Gears
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
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Last edited by F250factor; Jan 11, 2014 at 08:17 AM. Reason: Wanted to add smiley... Didn't mean to double post!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Yeah, i shoulda said welcome as well............If you re-read what i posted, in response to your posts, i made ASSUMPTIONS..........Those assumptions were made based upon what sounded like expectations of big increases on gas mileage out of a 360, which either MOST, or MANY folks at least would suggest are difficult. I offered my opinion, smoken offered his in disagreement, his numbers sound really good, among the best ive heard out of this motor. Lets say you can do all your own install, you have the time,money, and fuel to scour the junkyards for the parts, and you get smoken's fuel econ numbers? Is that satisfactory for your needs? if so, far out!
My exact words BTW, were "mechanically inexperienced", i didnt suggest you were "dumb" couldnt learn, or couldnt turn a wrench....Nor did i have issue with your spelling or grammar, but ive seen some posts where a much more experienced individual has glossed over some fairly complex install or modification issues that made things sound like they were the equivalent to changing tires or replacing a battery.........Sorry, if you felt insulted, or thought i was talking down to you!
My exact words BTW, were "mechanically inexperienced", i didnt suggest you were "dumb" couldnt learn, or couldnt turn a wrench....Nor did i have issue with your spelling or grammar, but ive seen some posts where a much more experienced individual has glossed over some fairly complex install or modification issues that made things sound like they were the equivalent to changing tires or replacing a battery.........Sorry, if you felt insulted, or thought i was talking down to you!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,955
Likes: 50
From: Mesa
Check that your vacuum modulator is hooked up. Sounds like it isn't or it's failed. Like mentioned before headers are a must on a FE engine. Tire size will effect ratio. You may be able to get a good cruise rpm by swapping to a different size. Cheaper than a gear swap. Welcome to FTE
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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Iggybob no worries bud...I think I took some frustration out on you about my own lack of knowledge...I cant stand it if I dont know something and how to fix it...Im a carpenter by trade and bought a dent this past summer and love it just trying to do all or most the work myself so I can say I did it.
With that said would I need new rims as well or should just bigger tires be fine?
Is that the same as the vacuum advance on the distributer?
With that said would I need new rims as well or should just bigger tires be fine?
Is that the same as the vacuum advance on the distributer?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Alloy wheels save a little weight, losing some truck weight will improve mileage and acceleration incrementally......is it cost effective, hard to tell! You might find used wheels on CL, or at a junkyard......Since you may need to find a junkyard for gears, engine components, etc ANYWAY, maybe a decent idea??? the more stuff you buy, many junkyards will cut you a price break. Frustration and old trucks are closely related, but when you fix it, its also really satisfying....
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
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Thanks smokenchoken! (Thought you might be driving a diesel for moment... 
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,955
Likes: 50
From: Mesa
The modulator is on the back of the tranny by the tail shaft. It tells the transmission when to shift according to engine vac. If it is bad or not hooked up the transmission stays in 1'st until you manually shift it and so on...
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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Found the modulator. It is hooked up. The line goes into the top of the back of my carb....is that correct. Also when I replace it Im going to have to drain the tranny correct? If so would it be a good idea to change the filter on it too? Im pretty sire it hasnt been done like ever all that happened was tranny was drained and new fluid added.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,656
Likes: 4
From: Northern and Southern Cal
Just started reading your posts.
Welcome to the forum.
You are getting good advise.
Besides checking your modulator vacuum line is hooked up, make sure it is in one piece. After 40 or so years the lines pinch and rot giving you vacuum leaks.
As far as upgrades I'm in line with smokinchokin, headers first for mileage.
The more you have to stomp on the go pedal with a choked off engine the worse your mileage.
I didn't see that you settled what gears you have. Have you found the rear end tag?
Why don't you tell us a little bit more about what you want to do with your truck (ex. stay close to stock or modify the heck out of it).
Some pics would be nice too!
Welcome to the forum.
You are getting good advise.
Besides checking your modulator vacuum line is hooked up, make sure it is in one piece. After 40 or so years the lines pinch and rot giving you vacuum leaks.
As far as upgrades I'm in line with smokinchokin, headers first for mileage.
The more you have to stomp on the go pedal with a choked off engine the worse your mileage.
I didn't see that you settled what gears you have. Have you found the rear end tag?
Why don't you tell us a little bit more about what you want to do with your truck (ex. stay close to stock or modify the heck out of it).
Some pics would be nice too!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
No I havent looked yet. I would imagine that they are stock because the only modifications to this truck has been me in the last six months. I should have looked at them today when I looked at the modulator. I kind of put them on the back burner though once I got the advice to go with the headers. Saving up for a pair from Summit for about $157. How hard is it to put that on yourself? Im pretty good at researching and figuring things out but any advice would be great.
Im trying to keep it as stock as possible but also upgrade a few things to get better gas mileage.
I dont know how to put pictures up yet. Trying to figure it all out. Any advice on that too would be great
I am getting great advice and you guys are a wealth of knowledge thanks for everything.
Im trying to keep it as stock as possible but also upgrade a few things to get better gas mileage.
I dont know how to put pictures up yet. Trying to figure it all out. Any advice on that too would be great
I am getting great advice and you guys are a wealth of knowledge thanks for everything.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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Oh and the line is long and rigid in the middle with rubber hoses connecting to the carb and modulator at top and bottom. It looked ok from what I could see. I think its the modulator though. Was I right about having to drain it?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: peru kansas
no you don't really have to drain it if your brave and reasonably quick you can swap them pretty quick without losing much atf.........and when in doubt on any vacuum line swap it out its reasonably cheap and always makes you feel better knowing its new and fresh......good luck