Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Improving MPG

[Beck]

I OWN A 98 3500 SLT DUALLY 5. 9 12 valve TURBO, what are some cost effective things I can do to improve my mpg, currently ave. 17 mpg, Also wouldn't mind more power, if I can still gain mpg's Mpg's are my main goal. Thanks, this is my first diesel and I really enjoy learning all about them.

 

[Slow Six]

I have spent a lot of money over the years on this quest. In my opinion the most cost effective thing is a properly tuned right foot. There are some things that may improve mileage a bit but as for cost effectiveness????

 

[ABennin]

I installed a cam about a year ago and saw a bump in milage about 2 mpg. This winter I plan on a free spin hub kit. I want 2 lo and need front wheel bearings very soon. So it's time to upgrade. From what I hear you can gain 1 to 1. 5 MPG. The cam isn't cheap and if you pay someone to install is pricey. I do like the cam very much, it is a whole different beast after I installed it. I enjoy working on stuff and have more time than money. I too have spent a bunch of money to get to 23 hwy and 20-21 bombing around town. Although I have a 3/4T single wheel. I found nothing is cheap.

 

[NIsaacs]

Are you auto or standard, 4x2 or 4x4? 17 mpg is not bad for a dually, especially now with winter fuel. Tire pressure and speed are important. If you have a choice, stay off the freeways and drive two lane roads, they will give you better fuel milage.

Nick

 

[hsmith]

Keeping the cruising rpm's below 2k will help. On the other hand, not lugging it will also.

 

[MChrist]

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/general/0708dp_1997_dodge_ram_3500_dualie_cummins/viewall.html

Good article. They ended up getting a verified 31mpg. Took extreme measures, and they said they wouldn't do it again, but interesting nonetheless.

 

[Beck]

That was a very interesting article MChrist, thanks for the lead, sounds like blocking off the grill is a good place to start, getting cold here anyway, def. keep an eye on the temp. gauge, my camper shell stays level with the cab, I think I'll put it back on to keep the wind out of the bed, doubt I,ll be duct taping cardboard to my wheels, I have some pride, lol. and more air in my tires, I'll let you guys know how much I gain from 17 mpg, Thanks p. s. Its a manual shift

 

[Beck]

What exactly is a free spin hub kit, ABennin ?

 

[Beck]

Standard, 4x4, how does a two lane road get better mpg than a highway ?

 

[NIsaacs]

If you tend to drive the speed limit, most two lane highways are slower than freeways. The slower you drive the better the fuel milage.

Nick

 

[ABennin]

Replaces the unit bearings with a old fashion lockout hub. http://www.dynatrac.com/products/freespin-dodge/freespin-dodge.html

 

[Missouri Mule]

Add a little fuel and advance the timing a little. (Which probably would upset the EPA)

 

[dieseljeep]

I started with 17-20 Highway MPG when I bought the truck at that point it had a cracked gear case, 400hp southbend clutch, 5 in exhaust, 0 deg fuel plate, air box cut open. I advanced the timing to 15. 5 deg and and advanced the star wheel when I fixed the dowel pin that had fallen into the gears and cracked the gear case. That got me 23-25 MPG at 60-65 MPH highway. I then used conveyor belt to to fashion a 9in air dam and side skirts as well as cover the rear wheel well and front bumper holes and 50% of the grill. This got me to 25-27 mpg highway. I added a electric fan deleting the engine fan and achieved 29. 605 mpg last week. Right now I get 16 towing, 20-23 around town and 27-29 on the highway. I'm currently working on adding fender vents to get colder air to the intake, and have found some 35 in highway tires that will drop the rpms 4-500, and possibly some injectors. I'm shooting for a solid 30+ highway at 70 mph. I'm interested in any tips or tricks that will add to my total count. Every little bit helps.

 

[Cosmo]

I'd like to see some pics of that!

 

[NIsaacs]

I'm interested in any tips or tricks that will add to my total count. Every little bit helps.

Try a tonneau cover or even a light weight, fiberglass, cab high, camper shell.



When my '91 was about a year old (stock) and the federal speed limit was 55, I made a trip to Washington from Arizona and averaged 27 empty, AC off. On the return, AC on and the truck full of my moms stuff, I averaged 25 mpg. Now with some mods and the 75 mph speed limits I get about 20 summer and 18 winter.



Nick

 

[MLee]

As the Dieselpowermag article also pointed out pulling in the mirrors might help with that other mpg, and reduce all the extra weight that is posslble. Also the narrow as possible tire with a straight tread, no lugs at all inflated to 10# over the recommended pressure will help a bunch.

 

[dieseljeep]

I'd like to see some pics of that!

Here you go. Not sure why it's upside down it shows right on the computer.

 

[Hootguy]

and you dont mind driving the truck looking like THAT,,LOL... kind of a bit extreme no???...

 

[MLee]

An other thing you can try, just a suggestion, DURING THE COLDER MONTHS, is remove the fan. If you do any towing or the temps get a bit warmer you must keep an eye on the temp gage. It has been done and it helps in the warm-up also.

 

[rMetzger]

View attachment 83542
Here you go. Not sure why it's upside down it shows right on the computer.

I didn't realize that there was a province and city in Australia that was also called Chattanooga, TN