Gas Mileage

gwvinson · January 1999

randallv

What rear end gear ratio are you running.

Gregg

signa · January 1999

I just traded-in a 93 Chevy 1500 4X4 Z71 with the 5.7l auto. The truck got 20-21 mpg on the highway the entire time I owned it. Unfortunately, my new 99 F150 4x4 with the 5.4l is only getting 13-15 so far (1200 miles) :-(

randallv · January 1999

stevek and gregg,

I have a 2WD, automatic, with a rear axle ratio 3.08. My tires are 235/75r15. My dad just drove my truck to Indiana from Houston and said he got about 20 MPG. I don't know how closely he checked the mileage, however. If I do any kind of city driving after a trip on the same tank of gas, then the mileage goes down of course. My mileage for normal city driving might be 15 MPG if I'm lucky.

Randall

stanford · January 1999

signa: What are the gears in each? I'm running 4.30:1 gears and my mileage is around 10/12 -- a coworker has an almost identical truck that he put 3:55 (ish) gears in and is reporting 14/16. Not as much power, but for a 4x4 CC F350 V10 that's not bad at all. Gears can make more difference than almost anything else.

stevek · January 1999

randallv:

That explains it. I have (I think) a 3.71 ratio with 4WD. In the summer (when we don't have this oxigenated junk gas) I get about 17-18 on the higway at speed limit. The 4WD is more weight and drag so the 20mpg on a 2wd is possible.

signa · January 1999

Stanford: 3:42 axle in the Chevy, 3:55 in the F150. Now I wish I ordered the 3:73, since my mileage sucks anyway.

As far as your co-worker is concerned -- I doubt it! 14/16 is realistic mileage for a 1/2 ton 4x4 with an 8 cylinder and a 3:55 axle (unless it's my new F150!), but a 1-ton V10 4x4 crew cab? That truck must weigh 2000 lbs more. Either he's convinced himself to justify the new gear installation, or he needs a new calculator...

SteveK: How much of an effect does the oxygenated gas have? I never thought of that! My Chevy mpg numbers were mostly from summer highway trips. Maybe there's hope for the Ford 5.4 after all!

stevek · January 1999

I think the oxigenated stuff will decrease the milage at least 2 miles per gallon. I got bored checking it. But what I have found is that when I use high test oxigenated the milage goes up and it is the same when using regular non-oxigenated. So in the summer I use regular (87 octane) and in the winter I use premium (92+ octane). The only time I use high test in the summer is when I tow my camper. But now I am installing a B&M shifter kit and should do better in the summer towing.

stanford · January 1999

signa: The new Ford V10 is a nice engine. Several folk here have reported 12/14 with the 3.73:1 gears. 14/16 with 3.55s isn't that much of a stretch, and he's not likely to make that kind of error.

Remember that with an unladen V10 and steep gears, most of the power is 'wasted' just moving the truck around. There's plenty of excess to tap into if you just want a people-mover rather than a stump-puller.

As far as oxygenated gas goes, 2mpg is a bit of a stretch IMO. I spent the last couple of weeks up in WI, flitting between oxygenated gas (Racine) and standard (outside Lowell). No real mileage difference that I could tell.

BTW, higher octane gasoline shouldn't be necessary. Its not higher power, its slower burning -- something that an engine should really be calibrated to use. If you get better power with 92 than with 87 but 87 doesn't ping, you should probably adjust your timing :-) and go back to the low-test stuff.

slw14 · January 1999

I was caught in the "storm from hell" this past Fri and Sat. The gas mileage on my F-150, 5.4,4x4, SC, with 3.55 and the too-small P245 16s was 14.5 MPG in two wheel drive @ 75 MPH. Not bad, not great. I was surprised to get 11-12 mpg running at @ 40-55 MPH in four wheel drive for 400 hundred miles straight. Also had a 500lb uncovered load in it when fighting the storm to get back east. Milage is now about 3500 miles.

Anyhow the trip sucked - not a good sigh when you are getting passed on the interstate by snowmobiles!

