I was curious how effective changing gear ratios would be in increasing the MPG for the dakota. I really don't care about power so much as efficiency and with gas prices this summer rumored to reach around $4/gallon I'm trying to eek out as much distance between visits to the pump. Let me know if and how any of you guys have had any success with this or if its just a lost cause.
Thanks

 

How much gas do you go through? It'll cost you $500 to swap out the ring/pinion, so you'll need to drive a lot to recoup that cost. $1000 if you've got a 4x4.

If you drive 6000 miles at 14mpg and swap ratios and gain 1mpg, you're only going to save about $115. But you'll be in the hole $400 due to the gear swap. Plus your towing ability and accelleration will suffer. Oh, and you'll have to get your speedo recalibrated.