pete97

I'm looking at getting a 3rd Gen 2003-2005. What was the best year for fuel mileage? It will be a 4wd truck. Not sure on a Long Bed or Short Bed. Any suggestions? Anyone know the length of the Quad Cab long bed and Quad Cab Short Bed? Thanks Pete

MikeyB

'03-04 models. Especially with the standard output (250hp) engine with the 5spd manual.

MikeyB

pete97

How much difference between the 03-04 and the 05's? I might go look at a 2005 SLT Auto SB 4wd with 44,000 miles on it. They want 25,500.

MikeyB

Just a rough guess with all things equal about a 1-2mpg difference between the '03-04 HO (305hp) and the 04.5 and newer. With the SO even more.

With my HO/6spd/2wd I'm getting around 16-17mpg for city driving and 21-22mpg highway. This is with the SMARTY set to level 5.

MikeyB

pete97

Ok thanks. Pete

yfz431

I have an '05 auto 58000 miles, consistantly avg 13-14 mpg city, 18-21 highway. Good luck.

pete97

Well that truck sold. Everytime I find one worth going to look at it is sold when I call. Pete

buffalobob

i have 05 6spd qc sb and overall average 19-20 combined. all stock. towing 20k gooseneck drops to 10-11.

06megacabman

The other thing to consider if it means anything to you is in 04.5 they went with the CAT where as pre ones did not have one.

SOhappy

..and the stock tires at max psi w/3.73 gears. Can hit mid 20s with the auto and that set-up.

pete97

Thanks everyone. Hopefully if my truck sells this weekend and I can find the right truck I'll be in a 3rd Gen soon. Pete

C Schomer

My 03 4.10 gets the same mpg that my 97 3.54 got. Craig

HotRodK

I own both an '04 and an '06. The '04 gets MUCH better mileage than the '06. Im getting high 16s low 17s in town in the '04 vs high 12 low 13s in the '06. Highway is 19-21 in the '04 vs 17.xx in the '06. Both were run on the Bull Dog Performance setting. And yes these are hand calculated, not overhead readings.

The only thing I prefer about the '06 is the large Nav screen, which Im working on...

gsbrockman

I really love the room of my MegaCab, but I really miss the fuel economy of my ol' 305*555 !

BamaTJ

I have heard the 03-04.5 trucks get the best. No cat, SO motor. I know my 07 Mega brings the suck on the mileage. A lot of people brag on the mileage of these trucks and most are using overhead readings and not hand caclulating. If I used my overehead readings I would be happy, but that is a fairy tale