Removing FWD drive shaft

[nomadtgif]

In order to make my 97 AWD, Explorer Limited more fuel efficient I was thinking of removing the forward drive shaft from the transfer case, making the truck a 2WD rear pusher. Since I am not providing full time power to the front wheels anymore it should get better gas economy? I plan to leave it this way until the fall, at which time I will put the drive shaft back in to restore the AWD capability. My question is did anyone try this before and do you think that something might be damaged while the drive shaft is out?

 

[Willard]

Bad idea. First, it won't make a huge difference because the power and economy is mostly lost in the transfer case itself. Secondly, it will wear out the clutch inside of the transfer case quickly and it won't work at all. If you really want, you can swap a BW 4406 transfer case in for part-time 4wd. Just search 4406 swap.

 

[gijoecam]

Bad idea. First, it won't make a huge difference because the power and economy is mostly lost in the transfer case itself. Secondly, it will wear out the clutch inside of the transfer case quickly and it won't work at all. If you really want, you can swap a BW 4406 transfer case in for part-time 4wd. Just search 4406 swap.

Ditto.
Third, there is no power to be gained by removing the driveshaft since the front drivetrain is still being pushed around all the time.

Fourth, The vehicle will roll if parked on a hill without the parking brake set.

Don't bother. If you want a 2wd Explorer, trade your 4x4 for a 2wd. You won't find the mileage significantly different though...