Gas or Deisel Truck ?

[Brett Dikeman]

At 1:44 AM -0400 9/18/04, SuffolkD at aol.com wrote:

>Quatrro mandates a flatbed.

   If you don't plan to drive it until you get to the other end, 
there's nothing wrong with disconnecting the driveshaft and towing it 
on a dolly.  The only items that will see any miles will be the wheel 
bearings- the rear diff will be totally unloaded and the tires 
shouldn't wear much either (no torque, for one).  If it's 
cross-country, the hassle might be justified in terms of weight 
savings (which equals fuel savings) and maybe cost savings on the 
rental- I imagine a flatbed trailer costs a lot more to rent than a 
dolly.  It shouldn't take a qualified mechanic more than 15 minutes 
to get it out/put it in, unless the exhaust has to come out or 
something?

Only concern is that the driveshaft not get damaged when it's taken 
out(can't be bent past a certain angle, many of them can't be 
dropped- the 200q20v's is composite for example...etc) and that it be 
reinstalled with proper alignment(which shouldn't change as long as 
you keep all the spacers, but should be double-checked, I guess).  I 
don't recall if rotational alignment with either flange is important.

I second the diesel.  Superior torque, mileage, and reliability. 
Diesel fuel is also slightly cheaper, I believe.  If you do get a 
flat-bed trailer, look for one with "surge" (hydraulic, based on 
force of trailer pressing against the tow vehicle, and thus 
self-regulating and wonderfully elegant) or electric brakes.

Brett
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