As far as individual modifications go, adding a properly designed aerodynamic cap will yield the biggest drag reduction: 20%
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Texas Tech University Aero Lab publishes: pickup cab wing good for 6-per cent drag reduction,1/2-tonneau gives a 6-per cent drop, full tonneau gives 7-per cent, cab wing and 1/2 tonneau together nets a 17.5-per cent gain, and an "aeroshell" is good for a 20-per cent drag reduction. - source
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You might want to peruse the data in the index of links on this page:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ists-7118.html
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Originally Posted by nubbzcummins
Thinking of a grill block of some sort but it seems to me that having a somewhat flat surface on the front would raise drag?
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Diverting excess air flow that isn't needed for cooling improves drag because the path through the dirty engine bay and eventually underneath the truck is worse than sending it around the outside of the vehicle. The flat
front doesn't matter so much, provided the transition to the
sides and
top have enough of a curve (which your truck does).
If you're going to block the grille, do it progressively, and monitor temperature like a hawk. Also, you have to pay attention to the intercooler if you have one. Some of the other diesel drivers may pipe up.
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Maybe a lower front air dam to keep air from going under truck but unshure on looks of this and effectiveness.
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Big Dave swears by his. There is data in the link provided to support their effectiveness. As for looks, well that's your call!
[quote>Will probly block off fog light holes and spaces in front bumper. [/quote]
Coudn't hurt.
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Also thinking of folding my mirrors back an placing a small mirror on each. With my mirrors being probly 1-1.5 sq. ft. each I could cut this in less than half folded back helping to reduce frontal area some.
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If you can do it without compromising safety, go for it. Rare are the mods that reduce both Cd and A.