View Full Version : Toyota Tacoma upgrades
DD977GM2
08-24-2011, 16:59
Hey all
I have been out of the auto world for awhile as far as customization and upgrades are concerned. I have forgotten plenty of things that one can do to a vehicle for performance, looks and stupidity alike.
Im wondering from those in the know what can I realistically do to improve MPG for my 2007 Tacoma 4x4 ext cab.
I will be driving in the oilfield and cant be to crazy due to constant mud and dirt I will be driving though.
Im thinking with getting a better air intake and what else can I do to do minor upgrades.
Appreciate the help and here is a pic of me on some rig road in middle of nowhere south of Vernal, UT.
As for those saying get a real truck, Ill take my Taco anywhere that your "American" Union scum made truck will go and then some.
I WILL NEVER PURCHASE AN AMERICAN TRUCK AGAIN IN MY LIFE.
I have specific reasons, one they are made in Mexico or in factories strangled by Unions and also the reliabilty of an American truck compared to a Toyata is unquestionably in favor of the Toyota.
Also I DO NOT HAUL A DAMN THING. So hauling for me is a moot point.
For the record I get around 18-21 mpg depending on how I drive that tankfull and if I run the 4x4 or not.
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb116/DD977GM2/Taco_Vernal_1.jpg
Uh, trade it in on the 4cyl. [Coffee]
On a serious note, nothing you do will make a major change on MPG's except for keeping your foot out of it, but the usuall bolt on's wouldn't hurt. Intake, exhaust, LED washer nozzles, etc.
With the dirt roads, I wouldn't go too crazy on the intake - a quality drop in would fit the bill.
There might be a computer upgrade for it, which would allow you to adjust settings between "Economy" for highway driving, and "Performance" for towing or in the mud.
New airfilter will help especially if you do a lot of dusty road driving. Maybe synthetic oil, and keeping your tires at the right pressure. There's some episodes of Extreme 4x4 where they try and maximize gas mileage on an old dodge. One of the things was taking junk out you don't need to haul.
H.
Great-Kazoo
08-24-2011, 17:32
wow from being a nodaker to getting stuck behind the mormon curtain. at least the spring time is a tad drier:)
Glock Shooter
08-24-2011, 18:15
Sweet truck.
rockhound
08-24-2011, 18:30
trade it in on a real truck [ROFL2]
i get almost 19 out of my doge 3500 dually, crew cab, running empty and 11 mpg pulling 15K lbs behind her.
steveopia
08-24-2011, 18:43
I don't have a good answer for you but a few years ago I was going to try to get a Tacoma. I spent a lot of time on the TacomaWorld forums. There's a lot of great information on that site the members are pretty helpful for the most part. Good luck.
Nice truck!!
Drilldov2.0
08-24-2011, 18:48
Getting a real truck would be an upgrade. [ROFL1]
ETA. FU Rock for beating me to it.
Not to throw more fuel on this fire but my dually gets better mileage than a Tacoma and has 5 times the power.
But if you must keep it some cool bumpers that are aerodynamic would help. get rid of those heinous plastic things.
1AssToRisk
08-24-2011, 20:28
http://www.tacomaworld.com/, http://www.ttora.com/, http://www.toyotatacomaforum.com/ .
Try one of these Tacoma dedicated sites.
Zundfolge
08-24-2011, 20:30
For the life of me I still can't see why Toyota (and other foreign car makers, especially those that build cars in the US) don't make their Diesel variants available in the US market.
You could always run narrower tires.
Everybody makes claims of their 3/4-1t diesels pulling 20+ MPG's but in reality it only happens when it's totally unloaded running 65-70mph down a smooth interstate without the sight of a hill. All my years of working on them have shown real world results closer to 15-17mpg's which IMO still isn't bad. Biggest problem comes to new regen trucks that are bought only as a daily driver. That's pretty much why I went with the Hemi, all conditions being perfect I've seen 22mpg's in my quad cab.
Do the gray wire mod. Won't help with gas mileage, but maybe the mud. For $250ish you can get on-board air. Then you'd always be able to air down for the bumpy dirt roads and mud, then air up for better gas mileage.
DD977GM2
08-24-2011, 22:02
For the life of me I still can't see why Toyota (and other foreign car makers, especially those that build cars in the US) don't make their Diesel variants available in the US market.
You could always run narrower tires.
