I got a 2002 B3000 about a month ago, and I’m getting around 16 mpg on the freeway. I’m cruising at 75-80 mph and thought it’d be closer to 20. I cleaned out the airbox and throttle body recently, which gave me better throttle response, but there’s barely any change in mpg. Any tips to improve it? I’m planning to replace the plugs and wires soon, and maybe the PCV valve. Any other ideas? Thanks in advance!
The 3.0 engine isn’t great on gas. You could try changing the fuel filter, but don’t expect a huge improvement. Also, 80 mph is pretty fast; air resistance makes a big difference. I usually stick to 65 mph.
@Crew
I get 25 mpg running 75 mph in my 3.0, but I removed the catalytic converters. That made a big difference.
Jocelyn said:
@Crew
I get 25 mpg running 75 mph in my 3.0, but I removed the catalytic converters. That made a big difference.
Did you do any tuning after removing the cats, or just replace them with straight pipes? How’s the power now?
@Mikayla
I just welded in straight pipes with O2 sensors in the correct spots. No check engine light either.
Jocelyn said:
@Mikayla
I just welded in straight pipes with O2 sensors in the correct spots. No check engine light either.
That’s wild! No error codes? I would’ve expected low catalyst efficiency codes. Older trucks really are simpler.
@Mikayla
Yeah, it worked perfectly. Mine’s a 2002 and has no EGR system, just 5 cats. They were all clogged, and the truck couldn’t even go over 40 mph when I got it. Cutting them out was a no-brainer.
@Jocelyn
Wow, mine’s a ‘98 with just two cats and an EGR. I’ve thought about gutting them, but I’m worried about rust on the flanges.
Jocelyn said:
@Crew
I get 25 mpg running 75 mph in my 3.0, but I removed the catalytic converters. That made a big difference.
I’m tempted to drill out my cat too. It’s probably clogged after all these years, but I don’t want to deal with the rusted bolts.
Jocelyn said:
@Crew
I get 25 mpg running 75 mph in my 3.0, but I removed the catalytic converters. That made a big difference.
I think your truck has only two small cats, not five.
Jocelyn said:
@Crew
I get 25 mpg running 75 mph in my 3.0, but I removed the catalytic converters. That made a big difference.
I think your truck has only two small cats, not five.
Nope, mine had five. It’s because there’s no EGR system on my truck.
@Jocelyn
I thought you were joking, but I looked it up, and some really did come with five cats. That’s insane.
Honestly, 16 mpg at 75-80 mph sounds normal. When I had my 4.0, I averaged about 18 mpg, and that was barely going over 60 mph.
I don’t think these trucks ever got 20 mpg, even when they were brand new. I get 17 mpg in my 4.0, cruising at 70 mph tops.
Quinn said:
I don’t think these trucks ever got 20 mpg, even when they were brand new. I get 17 mpg in my 4.0, cruising at 70 mph tops.
What kind of mileage do you get in the city?
Quinn said:
I don’t think these trucks ever got 20 mpg, even when they were brand new. I get 17 mpg in my 4.0, cruising at 70 mph tops.
What kind of mileage do you get in the city?
About 15 mpg. But I mostly drive on the highway since it’s my work truck.
Sell it and get a 2.3L engine!
Aaron said:
Sell it and get a 2.3L engine!
I would’ve gone for the 2.3, but I needed the towing capacity.
Try replacing the O2 sensors and switching to full synthetic oil. That might help.
If it’s an automatic 2WD, check your tire pressure. My Ranger was super sensitive to low pressure, and it always affected mileage. Also, replacing the fuel filter might help. But the 3.0 engine is more about reliability than fuel efficiency.