I noticed around 2250rpm I am running about 65mph. That is with the ZF5 and 4.10s. Would it hurt to cruise any faster? For instance 75? or so on??

ALSO, what is the best way to clean the motor? I have a road grime that is somewhat built up. Would like to clean it off. Seems like I could take some water to a rag and then wipe it down.

 

I ran mine at 75/80 all the time. Just drinks more fuel.


Cover the alt., power steering pump cap and idm.
Spray simple green and rinse with hose pipe and repeat til clean

 

It's not the engine RPM's that will get you at those speeds, it's wind resistance. Anything over 65 mph and the mileage will tank because the wind resistance of an OBS goes up exponentially, not proportionally. We are literally driving something with the aerodynamics of something along the lines of a brick.

FWIW, I drove mine about 1800 miles the other weekend, doing 70-75 the whole time. Hit 90 to pass some big rigs on 2-lane highways. Got about 11 mpg's out of a 3.55 rear end and pulling a trailer.

 

Pretty much..couldn't help but laugh as I read that.

 

Try driving one of these without a windshield. The amount of wind generated by the grille just in town is crazy.

 

You have done this Aaron?

 

Yep. When I was taking Josh's truck to the shop to paint the roof.

 

I have 4.10s and I don't know about being able to even run it up to 90. haha, with that being said, great way of explaining aerodynamics!!
How did your truck pull with the 3.55s?

 

never tried the simple green...I have used gunk cleaner/degreaser before and seemed to work pretty good. I also used in addition to, a heated pressure washer with extreme care although I wouldn't recommend it...if that makes any sense

 

Man another Nick with a 96. Well right on! I as well have 4:10s and a manual. I usually run between 65-70 on the highway, but then again, I drive slow compared to most. Yes I have maxed out the speedo screwing around before, not sure what speed that actually is. I found when towing I actually get better MPG at 70 than 65 or slower, not lugging the motor. When towing I usually have 14-17k lbs behind the truck. I figure when towing you are already getting chitty mileage so running up to 75 really doesn’t hurt all too much. No head wind on the flats the truck will get around 11 mpg, throw mountains and a head wind it will drop to around 9, and yes I have seen 8 before.

In retrospect. I towed the trailer once on the flats, and only once, with a gas motor 454 dually…it got 4mpg if that, and I was lucky it still ran when I was done with it. Wasn’t my truck

For cleaning the motor. I know some are apprehensive to hitting the engine bay with a power washer. I do it regularly on my truck and many others. Not once have I ever had an issue. Just stay away from your IDM and PCM by your booster, and throw a rag over your alternator and PS pump cap… I say blast away and try to stay off your pulleys too.

What color are you painting your rig?

 

Man, I am an advocate for the diesels because of the towing. I don't tow that heavy, but I often make a run out to ABQ, NM and I haven't really done enough mpg calculations to know the best speed that is why I was asking. The stock color was a two tone white and gold on top and bottom. I am putting a new bed on it, so we bedlinered the whole under and inside along with about 4" along the bottom for rocks and stuff. The cab is next, but I had to order a bumper and fender and when they came in they were all dented from transit, so kinda ticked off. Got some time, but doing the bedlinered line all the way down the side. Another Nick ey!! hahahah.

 

Well if you really are worried about mpg, through my experience driving unloaded on 285/75/16s, every 5 mpg over 65 is a loss of 1mpg. That’s about all the info I can offer as I have given up on calculating mpg. Truck averages 16-18 on every fill up. Usually sits right around 17.
That’s a good idea on the bed liner. I’m starting to wish I did the lower 4”. Mine is already beat to hell and from rocks and its not even a year old… but what do you expect living out in the sticks. Might respray the areas that need touch up and blend it all back in… try that 3M clear bra stuff… and then resort to the rhino lining . Best of luck on the project!

Yes I’m another Nik with a 96… just without the C

 

Haha, I live in the city, which is kind of a bummer, but this truck is practically a city/work truck. I occasionally haul some actuator spring cans and some actuators, but other than that it is from place to place And hell, some of the new vehicles don't even get 17mpg, so I love my 96!! Haha. And good to know on mpg!!! I appreciate the response. I got about another 2 weeks before all the parts finally arrive and can start putting er back together, then I'll clean that motor up. I have the trans out right now putting in a Luk SMF kit in and a turboback.

 

I wish i could get close to 17mpg, i get about 10 pulling a trailer and maybe 13-14 empty

 

I have an e4od but I've seen as much as 21mpg on the highway usually floats around 19mpg at 65-67 though. But after I hit 70+ it starts dropping drastically!