86 2.3 Big difference between city and highway mpg

[clam_bert]

I have been keeping tabs on mileage for my 1986 2.3 auto ranger and it's causing some head scratching. Hes getting about 24-25 mpg on the highway, which appears in line with fuel economy specs I've found online, but only about 15 in the city, which should be more like 19mpg according to the same specs. What sort of things can cause below normal mpg in city driving when highway mpg is fine?

 

[RonD]

Look at the axle code on drivers door sticker, seen here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/axle_codes.shtml

Could have a lower axle ratio, under 3.50, which makes for great highway MPG but suffers in stop and go driving.

 

[clam_bert]

Hey, Just took a look-- it's the 3.73

 

[tomw]

"City" mileage hurts for two reasons, mainly, 1)idling, getting zero mpg, and 2)acceleration.
The fix for the first is to time your travel to match 'timed' lights if possible, even if it means lagging behind a gaggle of traffic that is just racing the the next 'pit stop'. The fix for the second is to a) have a light foot on the gas pedal, and b)unload all the stuff from the cab and bed that you really don't need to carry around all the time. c) would be to check that the air cleaner element and tire pressure are good, and the brakes don't drag.
Those are the first things I'd try.
tom

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, and try to demagnetize your truck because they are probably picking up chicks along the slow route. They each weigh about 100 lbs so they can really bog down the engine...best to keep them out of the back and off the sides...

Maybe cloak it to look like a Chevy...

 

[mavereq]

It's that auto that's killing your city mileage