26 messages,
Last post on Jul 17, 2009 at 8:10 AM
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Dodge Ram-2010 and older Forum.
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Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Performance Mods, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Truck
#17 of 26 RAM 1500 mileage improvements
by minardi
Nov 13, 2008 (11:53 am)
What type of synthetic did you use, and what viscosity? I've been running basic dino Valvoline or Pennzoil 5W20(as recommended). I was reluctant to make the switch to synthetic, figuring that if it didn't give any mileage improvements, I was stuck using it forever. At 7 qts. a shot, it's not cheap! BTW, how did you measure your mileage? Hopefully not by the trip computer.
#18 of 26 Miles and Just Slow Down
by dustyk
Nov 28, 2008 (8:47 am)
The 4.7 motor is built to exceptionally tight tolerances. This is a very reliable and smooth engine, and in my opinion the best Chrysler has ever built from a reliability standpoint. Like many others, I found that gas mileage continued to improve the more miles it accumulated. At 133,000 miles, I typically get 17 MPG around town and 20 highway (summer) in my Dakota. On interstate highway trips I reliably get better than 22 MPG and have broken 23 a number of times. I ease away from traffic lights as well as up to road speed. I use 5W-30 motor oil in the summer, 0W-30 synthetic in the winter and maintain 34 psi tire pressures. I do not have a cold air intake or K&N.
I believe the 5.7 Hemi is susceptible to long break-in as the 4.7. Of the four Hemi Ram owners I know, they seem to be in agreement that the mileage is getting better with mileage. One fellow I work with averages 19 unloaded on the New York State Thruway in his 4x4 2006 Quad Cab.
Best regards,
Dusty
Nov 29, 2008 (8:01 am)
search hho generators it really works, 30-40 % increases
#20 of 26 RAM 1500 mileage improvement
by minardi
Dec 04, 2008 (7:09 am)
Thanks Dusty,
I too once owned a 4.7(2000 Durango) and had no complaints at all. Good power and decent economy. I followed that with an '02 Durango(5.9 because not many 4.7's left when I traded). Mileage was much worse and performance about the same. I recently switched my Hemi to full synthetic oil and added an "Airaid" throttle body spacer and air filter. Average mileage actually improved after the Airaid install, from an average of 13 to a legitimate 16. Didn't notice any change after the oil switch, which was done first. The guys at Airaid were very helpful and honest. I told them I was after mileage, not performance, and they recommended the least costly setup, after advising me that the more elaborate systems are designed to boost hp and generate more noise, while not necessarily improving mileage. So far, so good.
#21 of 26 saving mpg
by simmey
Mar 02, 2009 (8:32 am)
I cant beleive what i am hearing about saving gas. i bought my 01 ram 1500 5,9liter because i love my dodge. and it pulls my camper and my boat down the road at 60mph i avarage 8 mpg. and that dont bother me. all i did was put a drop in k&n air filter in for better take off. cuase pulling 2 trailers a little help dont hurt. If you want to get better mpg buy a 4 cylinder.
#22 of 26 new engine bad bad fuel
by dbritch
May 09, 2009 (1:47 pm)
My 1999 was stolen they trashed it so i rebuilt the engine 5.9 i was getting 15 17 to the gal now i cant run low octain, it knocks and pings when i get on it only 93 94 octain works it will suck it dry at 309 every time thats all the miles i can get out of any tank city hwy does not matter its smooth but iv also got some transmisson slipage kinda thing going on in there it grinds a little in take off but runs perfict after 3 mi hr 4x4 slt larime black tinted windows sweet ride toner cover with mud and snow tires oversize fit everything new on the breaks to the spindal so im sure its not drag hate to put a new trans to what to do ???
May 15, 2009 (7:13 pm)
I have an '03 1500 Hemi Quad, which I bought new in '03. I got 12-13 mpg, was told it would get better as it "loosened up" with more mileage. Since then, I have put a true CAI on it (made it myself), Magnaflow cat-back duals, Superchips programmer, Edelbrock headers. I've only got 44k miles (mostly highway) on it, but figure it should be "loosened up". After several hundred (thousand?) $, the mpg has "improved" all the way up to 12-13, regardless of how I drive it. Ya-hoo!! However, it does have quite a bit more "umph", sounds great, and I looove it. I have a friend with a bowtie SS 8.1; he can get me off the line, 'cause his AWD keeps him from spinning while mine sits and smokes the tires with the rear fishtailing, but once my tires grip, I'm past him soon. The only complaint I have is it has the 3.53 rearend, and the engine seems to be lugging. I believe if it had the 3.72 that some came with, it actually would get better mileage, because the engine would be turning freer, and the Hemi is rated at high rpms. Just my thinking.
May 17, 2009 (6:21 pm)
you might have something there. but the proper rear end ratio is 3.55 or 3.92
#25 of 26 seat belt locks
by maxamus
Jul 17, 2009 (8:10 am)
Hi, my 1998 dodge ram pick up has a strange problem.
After driving about 20-30 miles the seat belt light comes on and you cant move, the belts just lock, but if i open the door everything works ok again and the light goes out untill i drive another 20-30 miles.
Any ideas as its not very safe opening doors whilst driving.
Thanks
Lee