Gas mileage 2wd-4wd

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Jan 11, 2011 | 08:54 PM
  #1  
I bought some "Gunk Gas Mileage Increaser" from walmart because it was on sale for $2. I added it to my tank when there was a quarter tank left and drove around for about 20 miles. I then filled up and since there's been a crazy snow storm going on, I drove the entire tank in 4 hi. I calculated my MPGs and noticed that I got 15 city with a moderately heavy foot. I get 12mpg with a light foot in 2wd. WTH is going on here?!?!
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Jan 11, 2011 | 09:38 PM
  #2  
Don't expect anything from the mileage increaser, $2 snake oil. I lose about 30% mileage when in storm conditions and 4 wheelin. Take your mileage readings over a couple weeks and several tank fills to improve accuracy.
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Jan 11, 2011 | 09:45 PM
  #3  
Quote: Don't expect anything from the mileage increaser, $2 snake oil. I lose about 30% mileage when in storm conditions and 4 wheelin. Take your mileage readings over a couple weeks and several tank fills to improve accuracy.
Good idea. I just can't believe the fact that I'm getting higher MPG's in 4wd than in 2wd.
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Jan 11, 2011 | 09:48 PM
  #4  
I get 22mpg average in my 2wd xj
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Jan 11, 2011 | 10:09 PM
  #5  
Quote: I get 22mpg average in my 2wd xj
I'd believe it lol! You don't have any of that extra weight from the transfer case and front drive shaft! Not to mention you don't have the front drive shaft continuously spinning.

I'd love to have a 2wd XJ just for the mileage!
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Jan 11, 2011 | 10:54 PM
  #6  
Lol mpg difference between the two is so little its not even worth it. proper tire size will get you the best mpg, switching to 31s dropped mine from around 22 ~ 23 to 16 ~ 17
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Jan 11, 2011 | 11:11 PM
  #7  
Quote: Lol mpg difference between the two is so little its not even worth it. proper tire size will get you the best mpg, switching to 31s dropped mine from around 22 ~ 23 to 16 ~ 17
yeah the 31s killed my mileage... But they're well worth it in the snow and when it comes to how much better they look on my XJ
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Jan 12, 2011 | 09:44 AM
  #8  
Quote: Good idea. I just can't believe the fact that I'm getting higher MPG's in 4wd than in 2wd.
I don't calculate my mileage in MPG, but I've noticed I get considerably higher mileage when I'm in 4x. I thought I was nuts at first, but I've heard the same from a few other people now.

I was averaging 320 km's per tank in 2w (I believe I have a 60litre?). Now I'm getting mid 400's.

Is something wrong?
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Jan 12, 2011 | 09:58 AM
  #9  
So you drive the same way in the snow in 4x4 as you do when it's dry in 4x2? Speed is the difference, I'd bet. Plus the fact the you're probably not accelerating as hard in the slick conditions.

I get 22mpg tank in-tank out in my 97 4x4 running in 4x2. I also never go above 65mph and accelerate very slowly.

Your right foot is 90% of your gas mileage.
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Jan 12, 2011 | 10:01 AM
  #10  
To be honest, I haven't changed my driving habits at all. I still have a lead foot. And I average 130km's on the hwy regardless of the conditions..so roughly 80mph
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Jan 12, 2011 | 11:44 AM
  #11  
I only get 185-200 mpg and that is on the highway! It has been like that for a while even before the 4.5in of lift and 31's....i think. And i have never been able to get more than 14 gallons into the tank which is odd I wasn't even sure they made different sized tanks for the cherokees but could be wrong. Steady like 12 mpg and less even after a freshly redone head and all the parts coming up from there. Are most people getting that bad of mpg?
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Jan 12, 2011 | 01:48 PM
  #12  
of the 2 XJ's I have with stock size tires (235's) one being 2wd and the other 4wd I get the same mileage on the hiway with both of them. They will average right at 20 mpg.

My 93 with 33's and 3.55's that i dont drive on the hiway gets averages a whopping 7mpg per tank.
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Jan 12, 2011 | 02:22 PM
  #13  
I was getting around 18-22 mpg avg in my 2wd before i lifted it.. Now not so much lol
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Jan 12, 2011 | 08:33 PM
  #14  
Quote: I don't calculate my mileage in MPG, but I've noticed I get considerably higher mileage when I'm in 4x. I thought I was nuts at first, but I've heard the same from a few other people now.

I was averaging 320 km's per tank in 2w (I believe I have a 60litre?). Now I'm getting mid 400's.

Is something wrong?
Yeah it's weird, maybe the transmission has lower shift points while in 4wd? That's really all I can think of
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Jan 12, 2011 | 08:36 PM
  #15  
Quote: So you drive the same way in the snow in 4x4 as you do when it's dry in 4x2? Speed is the difference, I'd bet. Plus the fact the you're probably not accelerating as hard in the slick conditions.

I get 22mpg tank in-tank out in my 97 4x4 running in 4x2. I also never go above 65mph and accelerate very slowly.

Your right foot is 90% of your gas mileage.
Im 16 of course I drive the same in the snow in 4wd as I do on dry pavement in 2wd! I've never had a problem with traction in 4wd so I drive pretty much the same as I would if the roads were clear. I was in a mix of regular driving and stop and go traffic with that tank so I really don't know what the cause for higher mileage is.
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