Improve Jeep Cherokee XJ 4 Liter Gas Mileage

Summary:

Preface:

This OP has been revised numerous times as I gained new information and more experience. This OP cites specific posts (including post #s) that have details about specific sub-topics. The idea is this OP can serve as a table of contents for the most important sub-topics. When possible, and appropriate, I cite specific parts brands and part #s I used.



I'm not a professional mechanic. I'm an amateur enthusiast with 23 years experience experimenting on three Jeeps with 4L engines and a 76 Dodge Charger with a 318 V8 engine. I experimented with improving gas mileage on each vehicle, and have gotten more successful with each car as I learn more. I have done many things (documented in this thread) on my current Jeep (99 XJ) as an experiment and hobby to increase fuel economy with a modest parts budget. I'm sharing to help others.



In addition to my ideas, there are some excellent ideas contributed by others in this thread. There are also some useless ideas/posts, but that's OK because we do some brain storming. Many of the ideas have been implemented successfully, some haven't been implemented, and one was a failure but a good learning experience. The details are documented in this thread. This thread is a successful, ongoing community project. I appreciate economodding ideas and advice from others, and I often test and sometimes implement their ideas. If you have ideas or experience to contribute, please do so.



If you decide to participate and try some mods, you will be participating in a fun project that will probably benefit your gas mileage to some extent, but I can't promise specific results because your Jeep is different that mine with more or less miles and wear on it, more of less lift, tire size, armor, weight, etc.



My gas mileage went from 15 to 25 mpg (at 60 mph) on level highway with $600 cost in parts. I'm not finished yet. I have more mods I want to do, but I've already done most of the low cost mods that are possible. If I do much more mods it'll begin to get expensive. I'm currently saving $96 a month in gas (after spending $600 on parts). It took me 2 years of experimentation to get my current Jeep XJ to this point.



I'm not counting the cost of parts for my failed experiments. I'm only counting the parts costs of my successful mods that increased mpg and/or performance in experiments-tests. Some of my successful mods improved mpg (without loss of power/torque), some improved power/torque (without loss of mpg), and some improved BOTH mpg and power/torque. My Jeep now has more mpg and performance!



There was experimentation to figure out which mods help mpg (and how much), what doesn't help, and which mods hurts mpg. I used my common sense, basic scientific knowledge, and various Internet forums for ideas and suggestions. Some ideas/mods worked and some didn't. Experimenting on my Jeep was the only way to find out which mods are good. The majority of my mod ideas and others' mod ideas worked successfully to varying extents, but some mods didn't change mpg or performance, and a few mods made mpg or performance worse. Hence the experimentation to find out what really works at an affordable cost. The beauty of this thread is myself and others have done a lot of experimentation to learn and document what works and what doesn't. This will save you lots of trouble, time, and expense. You can implement our successful ideas and omit our failed ideas.



I also read 4x4 magazines (and their websites) articles about Jeep XJ and Jeep 4 liter gas mileage improvement. I found about half their suggestions worked, and the other half were utter bull poop. 4x4 Magazines are less reliable sources of information than forums, and the forums themselves are not entirely reliable. That's why although I listened to their suggestions, I didn't believe a word of it until I tested each of their suggestions to find out for myself what works and what is myth. 4x4 magazines have to fill pages with print and make it sound plausible and interesting so they can sell magazines. Their information is sometimes good, but is often is baloney, and I don't think they care much as long as they sell magazines. Also, I wonder if 4x4 magazines sometimes write articles just so they can recommend products sold by their advertisers/sponsors. I am skeptical of 4x4 magazines' objectivity. Also, their scientific method and testing and documentation is sometime good, but is often a poor joke.



We typically did a better job of testing and documenting our mods and results in this thread, and we're not pro mechanics, nor pro writers. However, 4x4 mag writers aren't mechanics either, and they are only marginally qualified to be called pro writers. Take any advice you read in a 4x4 magazine with a dose of skepticism. I find them interesting, but not always reliable sources of info. This thread can help you short-cut the improvement process by following my recipe so you won't have to experiment as much. However, your project should still be viewed as your experiment, not an investment, because exact results can't be guaranteed. It only required $300 parts to get my XJ from 15 to 23 mpg. It required an additional $400 parts to get from 23 to 25 mpg. That's a total of $300 parts to get to 25 mpg. That's good, especially since around $100 of that was normal tune-up parts that were needed anyway. I estimate an additional $1000 parts might get me from 25 mpg to 27 or 28 mpg, but is it really worth it? If I decide it's worth it, I have a good idea what additional mods to do; but the main focus of this thread isn't a high dollar build. It's about helping the average guy substantially improve gas mileage (with as good or better power/torque) using a modest parts budget under $1000.



Keep in mind that I have a 1.25" lift, 30" tires, and 200 lbs of skid plates. If your XJ is stock height and has 215, 225, or 235 tires with no skid plates; you might exceed my gas mileage. However, my XJ does have the advantage of only 40K miles on it. My XJ is mechanically better than new, considering it's barely broken-in, well tuned, and has upgrades.

Weather

Weather (temp and humidity) affects gas mileage. All tests should be done in similar weather so you can evaluate the effects of each mod. I like to do most of my gas mileage tests during warm dry Summer days when temp is between 75F to 80F (typical Summer days in my climate). I also run Winter tests, but I fully expect less gas mileage during Winter because it's colder. Increased humidity reduces gas mileage because your car has to push through more water molecules in the air, which creates more drag. Rain or wet pavement reduces gas mileage because it increases drag.



Many/most mods help in any climate or season, but some are for Summer in hot climates, and some are for Winter in cold climates. I run separate Summer and Winter tests because of these reasons, and because it's a good idea to find out how climate/temp affects gas mileage.



For examples: Hood vent(s) are intended to help during hot dry Summer conditions. A grill cover is intended to help during cold Winter conditions. Since my climate mostly varies from moderate to cold (only occasionally getting hot), I do more Winter mods and less Summer mods. My only Summer mod is a large upgraded radiator. A large radiator helps in Summer and doesn't cause any problems in Winter. See sections below for Hot Weather Mods and Cold Weather Mods.

Warning!

Do one mod at a time, reset engine computer, drive for 2 weeks, then retest gas mileage (in similar temperature and weather conditions as prior test, on same road, at same speed). Don't do the next mod until after you've gone through that process with the prior mod.



This way you learn how that mod affects performance and gas mileage. If it didn't help, or if it caused a reduction in performance or gas mileage, it's easy to diagnose which mod is the problem because you only did one mod during that test period. So it's easier to fix or undo if there's a problem. Take notes! Write things down or you won't remember later.

If you don't reset computer, you'll need to drive for 5 or 6 weeks before retesting gas mileage. The computer relearns-adapts to a mod faster if you reset computer, or slower if don't reset computer. If you do multiple mods at same time, you won't know the effect of each mod. You won't know how much improvement came from each mod. If there's a problem it'll be difficult to diagnose because you won't which mod caused it. This can turn a fun project into a nightmare.



Only do one mod per test period!



Instructions for resetting computer adaptive memory can be found later in this thread, and many other threads on this forum and other forums (and yes there is allegedly more than one correct way to reset it). However, I don't trust the goofy rigamaroll procedure recommended all over the Internet forums for resetting computer. The Internet recommended method might work - I'm not sure. I go to my local mechanic and he plugs in his laptop and resets my engine computer. It takes him less than 20 seconds, I know it works, and he doesn't charge me for it. However, I must warn you that most mechanic shops charge a ridiculous $50 minimum to reset computer (for less than 20 to 30 seconds work). i.e. - most mechanic shops will rip you off.

Beginning of original OP starts here:

When I bought my XJ, it was getting 15 mpg at 60 mph, even though my XJ showed no codes and ran reasonably smooth.



Plugs, cap, rotor, and plug wires needed replacing. I did those things and it improved from 15 to 17 mpg highway. A little improvement, but not much. I was disappointed, but not ready to give up.



