My XJ needs a diet...

[sureshot007]

So the rally truck, last time it was on the scales, was 3450lbs race weight. I'd really love some ideas of how to get that down to 3000lbs. Interior is out, but just about everything else is stockish. Also, I don't want to spend a ton of money. The cost of lexan has made me shy away in the past.

Let's hear your suggestions!

 

[K.Hess]

I know I am not much help but, this might keep help keep thing in perspective

pick any 2

less weight
/ \
less cost - strength

(wont seem to line up nice)

 

[sureshot007]

I get that. But I also get that replacing the rear windows with a piece of plexi or sheet metal might save a couple pounds for cheap. Or maybe swiss cheesing the hood?

 

[Empty_Pockets]

Cut off every un-necessary bracket, light, abs module, ect anything not necessary to running the race, chop it off.

 

[Crfrider]

plexi for the windows???

 

[sureshot007]

I thought about plexi for the windows but I worry it might shatter. I've also been throwing around the idea of just welding in thin sheet metal instead.

 

[Chris@T&J]

Now I'm not sure what your class rules allow and do not allow but can you run lexan glass windows and or window nets. Also just a thought how about running fiberglass fenders and hood? Just spit balling here that's all.

 

[sureshot007]

I need to keep an OEM windshield, but the rest of the glass is unlimited (I have to run something, be it glass, lexan or nets). That being said, I don't want nets. It's mega dusty on stage and I want to keep it out of the cab. I'm thinking about lexan, but the cost is making me consider alternatives.

I'd like to do something about the hood, but I get the feeling I'll have to make my own fiberglass or CF hood. What about CF instead of rear windows?

 

[ert01]

I'd start by cutting out any excess sheet metal from the interior. Inside door skins can get removed, extra wiring harness can be deleted (think HVAC/Radio wiring), antenna/mount/wiring, as much door seal foam as you are comfortable to remove (dust could be an issue). Gut airbags out (if you have em), go with a smaller battery (use a booster pack to start your Jeep in the pits and you can get away with a pretty tiny battery to save a lot of weight). A/C can be deleted if it's not done already.

I'm just thinking of things I've done to my rallycross car to remove excess weight. In my car there was almost 40lbs of sound dampening tar stuck inside the car. I've never pulled an XJ apart far enough to see how much (if any) are in our Jeeps.

 

[sureshot007]

There isn't any in the Jeep. I'm keeping the HVAC and radio though. You can't imagine how nice it is to listen to music on a half hour transit. I can't afford a small battery, since I turn the truck off between stages. I might be able to cut away some of the sheet metal inside the truck though. I don't know if there is much that can be removed, I guess I'll just have to start looking into replace stuff with lighter materials.

 

[Larrythedog]

I'd start by cutting out any excess sheet metal from the interior. Inside door skins can get removed, extra wiring harness can be deleted (think HVAC/Radio wiring), antenna/mount/wiring, as much door seal foam as you are comfortable to remove (dust could be an issue). Gut airbags out (if you have em), go with a smaller battery (use a booster pack to start your Jeep in the pits and you can get away with a pretty tiny battery to save a lot of weight). A/C can be deleted if it's not done already.

I'm just thinking of things I've done to my rallycross car to remove excess weight. In my car there was almost 40lbs of sound dampening tar stuck inside the car. I've never pulled an XJ apart far enough to see how much (if any) are in our Jeeps.

All good ideas. Doors can really be gutted. I cut out everything but a 1/2" around the edges to rivet the alum. door panal.

 

[ert01]

I know some of the creature comforts are nice to have, but it does all add up.

Window cranks, door locks, speakers, wiring harnesses, passenger seat etc...= a lot of fat that could be trimmed if lightweight is the end goal.

 

[sureshot007]

Well, I need the window cranks, or else I can't roll the window down. The whole reason I'm keeping the windows is so that I can open them during transits when it's 95 degrees out.

Door locks are kinda necessary, just because I drive it to work sometimes, and I don't want anything stolen.

The radio is also nice to have on the long transits.

I'm not sure what part of the wiring can be removed since I'm still using most of it.

Passenger seat? Where is my codriver supposed to sit???

 

[ert01]

Haha like I said... these are all just ideas... things I've done to my car. Not all of them apply here, but really nothing is too small to be removed. Anything and everything not used should be looked at and evaluated.

 

[Ian Christiansen]

I don't know how recent the picture is in the best pic of 2012 thread, but the roof rack crossbars, body side moldings, and rear bumper could all go. We sell .125 clear plexi where I work for $5.50 a sq ft and would work to replace the rear side glass.

 

[sureshot007]

Roof rack is gone already. Bumpers have to stay, but can be "modified" a little to cut out some weight. I was concerned about plexi shattering, but I was thinking about it today, and if I laminate it with clear vinyl, that might make it crack resistant enough.

 

[Empty_Pockets]

Roof rack is gone already. Bumpers have to stay, but can be "modified" a little to cut out some weight. I was concerned about plexi shattering, but I was thinking about it today, and if I laminate it with clear vinyl, that might make it crack resistant enough.

Speed holes in the bumpers?

 

[XJLI]

i think itll be a tough job to get race weight down to 3000lbs.

 

[sureshot007]

i think itll be a tough job to get race weight down to 3000lbs.

I agree. I'm exploring the idea of switching to something else.