First diesel truck-need some info please

[hyrczyk]

Hi I am new here and am also looking at buying my first diesel truck. I also had posted this over in general discussion but figured put it here also just in case. I have driven them for a long time in fire dept equip and ambulance. I am looking at a 02 F250 with the 7.3, crew cab, short box, has a 4 inch lift with 37x13R17 MT tires. It has 39k. The dealer tells me I should expect 18mpg on average. What I need to know is that realistic and what else can I do to help the mpg? I like having a taller truck but don't want to have the worst mpg which is one reason I am looking at a diesel. I would be looking at putting BFG AT tires on instead as to it will mostly be on highway. Most of my driving will be up north highway driving with average distance of 28 miles to work. Thanks in advance.

[no-tel-in]

only 39k miles??!! TAKE IT.
But to improve mpgs intake, exhaust, custom tuned chip, gauges.

[hyrczyk]

I am just a little hesitant on it as to I am concerned about getting to bad of mpg-don't want another 10-14mpg vehicle. Also he says it has a 4" lift with the 37s but from what I have seen the 4" pro comps clear 35s. Correct me if I am wrong. How much does one gain for mpg with the mods you listed for improving mpg.

[no-tel-in]

unmodded on the road, i used to get 17.2, now with everything in my sig I am up to 18.9 - 19.1, but I am just leveled on 33's, but it is about to get higher, so I will post if there is a significant drop in mpgs, but your milage is directly tied to the discipline of your right foot!

[hyrczyk]

Originally Posted by no-tel-in

unmodded on the road, i used to get 17.2, now with everything in my sig I am up to 18.9 - 19.1, but I am just leveled on 33's, but it is about to get higher, so I will post if there is a significant drop in mpgs, but your milage is directly tied to the discipline of your right foot!

Thanks for the info. I hadn't planned on a truck with 37s but it already has them on and looks decent. I had no intentions of going larger than 35s as to it will be a daily and long distance driver. Now as long as the deal falls in place all will be good.

[szyd]

I am leveled on 33s and get 18mpg.