85 Diet advice
 

Ok so I know there are few threads on here in regards to making our trucks lighter but I am wanting to make it as light as possible but not a gutted out "race" truck. Leaf springs are staying w/CalTracs Here are my plans(also looking for advice/suggestions)
5.3 swap done
Overload spring removed from each spring pack( done)
Pin-on Hood
battery relocated(done)
Possibly Scott's bolt-in IFS
Alum wheels(15x6/15x12)
Removing any non-essential x-members/brackets/shields underneath
Fuel cell between rear frame rails
Inner fenders possibly removed
A/C Heating unit gone already
Fiberglass front bumper?
Racing Bucket for Race day?

Things that might add weight:
4l80e(th350 currently)
9" rear(alum center section/disk brakes)
Roll cage
Eventually a turbo

What else can I do to get it under 3800lbs? Is 3500 out of the question? Should I try and remove any weight from the rear?

Re: 85 Diet advice
 

my truck currently weighs 3500 with me in it and it is not gutted with holes all along the frame. I started by cutting out every factory cross member and replace with tubing (except for front suspension). All the factory sheet metal is still on the truck. I have an aluminum fuel cell in back. aluminum radiator. all aluminum LS6. th400 trans. 8 point cage. kirkey racing seats. inner fenders are still in place. I did build my own trailing arms and went with coil overs. The arms are a little lighter than stock. I have a rack and pinion steering setup and coil overs on the stock front suspension. So it can be done. I tried going without inner fenders but it makes the engine bay get trashed. I tried to lose as much weight as possible on the truck and not make it look like a tin can race car even if that meant it was still gonna be on the heavy side.

Re: 85 Diet advice
 

Ok cool that makes it seem a bit easier than I thought. I am keeping the iron block though bc it will get unnaturally aspirated at some point. What ET is the 8-pt cage good till? Is it all in your cab or does it have bars going out the cab?

Re: 85 Diet advice
 

Im not really sure what the cage is good to. I have down bars from cab to bed. Any legal cage will have to have down bars.

Re: 85 Diet advice
 

I found a picture of your truck. How did you seal the holes? I was thinking of doing it that way and welding a tube in the holes to keep water/moisture out from between the panels.

Re: 85 Diet advice
 

I didnt do anything to seal them. My truck never sees rain so its not really a problem. on my buddys truck he actually tig welded the cab to the bars and it looks a lot better to

Re: 85 Diet advice
 

I plan to drive mine a lot on the street. I don't plan to drive it in the rain but I want to be somewhat prepared for it just in case.