MPG hit from lifting?
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
MPG hit from lifting?
I know a lot of people report significant decrease in MPG from even moderate lift and larger tires. I wonder how much of this is due to uncorrected odometer measuring less miles than actually traveled. (Less revolutions per mile with larger tires.)
Has anyone accurately compared MPG before and after the lift? Especially in cases where you stuck with AT style tires rather than MT?
My goal is predominantly more ground clearance, so I'm going to stick with 275-295 width and 36-37" tall. Not considering 35s because half an inch of extra clearance isn't worth the bother of redoing suspension.
Also, the rear shock mounting brackets hang below the axle by quite a bit. Has anyone done anything to clean up these mounts? I like Toyota axles from that standpoint, nothing sticks out below the axle tube.
Has anyone accurately compared MPG before and after the lift? Especially in cases where you stuck with AT style tires rather than MT?
My goal is predominantly more ground clearance, so I'm going to stick with 275-295 width and 36-37" tall. Not considering 35s because half an inch of extra clearance isn't worth the bother of redoing suspension.
Also, the rear shock mounting brackets hang below the axle by quite a bit. Has anyone done anything to clean up these mounts? I like Toyota axles from that standpoint, nothing sticks out below the axle tube.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I don't recall anyone ever getting into detail about mpg and lifting. Usually those folks who come here don't really care, we like economy but we like our trucks more...
About the shocks? I don't recall anyone ever tackling that either and I've read a lot of stuff here. Seems simple enough to move those brackets if you're doing a 6" lift or more.
About the shocks? I don't recall anyone ever tackling that either and I've read a lot of stuff here. Seems simple enough to move those brackets if you're doing a 6" lift or more.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 835
Likes: 1
id say your about spot on. I get 13.5 hwy, 11.5city, 10-10.5 hauling work trailer(7'x14' - 5k lbs) 2013 w/ 6" lift and 35" MTs
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Eunice, La
First of all Ruschejj is correct. I did not buy my truck for the fuel mileage. Now that being said.....Here is where I am at. New complete factory 2015 F250. I was getting 14.3 MPG interstate speeds. I travel the interstate daily so that is all i can compare to. SO I lifted my truck 2.5 front 2.0 back. Put a set of 35x12.50x20 Toyo RT. My MPG dropped to 12.2 so roughly 2 mpg lost. Yes my odometer is correct had it compared. I did a complete delete 5 in turbo back exhaust and now I am back to 14.7 mpg.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
First of all Ruschejj is correct. I did not buy my truck for the fuel mileage. Now that being said.....Here is where I am at. New complete factory 2015 F250. I was getting 14.3 MPG interstate speeds. I travel the interstate daily so that is all i can compare to. SO I lifted my truck 2.5 front 2.0 back. Put a set of 35x12.50x20 Toyo RT. My MPG dropped to 12.2 so roughly 2 mpg lost. Yes my odometer is correct had it compared. I did a complete delete 5 in turbo back exhaust and now I am back to 14.7 mpg.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Eunice, La
Yes I was not very impressed with the mpg on the stock 2015. But as I mention before I DID NOT purchase my truck for the fuel mileage. On long runs I use cruse control. During the week running around just keeping up with traffic in Houston.
Last edited by Cajunboxer; Jan 14, 2015 at 09:50 AM. Reason: add on
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,267
Likes: 5
I think the height has more to do with MPG loss than tire size.
The higher it is off the ground, the more air rushes around the axles and underside of the truck, IMHO.
I had to lift mine, a lot of the roads I was driving on, the front axle was bottoming out on the bump stops, and I was worried about taking out ball joints from the constant severe impacts. I think I lost a little MPG, but when I lifted it, it was also getting really cold out, so who knows.
The higher it is off the ground, the more air rushes around the axles and underside of the truck, IMHO.
I had to lift mine, a lot of the roads I was driving on, the front axle was bottoming out on the bump stops, and I was worried about taking out ball joints from the constant severe impacts. I think I lost a little MPG, but when I lifted it, it was also getting really cold out, so who knows.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
I think that a 3/4 ton and above diesel truck's economy is less effected by lift and tires than other vehicles like jeeps and old carberated gas trucks.
I believe this is due to the fact that these trucks already have 'larger' tires (32-34") and the diesel is good at low rpm lugging.
Take a 1980 bronco and slap a 6" lift and 35s on (w/o gear change) and the mileage will take a huge hit.
I estimate my reduction by about 1.5mpg, which is less than the difference caused by driving style.
I believe this is due to the fact that these trucks already have 'larger' tires (32-34") and the diesel is good at low rpm lugging.
Take a 1980 bronco and slap a 6" lift and 35s on (w/o gear change) and the mileage will take a huge hit.
I estimate my reduction by about 1.5mpg, which is less than the difference caused by driving style.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 613
Likes: 1
I have the same basic truck (3.55) and I get 18-19 cruise set at 65
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Will have to try and see
Thanks for the feedback guys. For sure, fuel economy wasn't a major factor in the choice of this vehicle, but it is certainly nice -- I like that the 6.7L is an efficient machine. I recorded 19.6 mpg yesterday on the roundtrip to work, NOT including a regen BUT including a 1000' climb back up to the house.
I think for me it's a pay now or pay later type deal. Either the dough for suspension and at the pump or for body damage later. From reading about different lift options, I'm leaning towards the Carli performance system right now, although I have a hard time figuring out whether it's inferior to BDS 4-link or not.
I think for me it's a pay now or pay later type deal. Either the dough for suspension and at the pump or for body damage later. From reading about different lift options, I'm leaning towards the Carli performance system right now, although I have a hard time figuring out whether it's inferior to BDS 4-link or not.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Right on
Right on, especially because -- within class -- the differences are miniscule between the manufacturers. Even the vaunted, 700-pounds-lighter, all-aluminum F150 loses out slightly to Silverado on MPG when both are equipped with V8.
Maybe instead of indulging in the aluminum fetish Ford should have kept improving the engine! I think commercially this will end up similar to Boeing's 787 composite construction adventure. The costs of new processes, new tooling, and most importantly -- yet unknown problems -- will far exceed the upside. And, now that oil has tanked...
Maybe instead of indulging in the aluminum fetish Ford should have kept improving the engine! I think commercially this will end up similar to Boeing's 787 composite construction adventure. The costs of new processes, new tooling, and most importantly -- yet unknown problems -- will far exceed the upside. And, now that oil has tanked...
