Well I finally checked my fuel mileage and with a set of winter tires mounted on steel rims and my spare in the bed + the fiberglass cap I am getting 13.5 a gallon. When I finish building my 12 x 20 shed, I will put the tires in there and check it again. Is there anything I can do to increase it a few more miles per gallon?

 

the 4wd trucks used as trucks around town are not going to get the 2wd hwy trucks used like cars on the flat.so don't think too much of those 20+ mpg claims grandpa.
however,making sure the gear oil is clean,the brakes free,wheel bearings spinning free and repacked from time to time along with an idi with good compression and fresh ip,injectors and properly adjusted and timed,you shouldn't have a hard time touching mid teens solo.not too shabby when you compare the "other" torque monster's (460 gas) economy of 8-9mpg.(there are some high 10-14 mpg claims with those 2wd hwy cruisers too.) winter diesel fuel (if your still on it) and the winter rubber are both hard hitters against you also.

i think we all would.especially with these insane prices.don't hold your breath.you'll be very disappointed.you should get a realistic 13-15 true lifetime average with some peaks in the high teens out on the hwy running solo.

 

Thanks for the tips, I did all the brakes 2 weeks ago with all new parts, calipers, rotors/drums etc and bearings, that is good to go. I am going to install new injectors and glow plugs. I just acquired a rebuilt pump that has been turned up a little. I am happy with the 13.5 but will aim to increase it. This Ford gets better mileage then my 78 4 x 4 lol.

Thanks & Have a great day!
Kev

 

Another factor to consider is tires, if you are still running the ones in the picture they look pretty aggressive and the rears look wide from what I can tell. Wide and/or aggressive tires create more drag on the road and reduce mileage. If your primary use is on road then the stock 235/85-16 is better than any wide tire and only go as aggressive on the tread as needed.

 

No sir when I bought the truck he also had a set of Michelin's on wheels, he claimed they had less then 2000 miles on them and that has been switched out already. Rides a whole lot better LOL. Now if I can get the steering column straighten around, I would be a happy camper. Lets see now 2 new shift cables, one new shifter tube, one key broke off in ignition cylinder.