Edited in 3 Months Later: I wish I had used the Kolak tune-up kit and ignition upgrade kit for Jeep 4L engines. It sounds excellent and would be a great set of tune-up parts and upgrade parts that should help gas mileage and power more than typical tune-up parts. See post 1031 and 1992 for more info about Kolak tune-up/ignition kit and where to buy. Around $230 including shipping (includes upgraded MSD coil, upgraded plug wires, upgraded plugs, and quality cap/rotor with brass contacts).



Edited in 6 Months Later: I bought the Kolak tuneup/ignition kit. It's excellent. I gapped plugs to 0.045 which is appropriate for the upgraded coil, plug wires, and Autolite Single Platinum Plugs the kit provides. My engine starts easier, runs smoother, has more low-end torque and high rpm HP, and it helped my gas mileage a little. The improvements are especially noticeable in cold weather, but also help in all weather. However, after installing Kolak kit (with wider than stock plug gap) I had to switch from 87 to 89 octane gas. The Kolak kit with 87 octane has a very rough idle. With 89 octane it idles and runs great. I notice more performance and gas mileage, especially in cold weather.



The purpose of an upgraded ignition kit is more electrical power to run a wider (than stock) spark plug gap, which gives a longer hotter spark, which gives more complete combustion, which is more efficient, which gives more low-end torque, high-end HP, and gas mileage. Note: If you want to try to fine-tune (dial-in) your Kolak Ignition for best performance and gas mileage, then after trying 0.045 gap for a while, then try 0.050 which might be even better. I haven't tried 0.050 yet, but members at the MSD forum say it works great for Jeep 4L with upgrade MSD coil and upgrade plug wires. I'm not sure if it would still run on 89 octane, or might need 91 octane. I'd be all for 0.050 if it still ran good on 89 octane. That is comparing to the new, high quality stock replacement Borg-Warner brand tuneup parts I originally used with stock 0.035 gap. The BW tune-up parts are high quality, but not as good as Kolak kit upgrade parts. Then Motorvac, new NGK or NTK oxygen sensor, and 205F Stant thermostat. Those 3 changes were done on same day. So I don't know how much each thing helped, but the combination improved my gas mileage several mpg.



It may appear that I broke my own rule about only making one change at a time, but this situation was an exception because I was already familiar with those 3 items having been successful on my prior Jeep. i.e. - those weren't experimental mods. They were proven mods that I knew would work reliably, and it was more convenient and cost effective to do all 3 in one appointment with my local mechanic. Motorvac is a top-end engine cleaning treatment done at mechanic shops where they use a Motorvac machine to pump (under pressure) Motorvac cleaner through top-end of engine to clean out carbon deposits. It works much better than Seafoam.



After Motorvac cleaning, immediately change motor oil (in case some cleaner got into bottom-end of engine and contaminated oil). This is why I waited until my motor oil was due to be changed anyway, then did Motorvac, then changed motor oil.

Preliminary Preparation

Clean Top End of Engine: I recommend a professionally done Motorvac engine cleaning as the best place to start. It cost me $125. It gets top-end of engine (valves, pistons, etc) clean, which is the best place to start, IMO. There are other brands offering same. I suggest using one that is professionally done because they have special machines to pump the chemicals. Plus they have experience doing it.



Note: The best poor man's DIY method for cleaning (somewhat) top-end of engine is Seafoam. Seafoam is a DIY equivalent of Motorvac. I think Motorvac is better, but Seafoam is much cheaper and works somewhat.



It's not required, but I recommend changing your motor oil after Motorvac (or Seafoam) cleaning to remove any cleaning chemicals that might have gotten into motor oil. I recommend excellent motor oil choices below. If you have another preference for motor oil, then use what you want, but do change the motor oil immediately after Motorvac (or Seafoam) engine cleaning.



I recommend using 10W30 conventional oil in a warmer climate, 5W30 conventional oil in a colder climate, or 5W40 synthetic in any climate. My favorite conventional oils are Shell or Pennzoil (yellow bottle), or the high mileage versions of those conventional oils are even better. My favorite 5W40 synthetic oils are Chevron Supreme and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum European. The East Coast of the USA has the highest quality crude oil in the world, which makes highest quality base oils. Shell and Pennzoil conventional oils are East Coast oils. As for synthetic, I like Chevron Supreme and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum European because they're highend 5W40 synthetic oils made specifically for gas engines. I personally use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Euro because it's excellent and locally available at a good price (for what it is). I'd also be happy using Chevron Supreme 5W40 if it was locally available. IMO those 5W40 oils offer the best possible protection for our gas powered 4L engines.



Oil filters for Jeep 4L: If you want a decent oil filter at a good price, use Wix. If you want the best oil filter (at same good price) use Baldwin. For improved filtration use a longer filter than stock (that has same fit and specs) use Wix 51515 or Baldwin B2. The oil filter doesn't help gas mileage directly, but it does help keep your engine in best possible running condition.



Your choice of motor oil and filter doesn't affect gas mileage directly, but it helps keep your engine in best possible running condition, which indirectly affects gas mileage in the long run.

Clean Bottom End of Engine: Changing motor oil after cleaning top-end to remove any cleaning chemicals from Motorvac cleaning that may have contaminated motor oil. Changing to a synthetic motor oil will clean bottom-end of engine (as well as lubricate better).



High Mileage oils and Synthetic motor oils have much more detergent than normal conventional oils. High detergent oils will clean bottom-end of engine. That's good in the long-term, but risky in short-term. Loosening/cleaning sludge deposits means crud will begin floating around in oil and could damage bearings. To prevent damage, change oil filter 100 miles after switching to a high mileage or synthetic oil. Change filter and oil at 500 miles. After that you can change oil and filter every 3000 miles for severe use, 7000 miles for normal use, or 5000 miles as a compromise. I change my oil and filter every 5000 miles.



Important: Always buy a good filter with an anti-drain-back valve. All good filters have an anti-drain-back valve. All Wix and Baldwin filters have an anti-drain-back valve. Prime the filter before installing it. That means fill the filter with as much oil as possible before installing it. This prevents a dry start, which greatly reduces wear. However, a 4L engine has filter mounted horizontally. So the best you can do is fill the filter approx half way before installing. Fill filter full once. Let it sit for 5 minutes on a counter while oil soaks into paper filter media. Then add more oil until filter is approx half full. Then install filter.



Synthetic Oils: Using synthetic (syn) lubricants in all things will reduce wear (and help gas mileage a little), and help engine stay cleaner.



When you get to it, change differentials to 75w90 synthetic gear oil (full synthetic) because this will help lubrication and reduce hydraulic resistance in differentials. Valvoline SynPower 75W90 because it gave me a 1.5 mpg increase in Winter, 0.5 mpg in Summer. (I switched my rear diff from 75w140 to 75w90). My front diff was already using 75w90.



My favorite diff oil is Valvoline SynPower 75w90 because it has a slightly better viscosity index than Mobil One diff oil, and way better viscosity index than Lucas diff oil. The superior viscosity index of SynPower means it's thinner at cold start and in cold weather. This is helpful for gas mileage, especially for short trips and/or cold weather. In hot weather (at full op temp) SynPower has same viscosity as Mobil One. i.e. - SynPower gives better (than Mobil One and Lucas) cold weather protection and better gas mileage in moderate and cold weather, and is equal in hot weather/temps. Both SynPower and Mobil One are substantially better than Lucas in cold weather performance and viscosity index. I did not investigate, test, or use other brands of synthetic diff oils. So I can't comment on other brands.



