1st gen: Any mods to improve MPG? Also any recommendations for side steps on my single cab?

Brand new to this forum, and super proud of being a 1st gen Tacoma owner! I believe these trucks are legendary rightfully so, but I’ve noticed my mpg is not so great, even though I have the 2.7 L. My trucks 4x4 manual. I did some calculations and I’m only averaging about 15-16 mpg on city, 21-22 on highway. Tank capacity is about 14 gals, and it gives me around 250 miles. I’ve already changed spark plugs but not really a difference and the truck is not modified to my knowledge. I’ve owned it for about 2 years never had any issues whatsoever. I do suspect that it probably has shorter gears though. 1st gear feels like it’s really short (not sure if that’s normal on these trucks). I would like to know first and foremost if there are any known mods to improve gas mileage? And 2nd are these numbers more or less the same that you guys are getting?

Don’t mean to make this long but since we’re at it lol any side step recommendations that I could add on? Thanks in advance.

 

Not much you can do for MPG. Lighter tires. Higher tire pressures. Drive the speed limit.

 

I get 17 to 21 mpg depending on what I'm doing w/ her w/ my 2.7

 

What size tires are those? How heavy are the wheels? I average about 20 if I’m not being careful, can do better if I take it easy. Feels to me like yours is probably running right.

Is the check engine light on?
Has the valve clearances ever been checked?
When was the last time the lower ball joints were done?

 

That sounds about right for a first gen. What surprises me is that your tank is only 14 gal. All 5 of the first gens I’ve owned all had 18 gal tanks.

Something you could try is pulling off your intake manifold and cleaning out all the carbon build up out of the runners. Also either cleaning your injectors or replacing them with some new pink tops.

 

Welcome to Tacoma World
That is a great looking single cab, good reason to be proud.
#1 Your gas milage is spot on, as advertised.
#2 Your gas tank is or should be 18 gal, see owners manual
#3 It appears you have a slight lift or taller wheels/tires this will have some impact on MPG.
#4 You have a step side.....dont see many around in that condition...rare IMO
I suspect you have 4:56 gears being 4x4 4cyl, you can check this by looking at white sticker on drivers door jamb,(type gear ratio into search bar here) thats why first gear feels so low. I could never figure out why the fuel gage gets close to E so you stop and get gas and it only takes 15 gal to fill up, but trust me there is 3 more gallons in the tank...ive pushed well past E.
Hope this answers some of your questions, fair WARNING this site has lots of info, lots of great modifications and easy access to great vendors......but it will beat up your wallet

 

something is definitely not right with my tank then… as soon as it hits E then that’s it, it runs out. Happened to me twice, and it took 15 gals spot on to fill it up.

Also yes it was lifted slightly, it actually made a difference even at higher speeds the truck struggled a lot, which is why I thought it might’ve had higher gear ratio. I lowered it to stock height and it feels better but it still felt like it could’ve done better

Tires are 265/70 R16, I don’t think they’re bigger bigger than the stock ones but they’re probably heavier.

Thanks for the welcome I’ll definitely check the page out more when I get the chance!

 

I’ll definitely try to do this and yup I’ve ran out of gas and it took 15 gals to fill her up. Averaging 250 miles only which feels like it can do better. Not sure if previous owner put an aftermarket tank that was smaller or something lol I’ll have to check that out but definitely going to take out the intake manifold and clean her up thanks for the input!

 

No check engine lights and I have not checked the valve clearances. I did change the lower ball joints recently when I lowered it to its original height. Whole suspension was changed. Tire sizes are 265/70 R16 they’re kind of small but probably heavy, I’ll have to think weather it’s worth swapping out the wheels just to gain very little mpg lol

 

I've never owned a 1st Gen but I have driven several and think a lot of them. Regardless, I won't be much help with your issues.

I would, however, like to Welcome You to TacomaAnonymous. I mean TacomaWorld, sorry. I'd also appreciate you letting me know via PM if you ever decided to sell your 2001. That is one beautiful Truck!!! How many miles are on it?

If it is half as nice as it looks in your picture it is really something. Drive it in good health and by all means, Enjoy It!

 

I appreciate that! The truck has around 80k miles. There is a lot I would like to do to this truck in the future, I want to add side steps, but I need to see options. A light bar would be useful. A bed cover. Little by little these mods will be added.

 

Stock height, stock wheels, stock size, street tires will give best mileage. If you get 21 hwy. you're doing good.

 

lightweight bed cover and maybe finding a custom made air deflector for the front bumper

 

The single cabs most had 15-16 gallon tanks including mine, that equals 275 miles per tank for me at around 20 mpg.
I bet the larger 18 gallon tank might fit tho, I think it’s just a taller tank

 

I guess I never even notice when I had that S/C single cab a few years back I thought it just got horrible MPG. Makes more sense now why I got such low miles per tank.

 

21 mpg is great, its running efficiently

side steps? Just don’t.

 

Right out of the owners manual, is it possible being a step side bed is a factor?

 

I had a step side extended cab that had the 18 gal tank

 

"Only 22mpg"? wtf

That's what my Golf gets lol

 

I put injector cleaner in for the first time in a while even though I usually get gas with additives. I feel a tad more acceleration. Haven't been precise but on my usual trips it seems I get better mileage. I always go fast up the mountains cause I want to get there