At 08:39 PM 1/13/2004, Andy wrote:
>I don't think I can disagree with you. I think there are efficiency gains
>to be had if the front hubs unlocked. There is a definite advantage in
>efficiency for your truck in 2WD mode over 4WD - but if the hubs unlocked,
>you'd see a bigger difference.
My grandfather had an early '70s model Power Wagon with permanently locked
hubs. He had the hubs replaced with some he could lock and unlock manually
in hopes of improving the fuel mileage (the truck has a 440, you can guess
the mileage wasn't spectacular). Didn't make one iota of difference, so he
changed the hubs back for convenience.
Now, I realize a Power Wagon with a 440 isn't exactly a V6 Dakota, but the
point is that the difference in economy isn't enough to justify the
inconvenience and extra complexity of any sort of disconnect for the front
hubs or axle. This was why they got rid of the vacuum disconnect system.
-- Jason Bleazard http://www.bleazard.net Burlington, Ontario his: '95 Dakota Sport 4x4, 3.9 V6, 5spd, Reg. Cab, white hers: '01 Dakota Sport 4x4, 4.7 V8, Auto, Quad Cab, black
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sun Feb 01 2004 - 16:29:49 EST