Chevrolet Repair: Chevy 2004 Astro AWD front drive shaft, desert southwest, drive shaft

Question
My 2000 Astro van got 20mpg on the highway doing 80mph. I recently got a 2004 Astro van but it has AWD; 16mpg. It can't be that difficult to remove the front drive shaft to improve milage - but will its removal harm anything?
PS. I live in the desert southwest and would rarely benefit from AWD.

Answer
Hi Mike.... by removing the front shaft you may get a marginal inprovement... the reason for lower fuel mileage is the added rolling resistance that the truck has with the front drive assembly...i don't recommend removing the front drive shaft but you could try it...hope this helps...