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The Ultimate Fuel Economy XJ Thread

Old Mar 3, 2010 | 02:56 PM
  #1  
captainofiron's Avatar
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From: Austin, Texas
Year: 1991
Engine: 4.0 I-6 H.O.
Default The Ultimate Fuel Economy XJ Thread

Ok so maybe its not the ultimate, but together Im sure we can put together a great thread.

Anyways, I know some of the XJers here dont use their XJs as their daily driver, but I do, and I know some others out there do as well. But we all use gasoline, and if we can improve our fuel economy it would be great.

So in an effort to help out everyone from Lurkers to dedicated crawlers on here lets get to it.

My contributions are: (I dont have numbers to back up my ideas)
*Make sure your brakes are in good condition, drums adjusted, caliper mounts not worn
*Tires balanced
*Wheel bearings and suspension are in good condition
*Engine is a complex airpump, so the better you can move air in and expel it the more efficient it will run, so good exhaust, good intake, ported heads could help
*Ignition system is in good condition, hi perf wires, cap and coil will help efficiency by burning more fuel
*Ignitions box, 4Words: multiple sparks on power stroke
*Proper gearing for your lift

Any other ideas guys?
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 04:05 PM
  #2  
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From: Durango, Co
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Here's a couple simple things,
* proper air pressure in tires when running on highway( also heard nitrogin in tires helps but I'm not sure)
* a good clean air filter
* proper lubrication to all components, gears, engine, tranny, transfer case, also grease points.
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Mowow360
Here's a couple simple things,
* proper air pressure in tires when running on highway( also heard nitrogin in tires helps but I'm not sure)
* a good clean air filter
* proper lubrication to all components, gears, engine, tranny, transfer case, also grease points.
Yea that nitrogen is a good one, not many places use it, but hopefully it becomes more popular, I have read that nitrogen does not permeate the rubber as easily as compressed air does
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 04:50 PM
  #4  
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From: Centinnial, CO
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
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I just run a set of 215/75r15's while not wheeling and using it as a DD. if I am going wheeling i swap to a full set of 31's. kind of a PITA and a full set of tires can be a hassle to store for some but i get around 65 more miles out of a tank.

Good Oil and Filters help too
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 05:03 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by lestatsghost
I just run a set of 215/75r15's while not wheeling and using it as a DD. if I am going wheeling i swap to a full set of 31's. kind of a PITA and a full set of tires can be a hassle to store for some but i get around 65 more miles out of a tank.

Good Oil and Filters help too
Yea I dont have a garage in my condo, my only regret from moving, I really miss having a garage to put my serious toys hahaha
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 05:05 PM
  #6  
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From: Schnecksville, PA
Year: 94 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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Best fuel economy mod:

http://www.driveev.com/jeepev/home.php

I know...its a little extreme as mods go.
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 05:08 PM
  #7  
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From: marlton,south jersey
Year: 91
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
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Originally Posted by Howler_GT
Best fuel economy mod:

http://www.driveev.com/jeepev/home.php

I know...its a little extreme as mods go.
that cherokee has to be slow as hell
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 05:20 PM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by Howler_GT
Best fuel economy mod:

http://www.driveev.com/jeepev/home.php

I know...its a little extreme as mods go.
LOL
I saw on Cnet that they are converting an old 60s VW bug to all Electric drive, that is crazy stuff though, imagine doing some wheeling out in the middle of nowhere and oh crap my batteries are dead
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 06:53 PM
  #9  
wheeler's Avatar
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From: gig harbor, washington
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
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Originally Posted by captainofiron
LOL
I saw on Cnet that they are converting an old 60s VW bug to all Electric drive, that is crazy stuff though, imagine doing some wheeling out in the middle of nowhere and oh crap my batteries are dead

i think ide be saying a lot more then "oh crap" lol
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 08:08 PM
  #10  
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From: Virginia
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
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Originally Posted by captainofiron
LOL
I saw on Cnet that they are converting an old 60s VW bug to all Electric drive, that is crazy stuff though, imagine doing some wheeling out in the middle of nowhere and oh crap my batteries are dead
SOLAR PANEL ROOF-RACK
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 08:40 PM
  #11  
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5l I-4
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There are several techniques to max fuel mileage, unfortunately, you'd be driving the thing like a granny. Quality fuel, ignition system in good wroking order, good O2 sensors, non-binding brakes, properly inflated tires, everything lubed are pre-requisites. You could use synthetic engine oil & tranny fluid to minimize friction. I like driving stick, it's better on gas, my '96, however, could use a 6th gear. Further, any performance upgrade, such as CAI, larger throttle body, turbo, S/C and the like, uses more gasoline.
Then there's driving style: Stay at or slightly below speed limit, avoid sudden changes of the go-pedal, try to approach a traffic light without much braking so as to shift down to the highest possible gear without lugging the engine (1500+ rpm), try to park in such a manner that you can take off without having to back out, AND, generally, your fuel consumption is proportional with the distance of your right foot to the floor... I have heard of people getting 45+ mpg (Honda Accord) or 50% over EPA rating by driving like this.
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 09:30 PM
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Lets not forget aerodynamics. Git rid of the roof rack all together if you can, at the least get the space tire off the roof. Add a removable front air dam to divert air around the vehicle instead of going under it.

Also consider weight. Take everything out of the vehicle that you don't need. The less it weighs, the less fuel it takes to move it at any given speed.
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Old Mar 3, 2010 | 09:43 PM
  #13  
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From: Indianola IOWA
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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remove mechanical fan and put an electric one in. more power (yes i can feel) better mpgs
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Old Mar 4, 2010 | 10:38 AM
  #14  
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From: western new york
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 283K
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so did you use another fan out of a different jeep or aftermarket? Dual aftermarket setup?

Originally Posted by posjeepxj
remove mechanical fan and put an electric one in. more power (yes i can feel) better mpgs
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Old Mar 4, 2010 | 10:58 AM
  #15  
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From: Forest, VA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
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did you take the fan off the waterpump and put in an electric on the radiator?
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