Poor mileage w/4x4's... cure??

[AlaskanCummins]

OK. I've owned my new 04. 5 since 07/08/04 and have been very pleased with just about everything, with the exception being the fuel mileage and finish (paint - not color, but the ease in which it chips).



I just completed a 10K mile round trip from Alaska to New Mexico, towing a 10K # trailer there getting 10mpg average (hand calculated) and 13-15 comming home empty. I drive 75 on interstates and 65 where I can on other roads. Truck has almost 14K on the odo now.



From what I see, a good cure would be to have our front end's dis-engaged, meaning having "lock-out" hubs, as the trucks used to have when DC put Dana 60's under the front end. Or, even using the uncoupling system in the trucks prior to 2003.



I don't understand why DC/AA isn't using some sort of unlocking system in the 03's/04's front ends.



Is there anyone out there that knows of a kit (hubs, spindles, etc. . ) that we could get to install lock-outs in our trucks?? And, if there isn't one, the outfit that makes/markets one could potentially be a millionare.



Wayne

 

[corprimo]

There is a thread on this - maybe a prototype is in the works



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96948



We're ordering an '05 soon, and I'm also concerned about mileage. Thought about getting a 2 wheel drive as most of the miles will be pulling our 5er 'outside" but there will always be times when you really need that 4 wheel drive. My modified '97 gets 15 mpg around town and 10 with the 11,000 pound trailer, so I'm assuming the '05 will be close to that.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Thanks for the link. It appears that they only offer the kit for 1994-1999 trucks equipped w/the D60. I sent them an e-mail w/hopes that they will reply with some sort of good news.



Price seems a tad bit high, but I think w/the less wear/tear on the front end and increase in fuel economy, It'd pay for itself in no time at all.



Wayne

 

[BRuppel]

if i was a hard core wheeler in my7500lb truck i would go for the stage 3 upgrade no problem. but that is what trail rigs are for.