The problem with 4 wheel drive all the time is that it would depend very much on tire pressures being at the proper pressure, based on load (which can vary), so that the deflection is even between front and rear. Even then, sharp turns result in a different turning radius between the front and rear wheels. So yes, driving in two wheel drive will save some fuel and definitely save some mechanical wear over the long run. The only wild card is if the Iltis driver ends up in accident that 4 wheel drive might have prevented, then any savings are negated.
Certainly, disconnecting the front axle for the summer months would be a good idea. Are there people actually driving these things in the winter? Mind you, I used to drive a M38A1CDN to work during a Manitoba winter, so who am I to judge? Just seems to me that if someone was driving an Iltis in the winter in Ontario or Quebec, the vehicle would turn into swiss cheese from the rust within a few seasons.
Tell the Iltis owner not to toss that new speedo head. They were problematic as well. But it is certainly a good idea to perform proper diagnosis before ordering in expensive parts.
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