XJ/MJ weights and dieting

[BrettM]

some more ideas, aftermarket steering wheel, non-tilt column vs tilt column, hood latch assembly vs. hood pins, remove the bed (if you still have it), tail lights (trail rig only isnt it?).
I know this is all little stuff, but it adds up...
I need to head to the landfill... they have a nice scale there...

any idea how much can be dropped with an aftermarket steering wheel? I already have a non-tilt column. I am already debating options for the hood. The bed is gone. The tail-lights stay, I drive this on the road a lot.

 

[JeepSpeed]

any idea how much can be dropped with an aftermarket steering wheel? QUOTE]



Seriously, I never even thought about this, and i'm obssesive with weight reduction. But, the stock steering wheel is heavy. And mines a 94', so I'm not even talking about the airbag one. I just got a "good deal" wink-wink, on a nice Pilot wheel, so I decided to switch it in. The stock non airbag wheel probably weighs 12-15lbs. It's alot heavier than it looks. I bet I saved close to 6 or 7 lbs with the new wheel.

 

[Ludakris]

This might not be an option, but could reduce some weight..if they work..
I saw a new double bead lock system that they showed at SEMA this year.. it used and intertube that would hold the bead to the rim, when filled with air.. its a retro fit to any wheel. I would think because its a tube it wouldnt weigh to much and it could be used with a light wheel... at least you could save on the weight of rock rings and bolts... I think they were $250 each.. so they are probably not cost effective, but seamed like a good idea..
I am thinking the price should come down, its basically just an innertube... but wide and flat..

 

[rsalemi]

The 3 spoke Sport leather/aluminum wheel is lighter than the stock plastic rim wheel and is a direct swap.

 

[tchase]

are the MJs long-bed or short? does the 4.0 MJ have a lift or bigger tires? any guess on how much the plow gear weighs?

At the time of the weighing the 4cyl was wearing 215's front and 225's rear on 15x6 steelies versus 235's on aluminums on the 4.0. The 4.0 isn't lifted but supposedly has the heavy duty front springs plus airbags. Both are shortboxes. As for the weight of the plow gear I have no clue, you could go here and try to guess for yourself:http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55466

You might notice in the pics that the 4.0 is minus it's flares and inner fenders but I don't think that'd amount to much weight.

 

[ArcticXJ]

glass is pretty heavy, i know on hemi darts they came with the option of plexiglass windows that saved weight

IIRC, those 1968 hemi darts were also designated for drag-only, and not intended as ever seeing the street.

Does BrenttM's rig ever see asphalt, or is it trail only?
*edit* nevermind, I kept reading. There probably is no stipulation on what your rear window is made out of. With all the panel vans and whatnot out there, Im sure its legal to fill the whole thing in if you wanted.

I can understand the desire to save weight. Less weight=less strain on parts.
However, in this sport of ours, there comes a point at which you can compromise no further. In my opinion, you just gotta bite the bullet eventually and realize that no matter what, the rougher the trail, the beefier the gear needs to be to handle it. Lightweight parts are great for road racing, but for a hobby where our vehicles are banging into rocks with thousands of pounds of force, sh*t needs to be stout. In order to keep parts from breaking/bending/warping/etc., they need to be tuff. It would be great to have an entire rig made out of titanium, or to have custom 'mog 404's out of forged alumininum, but thats just not practical.

Dont rule out road safety, either. If a rig will still see the asphalt as well, you dont want to start taking so much from the structural rigidity of the vehicle that your left rolling down the boulevard in a tin can.

 

[Ludakris]

Just wanted to bring this thread back..
Brett.. have you done anything else to shave some weight?

 

[Matt S.]

Just wanted to bring this thread back..
Brett.. have you done anything else to shave some weight?

I think Brett is doing the same thing I did, take the fuel out of the tank and let it sit. If you dont feed it, it wont get heavier! :confused1

BTW, After wheeling a different rig for some time now. I really notice how much wieght contributes to things. Regardless of clearance and articulation.

 

[BrettM]

Just wanted to bring this thread back..
Brett.. have you done anything else to shave some weight?

a couple months back I got rid of this



but then added some back.




I'm sure i lost weight in changing the rear frame and going from leafs to coils, but I also added a little with the partial cage... not sure where it came out altogether.