Rollpan and spring questions

the head · 08-01-2005, 10:18 AM

I’m considering something a bit ‘drastic’ for me. One thing has already been done by some members but I wanted to get some feedback. The other I’m not so sure of.

First, I’m putting a lot of thought into removing the trailer hitch off of my truck. It is very rare that I tow anything. If I do, my bumper is quite capable of handling the load (around 1500 pounds). However, I only tow about once or twice a year. And I have another vehicle with a hitch so if I lost the ability to tow on my titan it’s not that big of a deal. So what I’m thinking about doing is removing the hitch and the bumper and replacing all of that with a rollpan. I’ve seen the pics and I like what I see. When I first bought the truck I knew I’d tow some things from time to time but it’s really not that often. I also liked the towing package mirrors, quicker gearing, and the tranny cooler as part of the deal. The reason I’m looking to do this is to remove weight off the truck (for when I’m at the track). My wife almost never drives the truck so the likelihood of it getting backed into anything is pretty slim. But when you remove the bumper, how does that affect things in an accident?

Second thing, I’m looking to possibly remove a leaf spring off the rear on each side of the truck. This is also for weight. This might negatively affect traction, or it might help since there might be a little less stiffness on the axle. Who’s to say? I’ve heard of people doing this, but have no experience with it. I do use the bed of my truck but I don’t haul any more than maybe 600 pounds in it at one time. So no loads of bricks or anything like that. I’m thinking the ride might be a bit smoother and it might drop the rear a little with one less leaf in there (a reverse leveling kit). Any ideas on this one? I might just have to try it and see what happens.

Constructive comments are welcome

WazzuCoug · 08-01-2005, 12:50 PM

The bumper must weigh upwards of 100#'s. I have the stillen pan, and the weight difference has to be huge. the pan provides 0 help in an accident. all looks.... hope that helps

m95roadster · 08-01-2005, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WazzuCoug

The bumper must weigh upwards of 100#'s. I have the stillen pan, and the weight difference has to be huge. the pan provides 0 help in an accident. all looks.... hope that helps

You save approxiamtely 25-30 lbs. with the roll pan.

m95roadster · 08-01-2005, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the head

Second thing, I’m looking to possibly remove a leaf spring off the rear on each side of the truck. This is also for weight. This might negatively affect traction, or it might help since there might be a little less stiffness on the axle. Who’s to say? I’ve heard of people doing this, but have no experience with it. I do use the bed of my truck but I don’t haul any more than maybe 600 pounds in it at one time. So no loads of bricks or anything like that. I’m thinking the ride might be a bit smoother and it might drop the rear a little with one less leaf in there (a reverse leveling kit). Any ideas on this one? I might just have to try it and see what happens.

Constructive comments are welcome

Each leaf spring is about 40-50 lbs so if you take a leaf off you'll probably save 10 lbs. The draw back will be a decreased spring rate which can induce wheel hop, but the rear will definitely be lower and ride smoother. You can always try it and see if it works to your liking. Removing the leafs are pretty easy.

HavockWK · 08-01-2005, 02:18 PM

I don't know what it would do for your ability to haul 600# or your traction control, but getting rid of the overload leaf will save you about 30# (15# each side) I believe. Each one of those is significantly heavier than any of the individual leaves. Of course this is all by my rough estimations when we rebuilt my leaf springs for the PRG leaf pack install.

If you have problems with traction, ride quality and load capacity after removing the overload leaf, I recommend you look into the PRG leaf packs (15 lb each side which is about the same as the overload leaves) and then use the new PRG drop shackles to counter the 1.25" lift. Then you will have the capacity for hauling, better ride quality and better traction than with the stock overload leaf. I think they should work well with your Hellwig sway bar, but that is just a guess.

m95roadster · 08-01-2005, 02:19 PM

I just weighed my rear bumper and it's 59 lbs. The roll pan is around 12 lbs.

WazzuCoug · 08-01-2005, 02:35 PM

That sounds closer... I knew it was more than 25-30. Damn thing felt like a sack of bricks when I took it off!

Vyrus · 08-01-2005, 02:49 PM

I love the way those rear rollpans look but don't forget that you may be rear-ended and without any form of a bumper you are much more prone to bending your frame. My friend was rear ended in his stock-height S10 with a rollpan at about 15mph (city traffic speed) and it wasn't good.

-Cyrus