Note:XJ AW4 auto transmission originally used conventional Dex3 fluild. Chrysler says AW4 transmission can use ATF+4 synthetic transmission fluid. Some people report this works well. Some report it works better than Dex3. Some report slipping problems with ATf+4. Some people are using Dex6 aka Dex VI in AW4 and report good results, though I don't know if anyone else had problems. In theory ATF+4 and Dex6 are both upgrades since they are synthetic and claim to be compatible. However, the mixed results reported by people make me a bit nervous. I have noticed though that those who reported problems didn't flush their tranny. i.e. - they mixed the new fluid with the old. So maybe that's why they had problems? Other people have reported great results.



For my XJ's AW4 auto transmission, I prefer Mobil One multi vehicle (Dex3 compatible) synthetic transmission oil. Amsoil makes a synthetic auto transmission oil the XJ can use, and some people like it I've never tried Amsoil. Both those are Dex3/Merc compatible and all reports I've read reported good results. Syn oil in transmission and tcase gave me a slight increase in gas mileage (0.25 mpg) and those parts will last much longer.



I've been using Mobil One multi vehicle (Dex3 compatible) synthetic transmission oil in XJ AW4 transmissions for 15 years (in 2 Jeeps) with great results and I recommend it with confidence; but as with any change of transmission oil type, do a full flush when changing to a new type oil.



A 242 transfer case specifies Dex3 transmission fluid. I use Mobil One synthetic transmission oil in my 242 transfer case. I notice quieter transfer case operation and easier/smoother shifts.



If you have a manual transmission, use 75w90 synthetic gear that says it's compatible with synchromesh transmissions.



I don't know what type fluid a 231 transfer case uses, but I recommend you use a synthetic oil of appropriate type.

Adjust Automatic Transmission Shift Cable



Adjust the cable that influences when the automatic transmission shifts.



If your cable is maladjusted (as mine was) it can greatly reduce city performance and gas mileage, and have some effect on highway performance and gas mileage. After my cable was properly adjusted, I noticed a substantial increase in performance and gas mileage during city and rural highway driving. It didn't make any difference on the interstate, except for helping acceleration on on-ramps. I encourage you to do this adjustment because it's free, easy, and effective. It's very easy to adjust. It requires no tools and no skill. Only a little knowledge is needed. Somewhere in the early pages of this thread, someone posted a "How To" video for how to do it, but I don't remember the post #. You can Google search for "adjusting Cherokee XJ auto transmission AW4 kick down cable" and get lots of good Google results to choose from, including print, photos, and videos. The adjustment process is easy and requires only your fingers and 5 minutes of your time.



Edited in Later: There are two slightly different shift cable adjuster types depending on the model year of your XJ. The process is similar for both.

Tuneup: (basic tuneup using quality auto store parts)



A tune up using quality parts (including new plug wires) from any auto store is good and will help (around $80), but the best is a tuneup using Kolak Kit (around $230) tuneup and ignition upgrade parts (includes new upgraded plug wires, coil, spark plugs, and highend brass contact cap and rotor. See above where this is discussed.



For Jeep 4L that have a distributor (early 99 and older XJs): If you tuneup using parts from auto store (instead of Kolak kit) make sure you get a distributor, cap, and rotor that have brass contacts, and use the stock Champion Copper spark plugs gapped to 0.040 for best results because that gap will perform better than stock recommended 0.035 gap.



If you use Kolak Kit, for best results gap plugs to 0.045 if you have a distributor ignition (early 99 and older XJs), or 0.04 if you have a distributorless (coil on plug) ignition (late 99 and older XJs). For Jeep 4L that have "coil on plug" aka "distributorless": I'm not sure what plug gap is best if you use tuneup parts from local auto store. Install a new air filter. I suggest either Mopar, AC Delco, or Baldwin paper filter in stock air box because based on my research they filter the best (better than Wix, though Wix is good) and breathe more than enough for a 4L engine. This will filter the finest possible particles and is capable of breathing way more than any 4L engine can use, even at full throttle. A paper filter in stock box filters much better than anything else, which protects your engine from damage and wear.



I suggest you avoid oiled air filters and aftermarket CAI because they don't filter well. There are independent tests (you can read on the Internet) that show this, and I've personally experienced it myself. I had an AFE CAI that did a terrible job filtering out dust. I got lots of dust in my engine because of it. I know this for a fact because I looked inside the air tube and saw dust and a bit of sand. So did research to find a brand of CAI that would filter good. There are none. Also, oiled filters don't filter well either and offer no benefit. I took off the AFE CAI and went back to stock air box and paper filter.

A stock air box and paper filter is the best option and is also cheap. Also, it's the only option that protects your engine well.



Dino Savva (stroker expert) told me that if I make a mini-stoker I can get up to 235 HP using stock air box and paper filter. Clearly it breathes more than enough for any stock or modified 4L engine. So don't get suckered by anyone into buying an aftermarket CAI or oiled filter for a 4L engine.



You can insulate your stock air box (as I did) using header wrap and heat tape on the stock intake hose/tube, and use gasket compound to glue heat shielding on the stock air box. I did this. This helps your stock air box provide somewhat cooler air. Hood vents would help too.

Upgraded Tuneup and Ignition System: The Kolak Tune-up/Ignition Kit gives a better tuneup PLUS an upgraded ignition system . This is part 1 of upgrading your ignition system for a more efficient burn for more power, torque, and gas mileage.



The Kolak Ignition Upgrade/Tune Kit provides parts for a tuneup and ignition upgrade in one step. The Kolak Kit improved my cold start, especially on Winter days, torque at all rpm, especially lowend torque, and it improved my gas mileage a little bit too. I'm comparing to how my XJ was when it was already freshly tuned with quality local auto store parts vs Kolak Kit. I highly recommend Kolak Kit for all 4L Jeeps. It's one of the best, most cost effective mods you can do and it improves both performance and gas mileage. It's an effective upgrade in all climates, but especially so in moderate and cold climates where the extra spark helps fully ignite gas, even when when engine is cold.



Kolak Kit (around $230) tuneup and ignition upgrade parts (includes new upgraded Magnacore 8.5mm plug wires, upgraded MSD coil, Autolite Single Platinum spark plugs, and highend cap and rotor with brass contacts. It's excellent. Gapped my plugs to 0.045 (as recommended by Kolak for Jeep 4L with distributor type ignition). My engine starts easier, runs smoother, has more lowend torque and high rpm HP, and it helped my gas mileage a little too. Those improvements are most noticeable in cold weather, but also benefit me in all seasons.



Edited In Later: I learned by experience that my 4L engine needs 89 octane gas to run well with Kolak Ignition Kit. If you're OK with using 89 octane, then I highly recommend installing a Kolak Ignition Kit.



To buy a Kolak Ignition Upgrade/Tune Kit email Kolak at KolakPerformance.com or PM Kolak at this forum. Nick is the owner of Kolak.



He may also try to sell you a larger throttle body and Kolak exhaust products. I recommend not buying an aftermarket throttle body nor exhaust products unless you've at least read this entire OP, and ideally the entire thread, or at least the parts about choosing diameter of a cat-back exhaust. His exhaust products are excellent quality 2.5" exhaust products which are ideal for strokers, but not for 4L engines (IMO and IME). If you're not going to stroke and you have a stock header, you're better off with a lower cost (but excellent) Dynomax 2.25" cat-back exhaust because (IMO and IME) a 2.25" CB is the best performer for a non-stroked 4L engine. IME a 2.25" CB performs much better than a 2.5" CB with a non-stroked 4L engine. This is fully explained later in this OP, and a lot more later in this thread. For now, stay with stock exhaust until you know more about that topic. Exhaust is a complex topic. Mistakes diminish performance, gas mileage, and your wallet (as I personally learned by testing, as explained later in this OP).

Upgrade Hot and Ground Wires: This is part 2 of upgrading your ignition system for a more efficient burn for more power, torque, and gas mileage; and it improves the performance of all your other electrical systems' too. Such as your starter will work better, your headlights will be a bit brighter, your power windows a bit more powerful, etc.



