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4WD to 2WD?

  • 19-03-2013 4:50pm
    #1
    boardsusername
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭


    Hi
    There's a camper i'm interested in but it's 4WD. I don't think that's as economical as 2WD from what i hear & i'd like to get it converted to 2WD.
    I think i remember hearing that this was possible. Is it? And what kinda money would it involve?
    It's only a small camper.


Comments

  • #2
    tossy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,594 ✭✭✭tossy


    What kinda camper ? what make and model is the van it's based on.


  • #3
    boardsusername
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭boardsusername


    Mazda Bongo


  • #4
    tossy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,594 ✭✭✭tossy


    boardsusername wrote: »
    Mazda Bongo

    I can't help you but the make and model makes it easier for others to give advice.


  • #5
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    It could be as simple as removing the rear drive shaft from the transfer case.
    I don't know the exact way the system is rigged but there must be a way that power is taken back from the gearbox to the rear diff.
    Remove that shaft and make sure the hub that sticks out of the gearbox isn't going to drop off or get fouled up and it will be FWD.
    I don't think you can make it RWD as easily.


  • #6
    tossy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,594 ✭✭✭tossy


    4wd's are slightly less economical alright but i think it's a daft move to save on that 'slight decrease'

    Part of the reason 4wd's are slight less economical is from the extra weight from the prop shaft,rear diff etc . If you disable 4wd all that weight is still there so economy won't really be greatly improved - to remove all that gear might be a massive job and might leave you with rear suspension issues i.e having to fit the rear suspension from an equivalent 2wd van.


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  • #7
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,522 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    They're full time 4wd though


  • #8
    George Dalton
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭George Dalton


    How many miles per year are you realistically going to do in a camper? Is it worth the hassle of disabling the 4wd for the amount of money you save?

    If you end up getting stuck in a field full of mud while trying to get your hung-over self home after the electric picnic you will wish you hadn't left your propshaft in the shed for the sake of saving €50 on diesel :pac:


  • #9
    dgt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,985 ✭✭✭✭dgt


    Are freewheeling hubs an option?


  • #10
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Have you looked into 4wd vs 2wd mpg generally?
    2wd is slightly better but then after calculating the cost of the job and the time it'll take to earn that money back, is it really worth it?

    If money is a concern maybe check the Campers forum for good mpg alternatives?


  • #11
    boardsusername
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭boardsusername


    Thanks for comments. Did a bit of homework on it & it doesn't seem to be worth doing. There are 2WDs available so i'll just look out for the right one. It'd be my everyday vehicle too so it's gotta be economical.

    (Stuck in mud with a hang over is not part of the camper dream goin' on in my head!
    Clean livin' surfing adventures on the horizon...)


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