Hey all,

Just put my second tank of gas in my 01 Durango and figured out the fuel mileage. Only had it for 2 weeks and I'm getting 13.5 - 14 mpg. Decent for primarily city driving but I'd love to get a little more considering the cost of gas. A buddy at work mentioned he uses something called Freedom Fuel Additive. Supposed to increase fuel economy around 15-20%. He's been using it for about 6 months without problems but I'm a little leary to give it a go. I'd hate to ruin my engine in some fashion 'cause I love how it performs right now. Thoughts? Advice? Thanks.

 

From what users have posted about getting some extra MPG's, there are no cheap mods like fuel additives and such that can get you extra MPG's if your Durango is currently running in top condition. From what I have done to get slightly better mileage was to replace the stock paper air filter with a K&N stock replacement. Runs around $60 from NAPA for a 5.9 Durango. Otherwise, you may need to spend some money to permanently increase mpg's and how long it would take to recoup that money spent if you do get improved mileage. Users reported using a cold air intake and a improved cat back exhaust will give you better MPG's as well as extra HP's. Problaby having your PCM retuned or replaced with a performace PCM may help also. But some or all of these mods may not come cheap.

 

Yup, you're talking several hundred dollars for the CAI and a cat-back system which will improve you numbers slightly. You have to weigh the cost of the mods against the cost of fuel saved. It may take you awhile to recoup that money.....

 

Can you imagine how much money you could make if better fuel economy came in a bottle?

 

Yeah, it sounded a little fishy to me but I was willing to give it a try. Mostly because shortly after buying my D the gas mileage sucked!! I was getting around 11.5 (maybe 12) in the city and that was with some really, really soft driving. Anway, had the oil flushed and changed and whammo!! Whole new truck! Getting around 14 in the city now and just over 20 on the highway; all with regular driving. Not too worried about laying the hammer down now! Love the sound that V8 makes when you give it a good drink. [8D]

 

better gas mileage doesn't come in a bottle. start with a CAI, throttle body, cat back exhaust, upgrade plugs and wires, brass cap & rotor and hypertech tuner. Of course this costs $$$$$$, but anything worth it always does. I try to do one mod a month. that way no one goes hungry. oops. forgot headers and high flow cat. see there's always something ..... M1, super-charger, etc....

here's some sites that'll save you some $$$
http://www.thefastman.com
http://www.intenseperformance.com
http://www.hypertech.com
http://www.mrgasket.com

good luck

 

Is your Durango a 4.7 or 5.9? And what gear ratio does your D have?

 

I've got a 4.7 but I'm not sure how to determine the gear ratio. If you let me know I'll have a look and get back to you.

 

The only fuel additive I would even consider is "Techron" which can be bought at Chevron stations. It's the main cleaning additive in their gas and I personally know of several "certified" mechanics who use it, maybe once every 6 months or so....

 

should be marked in your glove box or check your rear axle on the drivers side.