hey all:

Been some time since I posted here. Looks like my 98 dodge is going to be my daily driver for a while. I want to improve milage/extend life. Currently get about 9 mpg.
I currently have a 3 inch body lift with a 2 inch suspension lift. it has the 318 motor and 4.11 gears.
I was thinking of removing the 2 inch lift and going with 33 inch tires.
OR
I could change the gears to something better. Like 5.??
I think the gears is the way to go. But I know it will probably cost more. I need some input.
What is your opinion?
Thanks

 

Do you do any off-roading? If not, remove the lift, get 33'' or 285/75 tires and be happy.

 

I have a 94, 2wd, long bed, 318, 33s, 3" lift, and 3.92 gears and have averaged 13.8 mpg over the last couple months of light city driving and intense highway driving (mountains). Going to Flagstaff the net elevation change is 6000 ft. Going 80mph up I got 8.89 mpg and going 85 mph coming down I got 18.8 mpg.

The lift isn't an issue unless you're running freeway speeds most of the time, and if that is the case, you want smaller gears.

So I'd say:
City ----> get gears
Highway ----> keep gears, loose lift

Smaller tires are only going to help.

 

Some, but not much off roading. I could just get 33 inch tires, but now sure if it would look okay. What do you think?

 

Oh yeah, pull that lift off. Its an outdated look with the 15'' wheels.

 

So pull the lift and go with 33. Okay. I have been searching for a how to on removing a body lift and what to look for. Can someone post up a link?
Thanks

 

Since lifts are useful and must have cost $$ to install thus in my opinion worth keeping if done well... maybe you could aproach it from another angle like add an e-fan, posssible tuneup/plenum fix if necessary, manual hub conversion, etc while keeping the lift. They were saying that lifted truck in the xtreme thread got up to like 15-18mpg doing basically those mods and it has a 5.9l magnum I think. Freeingt up all that gas mileage like that sure as hell means the truck got faster at the same time too. win win.

 

i say send the lift to me and get gears lol

 

I purchased the truck with the lift. Dang truck just barely fits in my garage. After further thought, I think the best route is to pull the lift and go with smaller tires. Pulling lift will be minimal cost. 33 inch tires will be cheaper than 35. Gas milage should improve.
And I will not have to lift plywood over my head to get it in the bed.

 

If anyone is in northern cali, and wants the body lift. Help me pull it off, and it is yours. Oh yeah, you must supply the beer.