Mpgs

I worked the last couple summers to buy myself a Toyota 4Runner. I've wanted one for years so the day I turned 16 I bought a 2003 4wd limited V8. My question is do you all have any suggestions for me to get better fuel mileage? It is completely stock right now. It came with the 17 inch rims and has the stock tire size. Any suggestions?

 

Regular tune ups and street tires is my only thought....

I had a 2003 4Runner with the 4.0 V6 and it had Michelin MS2's and I got around 19 to 20mpg. My current 2007 with the same motor and Cooper Discovery RTX tires I get around 17.8 mpg.

 

I have a 3" lift on my stock sized tires 265/65/17 with crappy street tread - I have the same vehicle as you 2003 v8 4Runner - have a K&N panel filter, the micro filter removed from top of stock airbox, and weld in Thrush Turbo Welded muffler and I do around 70% city driving and am averaging round 18.9 mpg hand calc, on my readout I'm constantly around 19.9-20.1. I'm actually so happy with my mileage I'm not in a hurry to get my larger tires until these wear out.

I'm getting better mileage with this v8 than I did with my 2004 v6 which amazes me but the v8 and the 5 speed auto seem to really really work well together!

For better mileage - keep your foot out of it down low - Helps more than anything else - then do fluid flush in tranny, differential fluid change, plugs go back with stock none of the gimmick plugs as they will foul quickly, and use your cruise control and don't sit and idle a lot.

What are you getting to make you hope for better mileage?

 

Mileage doesnt change with bigger tires... larger circumfrence isnt accounted for on your odometer. You actually travel farther than what the digital readout displays. Ive got 33"s and my milage hasnt changed a bit. I did however, lose a bit with my lift as it disrupeted the original airstream so there is more drag than the engineers had intended but i dont modify my rig to be more highway friendly. I like the look and i was able to handle moab quite well this year.

 

I've noticed on our V8 they seem to like a freer flowing exhaust. Might try adding a quality cat back exhaust onto it.
Also make sure all your service is up to date. Synthetic gear oil in the differentials and transfer case cant hurt, make sure the air filter is in good shape, spark plugs are fairly new etc etc. And of course make sure your tire pressure is about 35psi or so