4 wheel drive to 2 wheel drive conversion

[john23]

There is an article in the Forum describing how to convert from 4x4 to 2x4, which I reckon would save a lot of fuel due to the reduced friction losses etc.
But has anyone ever tried it and if so what results?
John23 in Skelmersdale

[missfixit70]

From what has been discussed on here regarding the difference between 2wd & 4wd, I reackon the difference is a couple of mpg at best, Much better spending the time getting it running A1, full service with new filters all round, make sure all brakes are running freely, change ATF & clean it's filter, Clean out the intercooler & pipework, flush coolant system (& new stat as a minimum), decent tyre pressures, remove any excess weight & probably most importantly - driving style.

[skater]

Hi, I had the front propshaft removed.
A few nuts and bolts is all, unbolt from diff, unbolt centre supprt bearing thing,
Shaft pulls out of VC ( splined).
local garage did it coz easier for me
No massive mpg improvement but rolls freer so must be better.
Mind you my front tyres were getting chewed up so that was main
problem/reason.

Removing the front diff sounds like a whole load of extra faffing.
would save more weight tho.

edit: just reread fact sheet, first read ages ago, my method is easiest way to
get rear wheel drive. The rest would save weight but negligable friction
caused by leaving diff were it is I reckon.
No oil leak from tranfer case either, no bean tin required

[samuel]

Mmmmm. Not so sure about this one. If you've got 4x4 i would stick with it.

I say this as 4x4 makes the Bongo stick to the road better on windy roads and in slippery conditions.

I remember driving up to Southampton last winter in icy conditions. We were following a 4x4 Range Rover at quite a rate of knots and i was perplexed as to why the other traffic was very much slower than us. The Bongo's road manners were impeccable. I can only put it down to the fact that she is a 4x4.