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Gas Mileage
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What rear end gear ratio are you running.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
HP
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
jw
Rich
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.
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
use regular unleaded?
robert
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.
Thanks
Guess I would have to talk the the god with the capital first letter G for that!
17.7 MPG
Very happy!
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.
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.
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?
I'm going on an extended 600 mile road trip this weekend. We'll see how the mileage goes.