lbexj said:
Since this is going to be about a 16 hour drive for me, I'm going to disconnect my front drive shaft at the differential and secure (hang) it to the frame so it does not rotate all the way out to Hazelton. I'm sure this will not hurt my gas milage either.
What other suggestions does anyone have for those of us who are having to drive our (non-trailered) rigs out there?
Les
The first few times I headed to CO/UT (30-35hrs), I used to take the shaft off completely (only 4 more bolts and you don't have to worry about the hanging), but, the Rockies were always fickle and sometimes in September I wanted to have 4WD available in the snowy passes - so I started to leave it in and, to be honest, never noticed any significant wear or gas mileage changes.
However, let's "assume" that snow in the Appalachians will not be an issue next week!
Actually, the greatest effect was that I used to carry a lot of stuff (spare, coolers, etc.) on the roof rack and the wind resistance did seem to affect mpg. Carry as much stuff as you can inside, or invest in a hitch haul rack (if you have a rear receiver).
Oh yeah, one more thing, last fall after I had been on the road for 30 hours or so, one of my starter bolts fell out!!!! Luckily it was at a rest stop, but, I have no friggin' idea how it loosened up to begin with - I have to admit that little item was never on any of my pre-flight checks. Just goes to show you - check everything over, a couple of times, before you leave and these wonderful XJ's will always find something to surprise you.
Safe ride.
Mike in NJ
atriot:
