Plan for Summer

[PaleMelanesian]

If you're planning $1200 in mods, you should definitely consider the 150 for a Scangauge. It'll help you save as much gas as all the other plans combined.

[Big Dave]

If you don't cover the bed and aggressively deal with your gearing, you will have to drive like Wayne Gerdes to get close to your goals.

Aero, gearing and driving. Those are the MPG fundamentals.

[LostCause]

If saving money is your goal, customizing your truck is not the way to go. You'll save the most if you just accept a car as transportation. If not, that's perfectly cool, but it's not the best long-term investment.

The way other people drive shouldn't affect you. It doesn't make a difference if people drive 90mph, swerve like mad, or big rigs tailgate you going 70mph. Understand your legal right (50-65mph) and don't let people drive you. If you want to drive 55, drive 55. Peer pressure is easy to ignore.

To get that mileage (35mpg):

Change Driving Habits
Grille Block
Rear Wheel Skirts
Bed Aerocap
Wheel Splitters, Boattails, Side Skirts
Undertray
Low Viscosity Oil w/ Oil Analysis
High tire PSI

- LostCause

[cfg83]

PaleMelanesian -

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

If you're planning $1200 in mods, you should definitely consider the 150 for a Scangauge. It'll help you save as much gas as all the other plans combined.

Yes yes yes. The SG also gives you OBD II error code access, which can cost up to $80 as a separate (and less useful all-by-itself) gizmo. Since the SG is portable, you can use it to help your pals when they get SES lights in their cars. The eXtra gauge info is cool too.

CarloSW2

[ericbecky]

I've used the scangauge twice in the last week to diagnose and reset codes in my car and my father in laws truck. Definitely a good deal.

[zjrog]

If I can get decent gains from my Jeep with modifying my driving habits, your 4 banger truck should show significant gains. Really.

[PaleMelanesian]

I will say this, though. If you already have the parts to lower it, go ahead. It can only help. Also, a bed cover will help. Look at Chris D for inspiration.

[FX2.3]

Originally Posted by LostCause

If saving money is your goal, customizing your truck is not the way to go. You'll save the most if you just accept a car as transportation. If not, that's perfectly cool, but it's not the best long-term investment.

The way other people drive shouldn't affect you. It doesn't make a difference if people drive 90mph, swerve like mad, or big rigs tailgate you going 70mph. Understand your legal right (50-65mph) and don't let people drive you. If you want to drive 55, drive 55. Peer pressure is easy to ignore.

To get that mileage (35mpg):

Change Driving Habits
Grille Block
Rear Wheel Skirts
Bed Aerocap
Wheel Splitters, Boattails, Side Skirts
Undertray
Low Viscosity Oil w/ Oil Analysis
High tire PSI

- LostCause

I am working on my driving habits.
I might do the grille block, but worried about the +100F summers..
I might do clear rear skirts.
I can not have a full bed cover, I use the bed at least once a week to haul random crap; that is another reason why I have a truck and not a more economical car.
I am working on modifying my current aero mod under the bumper to have wheel splitters. Boat tail on a truck? Will look at side skirts.
Working on placement of an undertray, but due to drive shaft movement it will have to wait till after lowering.
I am running 5w-20 synthetic blend, have heard bad stories of lower viscosity oils causing leaks.
Tires are at 37 psi, could be higher but I plan to sell them soon.

Originally Posted by cfg83

PaleMelanesian -



Yes yes yes. The SG also gives you OBD II error code access, which can cost up to $80 as a separate (and less useful all-by-itself) gizmo. Since the SG is portable, you can use it to help your pals when they get SES lights in their cars. The eXtra gauge info is cool too.

CarloSW2

Autozone does error codes for free.

I am considering a SG and the $1200 is a rough budget estimate including painting and all new components. I have seen great deals on craigslist that would cut it down to $600.

Lowering is cheap. NEW Coils are only $55 shipped, install stock spindles(free), remove rear blocks(free), NEW U bolts($25), flipping rear hangers($20 in bolts),,, so maybe $75 with tax for all new parts to lower 2/2 from stock or 5/4 from how it currently sits.

The greatest cost of the estimate is the rims NEW at $150 each shipped, so if I can find them used, I could get all 4 for $300 and have seen it but for 15x8s not 15x7 which those tires fit.

[cfg83]

FX2.3 -

Originally Posted by FX2.3

...

Autozone does error codes for free.

...

Ooops, that's right.

CarloSW2

[FX2.3]

They are 15x9s, so they're not pizza cutters, lol. But for $80, I couldn't resist.

Should help with fishtailing in bad weather.. the tires are trash..