My '03 mpg with front hubs locked/unlocked

[gbraden]

I just installed (actually I had the work done) the Dynatrac/Dynaloc front axle disconnects. My reason for doing this almost $3,000 mod was so that I could back my 5th-wheel trailer in 2wd Low Range.

My wife and I are retired and travel around the US with the trailer. Many times I have strongly wished that I could very slowly back the trailer into a tight space. Now, almost $3,000 later, I can.

In addition to being able to drive in 2wd Low Range, I also have the benefit of not having approx. 125# in the front axle constantly rotating while in regular 2wd High Range.

This past weekend I drove back to San Diego from the Grand Canyon. My route was S. Rim of Grand Canyon-Williams-Ash Fork-Chino Valley-Skull Valley-Congress-Aguila-Quartzsite-Yuma-San Diego. From Congress to San Diego there are miles and miles of level and straight road. I did some mileage tests. I used the overhead console mpg readout and for each test I drove approximately 10 miles at a steady speed (per my GPS). I was driving solo (without a trailer) with only my wife and I in the truck.

Here are my results while driving at 60, 65, and 70 mph.



Axles Locked: 23mpg, 16. 2mpg, 14. 5 mpg

Axles Unlocked: 27. 6mpg, 19. 9mpg, 18. 6mpg



Perhaps this is not a real scientific test, but I think it is a pretty good test. I have no idea what the mpg differences would be, if any, if I had been pulling my 9,500# 5th-wheel.



Glenn

 

[gbraden]

I see that there is an "angry" icon attached to the Title block of my posting. I did not intend for the icon to be there and do not know how to delete it.

Sorry,

Glenn

 

[LBARTLETT]

good info. for us all, thanks

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Glenn had you considered installing a 2-Lo kit? Would have been a much cheaper way to get the 2-low capability, but if the MPG improvement you see on the overhead translates into real fuel savings maybe the unlocking hubs will eventually pay for themselves anyway.

 

[MMeier]

Glenn had you considered installing a 2-Lo kit? Would have been a much cheaper way to get the 2-low capability, but if the MPG improvement you see on the overhead translates into real fuel savings maybe the unlocking hubs will eventually pay for themselves anyway.

Didn't know you could do that on a 3rd gen.

 

[MMeier]

Glenn, how about figuring mileage on paper, without the overhead?

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

Glenn had you considered installing a 2-Lo kit? Would have been a much cheaper way to get the 2-low capability, but if the MPG improvement you see on the overhead translates into real fuel savings maybe the unlocking hubs will eventually pay for themselves anyway.

The 2-low kit can't be done on the 03's and up. No more CAD. The only way to do it is with the Dynatrac/EMS kits.

 

[Regcabguy]

My buddy did the Dynaloc conversion and netted 3+ mpg on the freeway. You'll never get your money back but the peace of mind of shutting down 150# of rotational mass is nice. Dynatrac recommends maintenance@ 15,18,000 miles. I never serviced my hubs in any vehicle before 50,000 miles in the past unless submerging them. Seems like overkill.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I had them on my '04... loved them. really lightened up the steering, etc.



want to do them and the Karli balljoints on the mega cab

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The 2-low kit can't be done on the 03's and up. No more CAD. The only way to do it is with the Dynatrac/EMS kits.

I never knew that, what's up with Dodge designing it that way

 

[bighammer]

I see that there is an "angry" icon attached to the Title block of my posting. I did not intend for the icon to be there and do not know how to delete it.
Sorry,
Glenn

Fixed

(I can remove the if you like)

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I never knew that, what's up with Dodge designing it that way

lol @ questioning why Dodge does strange things

 

[WoodChuck]

3 mpg is impressive, I drive about 30k per year so it would be worth it to me.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

At 30K per year, this would pay for itself in about 150K or 5 years at today's fuel prices, not a real quick payback, but not out of the question either.



SHG

 

[RJWEST]

I would deduct the price of new OEM hubs and installation from the kit cost( as it appears labor is also included in the 3$),As those parts will most likely be needed eventually .
Also no money in front drive train repairs ( I doubt the front drive train will ever wear out now that it's not turning ).

AND!, One less ' Break Down" item: that and the 2 wheel low range
is worth the expense ( 1400$ EMS OFF ROAD) !

 

[Forrest Nearing]

At 30K per year, this would pay for itself in about 150K or 5 years at today's fuel prices, not a real quick payback, but not out of the question either.



SHG

as the other gentleman was saying...



factor in the cost of two new factory style front hubs and an emergency tow bill... heck, go ahead and factor in the cost of FOUR factory style hubs if you plan on keeping the truck for any length of time.