tranny recommendations
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Maryville
tranny recommendations
Hey ya'll. I've got a stock 2wd 78 f250 extended cab with a 460 and a c6 tranny. The trans is in great shape however I would like to get a little better fuel mileage and still have a good towing trans. Does anyone have any transmission recommendations for a fairly easy swap. Im sure someone has already done this.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 48
From: Middle TN
The C6 is probably one of the best and strongest automatic transmissions ever made.
That said, you need to set a goal of how much of an improvement in mpg it will take to pay for the cost of changing to a manual trans.
For example. if you improve 2mpg, will you drive enough miles over several years to pay for the cost of the conversion? A 460 is not an economy engine no matter what transmission you hook to it.
For mpg you will need an overdrive strong enough for a 460, that limits your options.
NV4500 would work.
That said, you need to set a goal of how much of an improvement in mpg it will take to pay for the cost of changing to a manual trans.
For example. if you improve 2mpg, will you drive enough miles over several years to pay for the cost of the conversion? A 460 is not an economy engine no matter what transmission you hook to it.
For mpg you will need an overdrive strong enough for a 460, that limits your options.
NV4500 would work.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Maryville
Thanks 4x4 bart. I was wanting to stay with an automatic, don't want to fool with trying to convert it to a manual.
I know that a c6 is nearely bullet proof, mainly looking to get my rpms down while driving on the hwy and interstate. That 460 dealt sucks down the fuel at those speeds.
I know that a c6 is nearely bullet proof, mainly looking to get my rpms down while driving on the hwy and interstate. That 460 dealt sucks down the fuel at those speeds.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 632
Likes: 1
From: Bremerton, Wa
what rear gears do you have?
if you've got 4.11/4.56 or 4.88:1 you could throw on a Gear Vendors under/overdrive transmissions the most awarded auxiliary transmissions.
but it's a big investment
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,517
Likes: 2,826
Given that your only choice for an OD trans is the E4OD plus a controller, the GV unit starts to make more sense.
You can find adapters for the AOD or a GM trans, but for your application, neither one makes sense and you are talking the same or more money by the time you buy one beefed up plus the adapter.
Good luck with your truck.
You can find adapters for the AOD or a GM trans, but for your application, neither one makes sense and you are talking the same or more money by the time you buy one beefed up plus the adapter.
Good luck with your truck.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
The cheapest way to improve MPG in a truck that has the aerodynamics of a brick, is...to drive slower on the hwy.
F250's have a Dana 60 rear axle. 1973/79: 5 ratios were available: 3.54-1 / 3.73-1 / 4.10-1 / 4.56-1 / 4.88-1.
The AXLE code is listed on the Warranty Plate, located on the left door face below the latch. Post what it is.
Peeps have been trying to improve MPG in these trucks since the first Arab Oil Embargo of 1973/74. When it ended, the price of gas had QUADRUPLED.
But, there really isn't anything that can be done. You can spend a grand or ten grand, but...the paltry hwy MPG increase will not justify the expense.
F250's have a Dana 60 rear axle. 1973/79: 5 ratios were available: 3.54-1 / 3.73-1 / 4.10-1 / 4.56-1 / 4.88-1.
The AXLE code is listed on the Warranty Plate, located on the left door face below the latch. Post what it is.
Peeps have been trying to improve MPG in these trucks since the first Arab Oil Embargo of 1973/74. When it ended, the price of gas had QUADRUPLED.
But, there really isn't anything that can be done. You can spend a grand or ten grand, but...the paltry hwy MPG increase will not justify the expense.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,517
Likes: 2,826
The cheapest way to improve MPG in a truck that has the aerodynamics of a brick, is...to drive slower on the hwy.
F250's have a Dana 60 rear axle. 1973/79: 5 ratios were available: 3.54-1 / 3.73-1 / 4.10-1 / 4.56-1 / 4.88-1.
The AXLE code is listed on the Warranty Plate, located on the left door face below the latch. Post what it is.
Peeps have been trying to improve MPG in these trucks since the first Arab Oil Embargo of 1973/74. When it ended, the price of gas had QUADRUPLED.
