Weight guestimate

[t120r]

Anyone want to take a stab at my total weight, weight per wheel and unsprung weight ? I'm going to order coilovers and want to get it close as i can. Here's the combo:

- Bronco Design body ( I think they weigh close to stock)
- 429 (Aluminum heads, intake, electric water pump; shouldnt be far from stock iron 302)
- ZF5 & NP205
- '05 Superduty D60 & Sterling 10.5.
- 3-link setup (arms should be near stock weight. Tracbar/drag link 1-3/4" x 1/4" DOM.. so 50lbs extra)
- Aluminum 18" wheels with 33x10.5" tires.

I came up with a rough guestimate of 4500lbs comparing stock with weights of components i found online.

 

[edmedlin]

The 429, even with aluminum heads weighs a lot more than the 302. I don't know exactly how much, but quite a bit. I had a Mustang ('68) that had a special order 429 and the folks that did the install from the factory had to do a complete redesign of the front suspension, even widen it to accept the engine. It had much larger struts and springs. It was still very nose heavy. It was very quick in a straight line, but didn't turn well at all. It had aluminum heads also. You can build a 380+hp 302 with aluminum heads and with the right cam, have a lot of bottom-end torque. The width of the 429 is going to require some cutting and welding to the inner fenders I would expect. You will also have to change the position of your power brake master cylinder and possibly the steering column shaft. It is very wide. On the Mustang, I had to loosen the motor mounts and jack up the motor just to change the two rear spark plugs.

 

[SevenT]

Weight

t120r,

The Bronco Design tub weighs approximately 450 pounds. I scaled the truck and trailer with tub on and the same after the tub was off. That is minus the shipping frame. I think the steel tub weighs on the order of 600 pounds.

v/r,

SevenT

 

[nvrstuk]

Is this the same post that's on one of the Bronco FB groups? Just wondering...

 

[sanndmann3]

I'd just put it on a scale and see what it weighs. Cost me $7 at a local recycling place...

 

[nvrstuk]

I think he mentioned on the FB post that it's being built so he can't move it...

 

[74BroncoCO]

I'm guessing a bit closer to 5k. Especially if you are going to carry tools and some spare parts. Mine, ready for the trail is 4600lbs. I also carry a 35" spare.

 

[DirtDonk]

I agree with 74.
On a strict weight-saving program you could keep it near 4500. But I'd say you're pushing 4700 to 5000 just from what you've said and the usual suspects of gas, ass and grass thrown in.

Those axles are weighty. The engine if it's a stroked 351W (?) with the aluminum is likely near a 302 like you said. But easy enough to find out I would think.
Bigger tanks? Roll cage? Bumpers? How much does each wheel weigh?

From a factory nominal 3800-3900-ish weight, my stock-ish '71 weighs 4250 loaded to normal weight (tools and junk, plus fuel and me).
Yours sounds quite a bit heavier for sure.

As far as corners... That's somethign that's going to have to come from people who have done what you're doing. I have no idea at all. Mostly because I've never weighed any that precisely, and because yours is so different.
For starters, what induction setup? What battery location? What radiator? Bumpers? Power steering? Power brakes? (or both, with hydro-boost?). Cage?
Sure, most of those will be consistent side to side, and will change only the front and rear weights. But the battery location and any other side-specific things (like steering setups) will be a killer in this equation.

What else can you think of where yours may differ from others?
Unfortunately too, even the experts making your coils can still get it wrong from all the measurements you finally give. I can't remember the last time I heard of someone using coil-overs where the vendor got the spring rates right the first time. Must be a Bronco thing though, because they supposedly do this kind of thing day in and day out. So should get the numbers right off the bat.
Maybe it's the use that changes the needs?

I'm sure some have got it right the first time, but more often than not it's the second or third time being the charm.

Good luck. With as many coil-overs that have been done over the years, hopefully one of the members with that setup will have their numbers and experiences and suggestions for you.

Paul