Long trip and i need advise

[RpzInc]

Can I take the front axels out of my 94 4runner for a 1200 mile trip to help with gas milage. the 2wd 4runner is rated at 19mpg vr my 15 mpg. Last I rember the axel is not load bearing but im not 100% I am 100 percent sure my axels always spin with the tires because i dont have auto or manuel hubs. they are always connected hubs.

 

[williewilkens]

Can I take the front axels out of my 94 4runner for a 1200 mile trip to help with gas milage. the 2wd 4runner is rated at 19mpg vr my 15 mpg. Last I rember the axel is not load bearing but im not 100% I am 100 percent sure my axels always spin with the tires because i dont have auto or manuel hubs. they are always connected hubs.

Let's do the math:
1200 miles divided by 15 mpg = 80 gallons
1200 miles divided by 19 mpg = 63.16 gallons
80 gallons minus 63.16 gallons = 16.84 gallons
16.84 gallons X $3.70 = $62.31

Is it worth the effort to swap out your axle to save $60? Not at my rate of pay, brother...

 

[Geolander]

I averaged about 16-17 mpg for the majority of my trip from California to Kansas in my 4WD, with a couple of tanks hitting 20. As long as you keep the speed under 70 or so, your mileage won't be bad. I spent most of the trip on smaller highways instead of interstates, and that really seemed to help. As soon as I hit Kansas I didn't have any other options, and going 75-80 dropped my mileage down to about 12-13 mpg.

Not worth the savings or the effort imo. If you want to do it right, buy and install a set of manual hubs. They may not pay for themselves this trip, but if you do a lot of highway and other 2WD driving, they'll probably pay for themselves eventually, if not in fuel, then at least in reduced wear on your front drive components. I regularly see them on ebay for $100-150.

 

[RpzInc]

As of right now the 60 dollars helps. this trip is not a planned one and as a new home owner I have all kinds of new bills im not used to paying. 60 bucks pays for my food on this quick round trip. bottom line i didnt want to know how wealthy you are (no offense) but will it work. can i remove the axels and drive with out destroying my bearings and races?

 

[the_dingman]

I believe that you could swap in manual locking hubs to accomplish the same thing without losing the ability to go into 4WD.

 

[Geolander]

I really have no idea if it's possible. I will say that I've yet to see anyone do this.

Also, my mpg numbers are fully loaded (sagging 1-2" below normal) and with a bike on the roof. If you're traveling lighter than that and stick to lower speeds, you should have no problem averaging 17+ mpg. Additionally, I think the front diff is the big weight addition in the 4wd, and you can't remove that.

 

[the_dingman]

Here's a thought:

Removing the front axles would also leave open holes on the front differential and in each hub, meaning that they are far more likely to fail, and likely will not allow for converting back without replacement.

Either way, I would personally recommend against it. Look for other options to improve fuel efficiency, such as K&N filters, a full tune up, proper tire pressure and Seafoam.

 

[XtremeAdventurer]

2X against it.

Yes, you could save $60 now. But unless you seal your diff axle output and wheel knuckle you're going to be spending a lot more than $60 on parts to fix your front end. And that won't be a "when I get around to it" fix. It'll be more of a "the truck won't move until I fix it."

So, to do it right you'll need 2 steering knuckle grease caps (from a 2wd) @ $15 each... Do I need to go on... That's half the gas savings right there. Plus the amount of work to do it...

Slow down & enjoy the scenery. You'll save a lot more gas that way.
I went from 17 mpg to 18.5 mpg (@ 70mph, 4.3 gears, & 27" tires) by putting manual hubs on my '94. If I take back roads @ 55 mph, I'll get 20mpg.
So, manual hubs... $150 now (30-45 minutes a side for the swap)... Saves $60 now... Saves $??? later... I know it's hard to spend money when you don't have it, but I think manual hubs are one of the best things you can do for your 4Runner. Well, that & slow down... It's not a race car! :

Hope you get to where you need to go safely & without spending too much $$$.

 

[ozzyleven]

Go take that $60 you might save and replace the o2 sensor if its old. I just got back from an 800 mile trip and averaged between 19-21mpg per tank. Pre-o2 sensor change mileage was closer to 16mpg. Best $50 I've spent in a long time, plus I drive like a grandma, so that helps a lot too.

 

[Hyde802]

I believe that you could swap in manual locking hubs to accomplish the same thing without losing the ability to go into 4WD.

Do this. Get better MPGs all the time and still retain your 4wd.

 

[RpzInc]

I dont see how unbolting the half shaft could hurt the diff because it would still be closed as if the axel was still there. and for the hub it has seals so how would it mess with the bearings? on my 03 dodge ram 1500 it has 4x4 hubs but its 2wd and they have 100k+ on them with no problems what so ever. Im doing my breaks and bearings today so if its possible ima take them out.

 

[Clone of the Mean]

Why not just remove the front drive shaft? Only eight bolts.....

 

[Clone of the Mean]

And I'm gonna steal your sig line..... That's beautiful.

 

[Hyde802]

Why not just remove the front drive shaft? Only eight bolts.....

His Cvs would still turn.

 

[Clone of the Mean]

But the driveline won't turn the T Case, I would think that's where the loss of mileage is the greatest....

 

[RpzInc]

But the driveline won't turn the T Case, I would think that's where the loss of mileage is the greatest....

it woild still have drag and more chances of problem taking apart yokes. btw i pulled them out and it drives fine with way less drag. the bearing and hub are self supporting the axel doesnt keep the thing together like some 4x4s

 

[Geolander]

I don't know if there's any difference in the axle arrangement between the 2nd gens and the 3rd gens, but Singtoe over in the 3rd gen forum just advised someone not to drive without the front axles in place. Given his wrenching experience, I'd be inclined to believe him. There's some other advice in that thread about driving with no front axles as well.

Link: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/96262-regear-now-hum-front-end.html#post849455

Honestly, I wouldn't do it. The potential for disaster is too high. You might save $60 in gas, but if something goes wrong, you could destroy your front diff, wreck your wheel bearings, or god knows what else. Chances are, you'll end up spending a lot more than $60 fixing it.