I own a 2005 dakota quad cab, part time 4X4. I recently had a post about bad fuel mileage. I had the front end of the truck jacked up and I was making sure that I didnt have a brake sticking. I noticed that even when the truck is in 2 wheel drive and you spin one of the front tires the front axle and front drive shaft are turning. Is this common?

 

yes it is. the meatball which is connected to the driveline of the frt tires has to spin everything. when you engage 4 wheel drive the transfer case has a soleinoid that will connect or disconnect a clutch. so when you are cruising down the road at 45 mph and hit 4 wheel drive the frt axle is already doing 45 mph not at a dead stand still when it engages.

 

Thanks! My fuel mileage is still messed up. They changed the 02 sensors, I put in the Autolite plugs and a K&N air filter. They claim it could be the winter blend fuel, but I don't think I would lose 4 MPG.

 

These Dealers don't know there A## from a hole in the ground. Every time I need something fixed it takes them at least two guesses. Yes I said guesses because that appears what they do!

 

You'd be surprised what winter blend fuel does to MPGs....

I get 21 - 22 mpg in the summer, and in the winter 15 - 16..

Nothing different...

 

it's true. this is my second Dakota. THe 06 was getting 18mpg in the summer months and 15 in the winter. I just got the new 07 two weeks ago and can do no better hen 15.6 per the onboard computer calculation (which is jiving with my calculator suprisingly). So, an improvement will be seen when it gets warmer. winter blend sucks!

 

I don't know, I must have gotten lucky, I am getting about 17 city, and 21 highway.... as good as my 04 reg cab 3.7 did. And thats stock, I think if I ever spring for exhaust and CAI, I could get another one or two out of it.

 

Yep, I hear ya on the sucky mileage with the winter blend,and I think I wouldsay the ultimate accessory would be the damn remote starter if it would only run on air or suckless fuel haha

 

Wow, I don't lose nearly that much in the winter...I might lose 1 mpg....down to 17-18 from 18-19. I drive primarily highway, though...that might account for some of the difference.

1000th post!!