I installed aftermarket "Jeepers and Creepers" upgrade battery cables. It starts so much better. It improves my Kolak ignition system when driving too. It's very noticeable when engine is cold, and slightly noticeable at full op temp. My Kolak ignition system gives a larger hotter spark. These Jeepers-Creepers big butt battery cables are 0/2 gauge big FAT wires that compliment/improve my Kolak ignition for even more performance and gas mileage.



I have more power and gas mileage with the big battery cables (especially the large ground from battery to engine). It makes slightly more power for a given amount of gas pedal.



Note: I think it's the combination of Kolak Ignition AND Jeepers and Creepers battery cables that is super effective. One without the other is an upgrade, but the two together are a super upgrade.



Note: I'm sure there are other aftermarket brands that do the same. I'm not saying the brands I use are better than others. I'm only saying these are what I use and they work great. If you use another aftermarket brand of upgrade, or make your own cables, your results might be as good as mine.



For the a DIY person, you can use 0/2 welding cable or 0/2 battery cable to make your own super-duper upgrade for your battery hot and ground cables.



That said, I highly recommend Jeepers and Creepers battery cables. They are very high quality and effective, especially at cold start. They are an excellent upgrade in any climate, and especially in cold climates. Have a look here: http://www.jeepersandcreepers.com/10701.html



Clean all battery cable electrical contacts and apply some type of corrosion prevention to them (both ends). I used battery cable spray from autostore. I've heard vasoline works, but I don't know enough about it to say whether that's a good idea, or not. Do NOT use dielectric grease on contacts! Dielectric grease is an insulator, not a conductor. The purpose of dielectric grease is to prevent electrical conduction. So clearly dielectric grease is NOT appropriate for electrical contacts. If there are any other potential electrical or wiring upgrades or advice that I've overlooked, please tell me so I can use them! I'm open to advice.





Heat Wrap/Insulate Stock Air Box



This helps power some and I personally believe it doesn't hurt gas mileage if you engine is running at full op temp (210F).

Upgrade Fuel Injectors (to modern 4-hole injectors)



I've been reading about guys installing modern 4 hole fuel injectors from Dodge, Ford, Bosch, and others. I want to try some efficient modern 4 hole injectors. See page 14, post 209 for injector(s) part number(s) for your year 4L.



Edited in Later: I installed Dodge/Bosch 789 injectors and love them. Bought them from Motorman on Ebay for $190 including shipping. My engine starts easier, runs smoother, has a little more lowend torque and a little more highend HP performance, and improved my city and highway gas mileage a little bit.



I'm comparing my new 789 injectors to my low mileage stock injectors that had only 35K miles on them and were cleaned recently. 789 injectors outperform new(ish) good condition stock injectors. Your Jeep might need 789 or 703 or other. See page 14, post 209 for injectors part number(s) for your year 4L.

Thermostat (upgrade to the best for your climate)



On an LJ I used to have, it gained 1 to 2 mpg (depending on temp/weather/season) from installing a Stant 205F thermostat (Stant part # 13352). That's a good example of a Stant 205F thermostat in a Jeep 4L engine improving gas mileage in a moderate to cold climate.



A 205F thermostat is helpful in moderate climates to cold climates because it allows engine to run at (or near) full 210F op temp year round (instead of under-heating at 185F to 195F). IME, this is a big help in moderate to cold climates and improves gas mileage, especially during Winter. Over the last 20 years, I've done this on 3 Jeeps and 2 cars in a climate that varies from moderate to cold. It also works fine in Summer where we usually have 75F to 85F days, and sometimes mid 90s. Occasionally it gets up to 105F here in Summer. I find a 205F thermostat helps a little on cooler Summer days, more help in Spring and Fall, and a great help in Winter. On our occasional hot Summer days it's no help, but doesn't hurt anything. I'm using a Stant 205F thermostat (part 13352) , which is same as Napa 205F and Gates 205F (Stant makes those brands).



If you live in a frequently hot climate your engine is already at, near, or above full op temp (210F) with stock 195F thermostat. If you live in a hot climate, a 205F thermostat offers no benefit and would probably be a detriment. If you're in a hot climate, I recommend upgrading to Stant 195F Superstat (part 45359), which is same as Napa 195F Superstat (Stant makes Napa). It opens at stated 195F temp and maintains a more stable, consistent temp than most thermostats. A stable, consistent temp helps the engine's computer fine tune combustion for better gas mileage. Another great thermostat is Motorad 195F Highflow (part 2000-195).



If your thermostat is to hot for your climate, your fans will work harder, which increases drag on engine and reduces gas mileage. It takes more power to turn mechanical fan when fan clutch engaged, which increases drag on engine. It takes electricity to turn the electric fan, which makes alternator work harder, which increases drag on engine. Increased drag on engine reduces gas mileage and performance.



XJs in very hot climates will have their fans turning a lot no matter what thermostat they use. For that situation l recommend a Stant 195F Superstat or Motorad 195F Highflow thermostat (high performance thermostats) and passive cooling mods: such as a larger radiator, oil cooler, transmission cooler, and/or hoodvent(s). Passive cooling mods don't use energy and therefore don't decrease gas mileage. In fact, in a hot climate, passive cooling mods can increase gas mileage by reducing the amount of work the engine fans do.



Gas burns more efficiently at hotter temperatures, but you want engine cool enough so your fans aren't coming on. The ideal situation is engine running as hot as it can without engaging mechanical fan clutch or turning on electric fan. The fans engage at around 214F to 216F. Gas burns really efficiently at engine temp of 208F+, and especially 210F+ (IME). The ideal engine temp is anywhere between 208F and 213F (IME). That's hot enough for an efficient fuel burn, but cool enough so fans don't come on.

Exhaust



Edited in Later: I rewrote the exhaust section to replace my earlier theories with real world results after trying and testing various exhaust setups.



The Dynomax brand cat back exhaust is good breathing, easy to install, quality product, low cost, quiet, and reasonably rust resistant. I tried both the 2.25" and 2.5" pipe diameter versions to see which works best. With stock header and stock cat (low budget approach) a 2.25" cat back works best for lowend torque, general performance, and gas mileage. With an aftermarket Try-Y header (such as Thorley HDX-634Y) (a higher budget, higher performance solution) the 2.5" cat back (with Magnaflow 2.5 in/out high flow cat) works best. When I say "best" I mean of the options tried by myself and another person in this thread (Christianbe). Between the two of us we tried several exhaust combinations. I tried 2 on my earlier Jeep, 3 on my current Jeep, and he tried 2 or 3 on his current Jeep.



Edited in Later (after using both diameters of CB with stock header on my XJ): The 2.25 cat back improved my seat of pants performance at mid and high rpm compared to stock exhaust, and lost nothing at low rpm compared to stock exhaust. The 2.25 cat back improved my highway gas mileage 1.5 mpg, which is pretty good considering it cost only $150 incl shipping and substantially improved my performance. I can much more easily drive up mountain passes nice and fast now and easily pass cars doing so.



I didn't test city gas mileage, but based on seat of pants feel taking off from a stop, I think stock exhaust is best for city mpg (least gas pedal pressure to get moving), and 2.25 cat back almost as good. The 2.5 cat back took a lot more gas pedal to get moving from a stop - so I assume the 2.5 cat back got the worst city gas mileage. For a low cost, effective improvement to performance and gas mileage, I recommend Dynomax 2.25 cat back system (with stock header and stock cat, assuming they are functioning properly - no leaks or clogs). The Dynomax 2.25 cat back system (part# 17340, costs around $150 including shipping) from SummitRacing.com or AdvanceAutoParts.com, or anywhere you get a good price. it's a great price and easy install for 93 to 01 XJ. For somewhat higher cost with even greater improvements to performance and an untested amount of gas mileage improvement (I'd bet it improves gas mileage), I recommend Thorley Header (part# HDX-634Y, around $515 from Kolak or others with good price), Magnaflow High Flow 2.5" in/out Universal Cat (part# 99006HM, around $80 from Kolak, SummitRacing.com or others with good price), and Dynomax 2.5" cat back system (part# 17463, $107 from SummitRacing.com or others with good price). Prices include shipping.



