I have a 5.4, extra cab short bed. I am getting like 10 miles to the gallon. I knew I was going to pay for gas, when I think about the size of the truck and the size of the motor, its actually o.k. milage.
just curious what everybody else is gettin.

 

Asked & answered about a thousand times -- do a search, or check the FAQ at the top of the Super Duty thread list. The FAQ will give you some pretty close numbers to what most people get here. A lot has to do with your differential gearing (3.73, 4.10, etc), highway/city driving, and even on the highway, what speed you maintain (cruise @ 60-65 is great for fuel efficiency). So when you said you get 10, you left a lot of holes open to do a true comparison. Anyway, check the FAQ, do a search, and plug some of those holes in your gas tank!

 

Its 373's, and that figure is city.

 

OK -- I've got a similar truck; 2002, 5.4 V-8, 4x4, SuperCab, Long Bed, 3.73 LS. I get 11 - 12 in the city, depending on traffic conditions, size of your tires, etc. I can tell you that even though you're driving in 4x2 mode, a 4x4 will get a little worse mileage than 4x2.

I noticed a mileage improvement when I serviced my air filter & fuel filter at 30,000 miles (not sure which one helped the most since I did both at the same time). Should have done it sooner; my dad's 5.4 V-8 Expedition gained around 2 mpg when I changed his air filter at 16,000 miles (man, that thing was dirty!). I haven't heard anyone else talk about them much, but I run a Chevron fuel line cleaner around every 5,000 miles to keep the injectors clean (buy them cheap at a local Costco/Price Club, always have at least a case in the garage) in all our 87 octane vehicles. The Beemer runs premium gas, so I don't bother as often.

If your miles are getting even higher (didn't mention how many miles you have on your truck yet) you might want to consider some maintenance/tuning.

 

I run 89 octane. And the truck only has 6000 miles on it. I just put in a k&n filter, Hope that will help a little. I do alot of city driving, but in my town there is never too much traffic. Also planning on a Flowmaster cat back, that might help a little. Like I said before though, not really to concerned about it, I new when I bought it, Big truck=bad gas milage. Thanks for all the info. I still am running the stock tires,(235 I think) Planning on going bigger soon.
Thanks again

 

Try a different gas station.. my truck's mileage can vary by about 2 mpg just based on who I buy gas from! Regarding the K&N, most guys report little if any gas savings. The cat-back gets similar comments, although some people do report a minor mileage improvement... I say some, because others like Yeti say they saw no benefit in mileage.

If it gets really bad, have your dealer check it -- I'm not certain of the details, but they should be able to plug into your truck's computer and verify that things are going as they should be.

Lastly, there is no need for you to run 89 octane. In fact, our trucks are designed to burn better at 87 (as long as you don't have any knock effect). Try a tank of 87 octane from Mobil, and/or Amoco. Most guys say their gas is good.

Not much more I can offer you... good luck.

 

Thanks for all the help. I get my gas from mobile stations anyway. I will try a tank of 87 and see how it works out. I broke the motor in on 89, that wouldnt effect it at all would it?
Thanks again

 

I did the same thing... took me about the same miles as you before I believed EVERYONE (my sales rep, the guys in service, everyone here on FTE, my dad, etc) who told me that these trucks don't need 89. I was so used to running premium gas in all my prior vehicles, that it hurt even thinking of putting 87 in the big bad beast. As long as you don't have any knocking problems with the 87, you're good. I don't know how credible the source is, but someone once mentioned that using a higher octane fuel than necessary is actually bad because it can lead to carbon build up on the back of the intake valves. I'm not sure if I buy that one...

I don't think the break-in using 89 and change to 87 will hurt, but your truck might need a tank or two before the computer adjusts to the octane. Even if it doesn't increase your mileage, at least you're paying 10 to 12 cents less for a gallon... on my 38-gallon tank that's around $4 per fill-up. Paying $5 for a bottle of the fuel line/injector cleaner every other oil change (again, I buy in bulk from Costco) is still cheaper, and keeps things cleaner than running 89 alone.

You might want to reset your computer after you fill-up on 87 (it might speed-up the adjusting process). Disconnect the battery, and turn on your headlights. Come back 10-15 minutes later, reconnect batter. Everything is reset. The truck will have to re-learn your driving habits and adjust for everything. Necessary? Will it hurt anything? NO. Resetting the computer is recommended after making significant performance changes -- not sure if changing octane is "significant enough" but again, it can't hurt. Expect about a tank's worth of driving before the truck re-learns your style, though.

Another thought: if the gas sold in your area is oxygenated, your number will be lower than normal/regular blend. Oxygenated gas is sold mainly in the winter in my area, so I see my numbers dip then. I can actually tell when they change the blend around here based on my MPG's. Other factors contributing to your fuel consumption include your altitude, temperature (cold = lower MPG), and how heavy-footed you are. Driving with an egg under the gas pedal will help, but it can get messy.

Give us an update here after a couple tanks of regular -- I'm curious how it works out for you. Again, you might want to try a different gas station from time to time, just to see if there's any difference.

 

Cool, Actually I am going to go get some gas in a little while. 87 it is!. I will give it a try, as well as resetting the computer. Its worth a try. Anything to help the mpg. I live in Lower new york state. not a real high altitude. I do have a pretty heavy foot. But ever since I got rid of the 97 G*C, I was getting 16 mpg in the city, My foot has gotten a little lighter. I would never buy another G*C. My ford blows it out of the water in everyway except in the mpg catagory. I have been a ford man my whole life, ever since my dad bought his first new f150 in 1980. I have owned about 6 fords and I thought I would give a G*C a try, never again!!
Thanks, I will keep you posted.

 

Eazy -- we're almost neighbors! I live in northeast NJ, just a hop skip & a jump from Rockland County, NY. Like I said before about putting an egg under the gas pedal, you'll see the biggest gas savings when you get the lead outta' your foot. Keep the RMP's low, don't jackrabbit, and on the highway keep the speed at 65. You'll get better MPG's and your truck might last longer, too. I should probably follow my own advice.....

 

Jersey?? I went to east rutheford, to a NJ Devils game in febuary. I like the area, seems like alots happening. Also on Saturday the 27th, I will be in Seaside park with the Ford. Doing some shore fishing. If you anywhere around there stop by and see thbe truck. And about stayin out pf the pedal, Its really hard with all that power, isnt it????
Well, Like I said I will keep you posted.