William

I joined this forum last year, when I was considering buying a 4Runner. I ended up buying an '06 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. So it's been a while since I've posted.

I loved my Wrangler overall, except for one thing: fuel economy. It was rated for 15MPG city, 19MPG highway. However, it averaged less than the EPA ratings. I don't think I ever got better than 16 MPG. So it's MPG was actually less than the EPA ratings.

So yesterday I traded it on an '06 Tacoma TRD 4 door, with the V6 and 5 speed automatic, and the selectable rear locker. I know the EPA rating is 18 city and 21 highway.

My question is, what is the real world MPG for this truck? How does the actual MPG compare to the EPA ratings?

Another question is, what's the biggest tire size that the front and rear axles can tolerate without breaking?

And which limited slips and lockers are available for the front differential, and which do you recommend?

ryland

I just posted above complaining about my real world MPG which is 15mpg city and have not had it on the hwy for any extended time yet. As far as EPA ratings you are supposed to subtract 10%. I am getting just under that but most reports I have read people are getting the EPA estimates out of there newer Tacomas.

2007 Tacoma SR5 Double Cab 4X4 Long Bed Shell V6 Auto 750 miles

William

Yea, I know some vehicles get worse that the EPA ratings. My Wrangler did, and it was much more than 10% less. I would guess 20 to 30% less.

But there are those that get as good as the EPA ratings, and some can exceed the ratings.

I would just like to know how my Tacoma compares, as well as the other things I asked. Thanks for the reply.

Jacket

I think the EPA revised (downward) their fuel ecomony estimates some time in 2006, so you can assume that there some error in the previous numbers. As I posted in the other thread, I still get 18'ish around the city with bigger tires, sliders, a bumper, and other mileage robbing mods. Before I made a bunch of changes, I could easily get 21 mpg on the highway.

I personally think that 17-21 isn't that far off reality.

To your other question, I have no idea what size would cause the axle to "break." Most people run 33" and a 3" lift, and I've seen a few 35" tires.

And I believe that ARB is the only one making a front locker for the 05+ Tacoma stock front diff right now. It might be a while before other options are available.

gearbox

My 06 AC 4x4 TRD-OR 6-speed with stock tires and no lift gets about 15 MPG average. Averaged speed/slow driving and mixed city and Hwy (about 75%/25%).
I have a bit of gear in the cab (chain, hand tools, air compressor, shovel, stuff) and a Hi Lift in the back, so I would guess it would get roughly the same MPG as a DC AT.

Paul H.

It all depends on how you drive and tire pressure. And the bigger your tires, the lower the gas milage.