Quest for lost MPG's

[OHP]

When I bought my 04 V8 4R I was getting about 16mpg around town, which I think is acceptable for a 4x4 V8. Then, thanks to this forum, I got the bug to start moding and start off roading. So I started with a lift and a set of BFG A/T KO's 265/70/17. Well the wheeling doesn't happen because I don't have time and I do love the way it looks, but now I'm getting about 11mpg's driving back and forth to work, which constitutes about 90% of my driving. That's hand calculated with adjustment for larger tires.

So now I'm on a quest to recover my lost mpgs. I want to pose a few solutions to the forum and see what you guys might think and suggest.

1.The BFG's are heavier and taller than the stock 265/65/17's. I'm considering going back to an all season stock size or 265/70/17. (Possibly BFG Rugged Terrain) Is the mileage reduction caused more from the extra weight and aggressive tread on the BFG's, or is the added diameter a big factor as well?

2.I'm considering removing the lift. (Daystar 2.5/1.5) Does added height to an SUV really make a difference in mpg's? I can see how the more exposed under carriage could cause more drag, but an SUV's underside is already pretty exposed.

3. Other mods and maintenance that I'm considering: High flow filter, MAF Cleaning, High Flow Exhaust, Remove Roof Rack, Change diff/transfer fluids to synthetic, new plugs, HCF delete. Will any of these items help mpg's enough to make them worth the trouble?


Thanks for any opinions any of you guys might have.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Time to buy a Prius bro. Even a 2 MPG difference is nearly nothing compared with 45-50 daily. I'm not suggesting you sell, rather that you get a different DD.

 

[fish0281]

1) weight and tread pattern affect efficiency, weight being the biggest hitter most likely. Minor weight changes at the wheel havea larger impact because it's rotational mass (the engine sees this and drag the most).
Have you checked your alignment recently? Also. Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure for road driving.

2) doubt this would change anything at all.

3) do all the cleaning & maintenance stuff (especially fluids), it will not hurt and is cheap. I doubt a new exhaust will do anything. Might even hurt things if it's not Toyota.

4) winter gas sucks, not sure if that's a concern in your neck of the woods though.

5) not sure if you noticed, but you've got a huge boat on your hitch and that is sure to butcher your mpg!

 

[OHP]

Thanks for the responses. I have consider buying another daily driver but that cash would put gas in the 4runner for a couple of years and a car payment would defeat the purpose.
A savings of 3mpg's almost pays for new tires over a year and I'm pretty sure I can get a decent amount on CL for the BFG AT's. I can't decide if I should stick with the 265/70's or go back down to 265/65. I like having the lift but I wonder if the larger diameter is hurting mpg's enough for it to matter, and if the lift is hurting mileage at all.

 

[BrianSD_42]

265/70's or go back down to 265/65.

the difference is very small. I doubt it will effect MPG much.