Hey Guys,
Newbie just bought 2wd single cab 3/4 ton.
What a truck! I have an old MBZ 300SD and
I couldn't believe the power this baby puts out
compared to a diesel Benz. Anyway to the point, I would
appreciate feedback on how to maximize the fuel
mileage with performance mods and the like without sacrificeing
reliability and try to stay within a $750.00 budget??????

I have a cabover camper (8') I intend to use and will be towing
a 17' boat. Any ideas what mileage i might expect hauling on the flat.

BTW: What about the trans, any concern here??????????
Thanks,
Bryan

 

First off, welcome to DTR!

For base fuel mileage, you'll probably see anywhere from 19-23 highway empty, it all depends on how heavy your right foot is.
For some simple mods, I'd start out with a boost and pyro gauge. Monitoring your pyro temps is crucial when towing. If you want, throw in a tranny temp gauge in there too. Next is the BHAF (big honkin air filter). Its a much bigger than stock air filter and it flows much better than the stock setup. I'm not too sure on the auto tranny since I have the 5 speed, but from what I understand, the auto trannies on these trucks are solid. Its the garbage torque converter thats the problem. A DTT 89% torque converter is popular around here and the guys who run them like them and they say its a great improvement over stock. The converter will probably break the budget but from what I hear, its well worth the money.

Im just guessing on your towing/loaded mileage so don't yell at me if you don't get what I've predicted , but anywhere from 12-15mpg sounds about right.

If you want more power, there is plenty in the injection pump. Now tweeking the pump will decrease the mileage (more fuel=less mileage), but its not a crazy drop, maybe 1-2 mpg.

If you need more info, ask away.

 

OK...... Im in with gauges and a new TC. Budget be damned!
After reading more of the posts on this site I have decided to
make the reliabilty changes and the other mods to enhance
mileage/performance. I am planing on doing BHAF and exhaust
mods. I have the BHAF figured out, I am looking to do exhaust
mods without getting to loud. Should i go to my local muffler
shop or go with one of these on-line companies??? $$$$
(all ideas welcome)
Next looking for adjustments that i can do to the inj pump,
again not really looking to increase power so much, just
want to maximize fuel mileage. I would, if possible, like to
have a base line starting point for whatever screw adjustments
i will need to do. (again all ideas welcome)
Thanks in advance!
Bryan

 

Not many local exhaust shops can do custom work any bigger than 2.5". Better to buy a kit.

Pump adjustment info can be found in the tech facts section of the site, as well as in the forums. Poke around a bit and you will find a lot of info. Advancing the timing will make the most dramatic improvement to mileage. With stock fueling you will want a smaller exhaust housing for the turbo, as advancing the timing hurts spool-up some.