Suspension change affect gas mileage?

[EMB1230]

If you look up 97 and older Rangers, the V6's got better mileage than the 98+ ones. Only thing I can figure is the switch from Twin I/Traction Beam to Coil Spring/Torsion Bar killed gas mileage. The EPA didn't revise the figures (that I know of) between those years, anyone else think this could be (at least slightly) true?

 

[509lifted]

if you look also the 4.0's were changed from a ohv to a sohc and a few other things besides just suspension

 

[Thed]

if you look also the 4.0's were changed from a ohv to a sohc and a few other things besides just suspension

That didn't happen until 2001.

1998 was the year they changed the entire front suspension, front of the frame, and front end.

It added about 100 LBS over the 1997 Rangers, which has its own affects.

 

[EMB1230]

1998 was the year they changed the entire front suspension, front of the frame, and front end.

It added about 100 LBS over the 1997 Rangers, which has its own affects.

Yeah, that's what I mean, I keep forgetting about the fully boxed frame starting in 98.

 

[doorgunner]

I read that by reducing the weight of the vehicle by 100#.....you free-up 1 h.p.-----meaning that's one less horse that you gotta supply with gasoline....

conversely.....(yep--I looked the word up)

and we know that trucks are as aerodynamic as brick walls....

 

[adsm08]

Also, sometime around that year they switch to sequential injection from batch fire, which also seemed to have adverse effects on economy.

 

[EMB1230]

Also, sometime around that year they switch to sequential injection from batch fire, which also seemed to have adverse effects on economy.

Really? I thought sequential FI coincided with DIS... 4.0's had DIS from day one, 3.0's got it in 95, and 2.3's got it way back in 89. Wait 2.3's got DIS in 89, but didn't get a cam sensor until 95.

 

[Ryannn]

That didn't happen until 2001.

1998 was the year they changed the entire front suspension, front of the frame, and front end.

It added about 100 LBS over the 1997 Rangers, which has its own affects.

 

[EMB1230]

Another one that stumped me was the 5-speed auto's getting lower MPG than the older 4 speeds. I found out that's because it's only a 5 speed when you stomp on the gas, light to medium pedal pressure, it functions as though it's a 4 speed.

 

[adsm08]

Really? I thought sequential FI coincided with DIS... 4.0's had DIS from day one, 3.0's got it in 95, and 2.3's got it way back in 89. Wait 2.3's got DIS in 89, but didn't get a cam sensor until 95.

Nope, SFI came later for the 4.0 and 2.3. It may have come with DIS for the 3.0.

Another one that stumped me was the 5-speed auto's getting lower MPG than the older 4 speeds. I found out that's because it's only a 5 speed when you stomp on the gas, light to medium pedal pressure, it functions as though it's a 4 speed.

I can get a 5R into 5th gear at less than 45 MPH.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It could have to do with the facelifted front end also, the third gens look sleeker and not as blunt... that is hard to eyeball though.

 

[bobbywalter]

weight and actual fuel tested and tuned for....fast burn heads etc..intake material and sensor injector revision

too many bullshit things.

the rating and what really happens is even crazier.

 

[EMB1230]

One thing I hate is how the ratings don't say if they're for reg cab or ext cab, as that does affect mileage a bit. I'm averaging 24-25 mixed, mostly city without really trying, lol.

 

[Andy D]

I know about the the difference between sequential and batch firing. But what is DIS ? I havent learned much about the 4.0 because it runs exceptionally well. All I know is that Ford and Bosch EFI is so close , that the injectors interchange.The EFI by Bosch in my BMWs is is very reliable. 25 yrs down the road. What sort of sensors does a 94 4.0 have? Are there known issues I should be checking out? I spent 45 years messing with carbs and points ignitions. I don't miss them a bit. I wish my mower had EFI TIA

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

DIS/EDIS

http://rockledge.home.comcast.net/~rockledge/RangerPictureGallery/DIS_EDIS.htm