I want to disagree with you as I have a receipt from the PO (I have all
service records) for a replaced VC.... But, I just replaced a broken
front axle. The reason the prop shaft is out is I sent it to check the
balance. There was a vibration before the axle broke, and I wanted to
make sure the driveshaft wasn't the source.  I did the parking lot test
when I first got it and it seemed OK but I have to admit, I am a little
reluctant to put it back in for fear I'd find a problem. Anyway the
shaft is OK and the vibration is not present with it out so If it comes
back when I put it back in I'll know there is a problem and if not, then
it was a bad axle when I got it. I've only put 2k on it in the 2 years
I've had it so it's all still "new" to me.

Shawn
87 Syncro "Eeyore"
86 Westy Weekender 

>I would suggest to you that there is something very wrong with your AWD
drive system
>somewhere, if you are noticing that much, let alone ANY fuel mpg
difference when the
>prop shaft is out. My last VC was quite "soft" (read: unaggressive) and
when the shaft
>was out, on mostly highway driving on long trips, I'd notice perhaps
1mpg improvement.
> Just my $0.02 ....
>bob