i just got my '04 RWD Supercrew not too long ago and i really need to improve its gas mileage. what are the parts needed to improve the gas mileage?

sorry but im new to truck mods

 

I'm new to trucks myself. This is my first F150 Lariat Screw with the 5.4. Only 800 miles on it but I'm averaging 15.8 mpg with a combo of 50/50 highway,city driving. In town I take off OD until I get above 50mph then I engage same.

 

You know, I'm not pointing anybody out and I don't want to start anything here, but just an observation. When I buy a 4500 lb truck with a big V8 motor in it and 4WD, I really don't expect it to get good gas mileage. If I wanted good gas mileage I would have bought a Focus. You can only do so much to try and improve your gas mileage and usually the improvement is only marginal. I guess maybe I have a different outlook, but I really don't expect much for mileage out of my truck. But, I knew that going in and I have to say I love my truck! I wouldn't trade it for a Focus or any of those "foreign" econoboxes for anything. A truck is truck and I bought it because I wanted it and use as a truck, not for the gas mileage.

IL6fan

 

I'm with you IL6. Not picking on any one, just making a general observation, but market demand is trucks/suv's. Why do you think Nissan/Toyota are jumping on the band wagon? They already took the passenger car market away from US cars, and now going to the trucks. You know there are only two US manufacturers left? Ford and GM. Dodge got bought by Diamler. Anyway, some people may just get a truck because they get caught up in the market hype. Then they get one and it's "oh-my-gosh!!!!" Big change for them....
There are a couple of things you could do to free up some mpg. But most of the "mods" are eyed for more hp gain. There is catback exhaust, air intakes, undersize pulleys, computer chip, larger tires, thinner oils and gear lubes.
But from what I've gathered from not just this site, but others as well, the biggest improvement will be to install electric fans. There is about a 1.5 to 2 mpg increase. But, it's not cheap, around 474. That's a lot of gas too!

 

C'mon guys...

There's nothing wrong with trying to improve your gas mileage. How about some positive feedback?

CharlesA - First be patient and let your truck break in. Your mileage should improve. Second, remove the lead weight from your right foot (we all have one). A change in driving habits is a major factor in improving mileage.

As far as equipment? Exhaust improvements may be the most effective. Search the forums for that info. I've read that air cleaners and bed lids, while nice, do not seem to equate to mileage improvements. Above all, be realistic as to what "good" mileage is. My 5.4 has 4000 miles on it and I still get only 12mgh in town, 16 on the highway.

Dave...

 

That comment was not to be taken negatively, just a generalization from my experience. Down here in Okie land, we see a lot of that. Those improvements that I mentioned MAY increase gas mileage. If you look at my signature block, I may have seen about .5 to 1 mpg improvement, if that. I also think a lot of it is driving style. I've found out that with that killer sounding exhaust system on my truck, I'm a little more "gas pedal" happy. I like to see people turn their heads
Bed lids, IMHO, will decrease mileage if you get a heavy fiberglass one. The weight unseats the mileage improvements.

 

well id like to thank everyone that posted on this thread and it really clarified much i had on my mind. thanks again

Charles

 

Check my 'Florida trip M.P.G." on page 2 . I kept good records on this adventure. I don't think the MPG can be improved without a big investment or else dive like every day is SUNDAY!

 

SINATURE SAYS IT ALL AND ITS A 2001. GET A LIFE AND JUST ENJOY YOUR TRUCK. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY 89 OCTANE GAS IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.LATE B.D.

 

Leadfeet are more to blame than alot of people like to admit. I proved to my wife on our last trip to N.J. that I could use 1/6 less gas than she does just by driving conservatively( in the impala,not the truck), but it's all the same. We made it from RI to NJ in the same amount of time (@3.75 hrs) and sure enough I had used ALOT less gas.

Curious as to what mods can do because you never did one before? Buy a Tornado Air adapter for your intake(@$40) URL=http://tornadoair.com]tornadoair.com[/URL] I think Pep Boys sells them, too. If I can put one in...anyone can.

What most mods do in my opinion(even the HP ones) is allows you to not have to step on the gas as much as you used to in order to maintain speed (any speed). Therefore you don't use as much gas (an open throttle uses more gas than a half opened throttle)

Anyway...Have fun, you only live once and there are no pockets in a coffin.

B