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Old 03-19-2008, 02:18 PM   #9 (permalink)
Cowspots
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: KY
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Gas HOGS or working class trucks? You decide.

Extragoode,

If you must change gearing, then do both diffs ($300x2) with the tallest ratio you can find and save low range for hauling heavy stuff & in the rough. If you do only rear diff, you will screw up your 4x4 system & make truck unsafe. Tall tires ($350-$500), complete tuneup w/synthetics ($100-$200) & weight reduction (FREE!) are the least expensive fuel savers besides driving slower & less often.

I have an '06 Ranger with the 3.0L, 5-spd auto & 4.10's. I need low gears for towing & 4x4 for the farm. Ranger now has Continental SUV tires 235/70R16 @40psi yielding 23mpg w/o topper or trailer. I plan to install 235/85R16 D or E highway tread tires when needed as I mostly haul BIG loads over long distances.

For the cost of a set of truck tires, I bought a Metro for $450 that gets twice the mileage as my $20K truck and use it for daily commutes. This works best for me and saves the most fuel for the money when I'm not hauling a load. See pic.

Good Luck,
Cowspots
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