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As mentioned above ^, added racks and lighting (roof and bumper-mounted) and towing mirrors plus 1/4-1/2" thick front\rear manly-man bumpers increases aerodynamic drag as well as rolling resistance (seriously-increased weight from the bumpers)
- swamp-hog tires hog fuel consumption
- those new tires with the pronounced radial-pattern graphic ridges\bars\lines increase wind resistance, as does large raised lettering
- off-road open-block tread-patterns increase wind restance and rolling resistance - closed-sipe patterns reduce resistance, drag: checkout the tread pattern of any hiway tire, or compare with any 18-wheeler tire for best economy
- oem skid-plates can reduce drag, but 1/4-3/8" thick skid-plates increase vehicle weight, drag
- 20,000watt 50-speaker stereos and other electronic stuff, incl yer combination radar detector\microwave oven\coffee warmer, offers way-increased drag on the alternator = reduced fuel economy
- larger mud flaps (and wider tires) offer increased drag at hiway speeds, as does various antennae, such as 2-way radio, tv, etc
- brake rotor\pad condition effects increased rolling resistance
- who woulda thunk it, but idling is ZERO mpg - idling in any gear range is way worse than that, particularly so with an upgraded torque convertor
- burning the a\c in 60deg clear weather is wasted fuel
- dirty (and wet) air filter is increased fuel\air\ ratio, reduced economy
The oem front bumper improves aerodynamics around the front suspension and those wide oem tires, assuming even more importance on a lifted vehicle, even at only 2" lift.
- pull them swamp-hog tires off and install tires in oem sizing - that'll up mileage by ~10% - same diameter but narrower tread also improves mileage: rolling resistance increases as ground speed increases
- smooth wheel covers, like those old MOON spun-aluminum covers back in the '50's-'60's, reduce wind drag - you can still see them on the salt-flats speed record cars
- hood-mounted bug shields improve aerodynamics
- aerodynamic window-vent shades reduce wind resistance, particularly when driving with windows open, as in cooler weather with a\c off
- removing stored stuff from the rear area(s) reduces weight
- open 2.5" cat-back exhaust system improves engine efficiency
- upgraded torque convertor improves power transfer prior to TCC lock-up, particularly so from standing starts and thru lower gear ranges
- synthetic lubricants reduce operational drag, due to thinner viscosity
- current anti-freezes are lower viscosity than earlier blends, reduces water-pump load and coolant-system drag
- correct tire pressure for vehicle loading decreases rolling resistance - CAUTION: over-inflation results in center-tread bulge, results in narrower effective tread, but center tread-wear is problematical
- washing the mud outta the cracks'n'crevices underneath, incl tire tread, reduces weight and drag
- the viscous heater does improve fuel economy by bringing ECT up to operating temps quicker, but
possily a manual switch, to disable it after engine is ~160degF operating temp, could reduce accessory drive loading = further improved fuel economy
- disabling the constant-blow-thru blower motor function can improve economy - again with the switch
- and, of course, that soul-satisfying, manly man, darn the torpedo's, full speed ahead, nail it at all costs driving technique is money in the pockets of those middle-easterners manning the cash registers at yer fav snack'n'fuel emporium (well, rats!!! - there goes the thrill of driving for me!!)
_________________ '05 CRD Limited Pricol EGT, Boost GDE Hot '11; EDGE Trail switched SEGR; Provent; Magnaflow; Suncoast T\C, Transgo Tow'n'Go switch; Cummins LP module, Fleetguard filter, Filterminder 2.5" Daystar f, OME r; Ranchos; K80767's, Al's lifted uppers Rubicons, 2.55 Goodyears Four in a row really makes it go
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