Does the 2001 4x4 3500 front axel completely disingage or does it drag along for the ride? How does it disingage?
Are lock out hubs available? My fuel consumption runs 13-15mpg and I suspect I'm pushing the front around full time.
New to dodge-need impute. STY

 

It should disengage, it does it by vaccum and accuator is located on passanger side of front axle I don't think anyone makes lockout hubs.

 

I would say be happy with your mileage, it is about the norm for your size truck. it's funny you have this huge truck with a maga torque diesel engine, and you think you are losing a few miles to the gallon from a couple of pieces in the front end that are sitting in oil and rotating. Your front drive shaft does not turn, and there is nothing up front that could Rob you of mileage. Get real, your truck weighs over three tons and it is not going to get much better then 16 mpg.

 

Y-knot is being a little harsh. I know someone with a 99 dually that gets about 18. rangerst, fill in your sig so that we know what you have, like stick or auto, what gears you have and your tire size. These will all contribute to mileage.
dave

 

The way your axle disengages is by splitting the passenger side axle in two pieces. This stops the whole front unit from spinning the front driveshaft. So really the only part spinning when you drive down the road is your axles and spider gears in the housing. If there is any extra fuel used in turning the axles as you drive I would think it minimal. By the way, you will see that some guys can get very high MPG with these trucks and some dont. No one really knows what makes the difference but they all dont get the same MPG. Could be fuel quality, factory engine settings, ECM, break in procedures, ect.

 

Thanks everybody, even opinions with attitude can be infomative! God bless. I added sig info as farmer Dave suggested, any help there?

KATOOM, are the spider gears in oil or do they require ring gear sling/splash for oiling? If drive shaft is idle, so would be the ring and pinion gears yes/no? Still foggy but gettin' clearer-thanks again.

Hey KATOOM, I see you and y-not both have 2w low! What a plus for dry ground-slow go! Where to get or any links appreciated....STY

 

If you havent seen what a differential looks like opened up or just sitting on a work bench, its hard to describe how it works on this site without typing for days or pictures, but the spider gears are about half way in oil and any spinning will result in a big bath of lube.(sticky stuff) The whole carrier is really disconnected from power but its surprising how much spinning action you get while cruising down the road. As for the 2 lo kit. I got mine from Piers, which is really a PAC brake 2 lo kit. Very easy to install if you dont get confused with the directions about which vacumm lines are which. Hardest part is running wires into the cab and finding a good spot for the switch. Cost about $80 if I remember right. Works perfect. Put it in 2 lo when you want to creep or hook up the trailer or pull the boat out of the water. A great addition.