Note for CA and NY: Magnaflow High Flow Cat 2.5" in/out (Magnaflow calls it Universal Cat) part 99006HM is a "Federal" cat for use in 48 states, but not in CA and maybe not NY. The high flow cat for CA has a different part number (doesn't flow quite as well, but flows pretty good). NY might have a different Universal cat part# too, not sure about NY. You can look up CA and possibly NY part# yourself at Magnaflow's website by model and year of your Jeep. Don't worry about which model years of XJ that Dynomax' website says fit each of their XJ cat back systems. Either system will fit any year XJ. Dynomax cat back system 17340 is a 2.25" cat back. Dynomax cat back system 17340 is a 2.25" cat back. The 2.25 CB is excellent with stock header and cat. The 2.5 CB is even more excellent when combined with Thorley header and Magnaflow High Flow cat. Do NOT combine the 2.5 CB with stock header (that combination gives weak performance and does not help gas mileage. I installed and tested it.).



I'm not theorizing. I installed and tested both 2.25 CB and 2.5 CB with stock header (and a few other exhaust setups/combinations). Christianbe (participant in this thread) is using Dynomax 2.5 CB with Thorley header and Magnaflow High Flow cat. So the exhaust advice here isn't theory or guessing. We've installed and tested these things IRL.



The only interesting exhaust setup combination we didn't test is Thorley header with Magnaflow 2.5 in/out high flow cat and 2.25" Dynomax cat back. I plan to install and test this combination in future.



For the very best and most rust resistant 2.5" cat back exhaust system I'd recommend the Kolak cat back exhaust or a Thorley 2.5" cat back exhaust. Either is the caviar of cat backs, IMO. Both are high grade stainless. The Kolak exhaust pipe is made by Mike Leach (of Leach header fame). Those are (IMO) the best 2.5" cat backs. They cost several times more than a 2.5" Dynomax does. The performance of the Kolak/Leach and Thorley cat backs is same or very similar as Dynomax. The advantage of the Kolak/Leach and Thorley cat backs is they are very rust resistant and would probably last longer than your Jeep. The Dynomax is aluminized steel and is rust resistant, but not in the same league of rust resistance. The Dynomax is excellent if you live where roads are NOT salted. Even if you live where roads are salted, Dynomax would probably last 5+ years and only costs $107 incl shipping.



For the best 2.25" cat back, the Dynomax is probably as good as it gets, and that's pretty darn good. It's only $150 incl shipping.



For more cat and cat back exhaust info see post 2511.

Downpipe aka Crossover Pipe



Exhaust discussion should include the downpipe. This is the pipe that connects the header to the cat.



The stock downpipe (crossover pipe) from header/manifold to cat has a huge dent that restricts exhaust. I plan to replace with a dent-free downpipe. This cheap mod will help power and possibly gas mileage when a high flow cat back exhaust is installed.



Edited in Later: For $80 installed my local exhaust shop made me a 2.5" non-mandrel bent dent-free downipe made of mild steel that works great (after a few fitment/clearance adjustments explained in following paragraph). It would be even nicer if it was mandrel bent and made of stainless steel, but what I got works great and only cost $80.



Warning: Make sure to tell your exhaust shop that stock routing for dent free downpipe might not clear the driver side UCA or diff output yoke during suspension uptravel or articulation if you have no bump-stop extension. Figure out a new/better routing that will clear UCA and need locate oxygen sensor where it's not above front differential yoke (so it doesn't get hit during suspension uptravel). I learned the hard way, but some free simple adjustments saved the day for me, and it's now working great for me, even though I have stock routing and no bump-stop extension. Edited in Later: Although my dent-free downpipe follows stock routing, and I have 1.25" lift with no bumpstop extension, I have no clearance issues with UCA or diff output yoke (after my local exhaust shop made two minor adjustments).

Insulating Exhaust



This is an interesting topic worth looking at. It improves performance by improving exhaust flow and scavenging. I suspect it might improve gas mileage too. I plan to test this on my XJ sometime in future.



I plan to use exhaust-header wrap, which is the low cost way to do this. They don't salt roads where I live. So exhaust/header wrap will be fine for my XJ. Don't use wrap if you live where they salt the roads because it will retain salt and accelerate rusting.



The higher $ approach would be to send in your downpipe (crossover pipe), and perhaps your tail pipe as well, to a ceramic coating service that will paint/coat it for you. That's your only sensible option if you live where the roads are salted in Winter.



I bought a Thorley ceramic insulated header, which I haven't installed yet. After it's installed my header will be insulated. Then I'll use header wrap on my downpipe (crossover pipe) and wrap all the way to the cat. I probably won't wrap the tail pipe, but I might. I need to do some more research to decide if I'd want to wrap the tail pipe too. I'm not sure if wrapping cat and muffler is a good or bad idea. I'll have to ask my loca exhaust shop for advice. Luckily they are a performance exhaust shop and familiar with insulating exhaust. See post 2543 for my limited knowledge on this topic. I plan to learn more in future.



Note: Insulating header and down-pipe aka crossover-pipe is also a passive cooling mod because it reduces underhood temps. Reducing underhood temp is helpful in hot climates, doesn't make much difference in moderate climates, and is a hindrance in cold climates (where engine underheating is likely). So consider your climate before deciding whether to insulate header and downpipe.



Hot Weather Mods (helpful for hot dry climates, and when crawling off road during Summer in any climate)



Passive Cooling Mod(s)/Upgrades (primarily for hot climates, but some passive cooling mods work well in all climates. A larger radiator is a passive cooling mod that works well all climates.)



Passive cooling mods use no energy and help cool the engine. So then fans run less often, which reduces drag on engine, which increases gas mileage and power. Examples of passive cooling mods are: A larger radiator, engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, hoodvent(s), and insulated exhaust (insulated header and/or downpipe aka crossover pipe). Passive cooling mods are helpful and efficient if you live in a hot climate.



However, in a moderate climate passive cooling mods aren't much help, if any. In a cold climate certain passive cooling mods should be avoided because they will cause underheating. Underheating reduces gas mileage and increases engine sludge.



A larger radiator is my favorite passive cooling upgrade because it works well in all climates and seasons. My radiator is upgraded. Likewise with transmission coolers and oil coolers IF they are thermostatically controlled so they don't cause underheating during cold weather. My XJ is a tow package XJ an upgraded radiator stock and it might also have a transmission cooler, but I'm not sure.



The ideal type of hood vents are vents you can open in Summer and close (or plug) in Winter. That way they help in Summer without hindering in Winter. Headers and/or downpipe (crossover pipe) can be insulated with ceramic coating (best) or with header wrap (low cost). Header wrap is fine if you live in an area where they don't salt the roads.



I think an insulated header is very helpful in hot climates, doesn't matter much in moderate climates, and is a hindrance in cold climates. If your engine runs to hot or cold, gas mileage suffers.

Hoodvent(s) (for hot dry climates only, unless you have a good way to close/plug the hoodvent during cold or wet weather)



A great mod for Jeeps in hot dry climates is a hood vent located on the front third of the hood. Ideally approx right above the front of engine. You don't want a hoodvent near the windshield because high pressure air from windshield wouldn't allow enough much air to exit the hoodvent. The beauty of vents is they cool the engine compartment without using any power to do so. It's free cooling, which will save gas because your fans won't need to work as hard. The ideal type of hood vents can be opened in Summer and closed during Winter (and closed on rainy days).



