front driveshaft removal, better MPG?

[jared]

would you get better gas mileage in a tj by removing the front drivshaft?

 

i am going to michigan this week and its 600 miles each way, i would like more than 22 mpg :cheers:

[Pete M]

In theory, yes. But not enough to notice any difference. It simply doesn't take much energy to keep it spinning around compared to pushing your brick through the air. I'd rather leave it on just in case you need it (we just got 5 inches here with more on the way).

[BLHTAZ]

The front shaft should not be spinning or causing drag unless you have a locker in the front. If you have an open diff, it will make no difference at all.

 

22 MPG ... You are doing extremely well to get that. I can't imagine an MJ, or most other Jeeps, getting that kind of MPG.

[Pete M]

He's got a TJ with the non-cad Dana 30, the driveshaft will be turning any time both front tires are turning. It's the crappy CAD Dana 30 that allows the front shaft to remain still when not in 4wd.

[Geonovast]

The front driveshaft will be spinning. It only doesn't on disco axles. All a locker does is make so the two wheels have to spin at the same speed. The driveshaft still has to move either way.

[mfpdm]

Been running without my front driveshaft on the tj for a little while now with no noticable difference in milage. Like Pete said, "it's a brick."

 

On a side note, maybe the postman will deliver my driveshaft today. :D

[CWLONGSHOT]

For the trouble of removing the DS... you will be WAY better off just changing your driving habits!!

 

Here is the mind set... you have a rotten egg permanently attached to the gas pedal. If you depress the pedal too hard you will break the egg and STINK UP YOUR CAB FOR EVER!!! SLOW starts and keep it at a constant speed around 60.

 

Have the truck aligned and slightly over inflate your tires. don't GO CRAZY!!

 

Good luck and drive SAFE!!

 

CW

[tjbliley]

What CW said and add in a fresh air filter, oil and filter change, and do a tune-up. That will get you more than messing with the front shaft.

[Jeepinmanch]

My 89' lwb 2wd pioneer 5 speed just averaged between 21 and 22 miles a gallon on a 1,340 mile trip. 191+ miles on engine. Had topper on too.

[jared]

haha, my TJ gets 22 on the highway doing 70-80 drafting behind semi's on the turnpike

 

my jeep runs great, no need for a tune up.

 

but i did use synthetic gear oil so maybe that will help out some.

 

but i am not complaining about mpg's, just want more

[Geonovast]

I think what we're trying to say is it will give you slightly, slightly better, but it's not worth it, just in case you need it on the way. If you do remove it for the trip...make sure you still bring it with, with the hardware and tools to install it in case you end up needing it.

[bhorocks]

no way you are gettin 22 on a tj. Is it a 4banger? or 4.0? is it manual?

 

my tj 4.0 got the worst gas mileage. if its an auto there is no way of gettin 22. i got mabye 15 if i was lucky.

 

but more power to you.

[BLHTAZ]

It must be a 4.0L. The 2.5L gets worse MPG than a 4.0.

[jared]

2.4 tj 5 spd. its a stratus engine.

 

i only got 22 highway while drafting off semi's all the way from ohio through PA. but going average speed of 75 mph.

[Geonovast]

It must be a 4.0L. The 2.5L gets worse MPG than a 4.0.

 

My 2.5 4wd gets much, much, much better mileage than my HO 4.0 2wd.

[BLHTAZ]

It must be a 4.0L. The 2.5L gets worse MPG than a 4.0.

 

My 2.5 4wd gets much, much, much better mileage than my HO 4.0 2wd.

Sorry...I should have added ... "in a Wrangler" ... to my statement. I have no experience with an MJ 4 banger, but every Wrangler I have been involved with fits my statement ;) .

[bhorocks]

figured it had to be a 2.5 maual.

 

the 4.0 sucks gas like no other. throw in a auto and you are broke. 3speed no overdrive.

 

gawd, I hated my wrangler just for that reason alone. and so expensive to lift or do anything with it.