Diesals are special purchase/order from Japan. Its expensive and can be done, but I have no idea on mpg etc and spare parts I think would be interesting at best.
Diesels don't get made here because powerful, important people must not want them here. Why there aren't 100 VW Passat turbo diesels on the road to every 1 Prius is a mystery to me.
For the life of me I still can't see why Toyota (and other foreign car makers, especially those that build cars in the US) don't make their Diesel variants available in the US market.
You could always run narrower tires.
EPA regulations
I'd stick with a K&N filter and be easy on the gas. Relatively cheap and can make a real difference in performance and fuel consumption.
I'd stick with a K&N filter and be easy on the gas. Relatively cheap and can make a real difference in performance and fuel consumption.
+1
When I drive my truck, I'll get 220 miles to the tank. When my wife drives, she can get 300 miles.
18 to 21 seems pretty reasonable for a truck. I had a Nissan truck with the V-6 and the 5-speed. It never got over 18 mpg. I got rid of it and got a full size truck. Figured if I was going to get crappy mileage I might as well have a little extra room in the cab to get comfy in. [Coffee]
Don't get me wrong... I am definitely not suggesting you get a different truck. I am just saying the gas mileage you are getting seems about average.
For what it's worth, if I had more free time and money, I would love to take an older Toyota pick up and transplant a Volkswagen turbo diesel into it.
Zundfolge
08-25-2011, 09:37
EPA regulations
Yep ... in particular CARB (which is California).
Government ruins everything.
Back to the OP, you might also consider running premium gas ... I've found that on the highway I usually get enough extra mileage to offset the higher cost (in town its not enough though).
hollohas
08-25-2011, 11:14
All the small bolt-ons mentioned do help a little.
I don't understand why the Tacoma doesn't get better mileage. My Tundra gets 17 MPG combined and it's a 5.7L V-8. I have gotten up to 24 on the highway. Seems wrong that the V-6 gets the same mileage.
BTW, not sure where the Tacoma is made but the Tundra IS Made in America. #9 top American made vehicle in 2011. Assembled in San Antonio and somewhere around a 85% domestic parts content. Not a dually or even a 1-ton but a capable work truck.
And the F-150 didn't even make the Made in America list in 2010 or 2011...only 55% domestic parts content according to cars.com. The best selling vehicle in America isn't even that American anymore. It was the #1 American-made vehicle only a couple years ago. What a shame. Still a nice truck though.
(the Toyota Camry is #1).
patrick0685
08-25-2011, 11:18
its a sweet truck...i have always liked them and wanted one
Hollohas,
I don't care where it's assembled, a toyota isn't American!!
Lex_Luthor
08-25-2011, 11:21
I had a 4cyl 4x4 tacoma. It got about 18-20 mpg also. Not a big difference from the V6, and looking back, I'd rather have had the V6. I loved that truck though... Especially when we got dumped on with snow in '06.
patrick0685
08-25-2011, 11:22
Hollohas,
I don't care where it's assembled, a toyota isn't American!!
when "American" cars are as good a the "imports" then ill think about it, till then I will get the most for my money with the "imports"
when "American" cars are as good a the "imports" then ill think about it, till then I will get the most for my money with the "imports"
Good for you.
IMO, calling an import "American" is a joke.
Don't you have an element, or a scion or some fug bucket like that? [Tooth]
Zundfolge
08-25-2011, 11:52
Hollohas,
I don't care where it's assembled, a toyota isn't American!!
So my "American" PT Cruiser (built in Toluca, Mexico) is more "American" to you than a Toyota Tacoma built by Americans in San Antonio Texas?
Hell, I feel I'm supporting my country more by NOT buying cars built by UAW workers (since they and Democrats seem hell bent on destroying free market capitalism).
hollohas
08-25-2011, 11:58
Hollohas,
I don't care where it's assembled, a toyota isn't American!!
Don't get me wrong, I'm a BIG fan of Ford (over the last number of years they have really started making GOOD vehicles again) and I'm not trying to say everyone should buy a Toyota.
But...
Did you miss the part where I said the Tundra has 85% Domestic parts as well? Hum, let's see...assembled by American workers, built from American parts that were also manufactured by Americans...seems pretty American to me.
What about the Camry...90%+ domestic parts all manufactured by American workers who get paid to make those parts so they can put food on their table. Assembled by Americans who get paid American dollars and buy American goods with American dollars. And pay taxes with those dollars.
