TON4FUN

Can you remove the front drive shaft on a 4X4? I know you can, but can any damage occur to the trasfercase if it does not see any load? I don't use my 4 wheel drive much and was thinking of taking the drive shaft out so that it won't spin the front wheels and possibly increase my MPG due to less drag on the motor. Just a thought....Any input would help.

NJMurvin

I'm no expert, but plenty of folks have removed it (even dealers have removed it) to try and diagnose the source of the infamous 70mph vibration. I don't believe it will harm the Tcase - but who knows, over time . . . ?

I think they're gonna spin anyway . . . sorry, couldn't resist

I posted a similar inquiry some time ago. It was explained to me that the hubs are always locked to the front differential so it's gonna spin with or without the drive shaft installed. About all you'll save is the spinning of the shaft itself and some bearing in the Tcase that spins when it's disengaged - not much resisitance on the engine. I concluded that the MPGs saved would be not be measurable.

Neil

Commatoze

I asked this a few weeks ago on the 2nd gen drivetrain forum. ( https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...threadid=47542 ) The answer is yes you can, but there's some debate with my colleagues in work (who do a lot of offroading) if it's worth the time. The arguement is that the driveshaft is basically freewheeling and there's little load on the u-joints, and that the load is what causes their failure. Just for the record, I haven't taken mine off as of yet.

Jmac

Don't forget "Murphy's Law" . . . the minute you disable for 4x4 you will need it for some reason and kick yourself in the rear for removing it in the first place!!!

my .02

jamie

phox_mulder

I took mine off chasing down a vibe after I lifted it.

Vibe went away, and I couldn't sworn I gained 1-2 mpg.

This was only 1 tank comparison though, bout a week and a half.

I put it back on and live with the vibe,
I use 4x4 weekly at least.


phox

BigBlue

I'm getting ready to take mine off to see if it's the cause of a vibe at 70 on my 01. I'll let yall know how it comes out.