Long Weekend=Fix Bronc
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Long Weekend=Fix Bronc
I have a 1988 bronco with the 5.8L. The engine has just been rebuilt and i have a question on the mileage. Currently i'm getting only 5 MPG! I really would like to have this solved before the weekend is over. Any tips? It has 103,000 and i don't think the O2 censor has been changed so that will be first. Also my hubs are broken but locked, and i can't unlock them. I assume that my hubs would affect it, but i wouldn't think it would hurt it that much. When i drive in the city i keep the engine under 2K RPM's to try and conserve fuel. Before anyone asks i am absolutely sure its 5 MPG. The last time i topped it off it took 10 gal. for 50 Miles. I am running 31's on the stock gear ratio.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
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From: Wheatland, Mo
The mileage is way off. I run 31's on mine and if I behave, (tough to do tho), I get 15mpgs, and I have the 302. As for the hubs, yes they will cause some probs but shouldn't be that much, unless they are dragging or binding. Replace the hubs with a set or Warns. That will fix that prob and not be an issue anymore. How does it run? Rough, fine, low RPM idle? High RPM idle? Whats the performance like? Checked your airfilter? all fuel systems clean? Lots of questions to check into to help make a better diagnosis
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i can't hook a computer since the plug is corroded. the engine is newly re-built. I know that the timing is a bit off put thats another project. I'm going to go to some junkyards and try to get a new computer hook up
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: NJ
how fast do you drive when getting 5 mpg? what is engine rpm at a few different speeds. sounds like maybe the trans isnt shifting into high gear. about 2000 rpms at 50 mph should be right. if much higher than maybe your stuck in 2cnd gear.
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All i drive is home to school. the fastest i go is 45 MPH. I am usually at 2000 or right under at that speed. It sometimes has trouble shifting, so i let off and it will shift. I set the timing tonight and the engine woke up. the check engine light is still on. so i think it might still be something else.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,466
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From: northern kentucky
How many miles per trip, each way.IF your only going 2-3 miles each way your mileage is going be cruddy.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Stockton USA
Wow - with front hubs that are engaged all the time, you are really puttin' the miles on all your front axle drive parts...all those shafts, bearings, gears and drive-line are turnin' clear back to the transfer case...lots of unneeded wear and tear of your 4wd stuff! If you drive over 40mph, you're going to wear out that stuff way before it's time!
I have left my hubs engaged by accident, and at highway speeds - all those parts whipping around makes a bit on noise! At first I thought my fan hub was coming apart! Then I remembered to 'dial-out' my hubs...(senior moment, I guess).
All that 'drag' up front is sure going to drop your fuel mileage! don't know if would be as much as you mentioned, though...
Throw away those 'auto' hubs! Go down to your friendly auto parts store and get some manual types...they are easy to install! up here in Northern Calif, I went to Pep-Boys and bought a set for $35.00...Really cheap! They work great...in fact, I bought a second set for a back up (I go off-road a lot - way down in Baja Calif).
I have left my hubs engaged by accident, and at highway speeds - all those parts whipping around makes a bit on noise! At first I thought my fan hub was coming apart! Then I remembered to 'dial-out' my hubs...(senior moment, I guess).
All that 'drag' up front is sure going to drop your fuel mileage! don't know if would be as much as you mentioned, though...
Throw away those 'auto' hubs! Go down to your friendly auto parts store and get some manual types...they are easy to install! up here in Northern Calif, I went to Pep-Boys and bought a set for $35.00...Really cheap! They work great...in fact, I bought a second set for a back up (I go off-road a lot - way down in Baja Calif).
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
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From: Loveland, CO.
Originally Posted by ronbo862
See if there is gas in your oil. A ruptured fuel pump diaphram will do that and your fuel consumption will appear to suck. I had this happen with a brand new pump before so to be safe, check.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 400
Likes: 2
From: South Texas
Originally Posted by pilot815
I would buy hubs if they were only $35. But my 88 has the flange style hub that costs $345 new. I am currently trying to find some cheaper.
I am curious about this flange style hub. Do you mean like the explorers and bronco II's have? I have never seen a full size with this type. :-XO1
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Check with WARN for the flange style hubs. THey sell both standard and premiums. I know there is a certain year they dont carry them for, but maybe you will get lucky and find them there. I dont think they are $345 through warn.