After reading around the internet, and here in particular, I developed a phobia about the drive shaftand bevel gear going bad.

So I decided, for at least 6 months per year, to drive without the AWD driveshaft. My Volvo Independent Garage says there's NO problems with having the drive shaft out.

I was able to remove it myself in about an hour...will take much less time next time, but I plan on just letting my garage put it back in come fall...our XC is sure to need AT LEAST one trip to the garage in the fall based on how things have gone so far with check engine lights and such.

Differences with the drive shaft removed:

1) I notice more torque steer from the front wheels.

2) The front wheels slip when starting on gravel, etc...this NEVER happenned before...I guess the AWD system was really doing a good job.

3) I don't get that "AWD braking" when turning the wheels tightly (like in a parking lot)...the car just rolls freely.

4) I don't, of course, have to worry about having all 4 wheels at exactly the same diameter, and don't have to worry about having to use the donut spare.

5) I suppose I'm increasing the life of the drive shaft and bevel gear by a factor of two.

6) I'm wondering if I'll get a wee bit better gas mileage (we got 23.0 with the drive shaft in place)...I'm monitoring that now.