Plan for Summer

[FX2.3]

I would like some input on my plan for this summer..

-Engine:
Re-tune SCT Xcal

-Exterior:
Paint rear bumper
Paint front valance
Paint or Remove Fender Flares
Extend front aero mod

-Suspension:
Remove Lift Spindles
Install Stock Spindles
Remove Rear Blocks
Lower 2/2 ROUSH 2” Coils = $69.05 @ Hillbank $54.98 on eBay
Flip Hangers:
New U-Bolts
3/8” Grade 8 Bolts, nuts, washers, and nylon lock nuts

-Wheels:
15x7 Weld Prostar w/3.5 bs
225/70r15 KUMHO Solus KR21

-Budget $1200 if all new.

Sell current Tires/Rims for $300 and lift kit for $200 on craigslist.

Current tire/rim weigh 244lbs for all 4
Planned tire/rim weigh 148lb for all 4
96lb of rotation mass eliminated

Goal: Semi-Old School look with bed still useable(no cover) and at least 25 mpg city & 30mpg hwy.

200 miles at $3.54 / week / year
18 mpg / $39.33 / $2045.33 - current avg all city
20 mpg / $35.40 / $1840.80 - current avg mix
25 mpg / $28.32 / $1472.64 - goal city / best current hwy
28 mpg / $25.29 / $1314.86 - goal mix
30 mpg / $23.60 / $1227.20 - goal hwy
35 mpg / $20.23 / $1051.96 - dream goal hwy

So if I can get my goal mix of 28mpg, the mods could pay for themselves in about 14 months( if I can get $500 for my old stuff and if buy all new stuff) though it could be sooner if gas goes up any more..

Kbb puts my truck at $4400, so it is not worth it to trade in, plus I love my truck too much!

[SVOboy]

Sounds ambitious, I'm definitely looking forward to watching your progress,

[FX2.3]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Sounds ambitious, I'm definitely looking forward to watching your progress,

Hopefully the numbers are realistic.. The 96lbs of rotational mass should be about the same as removing 288lbs of static weight(1:3) though ive heard as much as (1:8 which would be 768lbs) and as low as (1:2 which would be 192lbs).. est 3% improvement in mpg from tires and rims, less rolling resistance, plus a lower center of gravity, less frontal drag, less tire exposed to airflow, plus less drag underneath with some aero mods, and a spoiler for that 10 degree goal from cab to end of bed will hopefully equal a 7mpg mix gain..

[Daox]

If you really want to get those high numbers your going to need to look at changing your driving style (even more if you have already). Mods are one thing, but driving style can net you an easy 20% increase for free, and much more if your willing to try for it. I too am anxious to see what you can get out of the Ranger though.

[FX2.3]

Originally Posted by Daox

If you really want to get those high numbers your going to need to look at changing your driving style (even more if you have already). Mods are one thing, but driving style can net you an easy 20% increase for free, and much more if your willing to try for it. I too am anxious to see what you can get out of the Ranger though.

I either drive with windows up with A/C (I live in texas)

or

I drive with windows down, music up, and a/c off..


but I always cruise at or under 2k rpm, and keep accelerations under 3k..

any slower is unrealistic with the way people drive here..

[Daox]

I'm not just talking about driving slow. I'm talking about driving without brakes, smart braking, pluse and glide, driving with load, potential parking, face out parking, ridge riding. These are all techniques you can use to increase fuel economy. See post #12 here for a link to an explination of the techniques. Its not all about driving like a granny.

[Lazarus]

Just something to throw out on a $1200 budget. You could get a good beater and smoke 28mpg easily. You have to run the numbers but it would pay for it self pretty quick especially if you pulling high 30's to low 40's with it. Something that would be tough to do in the truck.

[FX2.3]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Just something to throw out on a $1200 budget. You could get a good beater and smoke 28mpg easily. You have to run the numbers but it would pay for it self pretty quick especially if you pulling high 30's to low 40's with it. Something that would be tough to do in the truck.

True, but the added insurance(19 year old male) and maintenance of 2 vehicles would suck up any gains.. plus parking isses.. best bet would be to sell the truck, but that will never happen.. sentimental value

I always say it is better to make what you have what you want it to be, built not bought..

[Lazarus]

Ok. Might want to make the SG(Scan Gauge) number one on the list then.

[FX2.3]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Ok. Might want to make the SG(Scan Gauge) number one on the list then.

naaa Ill just throw a piece of wood attached to rope out the window on the port side and calculate my knots

I am looking for one, but not finding any for $100 or less used