Sorry buddy, times have changed. The manufacture of the Toyota Camry employs more Americans than ANY other car on the road. Just because the CEO of Toyota isn't American doesn't make the car un-American. It's how many Americans that get jobs and money that really count in my book.
While the Domestic manufactures export more jobs and buy more import parts every year to build their vehicles, Toyota is building more factories, employing more Americans and buying more domestic parts every year.
In fact, Toyota has more vehicles out of the top 10 assembled in America with more American parts and of those sold the more units in America than ANY domestic manufacture in 2011.
The 2010 Tundra I purchased put more money in middle American pockets than the F-150 that year and I can sleep easy knowing that.
Open your mind.
hollohas
08-25-2011, 12:00
I had a 4cyl 4x4 tacoma. It got about 18-20 mpg also. Not a big difference from the V6, and looking back, I'd rather have had the V6. I loved that truck though... Especially when we got dumped on with snow in '06.
I wanted a Tacoma over a Tundra but they wouldn't give me 0% on the Tacoma. I hate interest so I got a Tundra. Happy with it but it's a little too big for some of the smaller mountain trails...
So my "American" PT Cruiser (built in Toluca, Mexico) is more "American" to you than a Toyota Tacoma built by Americans in San Antonio Texas?
Hell, I feel I'm supporting my country more by NOT buying cars built by UAW workers (since they and Democrats seem hell bent on destroying free market capitalism).
Uhhhh, no. I'd just call it another fug-mobile [ROFL3]. But sadly with the way things have been going here in the good ol' US of A. lately, I'd say outsourced manufacturing would be more 'American' than anything being built in texass.
hollohas
08-25-2011, 12:03
IMO, calling an import "American" is a joke.
Calling a vehicle an "import" when damn near all the people that made it and it's parts are Americans is a joke.
hollohas
08-25-2011, 12:05
I'd say outsourced manufacturing would be more 'American' than anything being built in texass.
I'm not even sure what to say about this...is it a joke?
When Texas secedes then they will be making foreign cars I guess.
I'm not even sure what to say about this...is it a joke?
Your sarcasm meter b0rked? Have you been paying attention to what our so called American companies have been doing lately? Theres an active thread right now about how GE plans to move a bunch of jobs elsewhere - it's the American way baby!!! Sarcasm aside - Makes me fucking sick. I should just shut up and be a little more open minded about all of it. [Bang]
Sorry, I'm in an uncharacteristically standoffish mood right now. Other shit goin' on here.
*Takes a pamprin and a deep breath.... [Flower]
patrick0685
08-25-2011, 12:58
Good for you.
IMO, calling an import "American" is a joke.
Don't you have an element, or a scion or some fug bucket like that? [Tooth]
a 2001 Toyota 4-Runner, its a great car and will prob last another 10+ years
a 2001 Toyota 4-Runner, its a great car and will prob last another 10+ years
Okay, not as bad as I thought. [Tooth]
I literally wretch when I see those fridge shaped cars on the road.
hollohas
08-25-2011, 13:04
I literally wretch when I see those fridge shaped cars on the road.
Yes, those are the worst.
patrick0685
08-25-2011, 13:04
Okay, not as bad as I thought. [Tooth]
I literally wretch when I see those fridge shaped cars on the road.
no i hate those things too...looks like a damn toster
Hollohas,
I don't care where it's assembled, a toyota isn't American!!
Well I guess you can just go enjoy your forged in Canada, assembled in Mexico all American pickup, then.
At least my piece of shit Chevy was assembled in Ohio. I'd much rather have a Japanese or German car nowadays, though.
streetglideok
08-25-2011, 20:25
Hey all
I have been out of the auto world for awhile as far as customization and upgrades are concerned. I have forgotten plenty of things that one can do to a vehicle for performance, looks and stupidity alike.
Im wondering from those in the know what can I realistically do to improve MPG for my 2007 Tacoma 4x4 ext cab.
I will be driving in the oilfield and cant be to crazy due to constant mud and dirt I will be driving though.
Im thinking with getting a better air intake and what else can I do to do minor upgrades.
Appreciate the help and here is a pic of me on some rig road in middle of nowhere south of Vernal, UT.
As for those saying get a real truck, Ill take my Taco anywhere that your "American" Union scum made truck will go and then some.
