Just to add to this, my trooper is has a 4ze1 motor, with an auto transmission. I drive 55mph on the expressway (right lane, very courteous to semis and such), and in overdrive I'm right around 2100rpm. I've got the tires listed in my signature. I'm pushing just over 20mpg. When I first got the truck I tended to do a constant 65-75, and I averaged 15-17mpg. Slow it down, enjoy the drive. Believe me, I enjoy driving fast (miss the little celica), but 55mph means that I no longer have to watch for police officers, I don't have to worry about an accident because I'm pushing it too hard, etc. I enjoy driving . Plus, I save money, which is the main reason I do it.

- Jim

here's some more sugestions:
SUBWOOFERS - you might go deaf but WOW! Perpetual motion!
...and then there's magic of beans,,, but then you have to roll down a window for fresh air and that can be counter productive. Rolled down windows inhibit the complex areodynamics of these apple boxes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

You can also fold in your mirrors and slick back your hair - for even less resistance <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

...or maybe you could borrow a trick used by Patrick Wang to prevent trail scratches, and apply a nice thin coat of Pam Cooking Spray! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Spray on teflon?
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Keep it on topic, guys. Isuzu content related topic, remember. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Michael

Well, as per MLCLARK's wishes -
I'd like to mention that ISUZUKID has a got pretty kewl thread heppenin' on 'Gas prices are killin' me! Should I switch to a lower octane gas?' - for those no-mod habits for better m.p.g.

As for this thread - instead of a 2nd gear box - is there not a trick rear end mod out there for push button overdrive? My dad had a 50's Studebaker Commander with a 3 speed and a push button o.d.. He says it activated a 2nd gear in the rear end (- but then again - he says a lot of things), You'd think that someone out there could acutally be fabricating 2 speed rearends for generation 1s or 2s...
But a stick on adapter would be kewl 'cause you could exchange drive shafts with a straight one when it's time to go rugged... fresh body work be danged! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

- and for people with names like Smiley and Sneekeye you all know too much about alternative uses for lubricants. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Actually, it's per board policy, and this doesn't cut it...



There were some boxes that used an electrically engaged overdrive, but I'm not familiar with them enough to know whether it would be a scab-on option for an Isuzu transmission or not. I seem to remember one of my father's old Volvos having something like this. It would be interesting to see someone investigate this as a possible application on their truck. Of course, it would only work in 2WD, but if you're looking for mileage, that's the way to go anyway.

James

To answer your question, two speed rear-ends are a reality, but they are pretty big axles...

I drove one once on a dually pickup, but they are typically found on large trucks.