1997 Fuel Tank Capacity? (31 or 35 gallons)
 

Can someone clarify how big the fuel tank is on a 1997 4x4 2500.

Trying to figure out my MPG. Thanks

I always thought it was 36.

A long bed is 35, not sure of the short bed. Confused as to the mpg thing. Tank size has nothing to do with computing mpg. Divide the number of gallons used into the miles driven since the last fillup. For instance, my last fillup took 62 gallons and I had driven 950 miles. 15.3 mpg towing.

You aren't one of the new generation that doesn't know which direction clockwise is are you?[laugh]

From the '96 manual-
Standard cab = 26 gal
Extended cab = 35 gal

OK, you embarrassed me into going out into the cold and looking at my owners manual. It says 35 gallons, no difference in bed length or cab size.

It's a long bed & extended cab so it's got the 35 gallon.

Another question for you guys then:
At what capacity does the fuel light come on at? (how many gallons are left in that 35 gallon tank?)

Mine comes on with WELL OVER 5 gallons left.

*Disclaimer: My fuel light may be different than your fuel light! [roll]

When mine was new it came on with 5 gallons. When the first sender quit the light came on with about 15. The first new sender turned the light on with 7 gallons, which I remember reading somewhere was where it was supposed to be. The second new sender switched the light on with 8 gallons and the one I have now turns the light on with 6. The only way to find out when yours comes on is to drive it till the light comes on with the truck level, then fill the tank. When it gets low, going down an incline or stopping quickly will illuminate the light prematurely. As time goes by the sender will wear out and the light may come on with a lot of fuel in the tank, or none at all.

Mine takes right at 28-1/2 gallons when the light comes on, puts it at 6-1/2 gallons remaining.

Tank size is irrelevant. You need to fill it up, reset the trip minder, then at the next fill up divide the number of miles the trip minder reads by the number of gallons you put in to get it back to full. Any other way is simply playing a guessing game.

John

Never really thought about it but my truck only takes 20 gal after the light comes on.

My "95 comes on at three gallons left, according to the owner's manual.

Since there appear to be no pre-98 12V with shorts beds at all, the tank capacity should be 35.

Only when the cab change came in 98 were there any short bed trucks.

Ronnie

My 1997 2500 owners manual says 36 gallons.

I guess I am old fashioned or maybe just a boyscout at heart, I never let mine get below 1/4 tank. Easier on the wallet, not to mention getting stuck in traffic and running out keeps me doing it that way. MAN it sure would suck running out of fuel when its c-o-l-d out. LOL

Jim

I should have restated my question. I'm trying to figure out how many miles I can safely expect out of a full tank of fuel.
I'm looking at about 500 miles between fill ups right now, kinda disappointed, my 24 valve was more like 600 between fill ups.

The difference is probably the 4WD. The differential on your 97 might be 4.10and the other was 3.54 to get that mileage probably. Different size tires maybe? You may drive the 97 a little differently becasue it is bombed. Lots of things determine mpg.