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Old 04-16-2008, 12:26 AM   #44 (permalink)
Randy_the_Hack
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Georgetown, KY
Posts: 23

My Chevy Duramax - '04 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LT
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OK... so what does this mean for the "less than aero" average car or <gulp> truck??

So here is where I stand. I drive an aerodynamic-as-a-concrete-block 3/4 ton Chevy pickup. I've determined that I can lower the truck 3-4" for about $70 plus and alignment. I know from practical experience that my fellow truck owners who install lift kits suffer in mpg, so it seems intuitive that lowering the truck should improve mileage.

Clean underbody? HA! And I don't see any practical way to put belly pans on this thing either, what with the tranny, exhaust, driveshaft, and other sundry stuff hanging down. I figure this truck of mine is the epitome of the "aerodynamic wreck".

So... is there a chance I'm going to even notice any mileage improvements if I lower my truck, or is this going to be one of those minuscule improvements that won't by itself even be noticed?

While I enjoy the esoteric discussions out here as much as the rest of the community, I'm looking for practical information and advice that will help me improve the efficiency of my existing vehicles - an '04 Chevy Silverado (see my garage), and my wife's '07 Chevy HHR (another brick on wheels, IMHO).
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Randy

Just your average 7,000 lb 4-wheel drive 22 mpg eco modder...

"Suppose I were a congressman. And suppose I were an idiot. But I repeat myself..." - Mark Twain
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