Switching from a 1800lb VW (#202 GTi Cup Car) to my 4180lb Dodge leaves me wanting. There seems to be very little in the truck that isnt playing a relatively important role. I understand that this being a RWD the weight should come off the front preferably.

I was wondering what little tips and tricks you have run across to help with this heavy issue.

Also what tear down manual do you suggest?

 

First off, welcome aboard!

Factory manuals the best, Haynes is so so

As far as weight reduction goes, theres lots you can do.
F/G hood, fenders, bed, rollpan instead of bumper, lightweight rims, smaller diameter rubber (increases final ratio also) Dump your spare tire, mount and crank for spare, lightweight seats, remove anything in the cab not needed, swap out elephant ear mirrors for SS mirrors, Drop you viscous fan & shroud for twin electrics (12" twins max) Then there are headers, alum heads (MP or Edelbrock) alum underdrive pulleys, relocate the battery to the bed or under it, (use Red top Optima or Reactor) Swap to f/g leaf springs, tubular control arms.

Probably missed a bunch of stuff but it gives you some ideas where to start. More details here
http://rm-indy.com/weightreduction.htm