"The little black truck"...

[Backtobasics]

Originally Posted by Sven7

While the half tonneau should save you an mpg, you might think about putting together a plywood aero cap, as bobo333's 1977 Ford F100 sports. Shouldn't cost too much money and will probably get you two or even three mpg. I know, not much, but with a baseline in the low 20's it's going to be really tough to get much improvement.

What's your goal, fuel economy wise? Just minor improvements that look stock, or making it as efficient as a midsize car?

Goal is to move from my 15-16 MPG full size truck into a mid 20's MPG commute vehicle for to and from work.

It doesn't have to look stock, but I will use what I consider to be tasteful in appearance. Realistically, truck is going to be lowered about 3 inches, using stock 14 wheels and tires. Belly pan modifications will be used. A bed cover will be used. Overall goal is a sporty lowered mini truck, that returns better MPG for an economical commute.

[Backtobasics]

New mirrors are sitting at work.
A basic alignment will be done, until suspension is rebuilt.
Tires are going to get nitrogen, tires are new, and just balanced.

[Backtobasics]

Mine won't be dropped quite this far. Can't afford the fancy wheels. No sunroof. Would like a little better looking air dam, but I like the overall look of this truck...

[freebeard]

Three boards with wider gaps so you don't lose right rear vision.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

An aero shell would be a good feature, but to retain a good visibility it would need to be shaped to resemble the rear hatch of a Corvette, with that glass canopy, maybe replacing the glass with Lexan to save some weight.

[Backtobasics]

bed is getting a flat tonneau cover, in either vinyl with aluminum frame, or a flush mount, fabricated unit.

[drainoil]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Maybe someone else has the relevant chart, but it turns out the most aerodynamic is a half tonneau (the back half) with a partition in the bed. Sort of box in the back half (lockable storage?) and leave the front half open. The air spills over the back of the roof and pushes on the back of the cab.

Gale Banks has used this on some of his trucks which have set some land speed records.

[CAPTAIN CHAOS]

Originally Posted by Backtobasics

Goal is to move from my 15-16 MPG full size truck into a mid 20's MPG commute vehicle for to and from work.
.

A box stock 2wd 4cyl-5sp Ranger can pull that off (I know, I used to have a one). Should be a VERY obtainable goal. You could probably even set your sights higher.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Have you never considered a Diesel swap? That would easily lead you to low 30s city up to nearly 40 highway MPG even without aeromods.

[Backtobasics]

Diesel would be awesome, but finding a diesel combo that would swap in with a minimum of effort is going to be a challenge. This model of truck is hard to find as is, let alone a diesel version or diesel drivetrain...