There was a post several weeks back by someone wondering about replacement windshields and whether or not they were available w/ the logo from non-dealer sources. Well, I found out the hard way this week when I got hit by a rock. It probably could have been repaired but the damage was right in front of my face and it drove me cockeyed. It cost $296 for an at home replacement job w/ the logo.

This happened on my first road trip with the new 09. About 3800 miles from CA to TX and back. I reached 17.9 MPG (5.4 liter) while I averaged around 80 mph on the highways. I've made the same trip in my 04 Explorer and the Lariat was a much better drive with more room to boot. The Bakflip cover worked out extremely well giving me lots of secure storage. I Velcro-ed a Ryobi portable motion alarm in the bed while at the hotels for extra peace of mind. I think I'm going to have the dealer put an alarm on it soon.

I now have just under 10K on the truck since I purchased on Apr. 13Th and although the 04 Explorer was good to go with 83K on her, I'm glad I made the trade.

 

Very curious about your gear ratio set up and getting 17.9 mpg with a 5.4L engine going 80 on the highway.

I have not see/witnessed any 09 getting that mpg running at those speeds.

I have a 4x4 lariat with HD Bakflip and can only get about 15mpg running 75 mph around texas highways.

Your insight is much appreciated.

 

If I reset the factory meter, I show about 18.5MPG at 80MPH on flat (Texas) terrain. That's with a 4x2, 5.4L, 6.5' supercrew, 3.73LS rear, with a commercial ARE DCU aluminum topper (~350lbs) and a Ranch Hand full front-end replacement (~150lbs). I'm turning slightly over 2500RPM.

 

I think it's been stated on here before that hand calculating over a period of time and miles is the most accurate. The computer on my daughter's Fusion is in accurate.

Tim

 

I reset the AVG MPG screen for several tanks, and found the computer always displayed within 0.5MPG of my hand calculation. Close enough for my purposes.

 

I have the 5.4 2WD w/ 3.55. It took me about 800 miles before it hit 17.9 mpg. I 10 between El Paso and central Texas is straight, flat and not very windy. Back at home with combined city/hwy and commuting (through hills) I average about 15.5mpg.