What amount weight reduction is noticeable?

Got around to removing the aftermarket front bumper and XRC 8k lb winch today...weighed in at 136 lbs with everything (not including D-Rings). So, just like in the prev exchange here...SmittyBilt seems to be posting shipping weights on their site for their parts. I also removed the front sway with endlinks for another 24 lbs. So, 160lbs off the Jeep and added back on 18 with the OE bumper (which I've yet to trim).

Best way I can describe what is going on with the nearly 400 lbs off the Jeep is the difference between driving a moving truck (UHaul) that is loaded down vs. empty. I mean, it is still a Jeep, but it moves with purpose now.

I actually feel sorry for the guys that have a aftermarket swing out tire carrier rear bumper and and overlanding roof rack that drive around with a tent on top of their roof rack w/ hard top, jack, etc. I mean it is cool, don't get me wrong...but man, my 4.0L has gone from being somewhat frustrating to mildly refreshing. Haha.

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BuildBreakRepeat said:
What’s your tire size and gear ratio? There is a big chance you could be losing significant power.
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35's on stock gears on 5spd manual. This whole exercise for me is kinda about avoiding having to re-gear. Wife wasn't all that jazzed about the Jeep anyway, so spending a ton isn't really in the cards. It also has 172k miles, so I want to be careful not to pump any more $$$ into it than needed...especially since I only paid $5k for it. Pic from last month before the weight reduction (other than the top of course).

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SD01TJ said:
35's on stock gears on 5spd manual. This whole exercise for me is kinda about avoiding having to re-gear. Wife wasn't all that jazzed about the Jeep anyway, so spending a ton isn't really in the cards. It also has 172k miles, so I want to be careful not to pump any more $$$ into it than needed...especially since I only paid $5k for it. Pic from last month before the weight reduction (other than the top of course).

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Holy shit man, that’s like driving a bus. 5.13s would put you back into the power and and make it feel like a sports car. It is expensive, but it has a huge return.
 
I feel like 5.13 would be for if I was crawling. I could do 4.56 I think and be pretty good, even 4.10. Any bit would help. I have a lead on a reputable shop that does full gearset installed for $1400. I mean, I am considering it. =)
 
SD01TJ said:
I feel like 5.13 would be for if I was crawling. I could do 4.56 I think and be pretty good, even 4.10. Any bit would help. I have a lead on a reputable shop that does full gearset installed for $1400. I mean, I am considering it. =)
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You do not want 4.56. I'm on 4.88/35s with my daily and the 5 speed. I would like 5.13 better.
 
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SD01TJ said:
I feel like 5.13 would be for if I was crawling. I could do 4.56 I think and be pretty good, even 4.10. Any bit would help. I have a lead on a reputable shop that does full gearset installed for $1400. I mean, I am considering it. =)
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I've got an appointment (manual LJR on 35s) for Revolution 5.13s, Koyo master kits, drive in/drive out for under $1200.
 
L J said:
I've got an appointment (manual LJR on 35s) for Revolution 5.13s, Koyo master kits, drive in/drive out for under $1200.
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What shop is doing the work for that price? I'm reading more and leaning towards 4.88's. I off-road so infrequently that I'd rather skew towards road gearing.
 
SD01TJ said:
What shop is doing the work for that price?
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It'd be a bit of a drive for you. The owner of RWK Haus Supply, Robert, sells parts and does installs at his house in Yorba Linda. The best way to contact him is by text at the number on his website.

SD01TJ said:
I'm reading more and leaning towards 4.88's. I off-road so infrequently that I'd rather skew towards road gearing.
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You'll probably be satisfied with the 4.88s. Having said that the difference between 4.88s/35s and 5.13s/35s at 70mph for your trans is less than 150 rpms. I'm going with the 5.13s due to not only the tire size but also the added weight and increased rolling resistance.
 
