My quest for 30 MPG - Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Tips

**BrooklynBay** · 10-27-2006, 12:47 PM

DIY guide for improved MPG fuel economy.

97greenmonster · 10-27-2006, 01:55 PM

How in the hell. i tried, i drove for an entier week keeping reves below 2000- 2500 and i still went on a half a tank at about 160 miles thats no where near 3, or even 20. i really need to get better MPG, but idk. thats hard to pull off. yea im 16, but i can still drive responsably.

*snocross1985* · 10-27-2006, 02:38 PM

well you are 4x4 and completely stock. Al is 2wd and modded for optimum gas milage.

97greenmonster · 10-28-2006, 11:04 PM

Yea bone stock, auto 4wheel tho, so unless i burn out, its in two wheel.

*snocross1985* · 10-29-2006, 07:36 AM

I understand that its auto 4x4, the point I was making was that you have the added weight of the 4x4 that a 2wd doesnt have.

97greenmonster · 10-29-2006, 03:19 PM

Yea. but that much weight shouldnt cut MPG in half

**BrooklynBay** · 10-29-2006, 03:22 PM

It's also the amount of moving parts on the drivetrain, not only weight.

97greenmonster · 10-29-2006, 03:31 PM

but if its in 2WD then the front driveshaft and transfer case isnt going to be pusing, just free spinning. no added pressure on the engine or tranny.

**BrooklynBay** · 10-29-2006, 03:35 PM

The parts are still moving, so there is some extra energy being wasted. It would use more energy to actually engage the front wheels like you said. Either way, there is power being used when it's not necessary.

joefnh · 10-29-2006, 06:48 PM

I have an 03 4x4 4.0L with the only mods a K&N air intake and the SCT Flasher from Doug at Bama Chips. When the truck was stock I was able to achieve ~ 18MPG. Now with these mods I am up to 23.3 MPG

aldive · 10-29-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joefnh@aol.com

I have an 03 4x4 4.0L with the only mods a K&N air intake and the SCT Flasher from Doug at Bama Chips. When the truck was stock I was able to achieve ~ 18MPG. Now with these mods I am up to 23.3 MPG

Good job and remember there is potential for even greater gains.

*ShadyGrady* · 11-02-2006, 08:21 PM

I got 25.6 @ 71 MPH highway this summer going west from Columbia SC, to Montgomery AL,.
I have a '92 w/4.0 V6.
Odd ball size and brand tires (from front to rear, each axel has the same stuff)
160 degree t-stat w/2 1/8" holes drilled in(I'll tell U later)
I use wally world 10W- 30 oil and filter(but I meet OEM specs-always-always)
It needs an alignment
It needs front springs

I made sure to start out with good air pressure @ cool tire temps
Proper oil level
I use Water Wetter w/antifreeze (the cheapest I can find) I mix w/distilled water
I keep servicable parts in good service...I grease it, oil it, wash it, rub it, or change it so I can service it. (if at all possible) (I DO NOT GO CHEAP ON BEARING/AXEL LUBES)
I use Platinum spark plugs (U may need to experiment to see which brand and heat temp is best...keep notes...talk to folks)
spark plug wires do not have to be "THE BEST"
hoses and such don't have to be "THE BEST"
Your stuff just should meet or exceed OEM specs

Highway Tires will give better results ovet the A/T types
supension mods: Wider TRACK, larger taller tires, Roof Racks, Bumper Guards, and the like can hurt your overall MPG
Lowering can help if the alignment is done right!!!

cooler is better, but keep in mind that the emmissions equipment like to live in the 195 degree area.

Change the P/S and brake fluids also, anything to reduce friction anywhere can help reduce temps and increase life...and contribute to better MPH

Keep truck clean, Use the A/C, Keep windows up, try not to over pack on trips

Oil additives have a purpose...to get your money
fancy oils...some work some don't...let your wallet be your guide...learn from the other guy

ma96782 · 11-02-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

I got 25.6 @ 71 MPH highway this summer going west from Columbia SC, to Montgomery AL,.
I have a '92 w/4.0 V6.

That is some GREAT numbers for a 1st Gen.

