OME Lift and decreased MPG - reasoning??

FATrabbit · 04-24-08, 09:43 AM

I ssearched and did not find any info.

I knew that installing a lift on my LC was going to result in decreased MPG. I just don't understand why this is so. Nothing changes mechanically, other than a slight increased angle at the front differential (note: I have a diff drop) but I don't see this as being the culprit. I was already running 285s before the lift, so tire size is not the culprit either.

I am left with aerodynamics, i.e more air allowed under the car and somehow increasing drag. But again, I fail to believe that this is the sole cause. Based the computer's calculated mileage, I dropped approx. 1.5 MPG for my daily driving pot lift.

What do ya'll think? Or maybe someone knows and can expound this issue for me.

hoser · 04-24-08, 09:59 AM

Increased frontal area.

calamaridog · 04-24-08, 10:11 AM

There is more wind resistance. Maybe if you lowered it your mileage would increase

Other than the decrease in mileage, do you like the results?

Maybe 1loudlx can provide some feedback on that lowering thing?

hks3sgte · 04-24-08, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FATrabbit

...
I am left with aerodynamics...

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

Increased frontal area.

correct

Jim_Chow · 04-24-08, 10:38 AM

I also think it's mainly increased frontal surface area, which includes the front between the bumper and the ground. Best way to increase fuel economy would be to drive 55-60mph on cruise or lower the vehicle. Best way for the latter would be one of those JDM AHC controllers that allows one to drop/raise the front/rear independently of one another in 10mm increments. The new LX basically does this (drops the vehicle at highway speed by a fixed amount, the front drops more than the rear) to regain some lost mpg's due to the increased engine displacement.

agomez · 04-24-08, 10:40 AM

wait until the 35's go on it......

FATrabbit · 04-24-08, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calamaridog

Other than the decrease in mileage, do you like the results?

Of course I like the results! Wouldn't go back (or lower) for anything, just curious. I have a 400 mile highway trip this afternoon, so I will able to see what the highway MPG is post lift. Probably end up cleaning the MAF.

macneill · 04-24-08, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calamaridog

Maybe 1loudlx can provide some feedback on that lowering thing?

Though he did wheel last weekend which is more than you can say for me.

dclee · 04-25-08, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_Chow

I also think it's mainly increased frontal surface area, which includes the front between the bumper and the ground.

Plus increased frontal exposed surface area of all four tires.

LandCruisers4Life · 04-25-08, 01:57 AM

35s.... roof rack.... bumpers...... I think when my own mods get done, I'll be riding a VESPA and letting the 100 sit for weekends

DMX84 · 04-25-08, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_Chow

I also think it's mainly increased frontal surface area, which includes the front between the bumper and the ground. Best way to increase fuel economy would be to drive 55-60mph on cruise or lower the vehicle. Best way for the latter would be one of those JDM AHC controllers that allows one to drop/raise the front/rear independently of one another in 10mm increments. The new LX basically does this (drops the vehicle at highway speed by a fixed amount, the front drops more than the rear) to regain some lost mpg's due to the increased engine displacement.

I disagree with the driving with the cruise control on. I’ve gotten worse using the cruise due to the cruise hammering the throttle to increase/maintain speed. But maybe its better at 55-60, I don’t know, I have never driven at that speed with cruise on.
~DMX

hoser · 04-25-08, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_Chow

The new LX basically does this (drops the vehicle at highway speed by a fixed amount, the front drops more than the rear) to regain some lost mpg's due to the increased engine displacement.

The LX570 also has a coefficient of drag of .35 vs .40 for the LX470. Not sure if that figure is with the auto lowering suspension activated though.

cruiser100 · 04-25-08, 11:24 AM

The lift also causes more turbulence under the vehicle which adds to its drag.

I'm currently working on some easily removable attachments for the front of my rig that would help with on highway air flow; not sure if it'll do much good, but it can't hurt.

hoser · 04-25-08, 11:36 AM

Ah, a removable air dam. That would help fuel efficiency...

