Hello, a few months back I bought a standard 1999 ford ranger xlt stepside 3.0L v6. It is 4x4 and I am getting 20mpg city with it. I will be commuting to college with it and wanted to do a 3" body lift. So my question is how much will the 3" body lift affect mpg and handling on the highway?

Thanks in advance,
Tyler

 

Yes it will affect mileage. Anytime you lift a vehicle, add bigger tires its just working against you. Other factors after lift would be gearing also. Maybe some of the 3.0 guys will give you an idea of mileage. I would expect a 1-2 mpg drop minimum.

 

Yes, you will notice the effect. If it's a large concern don't do it, others with a 3.0 will have to comment on the power.

I bought a tuner to help my 4.0

 

x2

I look at it as a slight modification on an old saying:

If you have to ask......

 

lol i get better mpg than you currently do and im lifted on 33x12.5 mud tires but i also have a 4.0 and a tuner.

if you do some gearing, a tune, and routine maintenance, it shouldn't be a drastic hit on your mileage. Just gotta pay to play i suppose.

 

I'm not too concerned with the mileage, just handling on the highway.

 

the only thing i notice on my ranger on the highway, is that on windy days, i get pushed around a lot. on the interstate, watch out for big rigs. their drag is dangerous to tall vehicles. i have a 94 on a 3 inch body lift, and 32x11.50xr15's. it doesn't get super mileage, but it's not bad either. for what it is. be warned, however. if you do this, and attempt to load a riding lawn mower in your truck, that is a long drop. you will need to park with the rear end down in a drain ditch or something. there's a 3 inch drain ditch near my house, and i drop my rear tires in it, and then put my ramps on it. handling-wise, i think it's obvious that you shouldn't turn at high rate of speed, no sharp turns, and watch out for sideways inclines.

 

Started with a stock 2wd 3.0 getting about 20 mpg combined, converted to 4x4 and a body lift now it's around 18. Handles different with wind, less acceleration but I wouldn't want to go back.

 

i just recently lifted and threw on 33's

my mileage if i go easy on it is right around 16-17 city highway combined.

being winter and that its cold, im seeing 15-16.

if i dont go easy on it, and play in the snow a lot, 7-11 lmao.


handling is not a noticeable effect. handles the same imo.