How to Improve the Gas Mileage on a 2.9 Ford Ranger

Save your bank account and the environment by inreasing your gas mileage.

The 2.9 liter, V-6 engine made its Ford Ranger debut in 1986 and replaced the previous 2.8L engine. With its new engine, the Ranger saw an increase of 40 horsepower, which also created a small sacrifice in fuel efficiency. The EPA rates the original 2.9L Ranger at approximately 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. If you own a Ranger equipped with the 2.9 liter engine (produced between 1986 and 1993), there are a number of ways you can help improve your truck's fuel economy.

Instructions

1. Maintain your Ranger regularly. Change the oil about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Replace your regular oil with a good synthetic to reduce friction and improve the engine's efficiency.

2. Uninstall any aftermarket accessories including tires and wheels that are larger than stock, toolboxes, roll bars, additional external lighting such as cab lights, skid plates and lift kits. All of these can reduce your gas mileage.

3. Obey the speed limit. Whenever you drive your Ranger beyond 60 mph, you decrease its fuel economy. Every 5 mph over 60 equates to an additional 24 cents per gallon of gas.

4. Remove any excess cargo from the bed or cab before you head out, as the extra weight will translate to less gas mileage.

References

• Edmunds: Ford Ranger History
• U.S. Department of Energy: 1986 Vehicles by Ford
• U.S. Department of Energy: Driving More Efficiently
• Federal Trade Commission: Good, Better, Best - How to Improve Gas Mileage