If you want good MPG, get rid of those tires and get a smaller tire. Going to a highway tire will also get you better MPG. If you over inflate the tires you'll have less rolling resistance and get better MPG. The easiest and cheapest way to net better fuel economy is simply weight savings. Take out anything in the truck that won't be used.

I wouldn't do the intake as these trucks have a good intake from the factory, but I would look into the GOTTS mod.

As a kid, I can tell you that if you have a tuner set to economy tune it won't stay there. We'll put it on race and complain to you that the truck is only getting 8 mpg lol. As stated before, don't worry about a tuner.

A 4" exhaust will help, but exhaust systems are expensive so at some point you have to look at how much is it going to help the MPG and how long will it take before it pays for its self?

The best way to help MPG for cheap is to put an egg under the gas pedal and don't break it when you're driving.

 

I misunderstood. I thought you were saying yes the economy mode helps don't buy it. Thanks for clarifying...

 

Thanks for all the replies. Up front money to put stuff on there is not an issue as we have some time to get it ready. Just trying to have the truck getting the best mileage by the time he's turns 16. Guess I'll start with tires and the other maintenance stuff.

Someone also mentioned electric fan to help. Again any little thing that can help I can do. I did the gotta mod a while back.


He lives with me half the time and his mom one town over. So when he is with me the drive to school will be further. Just thinking about that.

 

If MPG is very important sell the truck and get an economy car for him. Only thing I've ever dont to increase fuel economy was install Denso plugs. For some reason they make these engines use less gas. Ive had programmer gotts mod and I maintain my truck. The only exhast mod that dose any thing is lung tube headers..

 

E-fans are okay, but then again it takes more power from the engine to turn the alternator. I'm not sure how that difference compares, but I think that one does help. It's a mod I would definitely do if I could keep ahead of maintenance. Not for more mpgs, but for a little added power. Rust is keeping me busy with body maintenance lol. Keeping the truck well maintained and driving civilized is the only true way to the best economy.

 

I run efans on my red truck. They gained me close to a full mpg buy I have maybe 75 in my swap so it has already paid for itself. It will definitely help if the mech fan clutch engages more than it should.

 

I would love to do efans one day.

 

If you get around to doing it i hope you do a write up because I know it will be a thing of beauty.

 

fuel economy and these trucks do not go hand in hand, especially the 5.4.

Light throttle, smaller tires, engine "tuned up" will get the best results.

"Economy" tune and tuner will not do much if anythng, it will take years to make up the cost for it. E-fans can make a difference, but cost can vary greatly, and therefore time to make up the cost will vary.

If fuel economy is a concern, sell the truck and get a car.

 

I definitely would, just would need to do the leg work and research about all the things involved I know near nothing about the switch right now lol