Better mpg's?

[86ranger4x4owner]

I have a 1988 ranger ext. cab 4x4 2.9l auto. It has short headers, a k&n drop in filter, electric fan, and supposely bored over .30. It also has 31'' bfg mud-terrains and a exhaust leak where the headers connect. What are some ways to get better mpg? I am thinking about maybe getting some flowmasters and a good tune up like wires, spark plugs, cap and rotor. What are some other things that would help? thanks

 

[basketranger]

first thing: if the 4:10 rear was original gearing then i would step to either 4:56 gears or shorter tire. muffler change, unless u just have an itch you need to scratch - would not do it. when doing next fluid change would go full synthetic. then the usual commercial crap: tire inflation, ft end alignment, etc. unless you are in cold country e-fan. drive it like grandma.
my two cents.

 

[4.0B2]

smaller tires.. if you do a lot of interstate

or if you must keep the 31's... get the right gear for it.
better gearing will help, just keep your speeds down at interstate speeds.

what kind of mileage are you getting now?

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

Am getting about 15 mpg in the city. So getting flowmasters and leaving the cats on and fixing the exhaust leak wouldnt let me get better mpg or power?

 

[Hahnsb2]

15mpg city with a 2.9 auto? Whats the problem again?

 

[RangerBoy94]

Dam I wish I could get 15 mpg in my ranger in town I get about 13 if I'm lucky and I drive like a grandma

 

[FordRanger1991]

15mpg city with a 2.9 auto? Whats the problem again?

lol i agree with this guy

 

[Gary101386]

my 2.9 i get 17-18 city and 21-23 highway... but i have a 5speed

 

[tx3nc]

Formula for MPG. Low mass + low power + drive it slow. Where are you deviating from that plan?

 

[6.2]

City mileage will always suck. Deal with it.

Wouldn't smaller tires on highways raise RPMS?

 

[kryptonitecb]

Full tune up and regular maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your vehicle. Tornado intakes, straight exhaust.....dual exhaust, or any that junk you add to the gas is all just a crap shoot. You may get an extra mile or two but not enough to make a big difference. Make sure everything is in good shape, plugs, wires, filters, no leaks, then I would start messing with other stuff. Smaller tires or lower gears would help also.

Sent from road while ignoring traffic

 

[Dugan]

Im having the same issue now, I drive 20miles to work each way down a highway, and I have a 5 spd 2.9 with 32" tires and Im averaging about 15~ it seems like but its hard to tell when the odometer is off.

I wish I was able to put a smaller tire on it but it has 8-9" of lift

 

[adsm08]

Fix the leak and go down hill more.

 

[6.2]

Im having the same issue now, I drive 20miles to work each way down a highway, and I have a 5 spd 2.9 with 32" tires and Im averaging about 15~ it seems like but its hard to tell when the odometer is off.

I wish I was able to put a smaller tire on it but it has 8-9" of lift

You have 9" of lift and only 32" tires....?
And smaller tire will lower highway mpg.