Okay, I know that dropping the tailgate actually worsens gas mileage during normal driving, but I had another question. If I get off work early on Saturday, I'm taking the Ram down to the Rockingham Dragway down in Southern N.C. with a few of my buddies. My question is this: Will dropping my tailgate improve or worsen my performance at the drag strip? Any ideas?

 

can u remove it? for less weight

 

I can, but it requires tools, so I'd have to leave it at home. That is a good idea, if it will help in the aerodynamics area. That son of a bitch weighs about 30lbs.

 

You probally should leave it on, you'll need the weight in the back with that big-*** V-8 under the hood, don't wanna spin those tires too much. Taking the cap off the back of the truck will help a lot more than removing the tailgate.

 

I've seen trucks race with it down. Probably does reduce a lot of drag, I'd imagine. I say leave it down.

 

Instead of starting a new thread, I'll ask this: I know that tailgate up on the highway helps gas mileage due to the votex of air, but what happens to the vortex when you have a toolbox? Does it affect the vortex at all or am I just thinking too much?

But to answer you question... I've seen alot of drag trucks leave the tailgate up, some even throw more weight in the bed (sandbags, etc.), BUT, I have also seen alot of drag trucks take the gate completely off. Run your truck both ways and let us know which way let you run faster... I'm VERY curious.

 

I've got a toolbox, and it makes no difference.

The cap has been off for about a month now and it never spins tires at the strip due to all of the rubber on the track and my high-grip tires. If I get to go, I'll just take out the toolbox and drop the gate.

 

why dont you just make a couple runs with it, then take it off, and make a couple runs w/o it, and find out?


and do you mean saturday the 6th? pm me let me know if you go for sure i may go down there just to watch

 

Yes, tomorrow, but I don't know if I'll get to go, I've got to be able to get off work about an hour and a half early.

 

Heh, what do you expect to run at the track with your 0-60 in 7.0?