Spare or no spare...that is the question

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

So I got to thinking about the spare tire and whether I should put it back under the truck. Less weight is good for drag racing but more weight in the back end can also be good...especially with these trucks. With the added weight and the QA1 adjustable shocks once the weight is transferred from initial launch I'm thinking it may hold better or secure a better bite...preventing wheelspin.

I was also thinking about Justins tow hitch on his truck. He and I discussed how that could also be used as a retrieval device should an accident occur and we need to get a tow. I'm sure some type of hook can be secured to the hitch. It could/may also provide for better traction as I believe it weighs around 40 pounds.

Whatcha guys think?

 

[Prof]

IMO get it as light as possible, handle the wheel spin in other ways...Detroit Locker rear end, cal tracs, four-link, slicks, gearing and throttle control...just my opinion, I am frequently wrong, and this may be one of those times!

 

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

Not sure if it was my rear shock settings but going over a bump or two driving around town without the spare I think the back end actually made some air. I guess I can either put the spare back on or soften the rear shocks. I'll probably adjust the rears and see what happens.

I tend to agree with you prof, keep her light and deal with it another way.

 

[mmmmtorque]

I removed my spare on the first day and it has never been back in. Lighter is better and you should take care of traction via DR's or slicks.

I remove the tailgate and wing as well at the track. With slicks, I can launch at 5000 rpms and hook no problem.


Everyday driving, can understand where a little extra weight could help when hitting rough roads. I am hoping upgrading to the QA1's should help with daily driving. Either way, its not something that is a big problem.

 

[hemi killer]

removed my spare so my Wheelie bars would mount. It is sure hard to tame 500 hp. lol

 

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

Have you had problems with the front end lifting to where the wheelie bar was needed? I cant wait to try and tame 850 hp :burnout:

 

[JMB Justin]

I would ditch the spare, and start your shock settings at:

Drag:
0-1 F
4-5 R
10-11 Top

Street:
6-7F
4-5R
10 Top

Justin

 

[Silverback]

Dropped the spare when I installed the Magnaflow and it never went back in.

In regard to the axle hop over bumps. That's a result of unsprung weight, and you could carry 4 spare tires and it wouldn't help a lick.

 

[mosrt10]

I would have to concure with silverback. I get the same bouncing affect in my 12 ton work truck. I would think lighter is better. If you would like to add weight to the back of the truck, try what I'm doing. I'm having Justin install a rear battery mount in my truck to compensate for the spare tire removal(as far as traction wise).

 

[RedSrt007]

Removed mine...it wont help w/ traction.... Just go slicks and you will hook

 

[mopar_mudder]

I ran with no spare and about 1/8 tank of gas.

Next time I ran with spare and about 3/4 tank of gas

The extra weight cost me about .20 in the 1/4 and me 60's were exactly the same. The extra weight don't work for traction, well unless you are going to thought 1000# of sand in the back or something LOL

 

[belgiumbarry]

it's understandeble if you compare ( simplyfied ) :

the torque that can be given by the tyres without spinning to push the truck is linear with the friction factor x the weight on it.

On the other hand the torque needed to push it ( as quick as possible ) will be linear with the weight of the truck x g-forces.

So if you make a formula of it , you can directly eliminate the weight on both sides , which means that it has no important effect.

again , as i stated , very simply rough thinking....