I picked up a 2002 Ford F-150, extended cab pickup,4x4, 5.4 liter. I'd like to try some things to improve the gas mileage. Can anyone help me on this? I've changed the air filter but that didn't help much. I was thinking about the gearing in the rear end?? Any thoughts on that?
Also it has a few miles on the truck and the steering is sloppy, the steering wheel turns about a 1/4 turn and nothing happens, just goes straight I checked the ***** joints, and the rest of the front end, all seems good. I was thinking about the steering box?
I sure would appreciate any ideas, help that I can get!!
Thanks
Mike

 

What are you getting for mileage? 1/4 turn of play is a TON. Finding where the slop is coming from could be multiple things.

 

Getting around 11 MPG, on the highway. Yes, I can be going down a straight road and turn the wheel almost a 1/4 turn before anything happens. I had the front end looked at and everything is good there.
Thanks for the come back

 

There is probably maintenance that needs to be taken care of, but your mpg is only slightly lower than normal. I have never gotten higher than 12.5mpg with my 02 5.4.

As with any vehicle: replacing fuel filter, plugs, changing all the fluids, proper tire inflation and front oxygen sensors may help with gas mileage and are relatively cheap.

A free way to help increase mpg is to keep your foot light on the go pedal.

Gearing it is one of the more expensive ways to increase mpg. You should look at return on investment before you go ahead and spend 1-2k in gears. What is "a few miles"? How long will you have it? 1-2k can buy a lot of gas. What gears are currently in it? Do you run stock tire size? What does your driving consist of? Mostly highway or city? Is it a 4x4?

 

11MPG highway is low for a 5.4,
My '01 4wd gets about 16(best when new 17.5), it has 220k, oem plugs-cops-injectors-O2 sensors-cat, never had a CEL, changed the fuel filter once, serviced tranny once, oil changes at 4k and run Chevron exclusively. Yeah, talk of not taking care of business . Been run from AZ summers at 115degrees+ to Yellostone in the 20s.

Agree that going with regular maintenance items would be the primary step. Are you checking true highway mileage or mixed? Suggest top off tank and take a "highway" drive. I only check mine when i have to fuel up on the way.

 

That was checking it on a highway run.
Thanks
Mike

 

Check for a bad tie rod end. With the wheel off the ground grab the tire at 9 and 3 and see if you can move it...do that to both sides....you can usually find it that way. Clean your MAF and throttle body, easy to do. As mentioned...cover the basics...plugs, COPS, PCV...keep your foot out of it.

 

Thanks Spotty,
I did check both tie rod ends in the way you said, both are good and tight. I'll cover the basics. "I'm to old to get my foot into it"!! (HA-HA)
Thanks
Mike

 

With all due respect "a 1/4 turn" is 90 degrees! Please don't drive this until you get it fixed. That's not "sloppy" it's homicidal!

With all due respect, get somebody who understands front ends to look at it. I can assure you "everything is NOT good there".

 

LOL....I know not funny...but I was thinking a 1/4" of movement of the wheel..never even considering 90*...I certainly would not drive it over the Mackinaw Bridge....or even out the driveway....YIKES. Get this sucker looked at ASAP.

 

I will. Thanks