What kind of mpg gains have you guys seen from a free spin kit?

[AWeiman]

Just curious. Got a unit bearing out on the passenger side, and we are gonna do the driver's side as well while we are at it. So the idea of free spinning it was brought up. Seems like from alot of the searching i have done on here its hit and miss on mpg gains. Just looking for some more thoughts before we make a decision.

thanks.

 

[MChrist]

I haven't heard of earth shattering mileage gains, maybe 1-1. 5 mpg on the highway, but the ability to go to 2WD low is an advantage to be considered. I've read that it will probably never pay for itself, if that's why you are doing it.

 

[hcole]

MChrist is right about mileage. That's just about what I have gained. It probably won't pay for itself but I like my Dynatracs. I decided when one of my unit bearings got dry that that design wasn't for me so I spent the extra money to be rid of that horrible design.

 

[rscurtis]

It will pay for itself a lot sooner if you consider the fact that you're not wearing out the front DS and U-joints.

 

[AH64ID]

I haven't heard of earth shattering mileage gains, maybe 1-1. 5 mpg on the highway, but the ability to go to 2WD low is an advantage to be considered. I've read that it will probably never pay for itself, if that's why you are doing it.

I am just waiting for my bearings to go out, and it will be worth every penny for 2WD low. . I really miss that feature.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

I glazed my clutch last year in my '09 while trying to back my 39' 5er into my friends driveway (steep & narrow with a few bad turns) and opted to use low range after I started to smell it.



I wish that I had the 2wd low option just to avoid the binding that occurs while turning sharp and will be upgrading when the factory crap wears out

 

[AMcCormick]

I would not do this just for mpg gains, too exspensive an upgrade. That being said it is a good upgrade depending on how you use your truck. I just put the dyntrac with dynalocks on. I would do balljoints and u joints while it is apart. If I was to do it again I would upgrade the inner axles as well. Some claim anywhere from zero mpg gain to as much as 1. 5. I think that 1. 5 may not be all that realistic.

 

[steved]

I would say the return is determined by the miles you put on... mine paid for itself in a single trip when fuel went to $5/gallon. Fuel mileage increase is between 0. 5 and 1. 0 mpg for my case.

It is either a want-to-have or a need-to-have item... in my case, it was a need to have to address the 70mph vibrations.

 

[retirednak]

Don't mean to poach threads,why did Dodge go away for lock out's in the first place?

 

[CUMMINZ]

I just did the Yukon kit last week and I feel a big difference in the steering. My overhead does appear to now stay more on the 20mph side rather than the 18mpg.



My installation at:



2007. 5 Dodge RAM 3500 6. 7L Cummins Diesel - 245x70x19. 5 wheels & <b>Yukon free spin</b>

 

[Motorhead]

I also saw a 1-1. 5 mpg increase empty. I agree with ALL of the above results. I use mine the MOST as 2WD-LOW for backing up a trailer. I have the G56 and a South Bend Con OFE.
The South Bend doesn't like backing very well LOADED so 2WD-Low is the ticket.

 

[AEdelheit]

I really wish there was a cheaper kit, I belive $1700 is the cheapest I know of while still being good quality and can replace both unit bearings for under $500, deffenilty makes it hard.

 

[Grey Wolf]

I can't speak for myself but my son installed the Dynatracs on his '05 and he saw a 1- 1. 5 increase also. As others have said he enjoys the new steering feel and being able to back up in low...

 

[Newt]

Don't mean to poach threads,why did Dodge go away for lock out's in the first place?

$$$$$$$ It's cheaper.



Newt

 

[Motorhead]

$$$$$$$ It's cheaper.



Newt

That and I think a lot of people don't want to get out and manually engage front hubs. They want "Shift on the fly"

If I think that I may need 4WD somewhere on my drive, I engage the hubs ahead of time.

 

[Axion]

Well, based on some of the replies to this thread I'm a happy camper!



I have hand calculated every tank of fuel ever put in my truck and since the install of my Dynatrac kit I have seen a solid 2 mpg gain on the highway with the truck empty and 1. 5 mpg when towing my 11000 pound fifth wheel. There has been no noticeable change for city driving. I have not run the numbers, but I'm pretty sure my install will eventually pay for itself. I guess it depends on how long you plan on keeping the truck.



I have only used the 2WD-Low option once since the install but it is nice to have the option. For me, the driving force behind the upgrade was future maintainability. I can now actually service the bearings, etc. Which is good considering I plan on keeping my truck for a looong time.

 

[Motorhead]

I have only used the 2WD-Low option once since the install but it is nice to have the option. For me, the driving force behind the upgrade was future maintainability. I can now actually service the bearings, etc. Which is good considering I plan on keeping my truck for a looong time.

If your truck is an automatic then I would strongly recommend using 2WD-LOW for backing your trailer. The reverse gear in the autos is not the strongest.

Just a suggestion.

 

[Axion]

Point taken. I'll have to make 2WD-Low my default for backing the trailer.



Although I hope it'll be a while before I wear anything out on my new transmission. Torque converter on the last one packed it in. Put a new one in with a few upgraded bits for the towing.

 

[Mhannink]

i dont have the kit, i dont want the lockout hubs. i have the cable lock and my wheel bearings are the high side of 50k probably right around 80k i have never really had any issues but i dont abuse the truck much either. as for the mpg, anything that increases your milegae will pay off, its just a matter of how long it takes.

 

[steved]

i dont have the kit, i dont want the lockout hubs. i have the cable lock and my wheel bearings are the high side of 50k probably right around 80k i have never really had any issues but i dont abuse the truck much either. as for the mpg, anything that increases your milegae will pay off, its just a matter of how long it takes.

You can't do a cable lock on the 3rd gens... no vacuum disconnect.