As was stated earlier, a cause in mpg drop can be attributed to winter-blend fuel (if you live in an area that changes the fuel mix during the winter months). It has to do with evaporation rate additives (i.e. Butane). Winter-blends start to be introduced in September - I believe - and will drop...
I just saw that Redline Tuning is having a Black Friday Sale (November 25-29, 2021) on their QuickLIFT System (hood struts) and wanted to let everyone know. I have these installed and they work great. You can get 20% off using code "BF2021"! https://www.redlinetuning.com/Articles.asp?ID=252
My Big Bend came with 18" wheels, but I didn't like the style. I purchased KMC Alpine Gray wheels (also available in black) and Goodyear TrailRunner AT 235/60/18 tires and I'm very happy with the look and performance.
I think I finally found the perfect Plasti Dip color match for the front and rear lettering. The stock lettering is white and I originally painted them black (I don't like the vinyl overlays since they leave a white border) but thought it was too dark. I wanted to match the color of the front...
I haven't installed a bull bar any lighting "yet". I installed a forward camera on the front bumper and ran the wire through the steering column. I didn't have any issues with the Check Engine light coming on after I reconnected the terminal.
I haven't noticed any extra noise or drop in gas mileage since I installed them approx. six months ago. I kept my original wheels and tires, but never really liked them. It's one of the first things I changed on my BS. I love that the gray on the wheels matches the gray on the grill.
Unfortunately, there's not a lot of room to access the inner wall of the door (unless you remove the entire cover) to place the deadening material. As you can see from the photo of the OP, it's going to take some major surgery.
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I've been running Goodyear TrailRunner 235/60/18s for the last 5 months and love them. I haven't noticed any road noise or change in my MPG. Here's a pic of them mounted on KMC wheels. Also a comparison pic of the original wheels and tires next to the Goodyear and KMC wheels.