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When I first joined this forum, I had a 1998 F 150 with 4.6 V8 that was sure in need of mileage improvements. One of the first big ticket modifications was to invest in and install an under drive kit that came with a new set of belt pulleys for the various belt driven accessories on the front of the motor. With no use of heavy loads or trailer towing, I felt the 25% reduction in rotational speed of the various energy eating items would be a worthwhile investment. At the same time I installed new idler pulleys and repacked them with Royal Purple grease when new.
First time I fired the engine it was a shock to see how much more quite the under hood noises were at idle. Next shock was the first time I stepped on the gas to move out into traffic on a busy road. The extra power was instantly noted and I had to reteach my throttle foot muscles how to drive the truck without spinning the tires. Of course the mileage improved right now and was one of the bigger ticket items I wished I had done much earlier in my ownership of the truck.
Going from the factory thick 90-150 rear end lube to Royal Purple Synthetic 75-90 rear end lube was another instant gratification experience. I also had to learn how to drive with the far more slippery rear end lube.
Had I kept the truck, the next plan was to lower the body with modification to the spring seats with after market parts. Having removed the factory trailer hitch and the spare tire, it had raised way up into the air far more than I expected.
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