i want to remove my hitch (nothing to tow) and was just wondering how much it was worth as far as E/T reduction and relative hp comparison ie 100 lbs. reduction = 10 hp right?

i'm not sure about the "formula" and is the 10 hp at the wheels? just need a bit more detail

thanks in advance.

 

Looking at it from a power-to-weight ratio viewpoint (from my Web site):

"Removal of the spare, jack, and trailer hitch alone should shave off 120-150 lbs. Shave off a total of 200 lbs. (4.3%) and the net effect on power-to-weight ratio is the same as adding about 15 HP--in addition to the handling improvements."

 

cyntaxx
Most feel 100 lbs off will add 1/10th on the 1/4.
As for removing the hitch, DO IT. I took mine off and love the new clean look. It's only 6 bolts (if I remember correct) and it takes only ten minutes or so. You'll need a 1/2 drive breaker bar and a piece of pipe to break them suckers loose though, mine must have been put on by a Gorrila, dam they were tight. I then drove straight to the track and ran my best time ever next track run will be less the tire, who knows ???

 

One time I got the bright idea to add wieght to my truck and melted over 50lb of lead and put it in the tube in that bad boy. Oh was that a mistake I wanted more traction I didnt really find it so when i took it off that was a mean job. So my advice is to take it off. I too ran my best time after the delete. with that same setup other than the hitch.

 

As soon as I picked it up from the dealer, I wanted that ugly thing taken off

Before I run, I take out the spare and the jack.

The hitch is eight bolts (with washers), and is a five minute install (de-install lol??!?!)

 

Here's my formula:

Less weight=more horsepower=

 

I say take it off not only for weight savings but for looks also!

 

taxx,

If you foresee driving it at all in winter conditions, leave it on.

Mine will be reinstalled this weekend.

Bob

 

i don't understand, isn't the weight at the extreme rear of the truck improving the balance of the truck's front-to-rear weight distribution and helping to increase traction???

 

TZR - I think that's why I havent taken off my hitch and spare yet... but I may just do that after the winter... I never use my hitch, and if I do, just bolt it back on in a 15 minute job.

 

If you are worried about loosing traction in the rear because of less weight, then just re-locate the battery back there.

Remove hitch - less weight in rear & truck overall
Relocate battery - less weight in the front and more on rear tires without increasing overall weight of the vehicle.

 

Damn when I ordered my L I didn't even want a hitch, HEHEHEHEHE. I didn't get any options with mine!

 

Hey TorontoF150,

Do you want to unload that hitch? I wouldn't mind getting one if the price was right.

 

yes unload i may. email me here: cyntaxx@yahoo.com

bob: yes i may drive it in the winter but only on the fair days w/ no snow so i dont need the weight in the rear...

 

damn, to bad i cant remove mine i.e WaveRunner/Winter Driving/other towing stuff.

see i dont have the luxury of the L, being my summer/race ride. i got the cobra for that. i had a 2000 Ranger for my "work truck" (yard work, towing etc.) but then i got the Lightning cause it was awesome, and im doing mods (appearance & performance) but i still need the little things to keep it useful. ( i got a regular tonnau so i can easily remove for hauling) ( the hitch for towing) (and i put the bed liner so i dont scratch it up with yard work stuff, and garbadge like that)

unless i store the lightning this year and drive the cobra.... hmmm......