%#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

ok so i recently bought for 135$ a 1989 dodge dakota 3.9Lv6 its a reg. cab 8ft bed 2wd
i believe has either std 3.21 or opt 3.55 gear has 23/75r15 and gets the same mpg as my 72 c25 292I6/4spd/with 5.13s! 14mpg.......i'd expect at least 17-18mpg
i did a tune up, changed tranny fluid, checked brakes for dragging, but cant break into the 15s.. what is wrong?! i bought this p/u for a fuel efficient DD so i can work on my 72 GMC truck.
the only thing thats maybe wrong is the smog pump has no belt on it(didnt think it'd matter)
are their taller tires i can swap on? any ideas or am i gonna have to get rid of this thing? thanks everyone sorry for such a long post/rant

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

Is it an automatic?

V-6 automatic is the WORST set up ever for fuel economy

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

yeah it is with OD, would seem that this proves that point lol i bought it hoping it'd help me in long run you know save money on gas put towards my c25. but thats not working. does 14mpg seem normal has 120k for miles
and i cant afford to sink money in this p/u as money and budget is real tight, me and my wife are expecting a baby boy in march:metal: shes outa work, and im working two jobs just to meet bills nevermind play with my gmc, and other rigs.
thinking maybe looking for another 4 cyl gmc/chevy s10 as my old one got 30mpg before the frame snapped and i had to junk it :( this is my first dodge and im regretting it!!

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

Best just swap the Dodge for another S10, Going taller tires may help a little on the high side but will be a wash in the low side.....

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

yeah guess i'll keep my eye out, maybe i'll get lucky think i need to check the fuel filter too, maybe thats a problem?

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

so i checked/topped off my fluids today, tranny,oil, coolant etc. and i noticed that at least 25% if not at least 35%, of all the cooling "fins" are gone in the radiator, its not leaking but its making me wonder if the temp gauge is accurate. will running hot kill mileage a lot?

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

That is about the best mileage that truck will get. Best go find an S10 and sell this one
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Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

get rid of dodge as soon as you can b4 tranny blows and you need to sink 2-3thousand in it to get it to move again

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

hate to tell ya but I have a 2003 quad cab with 3.9 and all she is worth is 13-14. No where near where I would have liked or hoped for. :(


and yes I am with all the rest of them sell it pronto!!!!!!!

Re: %#$@%$@ whats up with my mileage?
 

im guessing thats why first gear seems to "hold" for so long:lol: it wont shift till like 15-20mph and revs up high, however if i accelerate at a slightly faster rate it shifts normal... and im guessing if by 03 they haven't improved its a lost cause...
i agree i plan on getting rid of it, like i said i got it cheap but seems like i got my moneys worth, im looking at a newer canyon/Colorado with the 2.9l 5 spd. anyone have one or have any thoughts on it? thanks everyone