Poor mileage and steering wander empty or loaded

[HoseB]

01 QC SLT 24V getting 11. 2 mpg at 8500 miles empty or pulling camper and utility trailer (2500 lbs gross load weight). Since this is not an extremely heavy load, is the low mpg due to break-in issues? Also experiencing steering "wander" both empty and loaded, but no apparent tire wear. Is this due to trackbar problems listed in other post, and if so, is this going to be fixed properly under warranty?

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Joseph Johnson
01 QC 24V SLT

 

[Alan Reagan]

The mileage is low, even for break in. Pulling the 2500 should have broke in the engine already anyway. Have you done the tighten up on the intercooler/intake clamps? You should be getting at least 14 towing if not better with that light load. Another thing that could be hurting you is the winter blend fuel up there. That hits me for about 2 mpg when I've been unlucky enough to have to use it.

On the steering wander, I had my box replaced early and it cured most of it. It's still a little stiff but I attribute that to the POS ball joints DC uses.


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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[Fireman Dave]

Joe,

Your mileage is low. My worst mileage was 16 at about 75 mph, going into a headwind, on winter fuel. My best so far is 20. I'm usually around 17. 5-19. I have 10,400 miles on my truck.

I had my steering box replaced before 4,000 miles. It was bad from the start. Tire pressure also can affect steering considerably. I find that 45-50 in the front is good. More causes wander. There should be a brochure on tire pressures with your owner's manual. Following that helped mine a lot, but not as much as the new box. A lot of guys have had bad steering boxes. Doing a search on steering will yield mucho info on this.

Dave

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[RobbyRam]

Hose, Is your truck a 2x4 or 4x4?
Mine wanders a little too, but I've owned other 4x4's and it's about the same. I just adjust my driving habits and live with it. After all, it's built my men, not God. #ad


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Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4, 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie,"EZ", LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!