Warning about hoodvent(s) in cold and/or wet climates: I had a hoodvent installed on my LJ. It was great during crawling off road in Summer, but in Fall, Winter, and Spring it drained rain from the hood onto my fan and alternator pulleys, which rusted them causing lots of squealing. It drove me nuts. The hoodvent also caused underheating during Fall, Spring, and severe underheating during Winter. Underheating greatly reduces gas mileage. I planned to make a removable seal/plug for the hoodvent during Fall, Winter, and Spring; but I sold that LJ before I implemented a solution. So now that hoodvented LJ is someone else's problem. If you live in a cold or wet climate, don't install a hoodvent unless you have a plan/way to seal it shut during cold or rainy weather. I didn't need a hoodvent in my moderate climate. I never should have installed a hoodvent on my LJ. I learned my lesson. My XJ will NOT get a hoodvent.



The ideal engine temp keep engine as hot as possible without triggering the fans. 208F to 213F is ideal for this since the fans trigger around 215F. I prefer around 210F, and am happy anywhere from 208F to 213F. To accomplish this, XJs in moderate to cool climates need a Stant 205F thermostat (and a grill cover for very cold climates), while XJs in hot climates (regularly 96F+) need a high performance 195F thermostat, a larger radiator, possibly an oil cooler and/or transmission cooler, and if it's a hot dry climate a hood-vent(s).



My XJ's 4L engine runs 208F to 210F most of the year (205F on coldest Winter days with heater on). When weather occasionally gets above 95F here, my 205F thermostat is fine for protecting my engine from overheating because my stock fans seldom let engine get above 215F and never above 220F (engine damage doesn't occur until above 230F). However, my gas mileage suffers when fans run a lot on those occasional 95F+ days, but in my area we only get 0 to 10 days a year that are 95F or hotter.



Cold Weather Mods (for Winter in moderate climates; and Fall, Spring, and Winter in cold climates)



Cold weather gas mileage will never be as good as warm weather gas mileage, but with the cold weather mods described in this section, Winter mpg (and performance) will be as high as possible.





205F thermostat



A 205F thermostat helps gas mileage during moderate to cold weather. It won't hurt anything in Summer. If you're in a moderate or cool climate this is an excellent cheap mod. I recommend Stant 205F thermostat. If you're in a hot climate, skip this mod. See full explanations in the "Thermostat" above.

Modern 4 Hole Fuel Injectors



Modern 4 hole fuel injectors improved my torque, power, and fuel economy in all seasons, and is especially helpful in cold weather. Injectors with 4 holes provide a finer fuel mist (compared to stock 1 hole injectors). The finer mist ignites more easily and efficiently, especially in cold weather. See full explanation in the "Upgrade Fuel Injectors" section above.

Kolak Ignition Kit (tune-up and upgrade kit)



The Kolak Kit Tune-Up and Ignition Upgrade improved my torque, power, and fuel economy in all seasons, and is especially helpful in cold weather. The stronger, larger spark ignites fuel more easily and efficiently, especially in cold weather. See full explanation in "Upgrade Tune-up and Upgrade Ignition System - Kolak Kit" section above.



Edited In Later: I learned by experience that my 4L engine needs 89 octane gas to run well with Kolak Ignition Kit. If you're OK with using 89 octane, then I highly recommend installing a Kolak Ignition Kit.

Stop the Defroster from Triggering Engine's Electric Fan



The defroster (or defroster and heater combination) triggers AC compressor to cycle on whenever the AC pressure drops below op pressure. Why is AC compressor needed at all for defroster? It theoretically helps dry (dehumidify) the defroster air to faster defog the windshield. I've been told it only does this when defroster is on and outside air temp is above 40F. I'm sure if that's correct. I'd like to leave this this part of system working for better/faster defroster performance and because keeping gas/fluid circulated in AC keeps the seals good longer.



However, every time the AC compressor cycles on, the engine's electric fan cycles on. This is inefficient for 3 reasons: AC compressor puts drag on engine when it cycles on, it requires power to run the electric fan, which increases alternator drag on engine, and in cold weather city driving the fan makes engine take much longer to warmup, and it prevents engine from warming up as much as it otherwise would, especially when driving a lower speeds (city or rural roads) in Winter. This wastes gas in multiple ways. More drag on engine and an underheating engine are both fuel wasters. So this situation is quite a significant fuel waster, IMO.



What I wanted to do was leave the AC compressor functioning normally when using defroster (as described above), but prevent it from turning on the engine efan. However, I haven't yet figured out how to do that.



What I have figured out is this: My AC system is shot. It's out of AC gas and has one or more leaky seals. So I unplugged the electric wire that goes to the AC compressor. This prevent the compressor from coming on and prevents it from turning on the efan. Efan still works when/if needed to cool engine. This mod (unplugging wire from AC compressor) significantly improved my Fall, Winter, and Spring gas mileage so it's closer to what my Summer mpg is.



I have also discovered that my defroster can still defog the windshield just fine. I don't know if it defogs as quickly as before, but it defogs plenty fast enough. So no complaints there. Also, I don't need AC in my moderate to cold climate (my AC was already broken). I'm quite happy with this mod.

Grill Cover



I want to make or buy an adjustable grill cover for the colder months. Like the coldest 4 months of the year. Adjustable grill covers help gas mileage 2 ways. A grill cover helps engine reach full op temp quickly during cold weather, and improves aerodynamics by keeping unnecessary air from entering engine compartment, thus reducing drag.



Edited in Later: My Winter climate isn't cold enough to ever need to completely cover my grill. So a full grill cover is unnecessary and unwanted in my slightly cold Winters. My engine would overheat with a full grill cover. However, with no grill cover at all, my engine underheats during the coldest Winter days. I'm going to make a partial grill cover that covers the middle 3 openings in my XJ grill. That is what many people in moderate climates have done. I'm going to follow in their footsteps.



A full grill cover is only for artic Winter conditions, which I don't have. Edited in Later: I figured out a plan to make an aerodynamic grill cover. Will start work on that soon. It will cover middle 3 grill openings, and it's only adjustment will be removal when weather warms up. 10-6-2014



62 mm Throttle Body



I don't know if installing a 62 mm TB would affect gas mileage. I doubt it would. I've never tried this mod. There are many user posts/reviews on the Internet forums claiming it helps, many claiming it made no difference, and a few claiming it reduced lowend torque and gas mileage. I don't know what effect a larger TB would have on gas mileage. I suspect it'd reduce city gas mileage because the gas pedal would be touchier. I don't think it would change highway gas mileage. I'm considering trying this mod as an experiment to see how it would affect my gas mileage. For those who just want results and don't like to experiment, skip this mod for now since we have no idea what effect it would have. I plan to (eventually) install a 62 mm TB for test purposes and then post my results.



Note: I'm now getting 25 mpg (at 60 mph) from the mods I've already done. I have not modified the throttle body. i.e. - I'm getting 25 mpg with stock throttle body.

Aftermarket Header



I don't know yet if there's any benefit to installing an aftermarket header upgrade if your stock header is still good, but I'd like to know. I think Thorley makes the best headers. I plan to (eventually) install and test a Thorley header and then post my results.



Note: I'm now getting 25 mpg from the mods I've already done. I have not yet modified the header. i.e. - I'm getting 25 mpg with stock header.

Chips, Tuners, Programmers



Chips and store bought tuners have a bad rep every forum because they don't work or sometimes even cause problems. This is covered in a discussion somewhere later in this thread. If I have time, I'll add the post #'s here where that is discussed by several JF members.



However, custom tuner FlyinRyan has a great reputation at Jeep forums for getting great results improving performance on stock and modified 4L, and strokers. Most people go to him for performance boosts and he delivers, often while maintaining or slightly improving gas mileage. I wonder what he could do for gas mileage if that was the primary goal? See post 2512 for more info.



For anyone who wants to use FlyanRyan's services, I suggest waiting until after all your bolt on mods are done (for a 4L), or after all your physical mods are done (for a stroker). Then he can tune to get the most out of your other mods.



