Truck aero improvements

[ollobono]

I took a hard look under the truck today. It's about as un-aerodynamic as it gets:

• Front sway bar is inder the axle and in the air stream
• Transfer case skid plate is way below the transfer case
• Fuel tank shield protrudes about 1.5 inches below the tank
• Spare tire in the airstream, but easily removed and stowed in the trunk
• Helper springs and jounce bumpers (not really in the air stream, but heavy)
• Muffler: is a more aerodynamic shape available in the aftermarketp?
• Rear
• bumper protrudes 4" under the tailgate across its full width.

Most aero improvements cost money, but removing stuff is free. I was thinking of just removing a lot of the junk under there as an experiment. Anybody think that it's worth it?

[backpacker3]

Be careful if you take off the swaybar driving without one in a cross wind is tricky and the steering is less predictable.

[aerohead]

You might try an air dam first.Measure the ground clearance to the underside of the rear axle 'pumpkin' and create a front air dam as you see NASCAR teams using,which has the clearance of your pumpkin.
The air dam will direct air around and over the truck,away from the underside,effectively shielding all those components from the ravages of the 'wind.'
See what that does for your mpg.
Later,if you choose to spend some more time and money,consider a belly pan,which essentially covers all those naughty bits.
The forward 2/3rds of a pan performs almost as well as a full pan.
A full pan with diffuser offers the lowest drag.Nissan's LEAF has this.