I thought 20 was good, for freeway driving in a 1st Gen.

Aloha, Mark

aldive · 11-02-2006, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma96782

That is some GREAT numbers for a 1st Gen.

I thought 20 was good, for freeway driving in a 1st Gen.

Aloha, Mark

Indeed; outstanding mileage for an OHV motor.

old mechanic · 11-02-2006, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadyGrady

I got 25.6 @ 71 MPH highway this summer going west from Columbia SC, to Montgomery AL,.
I have a '92 w/4.0 V6.
Odd ball size and brand tires (from front to rear, each axel has the same stuff)
160 degree t-stat w/2 1/8" holes drilled in(I'll tell U later)
I use wally world 10W- 30 oil and filter(but I meet OEM specs-always-always)
It needs an alignment
It needs front springs

I made sure to start out with good air pressure @ cool tire temps
Proper oil level
I use Water Wetter w/antifreeze (the cheapest I can find) I mix w/distilled water
I keep servicable parts in good service...I grease it, oil it, wash it, rub it, or change it so I can service it. (if at all possible) (I DO NOT GO CHEAP ON BEARING/AXEL LUBES)
I use Platinum spark plugs (U may need to experiment to see which brand and heat temp is best...keep notes...talk to folks)
spark plug wires do not have to be "THE BEST"
hoses and such don't have to be "THE BEST"
Your stuff just should meet or exceed OEM specs

Highway Tires will give better results ovet the A/T types
supension mods: Wider TRACK, larger taller tires, Roof Racks, Bumper Guards, and the like can hurt your overall MPG
Lowering can help if the alignment is done right!!!

cooler is better, but keep in mind that the emmissions equipment like to live in the 195 degree area.

Change the P/S and brake fluids also, anything to reduce friction anywhere can help reduce temps and increase life...and contribute to better MPH

Keep truck clean, Use the A/C, Keep windows up, try not to over pack on trips

Oil additives have a purpose...to get your money
fancy oils...some work some don't...let your wallet be your guide...learn from the other guy

-----------
25.6@ 71mph-92EX 4.0???

GREAT!!! Is it a 4x4? Please list the mods you must have done to your EX. I just may try some of them on my 92 EX.

peties3 · 11-03-2006, 06:00 PM

I too would like to here of your mods!!!!! I have a 94 that needs to be massaged!!!!!

*frickea86* · 11-03-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aldive

Indeed; outstanding mileage for an OHV motor.

Speaking of good mpg on an OHV, my girlfriend had a 95 white 4 door with 3.73 gearing and it was a police intercepter. She could get 25 to 28 mpg, i was like astonished when i first drove it and looked at the trip, i thought her gas gauge was screwed up. The truck had its problems but it had 183k on it and it was on its 2nd rebuild. She sold the truck about 3 months ago for a 2002 Ford Escape...

*ShadyGrady* · 11-12-2006, 12:30 PM

Check the other answer

*ShadyGrady* · 11-12-2006, 12:36 PM

see other post

aldive · 11-12-2006, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadyGrady

1) 169 degree t-stat.

What is your logic for using this t stat?

10-27-2006, 12:47 PM	#1021
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,689 Vehicle Specs	DIY guide for improved MPG fuel economy. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

10-27-2006, 02:38 PM	#1023
snocross1985 Explorer-less South Hampton, NH 2002 Sentra SE-R Spec V Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,728 Vehicle Specs	well you are 4x4 and completely stock. Al is 2wd and modded for optimum gas milage. __________________ Scott My Mug

10-29-2006, 07:36 AM	#1025
snocross1985 Explorer-less South Hampton, NH 2002 Sentra SE-R Spec V Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,728 Vehicle Specs	I understand that its auto 4x4, the point I was making was that you have the added weight of the 4x4 that a 2wd doesnt have. __________________ Scott My Mug

10-29-2006, 03:22 PM	#1027
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,689 Vehicle Specs	It's also the amount of moving parts on the drivetrain, not only weight. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

10-29-2006, 03:35 PM	#1029
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,689 Vehicle Specs	The parts are still moving, so there is some extra energy being wasted. It would use more energy to actually engage the front wheels like you said. Either way, there is power being used when it's not necessary. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

10-27-2006, 01:55 PM	#1022
97greenmonster B Omaha, NE '97 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 492 Vehicle Specs	How in the hell. i tried, i drove for an entier week keeping reves below 2000- 2500 and i still went on a half a tank at about 160 miles thats no where near 3, or even 20. i really need to get better MPG, but idk. thats hard to pull off. yea im 16, but i can still drive responsably.

