i have a 94 ranger 4.0 w/ 130k on it, and i am just wondering what kind of gas mileage i shold be getting, right now i get about 12-13, that's all city driving tho, is that about right or no?
any ways i can get that up to 15 or so?
quack

 

Don't roast your tires ("brake torque" as you prefer to call it) as often, lol. Actually, if you're heavy on the gas it will cost ya. Normal driving should get ya about 15-16 in town, depending on your gearing and whether or not you have a 5spd or automatic.

On edit: are you upshifting as needed or are you driving around town @2000 rpm? That comes with a price too.

 

well, i have an automatic, i try to to not give 'er to much but sometimes i do, i mean, is there anything i can do for the truck, like tune up or sumthing ?

 

There's probably a few things that can be done to improve the gas mileage. Before you spend money on parts, you might consider getting an old guy like your Dad to drive it to make sure that the problem is actually with the truck.

 

well if i let him drive my truck, he would get better gas mileage because he drives 60 miles on the highway everyday! but i wouldnt let him drive my truck, im paying the bills! quack

 

Try putting an egg under the gas pedal perhaps?

On edit: when did you do a tune/inspection/PM up last?

 

Just juicin' ya Quack!
Start with tire pressures up to the recommended max printed on the sidewall.
Change the oil if need be to 5w30.
Put in a clean air filter.
Pull & inspect the plugs. Replace if needed.
If the outside of the fuel filter has any rust on it, change it.
Keep the windows closed whenever possible.

 

haha, i had a feeling i was being picked on there!! thanks for the help cowboy!
quack

 

Well, I was kidding with ya a tad, but still trying to give some info to think about. Hate seeing people do tune ups/buy parts that aren't needed.

 

actaully, i havent had a tune up yet, i just bought the truck at 110k, should i get a tune up???
what exactly do they do in a "tune-up"
quack

 

also, thanks Dealford too!

 

Dealfords post covers the items that have the greatest impact on mileage as far as the vehicle goes. You can probably add a PCV valve to the list, although I'd do that since I'm sure you have no idea when it was done last. There are other things to look at, but they don't tie into mileage but instead impact reliability. Inspect heater/radiator hoses, exhaust system, battery cables, the belt, etc; just a good visual on things. Lube the locks, door/hood latch, and hood hinges. These are the basics, for the most part.

On a sidenote, I do assume it has the 195 degree t-stat in it and not a lower temp.

 

I've got a newer rig than yours Quack but one thing I have noticed is lugging my 4.0L is like the gas guzzling que. I've found that if I keep my RPM's around 2700 - 3000 it seems to get the best mileage by far. Just an observation.

I think I'd have to agree with Dealford too on that tune-up, I'd do the whole nine yards if you don't know for certain that the previous owner had done it, and watch that air filter, I'm convinced that pretty much all ford engines are under rated on the intake side and need to be opened up with an after market kit but at minimum open up the box and tap the filter out every now and again and/or hit it with an air compressor a time or two between replacements to keep the air ways clear.

Hope that helps, <13 MPG is tough on the pocket book with todays prices.

 

allright went i get home from school i will take a look at all of that stuff.
yeah your right, that 12-13 is hard on the pocket book, escpecially since i only mkae minimum wage lol
thanks for the help everyone!
quack

 

93 4.0 5-spd, 4x4 Reg Cab 32" tires
Before intake exhaust and chip, I was getting about 14-15 city and 18 on interstate Highway, I now get a solid 16 City and at least 19 interstate, haven't driven enough miles in the warmer weather to know for sure. Don't get the mods though to improve mileage, they will never pay for them self, but it's a nice bonus to go with that extra power you get from them.