Important: After experimenting on two of my Jeeps with several different exhaust systems and talking at length with FlyinRyan, I give the following exhaust advice relating to stock tune vs Ryan's custom tuning:



If you are NOT going to use FlyanRyan's turning services (leaving stock tune), for a modified 4L I recommend keeping stock header (and head) and stock cat [or use stock equivalent replacement cat - I like Magnaflow (stainless) for stock equivalent replacement cat (2.5" in/2.25" out)] and using Dynomax 2.25 cat back (aluminized).



If you are going to use FlyanRyan's turning services, for a modified 4L I suggest using Thorley HDX-634Y header (stock head is fine), Magnaflow (universal - stainless) high flow (2.5" in/2.5" out) cat, and Dynomax 2.5 cat back (aluminized), or if you want an all stainless exhaust then get Kolak exhaust (same Magnaflow stainless high flow cat and a very highend stainless 2.5" cat back).



Regardless of whether you use FlyanRyan's turning services or not, for a 4.5 to 4.7 stroker I suggest using Thorley HDX-634Y header (stock head OK, but ported head is best), Magnaflow (universal - stainless) high flow (2.5" in/2.5" out) cat, and Dynomax 2.5 cat back (aluminized), or if you want an all stainless exhaust then get Kolak exhaust (same Magnaflow stainless high flow cat and a very highend stainless 2.5" cat back).



Dynomax 2.5" cat back is very cheap ($107) and good. The Kolak cat back costs more, but is a good price for what it is, and it's the best there is, IMO. The Kolak cat back is part of the Kolak exhaust system and includes Magnaflow high flow (2.5/2.5) cat. Edited in Later: I've never taken the time or spent the money to use FlyanRyan's custom tuner services, but I'm confident that if I did, my already excellent performance would get even better, and my already excellent gas mileage would get slightly better. He's the real deal for sure. I just haven't followed up on this because of time and money constraints, and because my XJ is already doing so awesome that I don't feel the need for more improvement, but I'm sure Ryan could get me significantly more if I want it.



Edited in Later: I still believe in FlyinRyan, but all his tunes are for premium gas only. I don't want to use premium. So I won't be using FlyinRyan's services.



The mods I've already done work OK on regular unleaded, and excellent on midgrade gas. Midgrade is 30 cents a gallon cheaper than premium in my area. So I'm staying with the stock tune and my bolt on mods because that combination is working great and I can use relatively low cost midgrade gas. I could even use regular gas if I wanted to, but my 4L Jeep runs best on midgrade. Note: If you decide to use FlyinRyan's services, or some other custom tuner's services, do so AFTER you've completed all your physical mods to engine. i.e. - after all bolt-on mods and any internal mods. That way his tune will provide the most benefit possible and be complimentary to your other mods.

Replacing Mechanical Fan with Electric Fan



Replacing mechanical fan with electric fan is an efficiency improvement in a moderate to cold climates (because electric fan seldom comes on in cool climate), but offers no efficiency benefit in hot climate (where fans run often).



Edited in Later: The downside of converting mechanical fan to electric is expensive to hire it done, and complicated to do yourself. The biggest complications are getting it to fit, wiring it properly, and figuring out an appropriate and reliable temperature sensor to automatically and reliably trigger it. For these reasons, I might not do this mod, and I recommend caution to others considering this mod. A lot of people have had difficulty getting this mod done and ongoing difficulty getting it to function properly. Many (perhaps most) people never get it working properly. I know a local radiator shop that will do this mod for me for $750, incl parts and labor, and it'd probably be reliable; but it's not worth the expense (or risk) to me at this time.



So although replacing mechanical fan with electric fan is good in theory, in actual practice it's NOT easy or affordable to get working properly. It's a risk. If you do this mod, it should be the LAST mod you do because there are many simpler, easier, lower cost mods that will improve gas mileage. Aerodynamics This is covered repeatedly later in thread, but I'll touch on a couple highlights here.



Skid Plates



The smoother the underside of the Jeep the better the gas mileage will be (less wind drag). Some Economodders (at other forums) have covered underside with corrugated plastic (like used to make signs) and have reported good success. I have found that underbody skid plates have been helpful to me in a similar (though less effective) way. Specifically a stock front skid plate that protects tierod, and also my Skid Row Engine transmission skid plate. So although the weight of skid plates reduces city gas mileage a little bit, the smoother underside increases highway gas mileage a little bit. So over all, average gas mileage is unchanged. So don't be afraid to add skid plates if you need off road protection. Also, I have noticed my 200 lbs off full skid plates improve my handling and cornering be lowering my center of gravity. Lift and Rake



The lower to the ground a car is, the less wind drag it will have. So lower equals better highway gas mileage. However, we drive Jeeps, and many of us, myself included, like to have a lift on it.



Only lift as high as necessary to fit your tires, and no more. A positive rake is when the rear is higher than the front. It has been conclusively proven by tests done by car manufacturers and also a 4x4 magazine tested this by testing the effect of leveling kits on a Grand Cherokee ZJ's gas mileage. 1" Positive rake gave 2 mpg more on highway than a 0" rake did. (0" rake means it sits level). A negative rake would be the worst (front higher than rear).



So when you lift, it will help your highway gas mileage significantly to have a positive rake. A 1" positive rake is ideal, but looks weird on a Jeep. So I setup my XJ's lift to have 0.5" positive rake and that looks good. I think it's giving me around a 1 mpg improvement on highway, though I didn't test my mpg specifically for that.



So try to have a 0.5" positive rake to your lift (if you have lift), but for sure avoid negative rake. Miscellaneous



Roof rack, winch, bull bar or brush guard, running boards, mud flaps, off road lights, and spare tire on roof are common items that increase wind drag on highway. Bull bar, brush guard, winch, and spare tire on roof are the worst offenders and any one of those things can reduce highway gas mileage by 2 mpg, IME. I gained 2 mpg just from removing my winch. So remove the things you don't need. I also removed my roof rack and running boards and I have refrained from adding off road lights. A spare tire on the roof is a terrible idea for gas mileage (and center of gravity). If your tire is to large to fit inside your XJ, then mount it on the rear.

Mods to Avoid (if you care about gas mileage)



Avoid active cooling mods (high output fan(s), high volume water pump), high output alternator, and high volume oil pumps because they aren't needed and increase drag on engine, which reduces performance and gas mileage. Avoid any mod that increases engine drag, vehicle weight, or wind resistance; unless you really have a strong need for the functionality that mod provides. If you really need a gas guzzling mod, then you might have to install it and sacrifice some gas mileage.



You don't need active cooling mods because you can do passive cooling mods instead. Active cooling mods hurt gas mileage by increasing drag on engine. A more powerful (than stock) mechanical fan (more blades or clutch than engages at lower temp) increases drag on engine. A more powerful electric fan uses more electricity, which increases load on alternator, which increases drag on engine. Likewise with adding extra fans. Passive cooling mods help gas mileage (if you're in a hot enough climate to need cooling mods). Passive cooling mods use no power and don't create any drag on engine. In fact, passive cooling mods reduce drag on engine because fans won't need to come on as often.



You don't need a high volume oil pump. The stock oil pump is capable and appropriate.



You don't need a high output alternator for a winch. Buy a more efficient winch (with external disk brake) that uses less a lot less amps (such as Superwinch - low amps, but fast). You don't need a bunch of offroad lights, but if you really must have them, are there more efficient LED lights available? The only valid reason to have a high output alternator is for welding on the trail, IMO. If you aren't welding on the trail, you don't need a high output alternator.



Earlier, I had a winchplate and winch, but it reduced my city and highway gas mileage (costing me -2 mpg highway and -1 mpg city) and I don't really need a winch. So I uninstalled the winchplate and winch and my gas mileage immediately improved to what it was before the winch.



Don't store spare tire on roof (wind drag). Don't install grill guard or aftermarket roof rack (weight and wind drag) unless you really need them and are willing to sacrifice gas mileage. I removed my roof rack, running boards, and winch; which significantly reduced weight and wind drag.



