I have a 94 4runner with the 3.0 V6, manual trans, 31s with 4:56 gears and auto hubs. I get 15-16 MPG at 75-80 on long trips with cruise control set.

What can I do to improve on this?

My old 88 4Runner had about 16-17 mph with 22RE, 5 speed 31x12.50 Boggers and 4:11 gears and manual hubs.

I was thinking putting on Manual hubs, and changing to synthetic gear oil. Will this improve my MPG?
what else can I do?

Slow down a bit to help on the mpg. Where are your rpms at 80. Manual hubs help a little. Better for less wear on the cv's. Spark plugs or wires could be replaced (I've experimented w/ a few different types and they do make a difference in terms of mpg). Make sure its running efficient to begin with. Your not gonna get what the 4cly get. 3.0 is way to heavy.
On good summer days, my 3. slo w/ manual hubs, 31s 4.88 see around 300 miles not corrected for lower gears on highway driving cruizing around 70. 186 K and still cruizing.

Sid

What the other guy said plus maybe think about replacing an o2 sensor(s) if they are original. Maybe think about a high flow filter and exhaust (excuse to buy one). I think your RPMs are probably hurting you the most at that speed though, plus the cruise control throttling up on hills and such

I have heard that the 3.0 is really not known for milage, so good luck

Also, with the 4.56 gears and 5 speed, you might acutually get better milage with a not very aggressive 32" tire...it would lower your RPMs at speed and you shouldn't have any trouble turning it. I have 32" MTs and still get 25+MPG with 4.10s (22RE though); the RPMs are much lower than stock at highway speeds

i get 14 with 33s

Don't forget changing out the fuel filter. It's a pain in the ass, but it makes a difference.

word it sucks.. agaree with shawn i had a 94 with 3.0 31's.. dumped it 3 months later and got my 87

john

37s 4.88s and i got 20mpg on my last trip up to the con. just keep your speed down, and your RPM around 3k
Shane

I agree that freeing up the airflow will help any motor.
I haven't had the funds to do it to my current truck yet
but my previous truck ('02 Ranger 4x2) gained 3-5 MPG and
nearly 20HP by just increasing airflow with a K&N drop
in filter in my modified air box and Gibson cat back
exhaust. I was getting 25 MPG while pulling my 1500lb
utility trailer loaded with camping gear over Mt. Hood!
Of course that was the 2.3L motor too, but still pretty
dang good IMO.

Regards,
Indy

Plugs and wires are about a year old, toyota replacement. Unsure of condition, I am going to pull them friday and look at them.

fuel filter not sure how old it is.
O2 sensor same thing

I was talking with my dad, he looked thru all the records of the 4Runner. My plugs and wires have been changed on a 20,000 mile basis.

Does this seem right for a set of Toyotas? I currently have 23K on the current plugs and wires.

Now for the question: What plugs for the 3VZE? and What wires?

Plug choices:
Bosch Platinum (4202)
Bosch Platinum +2 (4303)
Bosch Platinum +4 (4417)
Autolite Double Platinum (APP3923)
NGK Platinum; BKR5EVX or 6341
NGK V-Power; Resistor; 2087 or BKR5EYA

Plug Wires:
Autolite
NGK
Bosch