FE not increasing

[Raccoonjoe]

OK folks....time for a head-scratcher.

I'm having a problem not getting good FE out of Julie (89 Jeep Cherokee, 4.0L w/AW4 auto and 4WD). Now, I understand that she's got all the aero characteristics of a brick wall (or farm tractor, since she moves down the road), but there's got to be something that I'm doing wrong. Since joining this site, I've been keeping fuel logs. (Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, so I don't have much/any back data).

Since joining the site, I've changed my driving habits to include neutral (engine on) coasting. I already drove like a grandma, but have also lowered my speed limits to 55-60 on highways and 60-65 on the freeway. Since this is an older vehicle with auto tranny, I'm not comfortable with the idea of engine-off coasting....plus Indiana is mostly flat...no good places to coast. Unfortunately, this also applies to P&G......no good places to do it.

Is there something that I'm missing here?? Why can't I get my FE over 18.5?? I don't want to start making radical/costly changes to the Jeep, as I'm doing this in an attempt to save money overall. (better FE = less $$ at pump = more $$ in pocket). As of now, I'm looking at a superMID gauge...but don't know if I can raise FE enough to justify the cost. I am also looking at a vacuum gauge, as that may help with FE, but can also tell me several other important things about the motor. (Damn, I hate having a student's budget......makes things pretty tight)


Sorry for the long post, but any help would be great (and much appreciated)