjustments), .....

2007 Lance 1131

Reddog1
Explorer II
Explorer II
If I had to split hairs like that, I would get rid of the truck and TC.

Wayne


2004.5 Ram SLT LB 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4
1988 Bigfoot (C11.5) TC (1900# w/standard equip. per decal), 130 watts solar, 100 AH AGM, Polar Cub A/C, EU2000i Honda

Toad: 91 Zuke

pjay9
Explorer
Explorer
Sounds, sound to me! But when no TC on will the authorities like the no bumber on?
2005 Lance 1161, 2004 Dodge CTD 3500 Dually 19.5's Stabiloads Roadmaster Sway, 2009 20' Raider 185 Pro Fish 90hp & 9.9 Yamaha vintage Penn elec.downriggers EZLoad roller trailer