A Couple Questions [Solved]

[Jhiggs33]

Hey guys I just had a couple questions regarding some upcoming repairs. I know both of these topics have been covered on the forum, but I just wanted some opinions before I start throwing money at unnecessary fixes. I'll preface this with I have a 96 SR5 on 265/75/16 and I have about a 1.5" lift.

First, I am having strange gas mileage issues. I average 8-10MPG around town at school, but on the freeway I'm getting 17-19MPG which to me seems like a really large gap. I have replaced the air filter, spark plugs and wires with Denso, replaced the bank 2 O2 sensor, and cleaned the MAF. I have read that fuel filter and injectors could be the culprit as well as the other O2 sensor even though it's not throwing a code. Any ideas on where to start?

Secondly, I have a leak coming from my passenger side caliper. I checked the lines and they're fine, and I thought about using this as an excuse to do the TBU but, I just replaced the pads and rotors 6 months ago so I think I am going to hold off on that. Should I look into buying a rebuild kit for my caliper or just bite the bullet and buy a new caliper all together? Is it worth the trouble?

Thanks for taking the time and I would really appreciate your input.

EDIT: Thanks for all of your help with my questions!

 

[Bijan]

Hey guys I just had a couple questions regarding some upcoming repairs. I know both of these topics have been covered on the forum, but I just wanted some opinions before I start throwing money at unnecessary fixes. I'll preface this with I have a 96 SR5 on 265/75/16 and I have about a 1.5" lift.

First, I am having strange gas mileage issues. I average 8-10MPG around town at school, but on the freeway I'm getting 17-19MPG which to me seems like a really large gap. I have replaced the air filter, spark plugs and wires with Denso, replaced the bank 2 O2 sensor, and cleaned the MAF. I have read that fuel filter and injectors could be the culprit as well as the other O2 sensor even though it's not throwing a code. Any ideas on where to start?

Secondly, I have a leak coming from my passenger side caliper. I checked the lines and they're fine, and I thought about using this as an excuse to do the TBU but, I just replaced the pads and rotors 6 months ago so I think I am going to hold off on that. Should I look into buying a rebuild kit for my caliper or just bite the bullet and buy a new caliper all together? Is it worth the trouble?

Thanks for taking the time and I would really appreciate your input.

What octane gas are you using? I would change fuel filter. Injectors...meh

In my opinion, don't spend $ on the same caliper. Get TBU.

 

[Kanoe]

Your Highway mileage seems to be average.

If your town driving is exclusively town driving, and if you do a lot of little short trips it might not be unexpected either. I presume it's cold where you are so probably lots of idling to warm up, and the truck always stiff and cold. if you only drive a couple of miles each way then I would expect what you are seeing.

Just give it a routine tune up if it is due. Just my thoughts.

 

[Rock_Rat]

I think most on here will agree that the TBU is one of the best mods you can do to your rig. Outside of regular maintenance, it was clearly my #1 mod.

 

[Jhiggs33]

What octane gas are you using? I would change fuel filter. Injectors...meh

In my opinion, don't spend $ on the same caliper. Get TBU.

Currently Running 87 (Regular) octane. And I'm thinking about it, not sure if I'm ready to spend the money though!

Your Highway mileage seems to be average.

If your town driving is exclusively town driving, and if you do a lot of little short trips it might not be unexpected either. I presume it's cold where you are so probably lots of idling to warm up, and the truck always stiff and cold. if you only drive a couple of miles each way then I would expect what you are seeing.

Just give it a routine tune up if it is due. Just my thoughts.

That actually makes a lot of sense. Most of my trips around school are probably less than a mile.

I think most on here will agree that the TBU is one of the best mods you can do to your rig. Outside of regular maintenance, it was clearly my #1 mod.

So I've heard. Maybe I'll let it leak for a while longer and save up. Thank you.

 

[Nate_GB]

Caliper rebuild kits are cheap. If you're going to do the TBU in the future, just rebuild the caliper that's leaking. You don't want to mess with bad breaks.

Gas mileage seems fine as has already been stated.

 

[thecole1098]

If you think fuel mileage is bad, always start with the basics. Do you have any codes? Have you checked your ST and LT fuel trims? Highway mileage seems decent to me and if you don't drive very long trips in the city it won't allow much time to get an average built up. Traffic doesn't help, either.

 

[Jhiggs33]

Caliper rebuild kits are cheap. If you're going to do the TBU in the future, just rebuild the caliper that's leaking. You don't want to mess with bad breaks.

Gas mileage seems fine as has already been stated.

Yeah I'll probably take that route. Do you happen to know which casting is on the 16" wheels? I know there are two different castings. I can take the wheel off if need be, but I'd rather not haha.

If you think fuel mileage is bad, always start with the basics. Do you have any codes? Have you checked your ST and LT fuel trims? Highway mileage seems decent to me and if you don't drive very long trips in the city it won't allow much time to get an average built up. Traffic doesn't help, either.

Yeah I think the gas mileage makes more sense now that I'm home for a few weeks and I'm getting more typical numbers. I guess the short drives at school don't help! Unfortunately I don't have a ScanGuage, though maybe this Christmas! So, I'm not sure about the ratios.

 

[mtbtim]

OP, sounds like you might do the TBU. [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I made a video for this job and hopefully it will help you out if you decide to do it. https://youtu.be/P8zy-j4UBUo

 

[Nate_GB]

Yeah I'll probably take that route. Do you happen to know which casting is on the 16" wheels? I know there are two different castings. I can take the wheel off if need be, but I'd rather not haha.

I don't know off the top of my head. You should be able to order using your year make and model or vin number though, without having the actual caliper "name."

 

[02gixxersix]

I have a mileage "issue" as well. I'm getting maybe 11 or 12 mpg around town, which is really around base at under 30 mph the whole time, so I'm not too concerned about it. I did the TBU and it stops on a dime with the 33s. Well worth the small investment. Mods for mileage gains are a huge waste of money IMO, so I might do a fuel filter and call it a day if it doesn't get better.