***MPG HELP****
***MPG HELP****
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
I had a new 1996 5.0, auto, limited slip, short bed with 31" tires. great truck! The best I ever got with it that I checked was 16-17 and that was on a trip to FLA. Running around I got like 14-15 mpg. Most all mp EFI 90's v8's that I've seen and driven are in that range. I'd expect 14-15 avg depending on your area.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Forgot to mention how to improve the mpg..... other than the usual things, tune-ups, air pressure etc.. The best thing that i have seen over the years is an easy pedal. Paying attention to how you drive can really have an impact on your mpg's. When your on the gas.....ask yourself do I really need to be on the gas right now? You'll be surprised at how often your just reacting and stepping on the gas then end up braking instead of just driving at a nice pace. Try it, that's the biggest gain you'll see with mpg's and overall wear and tear.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,080
Likes: 5
From: Backwoods of Snowflake AZ
well the 86 of my dad's is running 31 10.50 R15 but it has a leveling kit instead of a lift kit. as far as the increasing part I don't know we just drive it when needed for work if not needed for work we drive the cheaper on gas suvs.
Trav
Trav
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Park it and drive a Festiva 
You might tweak 1 more MPG if you tinker with it, but like others mentioned it's all in your driving style. If you flog on it constantly it will eat you alive. If you drive like you're afraid of smashing an egg under your foot it will do better.
My '95 did better then my current '89, by 1-2 mpg overall.
You might tweak 1 more MPG if you tinker with it, but like others mentioned it's all in your driving style. If you flog on it constantly it will eat you alive. If you drive like you're afraid of smashing an egg under your foot it will do better.
My '95 did better then my current '89, by 1-2 mpg overall.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
I must drive with a light foot compared to some of you guys. My old 89 f150 4x4 with a 5 speed and 3.55 gears got 20 mpg on the highway. In fact I havent had a 302 engine in a truck that was that bad on fuel yet! (my 2 wheel drive with the 3.08 gears and 5 speed got even better!)
With 4 inchs of lift and the MT tires, I wouldnt expect you to get that great of mileage though.
Freightrain really called it best! That or stick a diesel in er
With 4 inchs of lift and the MT tires, I wouldnt expect you to get that great of mileage though.
Freightrain really called it best! That or stick a diesel in er
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I must drive with a light foot compared to some of you guys. My old 89 f150 4x4 with a 5 speed and 3.55 gears got 20 mpg on the highway. In fact I havent had a 302 engine in a truck that was that bad on fuel yet! (my 2 wheel drive with the 3.08 gears and 5 speed got even better!)
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
Thats using "our" liter to gallon conversion. Im not sure how different that is then "theirs" haha.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
We need to know what you're getting now to know if it can be improved upon.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Our gallon is 4.55l while the US gallon is 3.78L.. makes a big difference.
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes of course... it's just that your numbers are not directly comparable.
These online conversion tools are handy... Unit Conversions
For example 20mpg Imperial equals 16.6mpg US which means your truck is pretty average but not exceptional.
These online conversion tools are handy... Unit Conversions
For example 20mpg Imperial equals 16.6mpg US which means your truck is pretty average but not exceptional.