running with NO bumper

[78Suburban]

I'm wanting to strip as much weight as I can take off of the burb before the mud bogg on feburary 25th........ What would happen if I took the stock bumper off, would It loose alot of frame strenght, or are those bumpers pure crap anyway? Is there any bumper setup lighter than the stock setup, like some kinda simple tube? How many lbs would I shed If I just took the bumper off.. I don't plan on a front winch and just want to strip down weight for playing in the mud.. any ideas on sheeding #'s are welcome
thanks,
James

 

[Sandman]

I guess it depends on how far you want to go. Pull out the rear seats and all the carpet. Pull the rear doors or tailgate off, drop both bumpers like you said.

Back when mine was full bodied and I mud raced. I used to pull the top, rear seat, and the tailgate. It made a huge difference!

 

[WhiteBurb]

I'd say the front bumper only weighs about 40lbs. It comes off real easy, and provides very little if any strength to the frame.
Just make sure its legal to go without a front bumper in your area before you go driving down the highway.

 

[roadnotca]

I'd say the front bumper only weighs about 40lbs. It comes off real easy, and provides very little if any strength to the frame.
Just make sure its legal to go without a front bumper in your area before you go driving down the highway.

The front bumper assy does contribute significantly the the front end STIFFNESS. Without that end being stiff, holes willl start opening-up, like a steering box mount. The individual frame members will still be STRONG, they'll just start coming apart. Ask Steve. You could SUB in something stronger just between the two rails, still save weight, just more effecient.

 

[Blue85]

I think it's hard to find a full-size bumper that's lighter than the stock one. You might be able to tie some tubing in between the frame rails for stiffness and save weight by not going full width.

Some areas do not require them for the street, but you still need a license plate if you will drive to the event. I remember for a while the rear bumper on a new Toyota pickup was an option.

 

[Jishory]

on a half ton i would keep the bumpers to help keep the frame as rigid as possible, to save weight(approach angle) i sawed off the bumper on either side on the frame

 

[78Suburban]

on a half ton i would keep the bumpers to help keep the frame as rigid as possible, to save weight(approach angle) i sawed off the bumper on either side on the frame

any idea how much weight was shed by sawing the sides of the bumper off?
thanks,
James

PS: any pics of no bumpers or light frame support systems would be very appreciated.

 

[Jishory]

not much, maybe 30-40 pounds, this is what it looks like

 

[78Suburban]

not much, maybe 30-40 pounds, this is what it looks like

I'm seriously thinking of cloneing your exact setup .. do you still have the bumper scraps laying around? I know its asking alot, but it would be AWSOME if you could weight the ends you cut off so that I would have an idea how much weight I will shed before I go to the trouble of breaking out the
thanks,
james

 

[roadnotca]

Hood latch supreemo.

 

[zeroz400]

I'm wanting to strip as much weight as I can take off of the burb before the mud bogg on feburary 25th........ What would happen if I took the stock bumper off, would It loose alot of frame strenght, or are those bumpers pure crap anyway? Is there any bumper setup lighter than the stock setup, like some kinda simple tube? How many lbs would I shed If I just took the bumper off.. I don't plan on a front winch and just want to strip down weight for playing in the mud.. any ideas on sheeding #'s are welcome
thanks,
James

If your only doing it for the mud bog then go ahead and take it off. Your going in a straight line and its not like your motor is going to destroy the frame. Sure if you were doing trails that were testing your approach angle then i would keep the bumper on or trim it.

 

[odoa3]

James,
I would want something between the framerails to provide a little support... My luck I would catch a rut right between the frame rails and take something out.

 

[muddybuddy]

if u wana lose weight, get a glass hood with pins, that'll save a bunch. i assume u took the 3rd seat out.

 

[78Suburban]

if u wana lose weight, get a glass hood with pins, that'll save a bunch. i assume u took the 3rd seat out.

3rd seat was gone when I bought it. Fiberglass hoods are so expensive, if I ever find a cheap deal on a used one I'll jump on it

 

[muddybuddy]

haha fair enough. what about the 2nd seat :-)?

 

[78Suburban]

haha fair enough. what about the 2nd seat :-)?

All the chicks I haul around would awfully disappointed

 

[muddybuddy]

haha alright, well what about tow hitch? spare? center console? carpet?
jus saw the roof off, that will save a bunch hehe

 

[78Suburban]

has anybody else cut or modifed a bumper to reduce weight?
thanks,
james

 

[74757685k5]

if you wanta be light. why a burb??

 

[78Suburban]

if you wanta be light. why a burb??

cause that's what I got . I know its never gonna weigh what a sammy weighs, but I figure evely lb taken off will help.