Most of my driving is HWY driving average 30miles one way , just hope I didnt shoot myself in the foot by getting rid of my 97 F150 4x2 v6 avr 20 mpg ill settle for 17 if its possible ,
PS does anyone know if anyone makes lock outs for the Dodge?
thanks for the replys
Hate to say this, but if mileage is/ was your only concern you blew both your big toes off.
You traded a lighter vehicle with a smaller engine for a heavier vehicle with a larger engine. Basic physics states it ain't gonna happen.
Lockouts are not going to help you here because your axle disconnect (CAD) system doesn't allow an unlocked differential to turn and rotate the front shaft.
The cost of lockout system is about 1000 bucks plus new rims because you need rims with larger diameter hub holes. I determined about two years ago that even with a 1 mpg gain the and not having to replace hub bearings it would take 6 years to recoup the cost.
Here's my suggestions...
Remove those heavy tall 285 tires and run a stock 245 size and purchase tires with the least amount of road resistance. You can find resistance ratings on the internet. Keep at max pressure.
Smaller lighter tires require less torque and horsepower to move (unsprung weight). Lowering the truck lets less air pass under it where the most parasitic drag occurs.
Have your truck aligned front and rear and never take it off road to throw it out. Remove all aftermarket lifts and anything that induces undercarrage drag or adds weight.
Revove all misc junk and unneeded stuff from the bed and cab.
You can install a K&N drop in air filter element or similar brand. You might add a 3 inch low restriction single tailpipe exhaust to increase low/mid range torque. Make sure your truck is in a good state of tune and clean your throttle body regularly including your idle air intake valve.
Buy a vacumn guage and drive by it. I hope you don't get shot for creeping along like a little old man.
Others may suggest all kinds of expensive mods which when done all at once may have some merit. The problem is your truck was only rated at 16 mpg average to begin with. Remember that gas was only 1.68 a gallon when these trucks were first built.
FTR...my truck averages about 10 mpg city and if I'm lucky, 13 mpg highway.
