E brake dragging?

 

Check the O2 sensors, lazy ones can really kill economy.

 

you cant go wrong with sea-foam, it worked wonders on my camaro.

 

Update. The last 4 tanks have have been 29mpg. Nothing has changed. I hope the OP has gotten his figured out.

 

ok so i went the the mid grade (89 octane) and now im getting 26.6 on the highway and just just over 20 around town. i also had the EGR replaced, the SES light suddenly came on with that code. the mechanic said that may have helped a little too

 

Ranger, I sure hope you find the problem. I know my '99 has a different engine, the 3.8L, but I just got back for a road trip of almost 3000 miles and averaged over 30 mpg. One tank went better than 32.5, and that is driving 74-80 with the a/c running much of the time. I did inflate my tires to almost the limit shown on the tire itself, which makes for a stiff ride but they roll a lot easier.