How can I improve 4.0 fuel consumption?

yocalif · #1 10-23-2010, 12:16 PM

I knew when I bought the 4.0 it was a gas hog, but I also have read around the internet some 4.0 owners are getting 20+ mpg.

What 5 proven things can be done to improve MPG on a 4.0? If you own 3.0 or other V6 and have made MPG saving changes please share.

Lets try to keep the cost of MPG changes to $300-$400 otherwise we are giving away our savings.

We already know driving habits are #1 for saving fuel. So lets not re-hash driving habits.

►I think from my reading, one of the top things would be changing to an electric fan? Any thoughts?

►Some are claiming fuel additives like Acetone or octane boosters are increasing MPG, but after searching the internet, I am finding most of those claims are false, anyone know for sure?

01RangerEdge · #2 10-23-2010, 12:19 PM

I don't drive like an idiot, that's how I get 21 MPG

STL · #3 10-23-2010, 12:27 PM

Going easy from stop lights helps

Maintain the fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs and MAF sensor works

You can also mod the air compressor so it does not run as much. DieHard4rd did that in his other Ranger.

2002 2WD Edge · #4 10-23-2010, 01:52 PM

Air filter..a K&N type may help. Synthetic oil too. Nothing probably measurable by either though. Premium spark plugs like Bosche Iridium Plus 4's. Low rolling resistance tires....they exist and are meant to increase mileage. Some people use mid-grade gas in a vehicle that is engineered for regular....why waste the money on more expensive gas if your vehicle doesn't need it? I use regular and mid-grade..I don't think my 4.0 is a gas hog. Nothing compared to a full-sized truck with a V-8 or 10 that's for sure while it is far bigger than a Chevy Chevette, Pontiac Firefly or Toyota Corolla. The only thing I did to my Ranger which did noticeably increase mileage was a freer flowing exhaust. JBA cat-forward headers..and cat back exhaust. Cold-air intake added 1 week later.
No doubt as mentioned before...driving technique can increase your gas mileage more than anything..and costs nothing. There are videos of people driving doing their utmost to save gas. Some claim remarkable gains. Another useful thing would be a plug-in unit that shows your split-second gas mileage (as well as a lot more) which could assist in changing your driving style towards ultimate economy possible. I'd like to get one.
People routinely neglect checking tire pressure's and the fluids in the transmission and rear-end. Rear-end oil often turned into black,thick sludge. In the case of a pick-up truck...no cover on the box and the tailgate in place/upright is very bad aerodynamics which will get far worse the faster you go.

2002 2WD Edge · #5 10-23-2010, 02:18 PM

Here are 30 tips for better fuel economy/savings. A lighter colored vehicle, shade, times of day to fillup, etc. all covered.

bcghosttowns · #6 10-23-2010, 02:36 PM

I have 11k Km on my truck and have never gotten better than 19 mpg and that was all hwy.I drive like a grandma and have my tires at 50 psi a KN filter as well as an electric fan.Next step for me is a free flowing muffler.So far nothing has made a measurable differance.

TurdFX4 · #7 10-23-2010, 03:19 PM

I got 23 mpg one time, on the way to Oklahoma. all I have is cat-back exhaust and aem cold air. and that was with 32" tires with the truck bed loaded with all of my stuff, myself and 2 basset hounds

yocalif · #8 10-24-2010, 01:26 AM

I read this on a different forum, what do you guys think are these tips worth it or NOT?

Quote:

Installed Motorcraft plugs, those listed on the under-hood sticker were not available so used Fords recommended replacement. Deliberately gapped them .37 instead of .44 now delivers much better top end power and speed. Previously defeated the heated air intake system, capped vacuum hose, removed heat riser from exhaust manifold, drilled additional shaker holes in the bottom corners of the air filter box and added several in the rear. Corrected pinched intake snorkel where it connects to the radiator support, and removed the rain/moisture cover in front of the radiator support. Removed the restrictive plastic piece behind the grille, in front of the AC condenser. Added a MSD blaster coil. I'm now looking for a replacement MAF with better (less congested throat) flow. On the factory unit about 47% of the path is blocked. Mileage is an honest 28 mpg on hwy doing 70. 3.0 2wd automatic. I cannot complain but am dreaming of a good MAF.

