Actually studies have proven that a hard cover will reduce drag. The debate
is driving with the tailgate down which creates turbulence thereby
increasing drag and decreasing gas mileage. Yet, a lot of folks just don't
believe that as they drive around town with the gate down or none at all.
Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD
For modifications see my DML Profile (URL follows)
http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/Kw9pV1EkFeOYY
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net]On Behalf Of Sevrence, Sean
(S.J.)
Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 6:18 AM
To: 'dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net'
Subject: DML: RE: Highway cruiser how-to???
Hey Punch!
First I would suggest a tonneau cover. Very light weight but keeps the wind
from gathering at the tailgate. I have gained 1.5mpg after installing mine.
I have re-verified those numbers often by simply rolling up the tonneau and
driving with the tailgate up. It never fails. I think the people that wrote
the study about this issue must have been funded by the oil companies ;) My
checkbook knows the difference!
As for the gearing, I would not go above the 3.92 gear set. 4.10's will turn
higher rpm's at the same speed, using more fuel. I am only pulling around
2200lbs with our pop-up camper, but the 3.92's are perfect. My '92 has the
standard 3.55's (which I'm guessing yours does) and I have pulled this
camper with it. Going into a head wind, it felt like I was driving a Yugo ;)
The 3.92's will help dramatically.
I have no experience with lowering the vehicle, other than that defeats the
purpose of a truck. The sway bars should not impact highway travel, only
cornering.
HTH!
Sean
'92 RC Sport 3.9L 5spd - 256,000mi!
'01 CC SLT+ 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD Mobil-1 - 48,700mi!
http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/DnuuSncssJujU
-----Original Message-----
From: Punch [mailto:2punch.crash2000@AHM.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 12:53 AM
To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
Subject: DML: Highway cruiser how-to???
Due to my new job (same company), and future re-location, I will be spending
sometime driving on the highways.
what is the best way to turn my 98 V6 sport into a nice highway cruiser?
change gearing to 4.10's
change to a less aggressive tread pattern during summer?
lower vehicle?
add better sway bars?
also my hill climbing speeds suck any ideas?
p.s. please keep in mind, I will be towing with this vehicle in the near
future, and need to drive during winter.
Punch
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