$11 worth of mods plus new tires - Car and Driver improves MPG by 25% : Ecomodder.com Fuel Economy Blog
Skoolie.net • View topic - Aerodynamics / MPG increase - up 16%

04-24-08, 09:43 AM	#1
FATrabbit IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 99	OME Lift and decreased MPG - reasoning?? I ssearched and did not find any info. I knew that installing a lift on my LC was going to result in decreased MPG. I just don't understand why this is so. Nothing changes mechanically, other than a slight increased angle at the front differential (note: I have a diff drop) but I don't see this as being the culprit. I was already running 285s before the lift, so tire size is not the culprit either. I am left with aerodynamics, i.e more air allowed under the car and somehow increasing drag. But again, I fail to believe that this is the sole cause. Based the computer's calculated mileage, I dropped approx. 1.5 MPG for my daily driving pot lift. What do ya'll think? Or maybe someone knows and can expound this issue for me. __________________ '97 FZJ80 to '03 UZJ100 to (now) '05 UZJ100 Think I'm sticking with this one for awhile! Now with: HIRs OME 865s, OME t-bars, OME shocks, slee diff. drop

04-24-08, 09:59 AM	#2
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,610	Increased frontal area. __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

04-24-08, 10:11 AM	#3
calamaridog IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cuyamaca, CA and Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,460	There is more wind resistance. Maybe if you lowered it your mileage would increase Other than the decrease in mileage, do you like the results? Maybe 1loudlx can provide some feedback on that lowering thing? __________________ 2000 UZJ100 - OME - sold Currently looking for the right FJ60 TLCA #14734 Calamaridog

04-24-08, 10:38 AM	#5
Jim_Chow IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,249	I also think it's mainly increased frontal surface area, which includes the front between the bumper and the ground. Best way to increase fuel economy would be to drive 55-60mph on cruise or lower the vehicle. Best way for the latter would be one of those JDM AHC controllers that allows one to drop/raise the front/rear independently of one another in 10mm increments. The new LX basically does this (drops the vehicle at highway speed by a fixed amount, the front drops more than the rear) to regain some lost mpg's due to the increased engine displacement. __________________ '03 LX470: ART slotted & cryo'd rotors, Porterfield R4s pads, Stoptech stainless hoses, ARB sahara & Kaymar bars, HID's. '86 4Runner: lots of mods incl rear electric locker, front truetrac, regeared, OME lift, ARB/Kaymar bars. '01 Prelude SH: stock '00 Honda CRV: stock

04-24-08, 10:40 AM	#6
agomez IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 275	wait until the 35's go on it...... __________________ 2000 uzj100 1995 Fzj80 Pearl Gray mallcruiser with damage multipliers front and back tacos al cabron

04-25-08, 01:57 AM	#10
LandCruisers4Life IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas TLCA# 16244 Posts: 1,516	35s.... roof rack.... bumpers...... I think when my own mods get done, I'll be riding a VESPA and letting the 100 sit for weekends __________________ 2004 UZJ100 "El Rinoceronte" - Gotta pay to play...

04-25-08, 11:24 AM	#13
cruiser100 Comfortably Numb Join Date: May 2007 Location: NE Atlanta, GA TLCA# 17632 Posts: 162	The lift also causes more turbulence under the vehicle which adds to its drag. I'm currently working on some easily removable attachments for the front of my rig that would help with on highway air flow; not sure if it'll do much good, but it can't hurt. __________________ 2005 UZJ100 OME T-Bars, OME 2 " 'Heavy' Lift Kit, Slee Diff Drop, ARB Combo Bumper, Warn XD9000, Slee Rear Bumper w/Tire Carrier, Slee Sliders

04-25-08, 11:36 AM	#14
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,610	Ah, a removable air dam. That would help fuel efficiency... $11 worth of mods plus new tires - Car and Driver improves MPG by 25% : Ecomodder.com Fuel Economy Blog Skoolie.net • View topic - Aerodynamics / MPG increase - up 16% __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70 Last edited by hoser; 04-25-08 at 11:42 AM.

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