What would any of these changes do to smog certification required every two years in Calif?

FireRanger · #9 10-24-2010, 05:34 AM

None of those changes would do anything at all. The intake is not restrictive from the factory. It is capable of flowing far more air than your engine uses to begin with. Dyno tests here on FRF have proven that it is perfectly fine and adding components or performance parts to will gain you nothing. Do not drill holes int the air box either, that will just suck in hot air.

No matter how hard you look, the only thing that will actually improve fuel economy is how you drive. There is nothing you can add on or modify that will increase fuel economy. Sure there are things that have a side effect of another MPG or two but they all cost 10x more than money you will save over the course of 100 years.

azgilamonster · #10 10-24-2010, 06:51 AM

make sure your tires are properly inflated will also save on gas and tire wear

Bowz · #11 10-25-2010, 09:20 AM

not true.. some mods will save the raise the MPG.. i know switching from a rotating fan assembly to an electric fan will get you mpg. anything to basically make the engine work less will in turn run less gas.. i know when i was monitoring my 1500 ram i deleted the fan to an electric and got some noticed hp and some mpg back. i also deleted the AC in it and got some of it back as well... yet i've noticed when you do a UDP it doesn't do a thing to your mpg or HP.

The main way i keep my mpg high is keep the truck light with mainly myself in the truck and nothing in the back unless i need it. weight equals load means more gas. i also drive a manual. so not reving at every hot chick you pass helps. im rolling on 31" and im keeping about 20mpg. I also shift like a grandma. - mainly because i need to fix my linkage from sticking in second and fourth. Like most people said.. keeping up on maintance and keeping the engine clean like i seafoam my truck every 5 oil changes clean it out keep its running in good condition.. also never forget to change rubber hoses... even the smallest vacuum leak will rid you of MPG.

FireRanger · #12 10-25-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowz

not true.. some mods will raise the MPG..

I should have been more clear. When I say you won't be able to do mods that increase fuel economy, I mean just that. The economy of it. The money you spend on these mods that add maybe 1mpg all cost 10-100x more than the fuel you save. Therefore it is adding nothing to the economy of the vehicle. Like I said, you can do mods that will result in an MPG or two. But you are losing more money than you are saving.

bilko1 · #13 10-25-2010, 09:27 AM

seafoam my truck
I always thought seafoam was for storing for long time.???

FireRanger · #14 10-25-2010, 10:02 AM

Seafoam is for cleaning. Seafoam in the fuel tank cleans injectors and the link. Seafoam in the crankcase before an oil change cleans out the crankcase. ANd seafoam sucked into the intake manifold (like through brake booster vacuum line) cleans carbon and other grime in the intake manifold, valves, cylinders, and pistons. This step is whate generally creates the classic seafoam cloud of smoke.

2002 2WD Edge · #15 10-26-2010, 07:50 PM

I haven't seen a late night infomercial for products that supposedly improve gas mileage for a while. Often the claimed improvement is ridicules..like 30%! As with so many things..if it sounds too good to be true..it's probably a scam. Pills to put in your gas tank and intake vortex creating things are 2. A few of the programmers also claim such. I only am posting this as a warning to anyone who may be considering such. Curiously many claim a money back guarantee if not satisfied..must be some catch..or a cash payment similar to spent if you agree to be a happy customer in a new advert? So here are a few links to some of this crap. I am not promoting these items!!!!! Common sense should tell you the claims are impossible...but some of these products have been marketed for years so there must be some suckers that fall for it.

http://www.vorteccyclone.com/savegas...FVEF5wodtDpjhQ

http://www.hydrogen-boost.com/

http://www.performancechiptuning.com...aver+Module/3/

http://www.buyfuelmedz.com/catalog/index.php

That last one almost sounds believable...he isn't marketing a product which you buy from him.

http://www.gas-miser.com/benefits.php