I got a long distance trip coming up and was thinking of removing the belts for the a/c and power steering to improve mpg. Anything to worry about besides dehydration and sore biceps?

A/C doesn't need to have the belt removed. Just don't press the button. Clutch drag is negligable.

Power steering doesn't pull much either. I seriously doubt you could notice an improvement in fuel economy even if you calculated it out long term.

There is the possibility of slightly increased wear on the steering shafts due to the increased torque input at the steering wheel. If it were a GM steering column I would stongly recommend against it since it will loosen your tilt assembly.

All in all, probably no permenant damage but no net benefit either.

Really? I have heard from unreliable sources (the internet) that you can squeeze out 2-4 hp and 1-3 mpg with this method?

I squeezed an extra 5 mpg just by slowing down from 65 to 55-60.

The horsepower thing became a non-issue<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Clay's got the right idea. "slow down". Removing the AC belt on a non-working compressor will give you nothing. There may be a very small gain removing the p/s belt but everytime you crank the wheel. you will be placing back pressre on the pump and box. I will almost guarantee seal problems by the time you get back.

2-4 hp is correct. However, that does not equate to 3-5mpg. It would be less than .5 mpg. As mentioned, the easiest way to improve mpg is to slow down. The most painless way is to add pressure to your tires.

Other ideas would be to remove your side mirrors. (a Honda Insight has only one side mirror). Windshield wipers, roof rack.

Next step would be to fabricate some smooth covers for your headlights. Next could be a full belly pan underneath the truck.

Oh, I know, a torpedo shaped appendage to the back of the truck.

Do what Ford does. Use 5W20 oil. That alone would give you 0.25 to 0.5 mpg gain.

How about some tall thin tires.

Now we need some good pics. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Subaru Justy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

You would never notice a gain of 2-4hp.

Try driving your truck for a little jog around the block w/out the P/S belt and post again whether or not you think the mod is worth it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />
I ould not go any thinner than 5w-30 in a Monty. If you have some miles on your motor, you will see the huge plume of blue smoke out the rear with that thin oil too. Then you will have to worry about miles per qt of oil. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

I know I'll just trade it in for that suzuki swift I always wanted.