I WILL NEVER PURCHASE AN AMERICAN TRUCK AGAIN IN MY LIFE.
I have specific reasons, one they are made in Mexico or in factories strangled by Unions and also the reliabilty of an American truck compared to a Toyata is unquestionably in favor of the Toyota.
Also I DO NOT HAUL A DAMN THING. So hauling for me is a moot point.
For the record I get around 18-21 mpg depending on how I drive that tankfull and if I run the 4x4 or not.
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb116/DD977GM2/Taco_Vernal_1.jpg
Wow, I am almost at a loss here. I wouldnt say go get a real truck, as the Tacoma is a good truck, but I would get off the high horse a little about it being a step above everything, and it cures cancer to boot,lol. 'Yota had some nasty recalls, with frame issues, etc on their trucks, not to mention their throttle by wire fiasco. I put Toyota above Nissan IMO, but I dont see them being anything better quality wise then some of the american vehicles. The tacoma is a better fit then the ranger or colorado, but its not the end all be all. You'll need a Jeep for that[Tooth].
Now that Im done ribbing you about your toylet, there isnt much to really do to increase mileage. Learn where your engine makes peak torque, and keep the rpms in that range. Thats where the engine makes max power, and works most efficiently. Youll see better fuel economy doing that then merely keeping RPMs down. In light of where you drive, I say stick with OE air filters and forget K&N, and the copycats. Thru my profession, I have found the intake tracks from the airfilter to engine dirtier with vehicles using K&N type filters, vs paper filters. Toyota filters are a step above most aftermarket filters IMO. Change it every 10k miles or so, and your engine will thank you later. Keep your tires aired up around what the factory says on the door sticker, or a little over. Pumping them to max on the sidewall does nothing but wear them out much faster, and reduces traction, thereby losing efficiency. Other then that, you may consider trading in on one the hunk of junk american trucks with variable displacement, like the Dodge with the hemis, and see better then 20mpg!hehehe
I still want a Honda Element for a daily.
Zundfolge
08-25-2011, 21:19
I still want a Honda Element for a daily.
A friend of mine has a black one (we call it Darth Vader's Postal Jeep) ... he loves it.
I still think its ugly, but in that "so ugly its cool" way.
Won't make you any less of a man in my book stu. [Tooth]
Well I guess you can just go enjoy your forged in Canada, assembled in Mexico all American pickup, then.
At least my piece of shit Chevy was assembled in Ohio. I'd much rather have a Japanese or German car nowadays, though.
Granted, its far from being 'all American' but my pos was assembled @ the Warren plant...not in Mexico. Nice try though.
rockhound
08-25-2011, 23:16
Everybody makes claims of their 3/4-1t diesels pulling 20+ MPG's but in reality it only happens when it's totally unloaded running 65-70mph down a smooth interstate without the sight of a hill. All my years of working on them have shown real world results closer to 15-17mpg's which IMO still isn't bad. Biggest problem comes to new regen trucks that are bought only as a daily driver. That's pretty much why I went with the Hemi, all conditions being perfect I've seen 22mpg's in my quad cab.
mine never saw 20, 18-19 is real world all day long running empty, i used it for my business and have records. and yes 11 mpg pulling 15K pounds back from Moab last time we went. 28 ft 5ver with the built cherokee running flat behind her. she is not stock though.
have also pulled the 35 ft fver and boat with the same mileage.
My 2007 Toyota Tacoma 6-speed V6 gets about 17-20 MPG, and I gave up on figuring out better gas mileage. My 1999 Tacoma got 27-34 MPG, but it was a 2WD 4-cylinder 5-speed. I like upgrades.
If anyone wants a 2000 Honda Civic, let me know. :-D
Chad4000
08-26-2011, 05:29
Interesting posts... It is annoying when toyota guys think their taco will cure cancer as somebody put. Not to mention, my "not piece of shit" chevy silverado was built in america.. I bought it used, and made sure that was the case. Oh and it will go twice as many places as any taco.. That I know..
Have a buddy with a chipped ford diesel quad cab long bed in the mid twenties per gallon.
My dads ford doesn't quite get that but it's not chipped either. He gets high teens, low twenties.
Both those trucks were built in america too.. My truck has 130k on it, my dads has like 170k on it... I could go on....