Has anyone in this forum tried the K&N filter charger system? Very curious about performance and gas mileage gains. I've read thier literture, but would like some "real world" input. The Edmunds conference on K&N had some good postings, but I thought some of you also may have something.
thanks in advance!

stevek · January 1999

stanford:

I dont think I get more power from the higher octane in the winter, but get better gas milage, so it is actualy cheaper to buy the premium gas. I only do this for about 3 months when it is realy cold.

quadrunner500 · January 1999

Modern vehicles have knock sensors. If they sense detonation (pinging) they retard the spark timing, and you do lose power because of this. If this is happening, you will get more power from higher octane fuel. Overall, with fresh pump gas, I would not expect this to be normal. The other point is about oxygenated fuels. They do have a lower BTU content. By how much, I'm not sure, but you don't get quite the same mileage with it. It helps out on older vehicles with carburetors. But modern controls are closed loop, meaning they adjust fuel air mixture to achieve lower emissions by checking the carbon monoxide content(O2 sensor) in the exhaust. They don't benefit from the reformulated fuels.

hawkpilot · January 1999

While waiting for my F150 to arrive, I rented a '99 Ranger 2wd xcab with the 3.0l V6, A/T and fiberglass tonneau from Budget (not a bad deal, cost $155/week). Anyway, I just checked the mileage, and got 16.8 mpg in combined city/hwy driving. Just thought I'd post info.

HP

lwf · January 1999

I find that interesting, hawkpilot, because I too bought an F150 last year, even though I felt I only needed a compact. And what swayed me was the belief that the mpg figure for the V6 Ranger was about the same as for the F150 with a V6 or small V8. I was interested in the XLT models, and the difference in what the dealer would sell them for was only $1500. That's a lot more truck for a small diffence in dollars, so I ended up buying more than I thought I really needed. I appreciate reading something that tends to verify my gut feelings of last year.

hawkpilot · January 1999

Yeah, I was a little surprised that the small truck did not get better mileage. I used to get about 12-15 in my Nissan 4X4 with 3.0l V6, and from what I have read, I can expect that or a little better in my new F150. I would have thought the little 2wd Ranger would have gotten 20+. I had not really shopped for them, so I didn't know what to expect.

Still, as a temporary vehicle, the Ranger is a nice ride. I'm paying about the same as I would for an escort or similar, and can carry firewood, etc. But I feel the cabin is too cramped for me to consider buying one. And don't even think about forcing adults into the rear jump seats for more than 5 miles, unless you want to get out of driving the carpool!

HP

wurtelej · January 1999

I have been driving a 90 Ranger XLT 4.0 2wd since it was new, its now at 107k and still gets 22-24 mpg on the road and 14-17 in town depending on how heavy one's foot gets. Open bed often 1/2 full with %!!##@ , according to my wife.
jw

stevek · January 1999

I used to have a Mitsu pickup with a 4 cylinder 5 speed manual and it gave me worst milage then my fullsize Chevy with an automatic 5.7 V8. Go figure.

richram123 · January 1999

I have 1 1998 Ram1500 4x4 Club Cab with an Automatic. I have a 360 (5.9L V8) with 265x75R16 tires and a 3.55 ratio. I avg 13-14 combo hwy and city driving. I have yet to test the truck mileage with highwaay only driving. I only have 5000 miles on it. I just installed a K&N filter, and will keep you all posted. I am pleased with the truck. It runs great and is real powerful. The 4wd system, steering and brakes are the best I have ever owned. Any other happy Ram owners?

Rich

apowel1 · January 1999

What mileage can I really expect from the 1999 Chevy 4.8, 4X4 ext cab?

quadrunner500 · January 1999

15-16.

jeep10 · January 1999

What mileage does the Chevy 454SS 1990 model get to the gallon? HELP!!!!!!

dave40 · January 1999

9 or 10 city 11 or 12 highway

xlt · January 1999

what kind of mileage can I expect from a 99 F-250 super duty supercab 4x4

stanford · January 1999

With which engine? What rear-end gears? Towing how much?

karrels · January 1999

Anyone got mileage numbers yet on 99 silverado
2500,6.0l,4x4,3.73,AT, empty or towing <7500lbs.

