The pick-em-up IS a heavy critter. So far, I see around 15-16 mpg in town with all the stoplights, stop signs, and blithering idiots I am stuck behind who constantly vary their speed on the longer stretches.... as they yap on the cell phone or whatever and go from 45mph down to 30 then back to 45, over and over..... over time that adds up and decreses the average mpg.
Best on the freeway, so far, was 22 mpg on level ground, no wind, cruise control set, at a steady 60 mph.
At times I wish I had a Corolla or other econobox but I make allowances for relatively lower mpg by driving less.
Avoiding driving traits that reduce mpg is constantly done but I shun the crawling away from a stop and taking three or more city blocks to reach the speed limit routine I see more frequently nowadays.
Oh, the truck has the 4.8L / 294 cid engine. Not much difference in mileage between it and the 5.3L engine but I had no need for the extra HP and torque as well as the additional cost of the bigger engine.
A non-4x4 would assuredly get better mpg due to the reduced weight and less resistance internally due to fewer moving parts...... I'm no 4x4 expert.. if 4x4 is not engaged perhaps the component resistance is the same as a 4x2 but if those front axles and differential are moving even when in 2-wheel drive seems there would be increased resistance and slightly less mpg.
Also, the 4x4 sits a little higher than a 4x2. Seems that would increase wind resistance, reducing mpg.
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/
Did a search at the above site; lots of info there and at udder Chevy truck boards.
"89 regular cab short bed 4.3/5SPD 3.08's and 255/70/15 tires 21-22 highway"
"I get 18 city. 2002 reg cab 4.3/5-speed 3:42 rear end ratio"
"...mixed driving. (50/50) highway/city, 21-22mpg"
"Hmmm 4.8 is about a $600 option, with the 5 speed the city mileage is the same and hwy the 4.3 gets 1 mpg better."
Various complaints about a lack of power with the 4.3 while others state the power is enough for them. As gas prices rise the relatively small difference between the 4.3 and 4.8/5.3 will result in an ever-increasing savings in fuel costs.
Also, if gas prices keep rising, I believe the 4.3 MAY have a higher resale value.
Auto transmissions have improved in their mpg over the years but, in most, but not all instances, I believe the manual transmission does offer at least slightly better mpg.
Udder places to find info/opinions:
www.chevytalk.org
http://forums.pickuptruck.com/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB11
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1090
Plenty of info/opinions to be found on those message boards. Remember that a certain percentage of posts are from "gear heads" who have enough money to apparently afford gas at any price. When reading those posts, remember, YMMV in more ways than one!!!!!
Addendum: Part of my inner essence still shrilly screams that I shoulda' grabbed an econobox and reveled in the 30-45 mpg those little critters are capable of. But, fear of an uncertain economic future partially compelled the decision to grab a long-bed truck and the topper/camper shell (names for that add-on vary regionally) so that no matter what happens, even if I can no longer afford rent, I would have a place to sleep that keeps the rain/snow off the head and cuts the wind so as to allow at least a basic existence. Sure beats a cardboard box under the overpass!!!! Hopefully, the economic worst-case-scenario never occurs but if it does I'll have a place to call home.
