quest for better mileage

[Mattel]

I've always liked the idea of using some old hilux manual lockable hubs on the back of our cars to disengage the rear drivetrain when you know you are not going to be using 4wd for a long time. This would remove a lot of the drag from the car as you wouldn't be turning the rear dif or prop shaft at all.. Damned if I know how to do this though!

I'm also getting a slightly better economy with my new 14" Silica tyres at 40psi

[ARCHINSTL]

Maybe (probably) I don't understand Mattel's mention of the HiLux hubs...
I presume these hubs mean that only the hubs would turn and none of the rest of the rear drive would rotate?
Like a freewheeling feature for each hub? I think I get it - the diff would not rotate (no need for one) and ergo, neither would the driveshaft?
Why did the HiLux have this feature on the rear?
I would guess that some of this effect would be realized by removing the driveshaft altogether - and installing it for use "only during the Winter?" I'm pretty sure that some members have done this, although not in the interest of fuel economy...did anyone notice an increase in mpg?
Tom M.

[Mattel]

Some of the Hilux and older landcruisers had these freewheeling hubs on the front.. as they were powered by the rear while in 2wd mode. for 4wd you would jump out and rotate the little switch on the hub which locked the hub and then put the transfer case into 4wd and drive off. would probably be to much effort to put these on the back of ours... wishful thinking.

[vantexan]

Google the words pulse plugs. Alot of info about a new type of spark plug that improves power, torque, and fuel economy without adverse effects. Fuel economy increases by as much as 10%. They cost $25 per plug but last about 50,000 miles. With an underpowered engine they may make a major difference in performance.

[takza]

http://www.brightgreen.us/spark.htm < DIY drilled plug...need a drill press for sure


http://www.supersonicspark.com/

> Wondering if you have a plug that will fit a...
> 1983 Toyota Tercel 3AC engine?

Thanks for your inquiry, we most likely have those in
stock, and they will be $35.80 for the plugs and
shipping.

We have good results with the Tercel, yours has the
2-barrel carb and as long as your carb isn't set rich,
we see good power and mileage improvements with that engine.;

___________________________________
Mike Wofsey
Galaxy Gauge Graphic Design Tools
1815 Third Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
tel (205) 246-6492
fax (413) 803-2713


E3 plugs: $7 each at Autozone and Jegs

[Snax]

The rear differential is one of those things that has me wondering. I don't think I want to futz with disconnecting shafts etc., but I wonder what kind of gear oil is actually in mine, and if it could be lightened up considerably. On a normal open differential I would think that it could, but I'm not sure what affect it would have on the limited slip.

[Josh]

Dissconnecting the rear via a hub lock like in the front end of 4wd trucks and cruisers. It can be done with Toyota 8" axels using front axel parts to make it a full floater but I dont think any one has done it with a 7.5" axel.

Heres a link to some conversion parts for a 8" http://frontrangeoffroadfab.com/nfoscom ... fe4cfb4af6

btw, does a tercel use a 7.5 axel like celica's and 2wd trucks?


If you wanted to keep the diff from spining to save fuel you could find a set of axel shafts and cut them down so they dont actually go into the diff and spin freely in the axel tube. Reinstall the uncut ones when you need 4wd again...

[keith]

If you wanted to keep the diff from spining to save fuel you could find a set of axel shafts and cut them down so they dont actually go into the diff and spin freely in the axel tube. Reinstall the uncut ones when you need 4wd again...

No you could not. The axle shaft is stabilized by the bearings in the differential. A shorter axle shaft would beat the hell out of the inside of the axle tube and the rear wheels would wobble around like crazy.