weight reduction

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Aug 26, 2008 | 12:14 PM

#31

bumper.45acp

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I never thought I would get such negative responses on here about wanting to improve my truck. I understand the limitations of a truck, I have no illusions about that. I never said it would outhandle a corvette, rx7 or 280z. I want a fast truck that handles better than stock, not for road racing just for everyday driving.There is no reason it will not handle like a lightning. It will go to the drag strip a couple of times a month or more. I am trying to get the lightning look, I know it will not be a lightning. I figured if I am going to replace the front clip, I may as well do it with lighter pieces. I appreciate everyone who has shown interest and given me good ideas.

Aug 26, 2008 | 02:29 PM

#32

quicklook2

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Joined: May 2004

Posts: 11,289

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From: Lakewood, Ohio

maybe you should reread my posts again.

if you think anything i said was negative not much i can say.

i stick with what i posted and thought we were having a discussion.

Aug 27, 2008 | 09:59 AM

#33

dan91ford150

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Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 117

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bumper.45acp

There is no reason it will not handle like a lightning.

Well, the Lightning's frame is special only to the Lightning - for handling reasons. But you could get "close" to it.
We need pictures please!
Nothing wrong with improving something, btw...

Aug 27, 2008 | 10:44 AM

#34

Conanski

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Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumper.45acp

I found my fiberglass stuff. With fenders, bumper, tailgate, wiper cowl, and hood switched to fiberglass I would save about 300lbs,

I bet all of the weight savings quoted there is shared by the bumpers and tailgate, I seriously doubt the fiberglass fenders and hood are lighter than the steel pieces, it's more likely they are heavier. If they aren't they will be flimsy pieces that will not hold thier shape very well, I have seen a few fiberglass hoods that flap in the wind .. fine on a race car but probably not what you want on the street, first person to lean on the vehicle will damage the paint.

A fiberglass front bumper will get weight off the front, but I'd suggest leaving the steel tailgate and bumper on the rear for traction.

Aug 27, 2008 | 11:49 AM

#35

bumper.45acp

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quicklook2,
srry it just seemed negative to me. i apologize.
dan91f150,
i was not aware they had a special frame for the lightning. i thought i was standard f150 with heavier sway bars and lowered a bit.
conanski,
your probably right about the fenders, i will probably go with steel factory pieces. The bumper is only 7lbs, so thats a big drop. I am not sure of the hood weight, but I am going to go with the 5" cowl and it is a lift off so i hope its not to flimsy. (i hope i can see over it, lol)

has anyone done an 87-91 to 92+ conversion. it looks fairly simple, but ive said that before

Aug 27, 2008 | 12:02 PM

#36

Conanski

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Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

I haven't done the swap but I know you need the newer rad support as well as all the exterior parts(lights, grill, bumper, sheetmetal)

Aug 27, 2008 | 02:52 PM

#37

bumper.45acp

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See, thats why I asked, lol. I didnt know about the rad support.

Aug 27, 2008 | 03:32 PM

#38

quicklook2

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Joined: May 2004

Posts: 11,289

Likes: 6

From: Lakewood, Ohio

do an advanced search on this.

covered many times and i think some posts have pics also.

i did a search and came up with many hits, here is one with pics.

pm him for tips.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=14619