04 Lariat Screw 5.4 4x4 373 = solid 11.33mpg after pcm flash.
71 chevy 3/4 ton big block 400 (300 hp)= solid 8 mpg.
Difference is 3.3 mpg in 33 years.

We come a long way Baby!........?

 

I don't understand why Ford can't squeeze a little more gas mileage out of their engines. It seems like it doesn't matter which engine you choose they all get about the same. From memory the 2004 4x2 4spd auto engine line-up mpg looks like this...

4.2L V6 is 16/19
4.6L V8 is 15/19
5.4L V8 V3 is 15/19

Why can't the 4.6L do better than the 5.4L? Why even bother with the 4.2L or 4.6L?

The new Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x2 with the 4.0L 4v 245hp/282 lb-ft V6 is rated at 18/22 with a 5spd auto.

The Ford Ranger is too small, so I prefer the new F-150. I would like to see Ford offer an F-150 with a 4.6L (maybe 3v and a 5 spd auto) that gets close to 18/22. I would sacrifice a little hp/torque for better gas mileage.

 

I would imagine the weight of these beasts have something to do with it.