Gas mileage?

[plainolebill]

The 2.9 rwd Ranger I just bought has 4.11 gears, I didn't think a 4 cylinder could go through gas so fast. I'm not able to change the pinion gear so I was wondering if I I could go to a bigger tire and wheel. Does that make any sense? I have the original 225x15 tires on the truck now.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

which engine do you have? because the 2.9 is a V6 and if your talking about your 2011 in your member info, they haven't made the 2.9 since 92.....So I'm guessing you have the 2.3 4 cylinder?

 

[plainolebill]

2.3 yes. Gas hog around town with a 4.11 rear end.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

What's the mileage?

 

[plainolebill]

I haven't been keeping track of the actual mileage but I've only had it since June 9th and I've gone through a tank and a half. That's around town and I don't drive that much. When I fill it up in the next few days I'll write down the odometer reading.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

A common rear end in the later Rangers is 3.55. That was standard with the factory tow package. A little number crunching says that the difference between 3.55 and 4.11 is about 16%. Let's say you're getting 20 miles per gallon now. Swapping the rear to 3.55 would make that about 23 mpg.

Going larger with tires/wheels that will fit won't help you that much. 16% larger wheels/tires (instead of the rear axle swap) is actually a huge change. It also would probably cost more than an axle swap, even though changing wheels/tires would be easier.

We need a better idea of what your fuel economy really is. On my 2011 with the 4.0 V-6, auto, and 3.55 rear I regularly get 20–23 mpg highway keeping my foot out of it. Also, how well is your engine running? Any maintenance or repairs needed? What about the transmission? Is it due for an ATF change?

 

[superj]

i would keep the 4.1 rear end. i bet its not what is making the mileage low, or seem low since you are not 100% on what you are getting yet.

i have a 4.1 diff in my v6 04 ranger and it gets 18 all the time.

 

[Bronco ii Man]

Kinda like any vehicle, depending on how far you push that right pedal! Got a 11 GMC Sierra with the 5.3 v-8 and can get around 20 to 21 hwy and 17 to 18 in city with 3.42 gears. 97 Nissan 2.4l 4 cylinder 17 to 18 city and 20 to 22 hwy with 3.55 gears! That’s driving easy with both! Driving like everyone else in town, like my a** is on fire and heads catching 14 to 16 city with both truck’s! So honestly depends on how you drive! Taking off with hard acceleration use’s more gas and eats your rear tires or front’s if you fwd!

 

[Bronco ii Man]

Just curious, do you have an automatic or manual transmission? That will also make a difference. If I’m correct and u have a automatic it should be a 5spd auto!? Y’all correct me if I’m wrong on the automatic! I would think unless you staging up every time you leave a stoplight, you should be getting around 20 to 22 in town! Also depends on what grade of gas you use. A lot of variables that come into play! Driving habits and gas grade comes into play! Take it how you want but where you get your gas can effect your mpg!

Just my .02 cents! Hope it helps you with your decision on what to do! Don’t cost nothing to change driving habit’s or gas station! Cheaper is NOT always better!

 

[racsan]

my 2.3 (lima-1994) gets 21 with 4.10’s, a manual transmission & 225/70/15’s. While its not “great”, it is acceptable and I can tow when I need to, Mine came with 3.45’s and from what Ive been told you can expect the same fuel economy from either 3.45 or 4.10, but the engine is working hard/lugging with 3.45’s and with 4.10’s its humming along at a higher rpm-where its making its power at. Ive found 3.73’s to be the best mpg with a 2.3 (lima anyways, Ive no experience with the newer “mazda” 2.3) My ‘88 2.3 2wd supercab had a manual & 3.73’s, it got a consistent 23-25 mpg and once got 27 on a highway trip. I would check everything else before messing with the gear ratio, start with compression test & a tune up. Ive heard that the newer (mazda) 2.3’s do better on fuel than the older lima series, they dont seem to live as long but will go over 200K.
When I was considering a newer ranger my research found that 2.3 manuals came with 3.73 & the automatics were 4.10’s. The ranger I looked at was a 2006. I passed on it as the stealership was asking way to much for it.

 

[Bronco ii Man]

I’m curious as to what he’s getting as far as mileage!

 

[racsan]

me too, should be mid to high 20’s.

 

[Bronco ii Man]

At least low to mid 20’s in town! Fuel economy has come a long way in the past 30 years! My girl’s Colorado gets about 19 to 20 in the city with a 3.5l with 250k on her! It’s an 04 or 05 model, damn I’m getting old and getting CRS disease! Comes with age young bucks! You can’t stop it. Lol

 

[Bronco ii Man]

Curious of what my bronco ii is getting now since the manual swap! Really haven’t had a chance to check it! If I get around 18 I will be tickled to death!!!!

 

[Blmpkn]

4.11s will generally increase efficiency for a 4cyl around town. I got mid 20s with my old 2010. High 20s on the turnpike.

For your mileage to be as abysmal as you make it sound... something is either wrong with the truck.. or something is wrong with your expectations.