Below 10 mpg
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
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Below 10 mpg
2000 psd, air, exhaust, tuner, gauges, oil every 3000, Alaskan climate, pull 7000 lb during summer.
First, my mpg is going down!! Over the winter I would let her warm up a bit and expect extra fuel burned then, but 9 mpg?? Is there something I should look into? Now that we're out of winter up here I expect some improvements but would like to get these 16-18 mpg I hear about.
Also, my power steering pump whines, more when I apply pressure to the brakes. The steering seems fine but it's noisey... anyone else's noisy? Any check to do or just swap the pump out?
Lastly, any suggestions on changing shocks? My initial thought is to take it in but someone here told me to do it myself, I have a killer set of tools!
Thanks again for all responses.
First, my mpg is going down!! Over the winter I would let her warm up a bit and expect extra fuel burned then, but 9 mpg?? Is there something I should look into? Now that we're out of winter up here I expect some improvements but would like to get these 16-18 mpg I hear about.
Also, my power steering pump whines, more when I apply pressure to the brakes. The steering seems fine but it's noisey... anyone else's noisy? Any check to do or just swap the pump out?
Lastly, any suggestions on changing shocks? My initial thought is to take it in but someone here told me to do it myself, I have a killer set of tools!
Thanks again for all responses.
Junior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 53
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I pull 8,000 to 9,000 pounds 2000 4x4 auto 35's 3.73 gears and on my trip from utah to alaska I never saw more than 11 mpg. Empty I average about 13-14 mpg. My fuel pump went out so I did the pre pump and hutch mod with the new pump and while I was at it I did the ccv mod. I will see if this improve s my mileage. Have you checked for an air leak? People on this forum have commented on loss of mileage with a leak in the intercooler system i.e intercooler boots, intercooler etc. Good luck on squeezing as much mpg out of your truck!
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 858
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From: Robbinsville NJ
As far as shocks, I have an '02 and never did shocks before on any vehicle. Doing all 4 took me about an hour. Including getting tools out and putting everything away. I do have air tools which helped.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
Search this forum, you will find just about anything and everything these guys have done to improve the gas milage, MAP sensors, Exhaust presure sensors, Search, you will find, these guys are alot of info...But start in this forum, it should give you a lot of ideas.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
You didn't say, but I would guess you have a 4wd, just seems like a must where you live. Make sure your hubs are unlocking. They may have stuck and you could be turning the axle and shaft. That will hurt your mileage some. If you ran much in 4wd, that will hurt your mileage more. If you have big shoes on and a tuner, You will probably not see the higher mileage that others claim. Winter blend fuel also reduces fuel mileage.
It sounds like someone may have put power steering fluid in you power steering pump. Even though it sounds right, our pumps use transmission fluid and serve as a brake booster as well as a power steering pump. If the color is anything other than ATF dark red/purple/garnett, then you need a good flushing. Some have quitened thier pumps down with Syn ATF.
If you can drive a PSD, you can change the shocks. Save yourself the $100.00+ installation fee and get better shocks. It is easier to remove the tires, but not at all necessary.
Give a little more info on your truck and mods and someone will have a few suggestions. I wish I knew how to get the high mileage. I get 13-15 empty and 11-14 pulling my boat. I do realize my right foot is my worst enemy. It's not happy unless my ears hear the strait pipe sing.
It sounds like someone may have put power steering fluid in you power steering pump. Even though it sounds right, our pumps use transmission fluid and serve as a brake booster as well as a power steering pump. If the color is anything other than ATF dark red/purple/garnett, then you need a good flushing. Some have quitened thier pumps down with Syn ATF.
If you can drive a PSD, you can change the shocks. Save yourself the $100.00+ installation fee and get better shocks. It is easier to remove the tires, but not at all necessary.
Give a little more info on your truck and mods and someone will have a few suggestions. I wish I knew how to get the high mileage. I get 13-15 empty and 11-14 pulling my boat. I do realize my right foot is my worst enemy. It's not happy unless my ears hear the strait pipe sing.
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Wow, thanks.
The 'Beast', my kids' name for my truck is stock all-around except the tuner, gauges, air, and exhaust. I tend to get heavy-footed as I too enjoy the sound.
any suggestions on brand of heavy duty shocks? I will give her a go!
I'm going to change fluids in front/read ends too, found good advice and how to do here!
I'll check into the steering fluid vs. tranny fluid. Can you guys/gals hear a difference in whining when you're at a stoplight and apply additional pressure? Mine whines a bit more, to the point where it's more annoying than I like. Steering is good though.
Thanks again.
The 'Beast', my kids' name for my truck is stock all-around except the tuner, gauges, air, and exhaust. I tend to get heavy-footed as I too enjoy the sound.
any suggestions on brand of heavy duty shocks? I will give her a go!
I'm going to change fluids in front/read ends too, found good advice and how to do here!
I'll check into the steering fluid vs. tranny fluid. Can you guys/gals hear a difference in whining when you're at a stoplight and apply additional pressure? Mine whines a bit more, to the point where it's more annoying than I like. Steering is good though.
Thanks again.
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
The only time I ever heard mine whine was after an accident I had the shop that did the repairs had to replace a busted line from the pump to the cooling coil under the bumper and when they refilled it, the put power steering fluid in. I noticed a whine as soon as I started home. Got on FTE and did some searching. Called the shop the next day and they assured me they used ATF. After the second call they checked with the mech. that replaced the line and coil and he said he used what he always used... power steering fluid... I flushed the system per instruction found here and used syn. ATF. No more whine and great steering and brakes.
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