So I just noticed the little overdrive button at the end of my shifter. I pushed it and the Off light came on. So since I would have to push the overdrive button everytime I start my truck to turn it off.. does this mean its better to leave it on??

And... what exactly is overdrive? would I get better gas milage if I turned it off? What are the situations I would use it in?

Damn.... how many other little buttons are on this thing that I dont know about?? Wheres the one that enables it to run off water instead of gas... I need to find that one

 

Okay, well nice you have found that button. over dive is a larger gear ration set in to aid in fuel mileage and yes that is for better mileage. Overdrive is designed to be on when you first fire up because most people don't tow anything and most people get above 35mph when going to work. When overdive is on it is working for each gear as your bronco shifts. Times you would want to turn it off are when off road, when using 4x4, towing and just about anything where you need the extra torque. sometime it can benefit with these situations but for the most part you would want it off for those. Also if you're like me and never get above 35 going to work then just leave it off it really doesn't benefit with stop and go traffic. or with speeds from 35 and below. Now, as for the button that makes it run on water instead of gas, I think they forgot that one when the made the broncos.

 

i recommend staying out of od until after 50mph and reason being is this allows the motor to not lug which inturn uses up more fuel. I will actually leave mine in D until almost 60mph. i have found this to offer the best mpg for my application 351w/AOD tranny and 3.50 gears with 31" tires. if your bronco has a 302 this would be even more important.

 

If you go by when you see alot more revs with od off and then with od on, then just make up your own mind as to how you feel is best for your usage. If you are really concerned then you can check out www.motorcraftservice.com/ and get the recommended guide, or even if you have the big owners manual it has a little info on this. I just go with the 35 mark because of the typical gear speed to engine speed at 40 - 47 mph is the usauly high point that od makes a difference. and with mine that has a 351w with e40d and 3.55 with 33 in tires it brings it back down to 35 or so. I should have included this other information about my setup before making the comment. Thanks, kemicalburns and sorry igota92bronco.

 

its kewl, everyone seems to have different setups ya know. an for us running larger then stock tires on stock gearing it makes a difference. i would think especially with yours that keeping od off would benifit you cuz the motor doesnt work as hard to move you around with those taller tires and stock gearing. if your willing i say try it for 1 tank of gas . i would do it but my gas gauge dont work hehe. and report your results

late

 

Actually I have already and thats why I recommended otherwise due to running without overdive I burn a considerable amount more fuel, than with ovedrive on. the exception is for up until the 35 mph mark then turn od on and I get better milage than just running with od on or off all the time. With all auto transmissions od only really benefits a vehicle regards less of weight class, and not pulling anything or hauling anything at about the 40 to 47 mph mark then that is where od really shines. when it comes to transmissions I have a lot of resources and information due to the issues I previously had with me bronco. So with all this information and a little math anyone can calculate what speed it best for there needs with od or without. But I had a little trouble due to my 33 = 35 with the thickness of tread they come with. so took me a few tanks to figure out why the math didn't add up. By the way incase anyone is wondering the tires I run are 33 12.50 15 thornbirds and the only decent tire cover I could find for them was off a h2 wich runs stock 35 mtr or similar bfg.

 

nothing against you. but i must say that thornbirds are the worst tire ever made by interco. they wear bad, are very slippery in rain and even worse in the snow. Are these your first set?

 

Hey thanks alot for all the info.. now I know

 

Yes, they are my first set and actually I found the same things after having them for a while but, once you adjust everything correctly then the wear nicely and they don't slip if you cut the tread right.

 

key word , cut the tread. most Joe's wouldnt know to do that. kewl that they are working out for ya

 

Well most Joes shouldn't have that kind of tire if they don't know to cut the tread. But this is my personal opinion.

 

i agree hehe