Really though, I dont mind imports, I like the big three being made to compete in the market place..it's just the high and mighty attitude.. And it's not like the op was trying to "buy american" when he got his taco... In fact he put in bold that he was not trying to buy american.. So maybe he should get rid of the toyota cause it's "more american" then chevy and ford?
How do you square "Buy American" with capitalism? My understanding of capitalism, and the simplistic modeling it uses to try and determine human behavior, says that the correct response is to buy the best vehicle at the lowest price. You're here to optimize from your perspective.
Buying American when you believe it isn't the best value proposition means you are helping companies you think aren't as good based solely on the location of their corporate headquarters. Sounds like welfare to me.
H.
Chad4000
08-26-2011, 12:33
How do you square "Buy American" with capitalism? My understanding of capitalism, and the simplistic modeling it uses to try and determine human behavior, says that the correct response is to buy the best vehicle at the lowest price. You're here to optimize from your perspective.
Buying American when you believe it isn't the best value proposition means you are helping companies you think aren't as good based solely on the location of their corporate headquarters. Sounds like welfare to me.
H.
That doesn't sound life you are responding to me?
I even mentioned making "american" companies compete... It's a good thing. It's capitalism . Just like I said...
Fentonite
08-26-2011, 12:55
How do you square "Buy American" with capitalism? My understanding of capitalism, and the simplistic modeling it uses to try and determine human behavior, says that the correct response is to buy the best vehicle at the lowest price. You're here to optimize from your perspective.
Buying American when you believe it isn't the best value proposition means you are helping companies you think aren't as good based solely on the location of their corporate headquarters. Sounds like welfare to me.
H.
Wisdom right there.
That doesn't sound life you are responding to me?
I even mentioned making "american" companies compete... It's a good thing. It's capitalism . Just like I said...
Not responding to anyone in particular, just the general "Buy American" slogan an social meme.
H.
Zundfolge
08-26-2011, 14:22
How do you square "Buy American" with capitalism?
You can't.
Trade protectionism is Crony Capitalism.
Crony Capitalism is Fascism without the snappy uniforms, military parades and death camps.
Also, if you're politically conservative you are acting AGAINST the interests of capitalism, the constitution and conservatism in general when you buy an American car made by UAW workers.
The UAW is simply a fundraising organ for the DNC.
If you wish to ascribe some sort of patriotic label to your purchases, buying a Toyota made by free workers in a free state is more American than supporting a bunch of communist union thugs in Fascist Detroit.
Lex_Luthor
08-26-2011, 15:08
I've always bought Honda and Toyota because in the class of vehicle I was looking for, they worked the best. I want an Element too.
Chad4000
08-26-2011, 17:04
The union bit I get... In agreement on that. But unions were another good idea that got perverted by power..
Anyway, the quality thing I dont... The big three have good cars these days... Just saying let them compete
streetglideok
08-26-2011, 19:08
I see better steel on Big 3 vehicles then I ever do on japanese companies. I see equal quality on american as well. Lots of dirty secrets the media wont talk about when it comes to toyota, honda, nissan, etc. Toyota, and their v6 engine in camrys and avalons, sludging up due to a poor pcv design, and large numbers of engine failures at low miles. Frames breaking on toyota trucks from mild rust. Hondas blowing out seals and losing oil. Toyotas and rampant headgasket failures. The import shops stay busy fixing a long list of common engine problems that somehow, the customers accept. If it was an american car, they would scream bloody murder. Another thing about consumer habits I see, import owners follow scheduled maint. more closely then american brand owners. Youll see japanese brand owners come in wanting their brake fluid flushed, ask about doing a timing belt, etc, but rarely ever on american brand owners. They drive them till the wheels fall off. That makes a difference on how people percieve a brand. Expectations that exceed the design.
It's funny how the original poster requested information about upgrades for his vehicle, and now we have a conversation about manufacturing/company origins and politics. I wonder if every topic goes so astray here.
streetglideok
08-27-2011, 18:00
Wouldnt say its too offtopic, he left the door open with a rant about american vehicles.
ChadAmberg
08-27-2011, 19:49
I've had an Element since 2003 and I've had so much maintenance done to it. It had to have at least 6 or 7 oil changes. Oh, and new tires. That's it.