All the responses on Ford's 99 6.8l have given me a "feel" on what to expect. Thank you.

larry18 · January 1999

EPA estimates for the 6.01 in a 99 silverado 2500, 2wd, X-cab, sb, 7200 not 8600 GVWR are 12 city and 16 highway. These figures are taken from the Kelly site. I would expect something less for the HD chassis and 4x4.

hollywood4 · February 1999

Any body got mileage figures on super duty 250 ford with 5.4L V8 8800GVW 4X4. Also about power of this engine pulling a trailing.

larry18 · February 1999

Sounds like you have a super truck! I have owned two 8600s with 350s and they both performed very well. Amazing how much more they will take than the 1500. I test drove a 2500, 6L, 3.73, 4x4, auto last week and it certainly performed far above expectations! Not sure I want the 1500 Z71 now. Would have already ordered one but I want to see if 2000 brings a four door option for the Silverado ext. cab. It would also help if Chevrolet would use a larger fuel tank in the 2500 ext. cab. Keep us posted.

rhino2 · February 1999

I'm in the process of buying a F-250 SD, SC, 4x4, 5spd. man o/d. trans. 6.8L V10 with a 3.73 rear end gear ratio. Just wondering what kind of mileage I can expect with that combination. It sounds from previous postings that owners are getting anywhere from 10-13 mpg. US. Are there any differing ideas out there?

chevy4me · February 1999

I would appreciate any information on gas mileage experienced with the 99 1/2 ton extended
cab 2wd with automatic 4.8L or 5.3L . I currently have a 95 c1500 with the 4.3 v-6 and do
mostly highway driving empty. I get 20 mpg doing 70mph 15 mpg around town. I'd like to get something close but with more power. I've test driven both v-8s and there is a noticeable difference in power so if mileage is close I'll go with the 5.3 . Also which axle is best 3.42 or 3.73 ? thanks

dennis4 · February 1999

I have a F250 SD SC SB 4WD 6.8l auto 3.73ls with 3000 miles and thats what it gets around town. If I baby it on the highway , it gets 15+ mpg.

wheeler2 · February 1999

I am interested in real world figures for the Dodge Ram V10, 5spd running the 3.54 gears. I expect to run empty a lot and some light towing (2000-4500lbs). Also what is the general opinion of the V8 for the 2500, too small, just enough? I haven't seen very many V8's in 2500's.

fish6 · February 1999

I got just over 17 mpg on a straight highway run with my 4.8 Silverado,4x4, club cab, 3.73. I only have 600 miles on it and maybe it will loosen up more as I put miles on it????

chevy4me · February 1999

On your 17 mpg highway What speed are you talking and what rpm at that speed? Also do you
use regular unleaded?

fish6 · February 1999

I was running at 62-63 mph on my cruise and I think the rpms were around 1700-1800?? The gas was an ethanal blend that says 90 octane on the pump.

quadrunner500 · February 1999

My 4x4 Silverado 5.3L, regular cab, 4.10 axle, automatic transmission, long bed got 14.5 mpg on it's first tank, all city driving, but occasionally hitting freeway speeds. It went 450 miles and used 31.0 gallons. I had about 350 pound payload counting me and my toolbox. I started with a full tank, which holds 34 gallons.

quadrunner500 · February 1999

Forgot to add, it is a 1500 (1/2 ton)

fish6 · February 1999

Also, I should say that I am a believer that the tailgate decreases mileage. I have a tonneau cover on order and will install it when it comes, but for right now, and I am not saying that this is helping my mileage, for I have not done any testing, but I have a piece of building styrofoam that runs from the top of my tailgate down to the back of the wheelwell at maybe a 45 degree angle. I've never checked my mpg with it in place and without it, but I think that angled piece can only help. I had the styrofoam lying around in my garage, so I have nothing invested into my little experient.

