18.7 MPG

[NTOLERANCE]

Finally got a full test on my rig. 18.7 mpg on the highway in frigid temps. Engine never really gets hot enough, I need to replace the T-stat.

This is on a 2wd truck with an honest 300K miles, 5speed with 3.55 gears,and on that tank at least 40 minutes of idling time.

I used my GPS to track the miles travelled, so this should be accurate.

I cannot help but to think though, that at 70 mph, my rpm is still too high. About 2400rpm.

I dont really pull heavy loads. I am thinking a taller tire will drop my RPM some.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dave7.3]

Almost 19mpg isn't bad at all! I'm sure a working thermostat would put you in the low 20s at least.

Are you sure you have 3.55s? My truck has 4.10LS and turns the same RPM as you at 70...

 

[Silver Burner]

I have 285/75's with 3.55 gears and an E4OD and in OD at 70 I'm barely at 2000. I think our OD's are similar ratios too. Even with 235-85's you shouldn't be that high though it seems...

 

[93_444idi]

with 4.10s and 33s I turn ~2400 at 70 as well.

bigger tires will lower your rpms, but your engine will work harder to turn those heavier tires.

 

[NTOLERANCE]

Hmm...got me thinking.... (yeah yeah insert smoke joke here)

When its really cold, the tach acts funny. I bet its not accurate.

According to the code on the door tag, its got 3.55 gears. I am going to change the fluid soon, I will verify.

 

[NTOLERANCE]

If it wasnt for the blue smoke, I dont know if I would even touch the injectors/pump. But I know I am leaving something on the table with these worn parts.

 

[NTOLERANCE]

bigger tires will lower your rpms, but your engine will work harder to turn those heavier tires.

Absolutely true. I sold tires for years, and the biggest complaint with taller tires was a loss of accelleration.

I'd like some aluminum wheels to lower the unsprung/rotating weight.

 

[Dave7.3]

If it wasnt for the blue smoke, I dont know if I would even touch the injectors/pump. But I know I am leaving something on the table with these worn parts.

Have you been using any fuel additives? My truck used to smoke blue like a banshee under any kind of throttle. A few tanks with some diesel kleen and my smoke went away. Others on this board have had success with Howe's diesel treatment as well as a few other brands that I'm not familiar with.

 

[Matrix37495]

If it makes you feel better, i got the same mileage on the first tank of my 2000 Ranger....4cyl/5 speed/2wd

 

[NTOLERANCE]

If it makes you feel better, i got the same mileage on the first tank of my 2000 Ranger....4cyl/5 speed/2wd

I traded a 96 Ranger, 2.3 5 speed for this truck. It only got 23.4 mpg on the highway.

 

[NTOLERANCE]

Have you been using any fuel additives? My truck used to smoke blue like a banshee under any kind of throttle. A few tanks with some diesel kleen and my smoke went away. Others on this board have had success with Howe's diesel treatment as well as a few other brands that I'm not familiar with.

Blue smoke went away?

I got to say this truck stinks though.

 

[NTOLERANCE]

I traded a 96 Ranger, 2.3 5 speed for this truck. It only got 23.4 mpg on the highway.

The truck I traded:

You must be registered for see images attach

Drivers door was dented pretty good. Good truck, just way too small for me.

 

[Dave7.3]

Blue smoke went away?

I got to say this truck stinks though.

Yep, smells terrible! Simple fact is the ULSD is hell on our injection systems. Using additives will bring your system back up to *****, that is if it isn't too worn out to start with. Better to start with the cheapest alternative first!

 

[CDX825]

Try advancing your timing a bit and see if that helps with the smoke.

 

[NTOLERANCE]

I forgot, I had 700 lbs of steel in the back too.

I am going to try the additives and then look into pump timing and pressure.