Miles per gallon drop off

Ok, so in the city I have dropped off from around 15.5(min)-17 to 14.5. Not good.

I recently added a 3 inch lift (can't see how that would matter), and new Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors 265/75R16 123's . I had the same size but worn down BFG's before. Except I don't think the load factor was 123. But I'm not sure. I am running them at 35 psi as this is what Discount Tire (American Tire if you are in CA), recommends.

Also, I have been noticing a squeaking noise that happens after I have been on the brakes, but not while I am on them. It emanates from the left front wheel. It was happening before the new lift and tires. When I had the truck up for the lift, I could spin that wheel and hear some sort of friction. Like an idiot I did not go to the other side to see if the same thing happened. Has anyone else heard this noise when you have the truck up and on the jack, or after braking?

So anyway, could the tires be the culprit? Is it possible that the noise and possible friction could be aiding this, or not related? Theories? I would appreciate anything.

Thanks.

 

I have the same friction sound when the truck is up and I spin the wheel. As for the mileage drop, it could possibly be the tires and the lift would add some wind resistance. Maybe some bad gas, air filter need replaced?, CEL?, could be alot of things.

 

The 3" lift could cause a drop in mileage....depends on what or how you're driving.

Since you have a 2002 truck - have you had routine maintenance done recently? Checked air filter? How old are you spark plugs/wires? Have you thought about running some fuel injector cleaner in the gas?

Squeek...could be multiple things. Do you offroad with your truck?
Try driving backwards and step on the brakes a few times. Possibly something (rock) stuck in your caliers.

Are your brake pads good?

Another thought.... your anti-squeel mechanism could be wearing out if your pads are older but still in good shape. Anti-squeel mechanisms are different on different vehicles. Some have metal shims while others use a paint-like spray. Over time, the shims can flatten out and the spray wears off. You can easily apply new anti-squeel to your pads if you feel adventurous enough to do it. I've done it multiple times on my jeep.

 

Ok, so the gas mileage drop off has not changed. No surprise I guess. I had recently put in a gas cleaner, so I ruled that one out. I have no idea when or even if the wires or spark plugs have been changed (I'm the third owner). I also recently got a new air filter.

So I am chalking this up to the new heavier tires and increased wind resistance due to the lift. But I did want to ask you Toy4, did you have a drop off in MPG with the new tires and lift?

So what I am thinking is that I will replace the spark plugs and wires, and if the budget will allow I am thinking about putting a K&N Cold Air Intake on it. But a buddy of mine told me recently that the stock intake on a Tacoma is actually better than most cold airs you buy, including K&N. True?

As far as the breaks, I think there may be an issue with the wear indicator. Need to get in to that and find out someday soon.

 

Just for giggles check your front bearings. Sometimes changing chassis dynamics from original can create lateral forces that didn't exist before..just 4 safety-

 

I didn't notice a mileage drop that I could blame on the lift. I get the CEL at random for the rear o2 sensor which slightly affects the fuel economy. I still track my fuel economy with the bigger tires, but the numbers aren't too helpful since the the speedo and odo are incorrect.

As for the brakes, they're realatively easy to take apart and put back together. you can check and/or replace the pads w/o removing the calipers. If the rotors and pads seem o.k., get a tube of anti-squeal compound for a couple bucks and apply it to the back of the break pads (where they make contact with the pistons) and see if that helps.

 

They are sealed bearings, how do you check them?

 

Thanks Toy4.

The noise existed before the lift. Sorry, I should have said that.

 

Remove wheel, spin rotor with ear tuned to where said squeal resonates from-and you can (WEAR GOGGLES) visually check the warning sensors as you spin to see for contact to rotor. Wear sensors are flat metal tangs protruding off the side of brake pads with an end that curves in the direction of the rotor and as pads wear down they grow closer and eventually touch the rotor to make a nasty screaming noise. At any rate, you should run it in to the mechanic because any noise from that area deserves attention.

 

My apologies Flaadog-you actually did say the noise was there before the lift in your first post--mybad for skimming instead of reading--also HOWDY NEIGHBOR!! I just noticed your town- I'm up here in da city! I was feelin' like the lone ranger here for a while! Anyway- if you're considering custom exhaust I got a guy in your town who's awsome-but I'm 'jacking your thread-lemme know-

 

Howdy back. Good to see someone close by on this site. Thanks for the tip on the exhaust. Good to know. Any idea what type of price it might end up being? Ballpark.

 

Yup- from the catalytic to the tip is around $500. I already hd the muffler I wanted so he only charged me $250 from the muffler back. Best part-he fasions your exhaust any way you like-or let him do his thing..he's like the "American Chopper" dude of Pacifica! I told him he needs to advertize the idea that he's a custom exhaust genious-he's in his late 30's now and I had him installing duals on 3 different cars when he was working under his Pop at 16 yrs old! Pacfica Muffler-Volvo on Palmetto Drive is the place..he's Larry. Tell him Frank with the black Tacoma sent you. By the way the $250 was for twin pipes custom mandrell-bent my way with two chrome-stainless 3" angle cut tips AND tax. Not bad at all.