10-28-2006, 11:04 PM	#1024
97greenmonster B Omaha, NE '97 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 492 Vehicle Specs	Yea bone stock, auto 4wheel tho, so unless i burn out, its in two wheel.

10-29-2006, 03:19 PM	#1026
97greenmonster B Omaha, NE '97 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 492 Vehicle Specs	Yea. but that much weight shouldnt cut MPG in half

10-29-2006, 03:31 PM	#1028
97greenmonster B Omaha, NE '97 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 492 Vehicle Specs	but if its in 2WD then the front driveshaft and transfer case isnt going to be pusing, just free spinning. no added pressure on the engine or tranny.

10-29-2006, 06:48 PM	#1030
joefnh Wannabe Elite Explorer New Hampshire 03 XLT Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 222 Vehicle Specs	I have an 03 4x4 4.0L with the only mods a K&N air intake and the SCT Flasher from Doug at Bama Chips. When the truck was stock I was able to achieve ~ 18MPG. Now with these mods I am up to 23.3 MPG

11-02-2006, 08:21 PM	#1032
ShadyGrady Elite Explorer AL 1992 Explorer Sport Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 65 Vehicle Specs	Good MPG IS POSSIBLE I got 25.6 @ 71 MPH highway this summer going west from Columbia SC, to Montgomery AL,. I have a '92 w/4.0 V6. Odd ball size and brand tires (from front to rear, each axel has the same stuff) 160 degree t-stat w/2 1/8" holes drilled in(I'll tell U later) I use wally world 10W- 30 oil and filter(but I meet OEM specs-always-always) It needs an alignment It needs front springs I made sure to start out with good air pressure @ cool tire temps Proper oil level I use Water Wetter w/antifreeze (the cheapest I can find) I mix w/distilled water I keep servicable parts in good service...I grease it, oil it, wash it, rub it, or change it so I can service it. (if at all possible) (I DO NOT GO CHEAP ON BEARING/AXEL LUBES) I use Platinum spark plugs (U may need to experiment to see which brand and heat temp is best...keep notes...talk to folks) spark plug wires do not have to be "THE BEST" hoses and such don't have to be "THE BEST" Your stuff just should meet or exceed OEM specs Highway Tires will give better results ovet the A/T types supension mods: Wider TRACK, larger taller tires, Roof Racks, Bumper Guards, and the like can hurt your overall MPG Lowering can help if the alignment is done right!!! cooler is better, but keep in mind that the emmissions equipment like to live in the 195 degree area. Change the P/S and brake fluids also, anything to reduce friction anywhere can help reduce temps and increase life...and contribute to better MPH Keep truck clean, Use the A/C, Keep windows up, try not to over pack on trips Oil additives have a purpose...to get your money fancy oils...some work some don't...let your wallet be your guide...learn from the other guy

11-03-2006, 06:00 PM	#1036
peties3 Wannabe Elite Explorer Lawrence, Kansas 94 Explorer Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 177 Vehicle Specs	I too would like to here of your mods!!!!! I have a 94 that needs to be massaged!!!!!

11-12-2006, 12:30 PM	#1038
ShadyGrady Elite Explorer AL 1992 Explorer Sport Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 65 Vehicle Specs	Check the other answer Last edited by ShadyGrady; 11-12-2006 at 03:03 PM. Reason: it is not complete...I've answered it a few times too. I just want to delet it and leave the good post

11-12-2006, 12:36 PM	#1039
ShadyGrady Elite Explorer AL 1992 Explorer Sport Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 65 Vehicle Specs	see other post Last edited by ShadyGrady; 11-12-2006 at 03:04 PM. Reason: I still getting the hang of things...sorry i answered this .