But, there really isn't anything that can be done. You can spend a grand or ten grand, but...the paltry hwy MPG increase will not justify the expense.
F250's have a Dana 60 rear axle. 1973/79: 5 ratios were available: 3.54-1 / 3.73-1 / 4.10-1 / 4.56-1 / 4.88-1.
The AXLE code is listed on the Warranty Plate, located on the left door face below the latch. Post what it is.
Peeps have been trying to improve MPG in these trucks since the first Arab Oil Embargo of 1973/74. When it ended, the price of gas had QUADRUPLED.
But, there really isn't anything that can be done. You can spend a grand or ten grand, but...the paltry hwy MPG increase will not justify the expense.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Despite all the so-called improvements (computers that run the show, EFI, 6 speed A/T's, plastic everywhere, sheet metal thinner than a dime), the new piles get about the same MPG as these old rolling piles of misery.
The only truck I ever owned that got over 20 MPG consistantly on the hwy was my 1965 F100 352 8' Styleside with the Warner 3 speed overdrive.
The on-board computer on my latest pile shows an average city/hwy MPG of 14.6. It was 13.7 before I made a R/T to Santa Barbara a coupla weeks ago.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 8
"ND said: If y'all assume the new piles get better MPG than these older piles, you're mistaken."
Bill, you are so right on, with that. My 65' now has a 428 in it but I still get 20 mpg on the highway. My new silverado gets close to that on a very flat straight-a-way, with a tail wind. I am doing a rebuild on the body of my 65', and also on a spare 428 I have. I plane on tuning back the hp to make it more streetable and I will be going to Edlelbrock's electronic fuel injected throttlebody system. A little bit if $$$, but the perfect solution for fuel, in power AND drivability in all seasons. I had many emails and phone calls back-n-forth with Edlebrock, to work up a good build idea on my motor project. I will be using their heads, intake, and injection system. Then it all gets painted blue w/gold covers. I want the motor to look like its been at home in that truck since it was new. I'm 'OVER' all the chrome stuff hanging all over the motor. It all ends up rusting anyway. Plus I get tired of polishing all that stuff. ;O(
Fritz
Bill, you are so right on, with that. My 65' now has a 428 in it but I still get 20 mpg on the highway. My new silverado gets close to that on a very flat straight-a-way, with a tail wind. I am doing a rebuild on the body of my 65', and also on a spare 428 I have. I plane on tuning back the hp to make it more streetable and I will be going to Edlelbrock's electronic fuel injected throttlebody system. A little bit if $$$, but the perfect solution for fuel, in power AND drivability in all seasons. I had many emails and phone calls back-n-forth with Edlebrock, to work up a good build idea on my motor project. I will be using their heads, intake, and injection system. Then it all gets painted blue w/gold covers. I want the motor to look like its been at home in that truck since it was new. I'm 'OVER' all the chrome stuff hanging all over the motor. It all ends up rusting anyway. Plus I get tired of polishing all that stuff. ;O(
Fritz
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
I "improve" the mileage on my 460 by parking it unless it makes me money. Gas prices pushing Lincolns to the scrapyard got me that engine in the first place.
I love big blocks, and keeping the truck makes perfect sense because no new truck will pay itself off in fuel economy, but the price of power is poor mileage. The joy of a paid-for truck running only liability insurance more than makes up for it.
I love big blocks, and keeping the truck makes perfect sense because no new truck will pay itself off in fuel economy, but the price of power is poor mileage. The joy of a paid-for truck running only liability insurance more than makes up for it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 8
I had an under/overdrive installed on my 460 motorhome a few years back and the power and fuel increase was very impressive. The cost however IS high but I needed the unit and am not sorry for getting it. I would love to have one on my pickup but at this point, its not going to happen. I've got other needs for that kind of $$$. If you drive your 460 all the time, maybe it will pay for itself if the fuel prices keep going up and stay there. If you don't drive it all the time, spend the $$$ on an old rat looking car that is mechanically in good shape. As long as it gets good mileage and just needs min insurance :O).........