Change 4X4 to 4X2
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 334
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From: Brampton Canada
Change 4X4 to 4X2
This guy I work with has a 1993 Explorer 4X4 and wants to reduce the weight in an attempt to save fuel. Is it feasable to change from 4X4 to 4X2? If so, how much work is involved and will there be any difference in his gas mileage once done?
Thanks,
Glenn
Thanks,
Glenn
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Remove the front driveshaft. That will disconnect the whole front drive system and make it practically 2WD.
However, the gas mileage change will be...well virtually non-existant if any.
Let's see, a true 4WD to 2WD swap. He'll need everything for the front end, the whole suspension and 2WD parts, the 2WD tranny might be different, he'll have to dump the transfer case, which may require a new tranny mount, and a new driveshaft.
Say it gains him a MPG difference (it won't), he'll be paying for a long long time to make up the savings. Especially with gas prices dropping (knock on wood), what's the point? If he's that worried about it buy a car. Oh wait, if he buys a car then he has a car payment and gas. Hmm...
Live with it. Period. It's an SUV it's not designed for mileage. It's not all that bad. Instead of spending a grand or more on all the 2WD crap, how abouts he goes and picks up a vacuum gauge. That'll help with gas mileage if he can actually learn to watch it.
However, the gas mileage change will be...well virtually non-existant if any.
Let's see, a true 4WD to 2WD swap. He'll need everything for the front end, the whole suspension and 2WD parts, the 2WD tranny might be different, he'll have to dump the transfer case, which may require a new tranny mount, and a new driveshaft.
Say it gains him a MPG difference (it won't), he'll be paying for a long long time to make up the savings. Especially with gas prices dropping (knock on wood), what's the point? If he's that worried about it buy a car. Oh wait, if he buys a car then he has a car payment and gas. Hmm...
Live with it. Period. It's an SUV it's not designed for mileage. It's not all that bad. Instead of spending a grand or more on all the 2WD crap, how abouts he goes and picks up a vacuum gauge. That'll help with gas mileage if he can actually learn to watch it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
You won't gain much for mileage at all. When the 4wd is not engaged, none of the front drivetrain components are turning; the front wheels are free-wheeling just like a 4x2 truck. The weight savings are not that great for the hassle of removing the 4wd.
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