Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
Quote:
Originally Posted by maxacceleration
I have to call bs on chances fuel mileage.
No way its gonna happen like that with a V-10.
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BTW - I'm not exactly a conservative driver, but I do use cruise control more often than not on the freeway, mostly to keep myself out of trouble.
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I probably drive like you. I'm a semi driver (was), and consistency is the name of the game.
Cruise control on the flat and easy hills (not big hills as the cc will down shift to too low a gear).
I run 65-70-73 depending on what I can get away will.
I bought the van as a 2wd w/4.10's and the best I got was 13 mpg.
Went to 4x4 with 285-17's (-33") and hardly ever saw 11 or 12 mpg.
Then went to 4.56's with 295-17's (+33") and exactly the same mpg's, maybe even lower (more under 10 than above), with and occasional 13 mpg flier.
4.56's are the best upgrade to my 4x4 V-10 van. But fuel mileage did not improve.
8600 lbs is 8600 lbs.
People say (on this forum) the V-10 is a revver and should be driven that way.
I agree, but that is for power, not economy. 4.56's (for me) do help the tranny work
much easier vs continually downshifting for every darned thing...
To me wind resistance is the biggest factor. It has been said in years past anything over 45 mph and wind resistance is the biggest drawback, regarding fuel mileage and power needed to move you.
I think driving 55-65 mph could be the biggest factor to improved mpg's (with the right gear ratios).
And no, I can't drive that slow either... (although Or hwy 97 is 55 mph for the full length these days-I still run 65)
Here is my opinion for
efficient gear ratios for our heavy vans, even with diesel.
31's = 4.10's, 33's = 4.56, 35's = 4.88 gear ratios. It makes a difference.
The reason being is, Ford supplies 4.10's (special order) with the stock small tires (28-29"?) for delivery use,
NOT for 31/33/35" tires!
Good on you guys who claim the higher mpg's.
Just my opinion folks!