Hello all,

I've got a 97 f-150 4.6l 4x4 S-Cab 5 spd manual and I have spent the better part of the last 4 years trying to up the 14 mpg (highway) that I get to the 17 - 20 mpg that other users are claiming to get.

My local mechanic has tuned it up and tested everything twice and said everythings perfect. I've upgraded the coil, replaced plugs & wires, changed DPFE, K&N filter, replaced front O2 Sensors, cleaned the MAF, and even tried to drive slow. All these upgrades have added some upmh, but the MPG remains stuck at about 14 mpg. My calculation of mpg factors the speedometer error caused by the 245-75-16 tire upgrade from the stock 235-70-16's.

Am I wasting my time trying to eek out more? What MPG can I realistically anticipate?

Thanks for any info and advice you can provide.

PS - In town MPG is about 11.

 

i have an '03 super crew 4x4 5.4, and i get 17- 18 MPG. the truck is completly stock. maybe it has something to do with altitude, i live in new mexico , the altitude here is around 5200' .

 

My '02 S'crew w/5.4 avg's 17mpg with about 60/40 Hwy/city driving. I went from 255R70X16s to 265R70X16s and it didn't seem to hurt my mileage. Only 1.8% dif. in diameter of tire. No add mod's or add-ons. Good luck with yours!

 

Mine's not a manul, but realistically, my mileage sucks. I get less than 300 mils to a tank, I figure it's close to 12 mpg, about 1/2 highway, 1/4 in town and 1/4 in 4x4.

 

Weather, gas type, traffic, terrain all makes a difference. You didn't mention what your gear ratio was? Gear ratios can also make a difference, expecially in town. I owned a 98 with the 4.6 and an automatic and I can tell you that mileage can change by the week. Going to the cabin one week, I would get 16, the next I would get 14. Towing the toys would be 11-12. Don't try to throw hundreds of dollars at a vehicle to try and get what others claim they can get. Don't slam the loud pedal to the floor and drive at a resonable speed and you will see an "overall" better mpg.

 

I have had a lot of cars & trucks over the years, the best tool I have found for economy is a vacuum gage. This has held true since my father turned wrenches back in the 50's, even on todays computer controlled engines. But the best decision I have ever made was to switch to driving diesels. My calculations for mpg on my last three tank fulls netted me 21hwy @ 70mph, and 19mpg 50/50, and 18 city. I drive as a daily commuter a 96 F250 4x4 PSD auto w/180k mi. And no it is not bone stock.

 

I have tracked mileage since day one of ownership and have a little over 57,000 miles. Average mpg is 17.3. Normal city driving is 16.4 mpg.

 

My '97 Super-Cab 2X2, 4.6L, automatic gets about 22 highway and 16-17 city. I would expect lower gas mileage with a 4X4.

Over the years, I've found keeping the RPM's below 2K increased mileage. Don't romp on the gas, accelerate slowly, and coast into stops and turns.

Also, tires made a huge difference. Fair weather highway tires gave me 2-4 MPG more than all terrain or all season tires.

But, no add on parts ever increased the truck's performance.

 

97, F-150,4x4, 4.6L, automatic, standard cab, long bed, 265/75/16 tires, off road package if that makes any difference, I don't know, 15 to 18 mpg average, K & N filter and the rest is stock as a rock.

 

I used to get killer mileage, and none of my conditions changed, and now I get sucky mileage.

 

PM, this is OT but...

I was starting to wonder about where you were?? I sent you TMs and e-mails and haven't heard a word. I thought something happened to you,,, so I decided to search up your name on here and it looks like you're still alive. I just wanted to say hi and let ya know I'm still here...

FL

 

I run 285/75/16's on my 97 f150 4x4 auto with a K&N and a flowmaster and get around 17-18 mpg. Like worland said, if you keep the RPMs under 2k, you get the best mileage. Also, don't romp on it; feather the go pedal. Also, if you do mostly stop and go or short distance driving, you are going to get sucky mileage. My 17-18 comes on the open road over good distances. Like you, I get about 14mpg in stop and go (Houston traffic) conditions. But most of my driving is open road, so that's why I get the mileage I do.

 

I get 18-21 miles to the gallon highway. 97 4.6 reg cab 5 speed 4x4. 411 miles was the most i have gotton with a full tank of gas. average miles per tank is ~370-385.

 

True or false?

 

Hey! I miss you! I got locked out of my email, I have a new account now. I'll email you. *hugs and love*