rmumford · February 1999

I have a 99 silverado, 4.8, 3:73, auto, ext cab. I only average about 15.5 mpg all round driving. Up to maybe 16.5 when I have some hiway driving. The first tank got 18.7 mpg, but have not been able to duplicate this. Anyone else have the same experience.? I now have 3500 miles, and the thing should be broken in by now. Would like to see anyone with the same truck post mileage. Thanks,

robert

quadrunner500 · February 1999

rmumford,
My truck is a little different, but I'll post what I am getting anyway. 99 Silverado, 5.3L, 4.10, auto, reg cab, 4x4. My first tank was all in-town, with lots of idling, carrying a 200 pound toolbox. It went 450 miles and took 31.0 gallons for 14.5 mpg. The second tank I topped off early because gas was a bargain, but still went 351 miles and used 20.35 gallons for 17.3 mpg. That tank had 268 miles of highway cruising, the rest in-city but occasionally hitting highway speeds. So with your 4.8L and 3.73 axle, you appear to be getting better mileage than my 4x4 reg cab by about 1 to 1.5 mpg. I would say you are doing fine.

fish6 · February 1999

I'm the one who wrote entry #247. On Thursday evening I'm going to make another 150 mile round trip highway run. Last time I got just over 17 mpg on my 4.8 liter, x-cab, 4x4. I have since installed a soft tonneau top. I will be traveling the same stretch of highway, and I will drive the same speed as before. I am curious if my mileage will vary with the tonneau on. Bets anyone????

stanford · February 1999

Can you keep the wind the same as well? :-) I hope it improves for you, but that's really too sort a test to be conclusive.

rmumford · February 1999

Come to think of it, the first tank was with truck totally empty. Sometime in there I put a couple hundred pounds of (bagged) rocks in the bed for some traction weight. (not sure I really need it in this truck). Plus the weather turned colder. I think I'll remove the rock and see if it goes back up a bit.

Thanks

god3 · February 1999

Fish.....I will have the wind the same for your little test..........See you Sunday..........God3

markbuck · February 1999

Could you get the date moved up on my Silverado too?

Guess I would have to talk the the god with the capital first letter G for that!

pharmasea · February 1999

Just figured out my first tank of pure highway mileage (Silverado Z71, 4.10 rear, fiberglass lid, basically no load, no four wheel drive, just air on all the time).

17.7 MPG

Very happy!

quadrunner500 · February 1999

Davydd,
Just a suggestion that you should select 2WD for your normal selection. Use "Auto" when the conditions start getting slippery. The 2WD mode unlocks the hubs (front axle actually.) In Auto, the hubs lock. This means your differential ring gear is rotating as you drive, turning the front drive shaft with it. You're still not in four wheel drive until the transfer case engages. That is the system on standby, when Auto is selected. But in 2WD mode, those components are stationary, avoiding unnecessary drag and wear.

Davydd · February 1999

Its been almost mandatory for me in these Minnesota winters since my 400 ft steep driveway is still glaze ice and roads in the morning, especially the bridges, ice up. Just this week it appears to be clearing up and drying out. I'm in 2wd now.

jerryb2 · February 1999

For whoever might be interested:
99 Silverado LS
5.3 L, 3.42 rearend, locking diff., firm ride option, P255/70R16 tires, cast wheels, trailering package, 4850 gross weight with a full tank and me inside, runs at about 1600rpm @ 60 mph, 1950 @ 75mph. with no load or trailer-----after 2250 miles I am getting 18.8 mpg---50/50 city/highway, 30% of the time with air conditioning on, conservative driving habits, no load or trailer towed so far.

quadrunner500 · February 1999

Davydd,
Well, then...that's a horse of a different color. How well does it work? Can you feel it kick in? Is there any alert, or is it something not felt? How about the indicator lights..what do they do?

Davydd · February 1999

Quadrunner500, I don't have a heavy foot but the biggest difference I've noticed is that the 5.3L has so much power in 2WD that I've found I actually burn rubber at times starting out at an intersection. That doesn't happen when in Autotrac.

I'm going on an extended 600 mile road trip this weekend. We'll see how the mileage goes.

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