mpg question
 

hi im not new here just like sufering around havent posted much. the truck i have is a 1994 chevy 1500 4x4 reg cab short bed with the v6. The truck is a w/t version and also does not have a/c AND HAS 3.73 gears.

My question is im my mpg is in the range of 17-18 once got as high as 20 and im driving it very easy, yes im 19 but im driving it real easy. ive read things on here that people with the 5.7 are getting about the same. The only thing i can think of is the 3.73 gears are holding be back. the truck is also complety stock and has a little over 150,000 miles on it. Is the mpg normal? i mean the truck doest even have a/c. Also are there any cheap things i good do to help out the milage.

the airfiter is clean and oil is changed regulary thanks

Re: mpg question
 

Hi Jay. That's not real bad mileage for the truck. A lot of people over the years have spec'd a truck with a 4.3 6 cyl expecting it to get 4 or 5 mpg more than a V8 and they won't get that. The 4.3 in this truck is only factory rated at 1 more mpg than the 5 lt in the gov mpg ratings I've seen.
Check out the gov mpg ratings for yourself.

http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Things you can do to help are to adjust your driving habits.
Avoid fast starts
avoid long idle times such as warmups in the cold weather. Idleing = 0 mpg
Up tire pressures
run stock size tires and wheels
Keep front end aligned
avoid hauling around excess weight
Lower your speed by 5 miles per hour

These things don't cost anything but can save you gas.

Re: mpg question
 

another is to, when you see a red light start slowing down way in advance and learn to time it, so you dont come to a complete stop. starting a vehicle from a stop requires much more fuel than a rolling one.

Re: mpg question
 

I was looking very seriously at new trucks in 2005. The 4.3 and the 4.8 was the same MPG on the highway. One thing I did notice when test driving them, the V6 RPM was about 400 more at 60 than the 4.8. So I think you are thinking right about your gearing setting you back abit. Like the other posts you are doing pretty good with your numbers. I had a 93 with a 5 speed, 2WD, and V6 and I only got 20 MPG in it. I had a 1990 5.7 4x4 shorty and got 15 MPG.