well cool, thanx for the info...like you said, thats why we are all here, to learn from each other. everybody has different experiances, and being able to tap into all that knowledge is what makes this site so cool!


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Drew, are you refering to a gear vendor overdrive ? If so what are your thoughts on that device. I have also been looking at it, but dont exactly understand the concept completly.

 

Okay, this may help shed a bit of light on your gear / tire / mileage/ put mo' moneaaa in my pocket dilema....

1 - The key to mileage is getting your truck to run in the flat part of the torque curve, NOT necessarily at the lowest RPM. Low RPM with a lugging engine produces three things, 1- wasted fuel, 2- crappy mileage, and 3- excess heat.

2 - Tall tires KILL mileage. Think about riding a ten speed bike. Try taking off from a stop with it in the highest gear.....takes a lot of effort (i.e. fuel) doesn't it. Same thing goes for your truck. Now, same gear and smaller tire = easier acceleration. The other thing with tires.....if you want mileage, ditch the bit manly MT's, AT's, and / or other aggressive tire. They KILL mileage. Get a set of highway ribs and you'll see a good improvement.

3 - The best thing you can do fo your mileage for the least amount of coin is properly maintain your vehicle. Check the tire pressure, change / clean the air filter, fuel filters, etc. Even if I don't change the air filter, I always blow it out with compressed air at each oil change.

4 - Don't forget, most folks (up north anyways) are running the winter blend right now. This sucks for mileage, so don't base your numbers on this compared to plain ole #2.

5 - Drew hit the nail on the head! The Gear Vendors OD unit is about the best way to get the best of both worlds. Lots of etra low end when needed and the extra OD for that highway roll.

 

How does a GV overdrive work on a 4WD?
Do the front wheel T-case gears just spin faster? Do you just have to make sure you aren't in overdrive when you lock it in 4WD?