Obviously larger tires and skidplates would be expected to reduce gas mileage, but I installed those mods anyway because I wanted the off road capability. In spite of my 30" tires and 200 lbs skidplates, I get 25 mpg at 60 mph (after various gas mileage improvement mods). I'd get better city gas mileage if I had stock tires and no skidplates, but (thanks to various efficiency enhancing mods described earlier in this thread) my city gas mileage is adequate and my highway gas mileage is excellent.



My 30 x 9.5 tires aren't much taller than stock and barely any wider. Staying with narrowish tires helps. Wide tires are much worse for gas mileage. My 30s aren't hurting my highway gas mileage much, if any. I'm sure they reduce my city gas mileage a little (I estimate -1 mpg city). I've proven it's possible to get excellent highway gas mileage (and good city gas mileage) with 30 x 9.5 R15 ATs (I'm using Cooper AT3, which has a reasonably low rolling resistance), but I think if you go taller (like 245/75R16 aka 31 x 9.5) your gas mileage will suffer some (I estimate -1.5 to -2 mpg highway). If you go wider, your gas mileage will suffer some more. If you go taller and wider, your gas mileage will suffer A LOT. I think 31 x 10.5 R15 would not be ideal for gas mileage. However, the gas mileage mods in this thread would help it be as good as it can be. I think it's possible to get 22 mpg at 60 mph with a 31 x 10.5 R15 AT).



My 200 lbs of underbody skidplates didn't change my highway gas mileage. They added weight but improved underbody aerodynamics and my highway mpg didn't change. I'm sure the weight reduces city gas mileage a little (I estimate -1.5 mpg city), but it's worth it to me to have skidplates. IME underbody skidplates don't hurt highway gas mileage if you don't install anything crazy heavy. A 1/4" thick belly skid is crazy heavy. My skids are all 3/16" and I've got everything covered. If you install skidplates, I highly recommend an XJ front skid to protect tierod and because it improves underbody aerodynamics. A combination engine-tranny skid (like my Skidrow) also improves underbody aerodynamics. Avoid differential helmets/cage guards on front diff because they create wind drag. I'm using a thick (1/4") strong Alloy USA front diff cover, which is same shape and size as stock cover, so it doesn't cause wind resistance and won't hit your trackbar during suspension compression like a big aftermarket cover can.

231 transfer case uses 75w90 or 90w gear oil. I prefer Mobil One or Valvoline synthetic gear oils.



I prefer Valvoline 75W90 synthetic gear oil are great for differentials and for a 231 transfer case, BUT do NOT use these gear oils in a manual transmission because their limited slip additives makes them to slippery for syncromesh shifting to work properly.



Do NOT use gear oil with limited slip additives in a manual transmission. In a manual transmission, only use gear oil that does NOT contain limited slip additive.



75-90 synthetic gear oil front diff (I recommend Mobil One or Valvoline)



75-90 or 75-140 synthetic gear oil rear diff (choose viscosity according to climate and severity of use (towing requires 75-140 or 80-140)) (I recommend Mobil One or Valvoline)



I like Valvoline best in 75-90, and Mobil One best in 75-140 based looking at their spec sheets and their viscosities cold vs hot, and their flash points.

regeared

and his gas mileage improved.

I got 24.89 mpg

See posts 2476 through 2479.

See post 2515.

Edited in 1 Year Later:

Edited in 2 Years Later:

E10

but can no longer run with 87 octane gas.

but I have to use 89 octane gas with it.

Edited in 2 Years Later:

See post 3301 for update to this thread

Edited in 5 Years Later:

This thread is about to improve Jeep 4 liter gas mileage in general, and specifically how to improve Jeep Cherokee gas mileage. Vehicles 2007 and newer have different engines and already have some of these gas mileage improvements implemented stock from factory.My goal is for my 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ with AW4 automatic transmission to getPossible or impossible? I plan to experiment to see what helps gas mileage (and what doesn't).This preface was written after this thread existed. The formatting of this OP looks great on a computer, but is miserable on a phone. I suggest reading this OP using a computer, or at least a tablet.===If so, please post them.===I am using all synthetic oils in my XJ. This is mostly to protect engine and auto tranny from heat and wear, but also to increase gas mileage. All synthetic oils in all areas increases gas mileage an estimated 1 mpg, and reduces wear substantially.I like Valvoline 5w30 Max Life High Mileage Synthetic Blend oil. That's what I'm using.[/indent]Synthetic auto transmission oil in my auto transmission, and 242 transfer case.Mobil One and Valvoline synthetic auto transmission fluids are my preference.===I have perfect alignment and perfectly balanced tires, which helps gas mileage.My tire pressure is on the low end of acceptable to soften ride for my bad back. This is NOT helping my gas mileage. I am going to install softer springs to soften ride. Then I will start running more tire pressure, which will gain me at least another 1 or 2 mpg and put me at, or very near, 25 mpg.I've already increased to 23 mpg from fine tuning and a few of the mods mentioned above. I still have many more mods to do. l'm sure I will get substantially more than 25 mpg when I am finished.My XJ has auto tranny, 3.55 diff gears, and 30x9.5R15 AT tires. Later in thread a member with same setupto 3.73 diff gearsLater in thread it was pointed out that my auto tranny puts me at some disadvantage for gas mileage. The manual tranny XJ have a built in advanatage for gas mileage.I have reached 25 mpg with my auto tranny, but if I had a manual tranny I could do even better. Manual tranny 4L XJs are known to get 24 to 25 mpg highway when completely stock. So with economods a manual tranny XJ could potentially get 27 or 28+ mpg at 60 mph.at 60 mph on level highway in test today (Sept 13, 2014). That's pretty much 25 mpg. I still have a few mods to do. I'm hopeful I might get it above 25 mpg in future.I got 22.7 mpg at 65 mph on level highway today in gas mileage test (Sept 19, 2014).The latest gas mileage figures (above) are from completion of most of the low cost mods that are possible. I think that's about the limit of what's economically feasible. I might be able to squeeze another 1 mpg out of it on a low budget. After that, any additional improvement will get expensive and require a higher mod budget.I could get even higher gas mileage, but it would require some expensive mods to do so. I think around $1200 of additional mods might gain another 2 mpg. I think $3200 of additional mods might gain another 3 mpg. That'd be neat as a hobby, but not cost effective as an investment to save gas money.I've already taken it almost as far as makes sense economically, but it would be fun to take it as far as I can afford and I probably will.I live in Pacific Northwest (WA State and OR) where gas costs approx $1 more per gallon than it does in most of the USA. So the $750 of parts money spent on gas mileage mods was a good investment since I recovered that money in 1 year of driving. My gas mileage (with 89 octane) improved from 15 mpg to 24-25 mpg at 60 mph, or 22-23 mpg at 65 mph.My good gas mileage and excellent performance are with 89 octane gas.When I first bought my 99 XJ in 2012, I initially used 87 octane and it ran OK, but idled a bit rough and gas mileage was terrible. Then I tried 89 octane and it idled smoother and ran slightly better, but it was still able to use 87 octane if I wanted to. All my gas mileage tests were done using 89 octane gas.After I installed a Kolak Ignition Kit, it runs even more smoothly and beautifully with 89 octane gas,With 87 octane gas it idles VERY rough (shaking the whole vehicle).I'm fine with that (and I would use 89 anyway by choice), but I want to make sure everyone knows that IME after installing a Kolak Ignition Kit 89 octane gas is a necessity. That's been my experience with my Jeep XJ 4 liter engine.for what worked well and what didn't. During the last 2 years I've gotten a real good feel for which mods were worth the expense and effort, and which were not. https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f65/.../#post35939297 [B][COLOR="Red"] Due to health reasons, my driving days are over. My new vehicle is a mobility scooter, which I've learned to love.since I can't drive anymore. See this thread for details of sale price and for pics of my beautiful Jeep. https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f177...ic-xj-4335825/