What generation is a 2002 Toyota Tacoma

Change spark plugs, use denso or ngk brand only
New air filter, stock style, not k&n as it will cause problems
Clean mass air flow sensor
Air tires up to proper pressure
Grease u joints
Change rear axle oil
Change trans fluid or gear oil if it's a manual
Might as well flush out coolant system and put in same color antifreeze it came with.
Don't carry around extra junk in the cab,bed or toolbox you don't need.
Drive 65-70 on the highway any faster really kills gas mileage.

 

Add a supercharger + 7th injector, larger than stock E rated AT tires, steel armor front to rear, and top it off with a roof rack with big round halogen lights to block airflow.

no wait...that's what I did to mine that made my MPGs so shitty. So don't do any of those things.


For real though, I'd start with a tune up. Fresh oil in the engine, trans, diffs, etc., new spark plugs/wires, air filter, clean the throttle body and MAF sensor...if any of that hasn't been done in awhile that is.

 

There are a few things you can do to improve gas mileage. Use specialty lubricants in the engine and drive train. Most are friction-reducing which will help. A set of headers and a low restriction air filter is a good idea. Change out the stock fan for an electric. Check your tire pressure every time you gas up. Once a year, clean your fuel injectors. I use GM #88861803 injector cleaner. This has to be injected into the fuel rail under pressure using a Fuel Injector Cleaning Fixture like a Kent Moore J35800A. A lot of people forget to clean the mass airflow sensor and the throttle body on a regular basis too. Make certain that all the hose connections between the airflow sensor and the engine are tight and leak-free. These have a direct effect on gas mileage.

By themselves, none of these things will make a BIG difference in mileage. but together the mileage improvement is significant. A bonus is that the engine will start easier and run smoother and quieter.

- JAMES