'00 Bravada - minor issues

[sparta308]

Hello forum that saved me $1500! I'm back with a few other minor issues.

Fuel economy and RPMs on the highway.

Generally, if I drive very conservatively, I might be able to get 18.5 on a really good day. That's maybe if I go between 65 and 68 on the highway with cruise control.

I've got a friend with a '01 Blazer and his RPMs on the highway get to about 2150 at 74 MPH, while my '00 Bravada can range between 2350 - 2500 at the same speed. At this speed, usually I'm getting between 16 and 17 mpg - which I really don't like. I mean, it's an older car, and I can't expect to be getting what the original mpg rating was.

Do you guys think the difference might be a different gear ratio? Or might it be because of the SmartTrak AWD system?

I've also got a slight vibration on the highway at these speeds, extremely minor vibration - but noticeable. Tires are OK, but also I've got new ball joints and tie rod ends.

Thanks for the input!

[CutlassOlds88]

did you get an alignment done after the ball joints and tie rod ends were done? it might need one. your gas mileage is about right. the gear ratio on the bravada might be higher so that is why it runs at a higher rpm. the smarttrak system has no effect on gas mileage unless your on slippery surfaces.

[Chris Stewart]

I agree, my '97 revved more than my '92 at the same speed....different differential ratios were available.
The '97 would also launch from a redlight twice as hard as the '92.

How long since the last transfer case "blue fluid" change?

Does the vibration change if you're veering left or right?
Summertime tire air pressure changes...shaded tires vs tires in the hot sun.

[old_master]

Good point about gear ratio, if you post all RPO codes that begin with "G", (RPO codes are 3 character codes on a sticker in the glove box) we can figure out what axle ratio is in your vehicle. Another thing to consider is if the torque converter does not lock up, it will keep RPM higher. It may or may not set a DTC in memory or turn on the SES light if there's a problem with it. Starting out from a complete stop, driving civilized, you should be able to feel 4 shift points with the last one around 50 MPH. You should also see the RPM drop on the tach at each shift point. Post your findings.