jseabolt
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- July 12, 2009
- Messages
- 232
- Reaction score
- 5
- City, State
- Kingsport, Tennessee
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2006 Explorer Limted V8
I'm sure I'm not the first one to question this and figured someone has already tried it.
Since I don't need AWD during the summer, I'm wondering if disconnecting the driveshaft between the transfer case and front differential would reduce drivetrain resistance and gain a few extra MPG.
There would still be resistance of the gears turning in the front differential while going down the road but the engine wouldn't be turning it.
I'm sure this wouldn't yield any significant gains but wonder if it's worth a try. Any cons against doing this test? Like would this mess with the preload adjustment on the front differential or transfer case or be hard on the pinion seals?
I think some of the Subaru guys have tried removing the fuse that operates the AWD system but don't know if this made any difference. The fuse is supposed to be pulled if using the spacesaver spare tire otherwise it will mess up the AWD system.
I've never tried it myself on my Baja but did overinflate the tires to the maximum tire pressure of 44 PSI on a 400 mile trip to the beach and gained about 3 MPG based on my previous trips. Of course this would be counter productive if it wears out tires early but the tires were needing replaced soon anyway.
I don't know enough about either system but I believe the Subaru's system is semi-electronic (hence the fuse) but the Explorer's system is fully mechanical.
Worth a shot or waste of time?
Since I don't need AWD during the summer, I'm wondering if disconnecting the driveshaft between the transfer case and front differential would reduce drivetrain resistance and gain a few extra MPG.
There would still be resistance of the gears turning in the front differential while going down the road but the engine wouldn't be turning it.
I'm sure this wouldn't yield any significant gains but wonder if it's worth a try. Any cons against doing this test? Like would this mess with the preload adjustment on the front differential or transfer case or be hard on the pinion seals?
I think some of the Subaru guys have tried removing the fuse that operates the AWD system but don't know if this made any difference. The fuse is supposed to be pulled if using the spacesaver spare tire otherwise it will mess up the AWD system.
I've never tried it myself on my Baja but did overinflate the tires to the maximum tire pressure of 44 PSI on a 400 mile trip to the beach and gained about 3 MPG based on my previous trips. Of course this would be counter productive if it wears out tires early but the tires were needing replaced soon anyway.
I don't know enough about either system but I believe the Subaru's system is semi-electronic (hence the fuse) but the Explorer's system is fully mechanical.
Worth a shot or waste of time?
