Gas mileage?

Chitown Kracker · #1 02-07-2007, 09:44 PM

Hello again!

How do I get better gas mileage out of my 98 Durango? About 12/14 mpg is all I can get! I have had this truck for1 1/2 years and enjoy it.....just not the gas mileage.

This is a stock 5.2 4x4 with 96,000 miles. (if this helps).
No tow bar, but I bet the gas mileage would really suck then!

I also have Craftsman tools for sale...............http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_699853/tm.htm

Thanks,

chitown[sm=americanasmiley.gif]

n8ech · #2 02-07-2007, 10:03 PM

Hi Chitown:
Is that 12 city and 14 hwy? The window sticker on my 01 4.7 says 14 city 18 hwy. I have never gotten better than 12 on a tank when most of the miles are around town. Once in a great while, I can hit 17 or maybe 18 hwy if I hold my mouth right etc, but usually it is 16.
4800 pounds and the aerodynamics of a brick do not lend themselves to economy.

Don

Chitown Kracker · #3 02-07-2007, 10:14 PM

Don,
I get 12mpg around town, and 14mpg on the hwy. My 98 Ram truck was better then this pig. I would be happy with a few more mpgout of it, if possible.

Thanks, chitown

virused · #4 02-07-2007, 10:18 PM

Have you done the obvious stuff yet? Air intake, exhaust, 180 t-stat, check tire pressure and alignment, change spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor? Knock a couple of those projects out and see if it improves.

MAGIC84 · #5 02-08-2007, 01:14 AM

Chitown, remember that cooling/heating system problem you have, that isnt exactly helping matters. Chrisknows what he is talking about with the obvious stuff, pressure, spark plugs, alignment, plugs, wires, cap, rotor etc...start there. They may not seem like they make a difference but collectively they add up, and again with the aerodynamics of a brick every bit helps. Another recommendation by somemarkets is to spring clean, get rid of un necessary extra weight in the vehicle. Clean out the old magazines, crayons, gold fish crackers, cheeriosin the door pockets (if you have children. DO NOT REMOVE SAFETY RELATED EQUIPMENT!!

My 2003 4.7 Was able to squeak out about 15-16on a road trip recently, but I believe you have the 4 SPEED AUTO, In the 2000 era, I want to say 01-03 they started with the 5 speed auto, another overdrive gear to reduce RPMS, but offset by higher GVWR, and more equipment.

Chitown Kracker · #6 02-08-2007, 02:15 AM

Hey guys!

I will be taking the Durango in for the heating problem.

I should be back on my feet in about 2 to 2 1/2 months from back surgery. I will then do the complete tune up on the Durango. I now have some questions about that........

Should I order all MOPAR parts, or does it not matter? I have always done so in the past....It's a MOPAR, use MOPAR parts.....right? Also, I live in a county that does not have emission testing, what type of exhaust system do you recomend?

Fell free to hit me with ideas, I plan on keeping this truck for a while.

Thanks,

Chitown

ganzhimself · #7 02-08-2007, 12:54 PM

With my 98 Durango I can squeeze 15-16 MPG depending on conditions.

hydrashocker · #8 02-08-2007, 01:01 PM

I've gotten up to 17.4 MPG hwy and 12.9 average in the city. But if I put my foot in it which I can't help but do I still get 11.5 city.[sm=gears.gif]

ganzhimself · #9 02-08-2007, 01:28 PM

That was average. I can coax 17-18 MPG on the highway and 13 in the city if I drive with a light foot.

Mean Green · #10 02-08-2007, 02:26 PM

About what products you want to use do a k&n or airraid intake and you can go with flowmaster or borla (I know there's one more common one out there but I can't remember the name). I am gonna get a fm40 I like it loud though. As far as ignition components go with OEM, MSD, or better. Don't use the cheap stuff. Do not use platinum plugs. I am personally not gonna try any other plugs than Champion, I tried bosch plats and they couldn't keep the D running one night after work...