Topic: Purpose of thin OE "side" reduction gears?

[bloc]

Hi all,

I'm going to try and describe these as best I can.  In the OE 2.28 reduction box behind an (I think) 88 turbo R151F transmission, 2 of the 4 gears seem to have a very thin (like stamped out of sheet metal) side gear attached, and each of these has one less tooth than the gear they are attached to.  They seem to offer some slight resistance to turning, maybe to avoid vibration or noise?

Does anyone know if these are important to anything? i noticed Marlin's 4.7 gears don't have the side plate.  I'm looking at removing them to help efficiency, as I'm building this truck for mileage.  Added bonus would be taking any additional heat/wear out of the picture.

anyone?

Thanks,
Justin

[MC387]

The thin plates are to keep the gears constantly meshed to make the operation of the t-case quieter.  The older cases, I believe 84 and older did not have them.  I would not remove them, there is not that much power loss.  My answer to the milage dillema is to drive my 91 Camry to work, (29 mpg) and just use my 4x4 for weekends and trail runs. 

[79coyotefrg]

The thin plates are to keep the gears constantly meshed to make the operation of the t-case quieter.  The older cases, I believe 84 and older did not have them.  I would not remove them, there is not that much power loss.... 

   every word he said is what i was gonna say

[bloc [OP]]

My daily commute is in a 48mpg Diesel Jetta.  I'm aiming for 30mpg on this 4runner with the diesel swap, 3.73s, and intercooler.  It's MUCH more of an expedition-style build than anything else, which I plan on living out of for the better part of a year on an extended roadtrip.  I didn't figure the side gears would make much difference, but I'm looking for anything I can get.  And if it increases reliability in any way, why not?  Hence, the question.

I'm probably better leaving them alone though. I only got to thinking about it after I had assembled the case.