Guys - After extensive searching of trucks, I just bought a 2004 (maybe it's a 2004.5) with the HO motor and a 48RE transmission & 3:73 rear end.

From my understanding, the 2004.5 has a smog cat on the vehicle and that the 2004 did not have this cat.

I did a quick search on mpg and some are claiming 12 to 14 mpg for a 2004.5 where as guys with a 2004 state they get 16 to 18 mpg. Is the 2004.5 that much worse? Is so, what can be done? Can improved, less restrictive exhaust help the MPG? How much will a smarty do for me?

Thanks for all your help.

Scott

 

I have a 2004.5 with the 6-speed manual and I average between 18 and 22 empty and 15-18 loaded. I put about 80 miles a day on it and commute from 8200 ft elevation down to 5200 ft and back up. If others are reporting 12-14, they're either driving like they're at the track or pulling huge loads. I average about 70mph usually. I have moticed that anything over 70mph and the MPG's drastically fall.

 

I get 16-17 MPG unloaded with 4.10 gears. Pulling my trailer I get 12 MPG.

 

Thanks - that gives me a little relief. I am hoping to get 16 to 18 mpg when staying under 70 mph.

I agree with you on the driving style, amazing how I can drive my friend's ford and get 3 mpg better than him.

 

I get 16-17 MPG unloaded with 4.10 gears. Pulling my trailer 10,000 lb, I get 13 MPG.

 

I WISH I could get 2004.5 mpg

 

rpms while cruising are key also

 

At 60-65 I get 21+ MPG consistently. 70-75 MPH it's more like 19 MPG. Loaded with my 2000 lb. slide-in camper I get 15-16.

 

`04.5, 6 speed, 3" levelin kit, 35", quadcab, longbed w/cap...best I ever got was 16.1. Last tank I got 12.2....I admit to mattin it a bunch of times, but I didn`t tow anything. Average is 14.2, the it`s always been for me...

 

I have been getting from 14-16.5 mpg. Most of my driving is city. At hwy speeds I will get into the 17 mpg range. My overhead always reads higher then hand calculations.

 

Normally average 13.5-14.5, 16 by the overhead guesser. Never seen a tank over 17 no matter how I baby it. Normally get 8.5-9.5 when pulling my 12k 5'ver. I'm happier if I just watch the guesser and never really check the true mileage. I have been running 33's since new so I know that is affecting mileage.

 

Speed is key and watching the boost guage. Keep it under 10 lbs of boost and at 69 MPH or lower and you will get the best fuel mileage. If I go 70 MPH it is not bad but if I go 75 MPH on the interstate it will start sucking the fuel down.

 

I have a 2004.5 and I hand calculated 19.5 on a 500 mile trip down to oregon and back. I drove back and forth on one tank and i still have a little less then a quarter in the tank. I had 5 people a full tank of diesel and about 1000 pounds of equipment. So those guys don't know what they are talking about.

 

The guys that are reporting lower mileage have leveling kits and/or oversize tires. That will kill your mileage. Keep it stock and you will see up to 22 MPG.

 

i got a 2004.. the best ive ever got was 22mpg. i do alot of higway driving and it usually stays around 20 unless i am towing my boat and than i get 19..not that bad