Anyway, I seriously wondered if the running boards might hurt fuel economy. I would still pull them off as I think they make the truck look funky, too SUVish. Sure glad I don't have them on the Ranger.
As for the cylinder cut out, yeah, would not want fuel going in as it would do a bad number on the oil.
Bottom line, the Mountaineer is just to heavy. Seems every vehicle has gotten heavier in the last 10 years. Odd when the push is to improve fuel economy. Also, the 4.0 is way more engine than I need. Not towing, so a 3.0 would work fine, but not even an option in that year Mountaineer.