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New guy with a few questions

warwgn3

Member
Joined
September 27, 2014
Messages
14
Reaction score
8
City, State
Ottawa Ontario
Year, Model & Trim Level
2005 Lincoln Aviator
Hello there.

I recently took possession of a nice 2003 Explorer Limited. It has the 4.6L V-8, 5spd Auto trans, 3.73 rear, and control trac 4wd system with 266,000 kms on the odometer.

It's a really nice truck, and I love how it drives, but I'm curious to know what I should be expecting for gas mileage? I've been driving the truck for a month now, and I seem to be averaging between 11-13 mpg. Which I think is pretty bad... or maybe it's normal for an Explorer? I'm just wondering because my other vehicle, a 1990 Lincoln Mark VII, seems to blow the Explorer's mileage out of the water.

To compare, my Lincoln is a RWD car with the "5.0 H.O." V-8, 4spd AOD trans, and 3.08 rear. And despite being 25 years old, and having almost 500,000 kms on it, It normally averages between 27-30 mpg.

So if a 25 year old car with a bigger, higher mileage engine can get that good gas mileage, then surely a truck that's 13 years newer with a smaller, newer technology engine should at least be just as good? Should the old term "Passes anything but a gas station" no longer be valid? In both vehicles I have a fuel mileage indicator and I always challenge myself to get the best mileage I can, short of crazy intake/engine/body mods.

I'm just looking for a reason as to why my Explorer seems so bad and if there's any way to fix it?

Thanks for the advice.
 






It's been a few days since i posted, but no reply as of yet. I figure everyone's busy and my post got bumped down to the lower ranks.

Still wondering if anyone has any insight on my gas mileage concerns.
 






sounds just about normal...

If you are interested in upgrading the drivetrain fluids to some" lower friction" Synthetics, I can put together a package for you.
 






sounds just about normal...

If you are interested in upgrading the drive-train fluids to some "lower friction" Synthetics, I can put together a package for you.

This might be helpful. I'm already feather footing the gas pedal as much as I can, only driving posted speed limits, and using cruise control whenever possible.

I was thinking more along the lines of needing a tune up of some sort. IE: changing the air filter, plugs, wires, oil, etc. and looking for ways to improve the gas mileage without modifying the truck.
 






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