do I really need this?

[gmc4cw]

So much for winter wheelin'.

What's the point?
Can't save enough weight to make any difference.

the point is that I didn't like looking at what was there. the dash pad was cracked and had overspray on it so I tore it out. I realized I was never gonna replace it so I tore the ducting out. then it just looked empty so I cut the rest off. If I actually build what I want it will be functional and look better.

and if I took the mentality of " it won't save weight" my truck would still weigh over 5000 lbs. last time I weighed it, it was 4300. thats less I have to tow to the trail and less likely to break parts. since my truck was full bodied and now I have noticed an increase in my towing mpg even though my regular mileage has gone down because of the ethanol blend.

I wheeled it February 16th with no heat, it was 20 degrees and windy. I'll always have a windshield. that made the biggest difference in comfort. I rode in Pats truck and froze.

But really I am slowly cutting away everything until I have the bare essentials. I'll have no excuse left to not tube it out. this way I keep it wheelable.

 

[gmc4cw]

I'll weigh the chunk I cut off before I scrap it. but I know I saved 100 since this truck had A/C. all the ducting and the heater core and condenser unit along with the dash pad weighed a good bit.

 

[vtblazer]

Okay, I get the point, it all makes sennse now.

Your right about the 'total' weight savings throughout the truck, it's gotta only be a good thing.

I'm just jealous cause I'm still running a heavy piggy wheeler and your doing what I 'think' I wanna do but won't.

How much better do you really think it wheels now, compared to full size?
(looking for an honest/real answer)

 

[gmc4cw]

How much better do you really think it wheels now, compared to full size?
(looking for an honest/real answer)

when I took the bed off it was a night and day difference. I should have done that 5 years ago. that gave me tons of room to manuever. less rear overhang and the ability to turn around trees sooner. I have only been out once with the front end tapered, but it is easier to get the front wheels past stuff. the cab is still wide but something has to designate it as a fullsize.

when it was heavier it seemed to have more traction but the tires are also more worn out now. I still make it up stuff but I seem to get front wheelspin in situations where before I could just hold it at 1200 rpms and crawl it.

I can run the tire pressure lower now. I used to keep them above 10 psi. last few trips I have had them at 8 psi or lower(they leak down through the day)

But that might be the difference between Rausch and Paragon. rausch seems like it either rocks on level ground or hillclimbs. Paragon was constant elevation changes, so you would always be going uphill or down.

 

[travisc454]

here is mine.

 

[Chevy305]

wow there is sooo much room!

Kinda makes me want to do that to my truck....

 

[Clod_King]

That is amazing!

I really like that alot, and I hate you guys for doing that, because now I want too aswell....


travisc454, I am geussing your truck is a trailer queen aswell, eh? What did you do with the factory wiring harness?? Or was the temporarily removed??

 

[USSkoval]

I guess I'm one of the few that actually like the stock dash. I understand the reasons for removal, but I don't think "looks" would be a good one. Oh well... You guys can all cut out your dash, mine will stay

 

[travisc454]

well right now its not even finished. but i plan on driving it on the street every once in a while. but here with all the illegal emigrants driving around (by the millions) without licenses, insurance, cars pulling cars, pulling cars, all stacked like the beverly hill billies, paying $20 for illegal inspections. long story short the cops better cut a tax paying insurance paying american some slack. its not like im stacking frames or using 10" lift blocks.ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh........... sorry.



there is a of ton of room now i plan on putting my battery here

i could acually put two of them there if i wanted.

.........sorry for the hijack

 

[travisc454]

I guess I'm one of the few that actually like the stock dash. I understand the reasons for removal, but I don't think "looks" would be a good one. Oh well... You guys can all cut out your dash, mine will stay

i love the look of the stock dash. i wish i could have kept it (and i suggest most should do to) but with new wiring harness, old ac being in the way (plus motor without ac, no place under hood for battery that i like, and rollcage plans). i fell like im left with no other option other than a custom dash.... bad thing is imo it will never look as good as that sexy stock dash (excluding printed gauge pack.... weak)...

 

[thatK30guy]

Hmmmm....you're giving me ideas for my Trazer.....

 

[twoslo4five0]

of corse gmc4cw if you locked your front end and put a new set of tires on your truck i think you would be breaking more than you think...i do agree with the weight helping thats why i have lost alot of my body but i have enough gear,and am locked front and rear with brand new tires that i have to spend money on stuff like 35 spline...i took my 60 apart this weekend and im here to say that 30 spline stuff would never stand up to 44s and a locker let anone a doubler behind it

 

[gmc4cw]

of corse gmc4cw if you locked your front end and put a new set of tires on your truck i think you would be breaking more than you think...

if I bought those things I wouldn't have any money to go wheeling, or keep a roof over my family's head. last time I checked, I actually wheel my truck. I'm sure you are having fun building yours but I take a different approach. priority 1: if its broke I fix it so I can go wheeling again. priority 2: upgrade stuff. the order never changes since its more fun to be on the trail then to look at my truck in pieces and think how much fun it could be if I just had a front locker. eventually it will get locked again. and eventually I will buy newer tires. but that really wasn't what this thread was about.

 

[boggerless]

if I bought those things I wouldn't have any money to go wheeling, or keep a roof over my family's head. last time I checked, I actually wheel my truck. I'm sure you are having fun building yours but I take a different approach. priority 1: if its broke I fix it so I can go wheeling again. priority 2: upgrade stuff. the order never changes since its more fun to be on the trail then to look at my truck in pieces and think how much fun it could be if I just had a front locker. eventually it will get locked again. and eventually I will buy newer tires. but that really wasn't what this thread was about.

i'm with ya there. wrenching is fun, but right now i'm on a very limited budjet. so . i hear it sometimes from my brother. " why don't you go faster" or " look . he tried it". A,i don't need to red line it to make it. B, LOOK at his front driveshaft broke and wedged into the frame.loot for a tow truck or drive it home? my wallet says drive it home.