my plans, going for a 30+mpg ranger XLT v6

[d0sitmatr]

so here is the start (gotta start somewhere)
this isnt going to be a short duration project as Im both limited on time and funds. but over the course of my project Im hoping to share with others.

here is the platform Im going to be working with, as it stands now:


and here is where Id like to go as a start.


the above image is just a mockup and the actual aerolid will not look exactly like that, it doesnt show the larger front air dam nor the full length bellypan. I am also planning on adding side skirts and tire blocks. possibly even wheel covers, just not sure about that as yet.

[slowmover]

Like the way it looks.

When ready for tires, stock size (rim width as well) and tire tread that essentially matches rim (published numbers) in an LT or XL tire would be my choice.

New shock absorbers as well as polyurethane anti-roll bar bushings. Transient response will be a bit tighter with ideal tire pressures (not overinflated).

I'd also check steering for dead center. A loaded -- wandering -- work truck really hurts itself due to worn componentry and load-induced alignment changes.

TIMBRENS might be good if wheelwell height measurements show up under a load. (What does that stuff weigh on a decent job? Or is it mainly the bulk involved?)

[Clev]

What are you getting now? Stick or automatic? 2wd or 4wd?

[d0sitmatr]

slowmover
I most likely wont change the tires/rims
at the moment, the rims are stock radius@ 15", but they are a tad wider, and the ties are very much oversized.
I will keep them for 2 main reasons.
1. the truck handles 100 times better
2. they close up the gap quite well between tire/fender. (just an inch of opening on the front and about 2.5-3 inches rear)
I redid the entire suspension about 4 yrs ago, so all those things have been done
but I will be taking the truck in soon for dead center as Im pretty sure it isnt at the moment.
as far as weight goes, they can weigh a lot, think 2,000 lbs give or take. but I hardly ever carry that much weight, maybe 400-500 lbs is the avg.

clev
2wd automatic (4 spd w/ OD)
at this time, Im averaging between 24-25mpg hwy, and maybe 18-19 city with very conservative driving.

[d0sitmatr]

I updated the mockup of where Id like to take my aeromods
barring the front end which I still have to make a few considerations, this is very close to what the truck will look like once Im finished.

[d0sitmatr]

something I noticed this morning on my hood and the tonneu I currently have
the condensation on the hood, after a few minutes of driving, did a pretty good split as it ran along the hood, the split occurred a good 18" from the windshield itself, I'll try and grab a pic of it tomorrow, depending on how much condensation we have overnight.

on the tonneu cover, there seems to be only a small portion which retains any airflow that isnt towards the rear of the truck, encompassing about maybe a 25-30" radius 2 feet off the cab. the water directly behind the cab itself seemed completely untouched, as well as the water that dropped off the back edge of the tonneu.
again, I will try for some pics tomorrow.

this was after a 5 minute drive (2.5 there n back) at 45-50mph while taking my son to school.

[endurance]

Depending on how and where you drive, are the mudflaps even necessary? They're definitely a disadvantage aerodymically. That was my very first ecomod, delete the mudflaps.

[SentraSE-R]

#2 would be to smooth the underside. Most trucks are chock full of rough airflow underneath.

[d0sitmatr]

the mudlfaps are already off, this was just the only picture to date that is a direct side view
the pic in the first post shows exactly how the truck looks now.

Im def putting a full bellypan under the truck, I took a while today to get under the truck and search for locations to pin it up and have found some good areas, just a few that I may need some fabrication.

[Leadfoot]

I assume you must have the 3.0 Vulcan for that mileage?
If so you might want to look into a set of under-drive pulleys.
Be cautious of any electric fan controllers for the Ranger, they tend to burst into flames.
I believe you might have an aluminum good so that is a plus, certain year rangers also have an aluminum drive-shaft.
Those "over-sized" tires are probably helping your highway mileage with taller gearing.

What is your rear end gearing, 3.73?