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L J said:
It'd be a bit of a drive for you. The owner of RWK Haus Supply, Robert, sells parts and does installs at his house in Yorba Linda. The best way to contact him is by text at the number on his website.



You'll probably be satisfied with the 4.88s. Having said that the difference between 4.88s/35s and 5.13s/35s at 70mph for your trans is less than 150 rpms. I'm going with the 5.13s due to not only the tire size but also the added weight and increased rolling resistance.
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X2 on Robert and 5.13’s
 
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moo82 said:
Where the weight is can make a difference on handling too.
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I think so. I think if you lose some weight in the wheels/tires, or the very front, or the very back, you will notice it much more than cargo weight or low-hung weight like skid plates.

The people saying that removing the rear seat makes a night-and-day difference must have a better tush-meter than me. I can't even tell a difference in on-road performance with my wife and dog (+350 lbs...big wife and big dog) vs just me. I am a bit overgeared at the moment (4.56, 32" tires, 5 speed, straight 6), and you likely notice smaller changes more the less happy your engine is to begin with.

Offroading is a different animal, but still, I have only noticed a difference with very significant weight changes, like doors on with my wife and passenger vs doors off by myself. But we're talking 600 lbs difference there.

So that's my answer to the OP: lose 600 lbs and you'll definitely notice a difference! :ROFLMAO:
 
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^^^Thx. Appreciate the sensible reply, so often responses to weight loss threads involve some "comedian" stooping to saying to just, "take a dump before you drive." SMH.

If I didn't say it already, I got 420 lbs off my auto-x car and that with some minor tweaks to susp and I had shaved 5 secs a lap on a 50 sec course during the season and was in regular contention for FTD (Fastest time of day) every event.

Having just completed my weight loss experiment by removing 400 lbs off the Jeep (from the way it was), I'm not going to make "night and day" type claims, but more like "every little bit helps." I DO expect to see some MPG gains, an increase in braking performance, acceleration, handling improvements, reduced tire wear, etc. My Jeep is on 35's, & manual trans on stock gearing. 70MPH actual (GPS) speed has me spinning at 2k RPM in 5th. 4th Gear is 2600RPM @ 70mph actual. Wider gear spacing had me struggling to maintain 3rd up a steep grade where as now I can actually accelerate a bit up that same grade.

I've just ordered up a SuperChips FlashPaq which is good for 24hp and 28tq. Yes, I know I will eventually want to gear it...but here in SoCal, if I can get enough grunt to help me make it up steep mountain grades a gear higher, that will make it possible for me to take it to the mountains without having to be a burden to traffic behind me. Here's my front bumper a few days ago after I trimmed the one side. Minor weight reduction, this one more about looks...bumper down to 15 lbs tho vs. the 60+ pounds of my aftermarket steel bumper. I still have that with the winch still attached and can bolt up when needed when I need it for more treacherous off-road adventures. =)

In summary, to each their own. If you're geared and have a newer Jeep, 35's and some extra weight isn't going to be an issue. But on a TJ with 35's and stock gears...it is a struggle. So, I'm trying the freebie route for now to see if it can provide enough "relief" to save me from an expensive gearing change. I personally DON'T put a high priority on off-roading in the Jeep...I prefer to do my off-roading on a motorcycle...but I digress. =)

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SD01TJ said:
But on a TJ with 35's and stock gears...it is a struggle. So, I'm trying the freebie route for now to see if it can provide enough "relief" to save me from an expensive gearing change.
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There is no getting around it with a freebie or inexpensive fix. ~$1200 is what it takes to provide relief.

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Skylinessuck said:
I wouldn't hold my breath for those gains from the FlashPaq.
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Well, it was a used unlocked one 2nd hand for a good price. I've done re-flashes on several cars/trucksand have always had good results. Life-changing? Maybe not, but potentially be enough to accomplish my goals. And if I end up re-gearing anyway, the extra power from the flash won't hurt. =)
 
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