1999 5.0 2wd gas mileage

[Peanut74]

Well I have been doing some experimenting to see if I could get some better gas mileage. For the first round I took the bows off the roof rack and drove it for 2600 miles and averaged 18.98 mpg. On round two I changed the differential oil to syntetic and seafoamed it. After 2,345 miles I was averaging 19.31 mpg an improvment of 0.5. Round three was a new air filter and after 3,169 I am averaging 19.5 mpg. For round four I am trying to come up with some ideas. Since i live in the deep south running without A/C is not an option.

 

[jevchance]

What's your tire pressure?

 

[Peanut74]

For tire pressure I like to keep it between 30 and 32 psi. Any higher or lower the tires seem to wear out quickly. I went back to the orginal size tires that the Ex came with from the factory rather than the smaller ones from the recall.

 

[jevchance]

You might want to just try 36-38 just to see if you can squeeze a little more MPG. You never know, the MPG difference might buy you tires.

Might also try nitrogen in the tires. I've no experience with it, but they tote better MPG and increased tire life.

 

[Peanut74]

that is a thought. Running at 36 psi should not wearout the center of the tire to fast. Like you I have no experience with nitrogen filled tires. But that does bring getting the front end aligned. It has been a few years since I have had it done.

What about using a differnet wheel bearing grease that has a lower viscoucity? Would have to figure out shich type

 

[jevchance]

Not sure how much of a difference could be made with bearing grease.

Shedding extra weight could make a difference. I would consider ditching my spare tire if I had had AAA.

Also a good 'ol fashioned tune up can help.

An aftermarket intake/air filter setup can also make a difference, as can exhaust.

Beyond that, anything I can think of starts to get real expensive (lightweight wheels, aluminum driveshaft, etc.)

If you have RWD you could potentially swap out the rear end gears. That could make a big difference. I have AWD so its not an option for me.