2002 Ford Ranger Normal RPM at 55 MPH

2002 FORD RANGER
75,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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ACFAN
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My Ford Ranger (2.3L 4cyl 2WD 5 speed manual trans) when I run it down the highway at 55MPH the RPMs range from 2300-2400. This seems high to me, but am wondering if this is normal for 5th gear at this speed? The tires that I have on the truck are the recommended P225/70R15. What also makes me wonder about the RPMs is that I checked the gas mileage after running a tank of gas while running short errands through town (lots of stop and go driving) which gave me 24MPG, I then ran a tank of gas through while driving long distance highway driving (55-60MPH) and the MPG dropped to 23. Any suggestions? Thanks
Mar 11, 2008 at 12:00 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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The rpm's sound about right for a 4 cyl. The highway numbers can be deceiving, if you were going up hill alot, then it requires more throttle to maintain speed , into the wind, alot of small things when you are talking about 1 mpg. Did the truck suddenly start getting poor mileage or has it been this way the entire time?
Mar 11, 2008 at 3:11 PM