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I'm puzzled...how would driving the alternator off the drive shaft (front axle, etc) cut energy usage? It would still have to turn to put power back into the battery. And it is still going to require as much energy to turn whether the energy is coming from the crank shaft pulley or whether it is coming from a pulley grafted onto an axle shaft.
As for cutting off the alternator output, how much gain can be derived thereby? I have driven cars with defunct alternators/generators a number of times, and while I've never quantified the gas mileage, I never noticed any significant power difference. I did, however, notice a significant dimming of the headlights...this was driving from about the midpoint between Baker and Barstow, CA, to Barstow. Had to get the battery recharged and then was able to drive home to Glendale the next day. Of course it was a very quiet trip...I was afraid to even turn on the radio...it was an old Rambler with a tube radio.
I wonder also about battery life...if the alternator is disconnected you are pulling the battery down a lot more than it normally would be...car batteries are designed to give a lot of power for starting, but not designed for continuous loads. Are you saving a tenth of a mpg or two and trading for shortened battery life?
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