Ranger Aerodynamics

[RustedRanger]

Has anyone done things to make their Ranger more aerodynamic? I have thought about this from time to time as a way to increase gas mileage, since the Ranger is about a aerodynamic as a brick. I read once in a magazine about this subject as a way to increase top-end,like for the salt flats. It seems there would be a few things that could be done easily and cheaply. Something I remember mentioned about "flat" nosed vehicles was putting heavy screen across the grill,I have considered making a flat piece out of plexiglass to cover the grill and cutting holes for cooling. One thing I have been wondering about is hood vents,it seems they would really help. It would relieve the pressure under the hood and let the air exit over the top rather than under the truck and would increase cooling. If open holes were cut and screen installed a "pan" could be made under the hole to catch rain and snow and a small rubber hose could drain the water away from the engine. I have also read that an easy way to tell if you have helped aerodynamics is to coast a set distance from a set speed and time it,then do it again in the other direction.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Lowering a vehicle will help, but you have a 4X4 so that's out. An air dam and tonneau cover might help slightly.

I can't see putting a screen over your grill to be noticably effective.

 

[Jay FX4]

It's a pickup - there's only so much you can do.

Lowering it would help. You could also make an "air dam" to fit around the bottom of your valance to effectively lower the front bumper. My dads Silverado has something like this. It hangs about 3 or 4" from the ground around the front bumper. It helps reduce the air drag from underneath the truck by pushing the air to the sides.

There's nothing you can do about the angle of the A-pillars/windshield, though, and a lot of drag comes at that spot where the hood meets windshield - and anywhere else where air is forced to make a drastic change in direction.

EDIT: I see Gotta_gofast said some of the same things as I was typing my reply.....

 

[crawlin91]

someone once mated a ranger and a mustang, it was certainly more aerodynamic but it is a sad little abortion of a vehicle and makes me throw up a lil everytime I see it.

 

[feellnfroggy]

Theres a kit on ebay, its a buncha little tabs that glue to theroof and underside of your vehicle I seen on a mustang site of mine. They smooth out the airflow around the corners absically. and will increase maybe 1-2 mpg. Also diesel power taped cardboard over the wheels and grill and everyopening except the bottom opening (under the radiator) It was a one-ton non dually. and It got 31 mpg. (no air and windows up too, in I think california or arizona. If you put plexi glass over the grill do it without holes first and watch your temps then drill as few holes as possible until your temps begin to level out. a bed cover will help as well, prolly not much though. On me expedition I used to pull my mirrors in if I was on a long haul.

 

[MrE_Powers]

http://www.recumbents.com/car_aerodynamics/

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4271181.html?page=3

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4271181.html

 

[adsm08]

go buy a super-bird, chop the front off, super glue/duct tape it to the front of your truck. that's about all you can do.

 

[Mac]

This was posted on here a couple of years ago but I saved it. Real world test in a wind tunnel.
What I have really been looking for is just how much HP does it take to move thru the air at different speeds. I know the frontal area has a lot to do with it but just a general reference would be good. If you are doing 70 mph at 2500 rpm and only putting out 75 hp and it takes you 70 hp just to move thru the wind, really need to re-gear. That's where I was headed.
Dave
http://www.coreymeltonmotorsports.com/Wind_Tunnel_Testing.html

 

[TheTopher]

Check out ecomodder.com there's a LOT of good aerodynamics info on there. One guy on there came up with an angled bed cap that let him get somewhere in the ballpark of 22mpg out of his superduty if remember correctly.

 

[TheBeast]

Why don't you just spray the whole truck with pam at that rate.

 

[erocka1982]

that is really cool

 

[Hopman]

Isn't "Ranger Aerodymaics" an oxymoron? The only way to make a Ranger aerodynamic is sell it and get a Mustang!

 

[Jay FX4]

To reduce drag, I recommend purchasing a Corvette.

 

[Colin]

Do like the Mythbusters did and make it golfball textured.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

This was posted on here a couple of years ago but I saved it. Real world test in a wind tunnel.
What I have really been looking for is just how much HP does it take to move thru the air at different speeds. I know the frontal area has a lot to do with it but just a general reference would be good. If you are doing 70 mph at 2500 rpm and only putting out 75 hp and it takes you 70 hp just to move thru the wind, really need to re-gear. That's where I was headed.
Dave
http://www.coreymeltonmotorsports.com/Wind_Tunnel_Testing.html

Thats pretty neat. But according to that it looks like a cover and an air dam will help alot even over just leaving the tailgate up. but increases the drag force fast as the speed climbs.

If you really want better MPG's I would suggest switching to a newer ranger such as an 98-00 as they seem the most aerodynamicly shaped in front. Because I can't see how blocking off your radiator is going to help anything. I mean it will act less like an air scoop yes but the amount of holes you will have to drill to keep in cool would kind of defeat the purpose. Now adding a hood scoop would probably help, as well as skid plates underneath to reduce drag on parts down there. And a nice coat of wax couldn't hurt.