Mod help (need guidance)

[Hesstopher]

I recently bought a 2006 2.3L Manual with 110k miles. I get about 23mpg regardless of city or highway. Previous owner did some modding (10,000 rated hitch, brush guard, rigged electrical for who knows what) which I am correcting as I find it-- actually am making a list.

I use this as a commuter and only use the bed for larger (not heavy) objects. I like to open the throttle up at times just to feel alive... ya know.

My main goal is MPG and handling increase. I've driven sporty cars (I know, this is a truck) and economy cars (last car was a Neon) and this truck was EXTREMELY squirrely at 90mph when I opened it up on a track today. I'm not looking at making it ride like a Honda S2000 or anything like that-- just more safe. Literally, I hit 90 and removed my foot from the pedal... I don't know I'll take it over 75 until I change something.

I'm open to all suggestions, but you should know I am a teacher-- so money is certainly an issue; cheap cheap cheap. I'm handy with a wrench and have a few friends that know much more than me who can help.

I have browsed this who section and already opened a number of pages, but if you have a particular thread in mind that would help PLEASE PLEASE link it.

Thanks in advance for everything, people!

Oh yeah, long live rock!

 

[Harris]

With over 100k miles just make sure all your steering linkage bushings and bearings are in good shape. Make sure you don't have too much air in the tires or you'll float.
As far as mileage, you could get a slight boost by removing the brush guard, but probably keeping it under 90 will help the most!

Don't take this the wrong way, but you mentioned driving sporty cars and economy cars, but you didn't say anything about trucks...I'm just saying that there are definite handling differences between the two.

 

[Hesstopher]

My first vehicle was a 1985 Toyota 4cyl pickup; so I recall it's handling and yes, there are serious differences. I remember that pickup being much more "car" like than this truck.

The thing is I use the bed for the space and not for weight (why I got a 4cyl). I'm not hauling bricks or another vehicle, maybe a rocking chair for a friend or a few larger boxes that can't fit in a car.

As for speed, I don't go over 75-- too unstable. 90 is the speed-governor setting and for good reason. But suspension wise I can't corner worth crap. Even for a truck it seems. The '85yota was way better, this was a rock. My dad has a 2001 Silverado that corners better than this. He uses a Dodge Sprinter (the one with a Benz Diesel) as a work van and my ranger corners about like that 2500 series van!

I'm planning on intake, exhaust header, and cat-back as my next projects to feel up a few more hp on the 2.3L (project it will have more hp than stock Vulcan V6) but that doesn't solve handling.

I've considered lowering the truck to help with roll, stiffer springs as well (lower mass less and less give on springs) I thought about the shocks but don't know that I want them any stiffer as they jar me pretty well on bumps.

My unreachable dream would be turning my Ranger into a 4cyl version of this.