And considering I've grown up near Chrysler/Dodge and Chevy plants, and have had many relatives and friends I used to party with working at all the plants... I will never own one since I know how they're put together.
streetglideok
08-27-2011, 21:30
Might find it ironic, but the same thing goes on at all plants. Must not have many miles on that Element yet? Just remember, living in the mile high state, you fall closer to severe maint, not normal. High altitude, steep hills in town, hot and cold weather, and traffic arent the norm according to Honda.
It's funny how the original poster requested information about upgrades for his vehicle, and now we have a conversation about manufacturing/company origins and politics. I wonder if every topic goes so astray here.
Ya, pretty much. Everyone just looks for the chance to turn each thread into something else.
Zundfolge
08-27-2011, 22:19
It's funny how the original poster requested information about upgrades for his vehicle, and now we have a conversation about manufacturing/company origins and politics. I wonder if every topic goes so astray here.
Seeing as how you're just a newbie who's only been here for two days I guess I should cut you some slack, but if you expect any thread here to stay "on topic" you're in the wrong place [ROFL1]
ADD got nothing on this bunch.
So in conclusion, here's a bunny with a pancake on its head.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kxarvzVAOD1qatg0no1_400.jpg
GunsRBadMMMMKay
08-27-2011, 22:32
Seeing as how you're just a newbie who's only been here for two days I guess I should cut you some slack, but if you expect any thread here to stay "on topic" you're in the wrong place [ROFL1]
That's not necessarily true....I've seen plenty of firearm related threads stay on topic, especially about AR's. Oh, wait.....
If you honestly think that Honda and Toyota have "secret" problems, then I honestly believe that you heard about it on a Ford or Chevy site.
streetglideok
08-28-2011, 08:06
If you honestly think that Honda and Toyota have "secret" problems, then I honestly believe that you heard about it on a Ford or Chevy site.
Nothing secret about it, they are well known in the auto repair industry. We look for them whenver a vehicle comes in!
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/toyota_sludge_settlement.html
The toyota sludge problem
http://www.odysseytransmission.com/
The infamous honda transmission failure problem
And the toyota cheap metal frame:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/toyota-extends-rust-warranty-on-older-tacoma-pickups-to-15-years/
Then there are the injector issues on the Honda 3.5L v6 seen in Hondas and Saturn Vues that cause running issues, the porous casting on honda V6's that leak oil right thru the engien block, etc. Talk to an import specialist/repair facility, and they can confirm all of this. I'm not bashing these makes, simply showing they have their own problems. People ask what is the best car to buy, and I have to ask them, what problems can you live with easiest? I can name a problem with about every make out there, and usually something major as well. There is no perfect car, with no problems, as long as engineers dont have to keep a car very long themselves, or have to fix them!
ChadAmberg
08-28-2011, 08:23
Might find it ironic, but the same thing goes on at all plants. Must not have many miles on that Element yet? Just remember, living in the mile high state, you fall closer to severe maint, not normal. High altitude, steep hills in town, hot and cold weather, and traffic arent the norm according to Honda.
It doesn't go on at the other plants, at least nearly as much as the heavy union plants. The condition these guys would go into work... well, fell into illegal most of the time, not just a fireable offense.
And the Element has done great considering how it's made the trip from the east coast, and all over out here. It's a bit under normal mileage, but it's been well taken care of. I did forget to say that it did get a new battery about 4-5 years ago also.
I've also owned a Tacoma, a Ridgeline, a TSX, and an Integra, and combined they've had non-routine maintenance of: adjusting a sunroof. Compare that to the Olds, Cadillac, Mustang, Jeep, Chevy 1500, Chevy Blazer, and other "American cars" that had major maintenance issues about every year. The Blazer was the worst, I had to bang on the dash to get the gauges to work ("Do you know how fast you were going" "Sorry officer, I truly have no friggin' idea") and the entire electrical system shut off while my wife was driving in a busy intersection in the middle of the night. It might be anecdotal data in my case, but it will take a lot for me to go back.
I've been on forums where mods close threads if they go off-topic. I've been on forums that have several different topics in one thread. I am now much more aware of which of the two this one is, and that's not a problem. I still think it's weird, though, to stray away from the topic so much.
Fentonite
08-28-2011, 14:37
I've been on forums where mods close threads if they go off-topic. I've been on forums that have several different topics in one thread. I am now much more aware of which of the two this one is, and that's not a problem. I still think it's weird, though, to stray away from the topic so much.
