MPG in a 00 EX
 

my husband and I are looking at buying a 2000 ford excursion 7.3 diesel 4x4. I have read that the best mpg they get is like 17 highway. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to boost the mpg?

Jeeze! Not going to say it can't be done. Driving habits, gearing, tires and gearing. A mild intake and exhaust, and maybe a tuner. If you'r running a 4x4, finding a tire with the least road resistance is going to be tricky. You might have to go back to stock sizes. Going to 3:73 gearing will help, or getting a gearvenders under overdrive system. For driving style keeping it at 1900 rpm is important, getting up to speed a bit slower helps.

it has stock size tires on it... i was looking at going low profile just to reduce the road resistance... my driving habits are pretty good.. my husband says i drive like a grandma but thats just because he drives crazy as hell lol... how will going to 3:73 gearing help?

hmmm...
Try this site. ecomodder.com It will give you all the basic info you need. Lots of info.
it does not cover your truck much, it will give you the basics from the other vehicles.
then you can evaluate your solutions using fuelly.com I'm on there. Doing the same thing you're doing. Just not with an excursion 4x4. Forgive me for not going into detail on your gearing question. I am tired and am going to bed. it will save you some fuel economy going to a taller gear. it will keep your truck out of the upper RPMs.

one simple thing you can do is run at max tire pressure, i have not had an issue with irregular wear when i ran it at 80 psi (tires were rated for 80psi max)

Excursions come with 3.73's from the factory...

You have to remember that the Ex weighs in at about 8k, and looks like a brick to wind. You might get better then 17 out of a 2wd lowered Ex, but thats pretty good for a 4x4 X.

Yes and no... If your driving around town and the truck is constantly under geared you will have higher EGT's, Less MPG and more wear and tear...

Hwy, sure, gears are great. But again, the Ex comes with 3.73 from the factory.

even with an automatic Hmm? I must be slipping I thought for sure all 4x4 with automatics had 4:10. Not the first time I'm wrong.
And to your answer on wear and tear, there is the factor of setting the truck up to run the taller gears so that you don't add unnecessary wear and tear.

How do you do that? You cant "set up" anything if your constatly lugging the motor...

FYI... My wifes Ex...

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/37...600x600Q85.jpg

Tire and wheel sizes are a start. Transmission if your serious, or add a gearvender under overdrive unit. Nice Truck BTW