Hi, I've got an 05 ranger, 4X4, 4.0L,with the factory 4:11 axels and stock tires. I love everything about this truck, except the milage and the tiny gas tank. I'll worry about the gas tank later. Right now I'm looking for upgrades to enhance mileage. All I've done so far is a K&N filter. I'm looking at a cold air intake and an exhaust system. Any other Ideas, or any mods that have helped with mileage, would be very helpfull.Thanks Andy.

 

Has your gas mileage always been the same, or has it taken a drop? If you look closely, the OEM intake is a CAI. Check the obvious, like tire pressures.
Driving habits affect gas mileage more than any "MODS" you can do.

 

Based on your specs, gas mileage is going to be what it is. The only real way to maximize it would be slow driving,and evenflow on the gas pedal. That vehicle is only rated at 18-20 mpg at best.

 

The cai and/or exhaust system won't help your mileage. The K&N can hurt mileage if you over-oil it and it screws up the maf. If you mileage has gone down, I'd clean the maf and put a real air filter back in it.

The best mileage enhancer you can easily do is the Bama SCT Xcal2 tuner. I dyno'ed 5-10 lb-ft across almost the entire speed range, and running mid-grade gas raised the mileage more than enough to pay for the extra cost of the mid-grade gas. Running the regular gas tune, mileage went up 1+ mpg. (mileage data was collected over several thousand miles, so its a real difference.) If you have an auto, the Bama tune will also adjust shift points and firmness, so it can help mileage even more on the autos.

As was mentioned, tire pressure is a big one. If you still have the factory Goodyears, you can replace them w/ Michelins and (properly inflated) you will see mileage improvements. I run 35-36 in the front and 26-30 in the rear - basically as much pressure as I can without having the center of the tires wear out faster than the edges. How you drive is important - several guys report better mileage w/ more aggressive acceleration than when they 'baby' it too much. You'll need to experiment with that to find what works best for you.

I routinely get 300+ miles per tank, so I wouldn't call it a 'tiny' gas tank...

 

The best mod you can do, the one with the most bang for the buck, will be a vac gauge mounted in a conspicuous spot and used while driving.

*How are you checking mileage? Are you getting reasonably accurate results by checking it over three or so good fillups (and the tank was low when you filled it) or are you getting more than likely bogus mileage results by checking it over 150 miles?

 

Thanks for the imput. I have been geting about 13 mpg right from the first tank. I don't drive crazy, and have tried being very nice to it. The best milage I get is on the highway where I have gotten 18 mpg. I was happy with that, as it seems reasonable for this truck. The city mpg, is low, and I really can't figure why. Dealer can't find anything, no trouble codes, it shifts clean and crisp, and dosen't over rev. Thanks again for the imput, and I'll keep working on it.

 

Good luck! That's about the best your going to get, with the 4x4. Like it was said keep your tire pressure at what the door sticker says.The K&N air filter will help, just don't over oil it.A clod air intake is what you have. So don't wast your money. The more miles you get on it will help too.
If you went good mileage get a 4 banger with a manual tranny in 2 wheel drive.