Shouldn't you have started a new, dedicated thread for this then?[Muaha]
I kid. Welcome to our rambling forum.
Zundfolge
08-28-2011, 14:40
I've been on forums where mods close threads if they go off-topic. I've been on forums that have several different topics in one thread. I am now much more aware of which of the two this one is, and that's not a problem. I still think it's weird, though, to stray away from the topic so much.
The threads in the General Discussion forum are much less formal and organized than the other more specific and technical forums. The GD threads are more like a bunch of guys sitting around, drinking beer and chewing the fat.
streetglideok
08-28-2011, 15:13
This forum is home to about everyone in the country who forgot to take their Adult ADD meds[LOL]
jerrymrc
08-28-2011, 15:20
Back to the original question. The one thing that did improve mileage for me in a truck was switching to synthetics for both the engine/diffs and transfer case. My old Dakota that I bought new went from 19 to 21 when I did this in 93.
Anything you can do to get the brick out of the air will help as well. I have thought about switching mine to synthetics for the transfer case and diffs.
I drive an import as well. Built in Mexico and sold in Canada. Then imported to the US a couple of years later. I get 18 in town and 20 driving 60mph with a light load in the bed (1000lbs) I get 14-15 pulling the brick that is our 7000lb camper. 98 Dodge 12V/5 speed with 3.54 gears. [Coffee] I have heard some of the early (98-01) 24V ones can get 23-24 but never seen it first hand.
And if I drive at 65-70 the mileage go's in the flusher. I also have a little taller tire making the effective ratio closer to 3.35-3.40. Got to keep it under 2000rpm. ;)
jerrymrc
08-28-2011, 15:27
I've been on forums where mods close threads if they go off-topic. I've been on forums that have several different topics in one thread. I am now much more aware of which of the two this one is, and that's not a problem. I still think it's weird, though, to stray away from the topic so much.
I guess we could become like Barfcom and just lock everything and ban anyone that disagrees with us but where would we be then?
We always seem to get back to the topic at hand sooner or later. :) Besides the NO crapping at ALL in the WTS/WTB threads we have No Nudity, No Cop Bashing and No overthrow the Govt threads.
Locking of threads and banning are kind of a last resort even if we do not care for ya. The inmates do a pretty good job around here. [Beer]
This forum is home to about everyone in the country who forgot to take their Adult ADD meds[LOL]
They ran out and forgot to call the doc before Friday. ;)
Seeing as how you're just a newbie who's only been here for two days I guess I should cut you some slack, but if you expect any thread here to stay "on topic" you're in the wrong place [ROFL1]
ADD got nothing on this bunch.
So in conclusion, here's a bunny with a pancake on its head.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kxarvzVAOD1qatg0no1_400.jpg
[ROFL1]
rockhound
08-29-2011, 10:59
And if I drive at 65-70 the mileage go's in the flusher. I also have a little taller tire making the effective ratio closer to 3.35-3.40. Got to keep it under 2000rpm. ;)
+1 the cummins reaches max torque at about 1600 RPM, anything over that you are just adding fuel to a fire that is already lit. RPMs are not your friend when it comes to a real diesel engine.
the torque curve on my 05 hits max at 1600 and does not drop off at all until 3200. it cruses with a load at 70 mph just under 2000 rpm. this seems to be its sweet spot for MPG. and quite honestly with my 35 footer and either the boat or trail rig behind it the 70 MPH is plenty fast.
OP: Did you consider chipping the computer? Often these kits come with a small display that lets you select from performance/mileage settings, and display additional system information.
I mentioned it in an earlier post
H.
ANADRILL
08-31-2011, 21:25
Add a camper shell to decrease drag, it may help a slight bit, and keep your gear dry, and in a lockable area..
Dudes it'a a TOYOTA, this topic has gone on for 8 pages, time for a new truck Geesh.
Switch to synthetic diff fluid?
Convert to manual hubs?
Add a camper shell to decrease drag, it may help a slight bit, and keep your gear dry, and in a lockable area..
Add the extra weight to the equation and you're back to square 1...possibly -1.
Dudes it'a a TOYOTA, this topic has gone on for 8 pages, time for a new truck Geesh.
Oh we're sorry man, you must have us mistaken with those who actually have somewhere to be. [Tooth]
If you change your page view settings in the user cp you'll only see two pages...
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