Explorer Mileage Question

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Dec 2, 2007 | 07:36 PM

ltng7679

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Explorer Mileage Question

I've got a 98 XLT with the 4L SOHC engine. I've got the tow package with limited slip diff, although I can't remember the gear ratio exactly. It seems like the best mileage I can ever get is about 17.5MPG and it generally is just under 17MPG. It doesn't seem to change much with driving type - solid highway versus mixed. Also driving speed doesn't seem to have a very dramatic impact although going less than 60MPH is better. I tried removing the roofrack but this didn't seem to help so I put it back on - it looks better and I like to have it for quick trips to the lumber yard.

What are other's experience - any luck with boosting it with aftermarket products?

Thanks
Ed

Dec 2, 2007 | 10:28 PM

totalrecall

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Joined: Oct 2001

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From: Maryland

Well, a couple of current threads on this, but in short I have a 2003 4X4 XLT and on flat all highway trips can get 20/21. However almost any long lights, stop and go along the way will reduce that to 19 at best. This is at about 62-65 MPH. I have been doing this a long time and I guess with all the running gear, 4X4, auto trans, 3.55 gears (Yours may be 3.73, don't know.) that's the best you will get. Why you are a little lower, I don't know. I start moderately, use ton's of cruise control and and driving US17 and 301 in MD and VA - DC to Norfolk and it's just about 99% flat. The last thread or two boiled down to enjoy the vehicle as it's just heavy and 4.0 is at best OK.

Thanks

Mike

Dec 3, 2007 | 07:02 AM

ccecilm2

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2006

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It's been my experience that if you keep the engine RPM at or below 2000 you will get better mileage.

Dec 4, 2007 | 01:42 PM

marragtop

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2002

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From: Baltimore

Under 60mph, you should get better mileage. However, you should also notice a difference between straight highway driving versus around town.

Dec 16, 2007 | 11:54 AM

F250maniac

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Texas, Hell

Any idea what a 96 v8 MPG is?

Dec 17, 2007 | 04:58 AM

ccecilm2

Mountain Pass

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My '97 5.0L V8 has always gotten 16.5 mpg highway @ 70 mph.

Dec 17, 2007 | 09:11 PM

CTford

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I've noticed that mine gets significantly lower mileage in winter. In summer I can get 20-21 even with the a/c on, but in winter it drops down to 17-18 depending upon how cold it is. Keep in mind this is all highway driving at 70-75 mph with 4X4 off. Its a 2005 4.0L with the 3.53 regular rear end. Your mileage sounds about right compared to mine.