long story short i melted my vacuum lines to engage the front axle so i converted it to a mechanical choke cable... doesnt perform as well as i had imagined but it works for now. anyway how much of an mpg drop have people noticed with packing the actuator with washers? what other downsides are there to the washer route?

 

anyone? any input?

 

Not to hijack... but the axle actuators are only on the posi axles right?

 

no

 

i've permanently locked mine for a few years with no problems.
as for mpg issues, not sure, never kept track. but i'm sure there is minimal difference, if any at all.

i now have a newer axle without the CAD, so essentially the same idea.

 

only difference will be a little less mpg and more unnecssary were and tear on front drive line

 

convert it to a one piece axle and install a block off plate and be done with it.

 

I guess I must have the newer one. I dont have that actuator...?

 

What are the issues with locking the vac block or converting to a solid axle and having a front locker? I have heard it can be unsafe in wet or icy weather.

 

having a front locker and using 4wd in the winter is something you will need to get used to. it can be scary at first until you know how it reacts.
you will sometimes be switching from 2 to 4 and back to 2wd so quickly, you'll get pretty good at it quick.

 

does anybody know about the difference in mpg?