Advice for a newbie.
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Advice for a newbie.
I hope someone on here can give me a little advice. I have a 1976 F150 Ranger with a 360 and 3-speed automatic. I bought the truck about four years ago. When I bought the truck, I was only using it occasionally and gas wasn't nearly as expensive as it is now. Now, I find I'm having to drive the truck more and the mileage is killing me.
I've read enough on this site to know that the 360 isn't known for its fuel economy, but I'm getting between 11 and 12 mpg in mixed driving. Is this about right for this engine/transmission combination or should I be getting better than this? Does anyone have any advice on improving the mileage short of engine and/or transmission replacement?
The smart thing to do would be to sell the truck and get something that gets better mileage, but I've grown kind of attached to the darn thing.
Oh well, any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
I've read enough on this site to know that the 360 isn't known for its fuel economy, but I'm getting between 11 and 12 mpg in mixed driving. Is this about right for this engine/transmission combination or should I be getting better than this? Does anyone have any advice on improving the mileage short of engine and/or transmission replacement?
The smart thing to do would be to sell the truck and get something that gets better mileage, but I've grown kind of attached to the darn thing.
Oh well, any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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That is good mileage for that combo. Get a vacuum gage and watch it while you drive. Keep the reading as high as possible while driving. Otherwise keep it tuned up and the tires full.
BTW- Welcome to FTE!
BTW- Welcome to FTE!
Last edited by Torque1st; May 25, 2006 at 07:56 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: In a small Canadian town
If you like having money... THROW THE KEY AND RUN FAR AWAY!
Seriously though just try a buch of little things and see if you can get better milage. (i.e. Air intake system) small fuel milage improvments save in the long run.
Seriously though just try a buch of little things and see if you can get better milage. (i.e. Air intake system) small fuel milage improvments save in the long run.
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Welcome to the site 
Quote:
I hope someone on here can give me a little advice..
It is in the best interest of everyone that people put the
*Topic of the question* in the title of the thread
Help with Mileage ?
Read post #17 on this thread
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=102632
Quote:
I hope someone on here can give me a little advice..
It is in the best interest of everyone that people put the
*Topic of the question* in the title of the thread
Help with Mileage ?
Read post #17 on this thread
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=102632
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Advice on mileage
Thanks for the advice.
Torque1st, I figured the mileage was about right, but I'd read other posts on here about guys getting 14 or 15 mpg with their 360's. That could be with a different transmission, though. I'll try all of the little things that you and 79 Ford have suggested (tune-up, tire pressure, air intake, etc.). However, the vacuum gage idea is one I'd never heard before. If things don't improve much with the little things, I'll give this a try.
Mil1ion, sorry about that. Should have read the rules a little better before I posted. I'll try to be more descriptive next time.
Thanks again to all for the suggestions.
Torque1st, I figured the mileage was about right, but I'd read other posts on here about guys getting 14 or 15 mpg with their 360's. That could be with a different transmission, though. I'll try all of the little things that you and 79 Ford have suggested (tune-up, tire pressure, air intake, etc.). However, the vacuum gage idea is one I'd never heard before. If things don't improve much with the little things, I'll give this a try.
Mil1ion, sorry about that. Should have read the rules a little better before I posted. I'll try to be more descriptive next time.
Thanks again to all for the suggestions.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Northeast Nebraska
Is this truck a 4x4? I would think a 2wd with high gear (numerically lower) might get around 14-15. If you have low gears you wont get much better than 11-12.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Auburn, WA
Wow, I am just shocked he admitted having a 360. Actually my old man had a 76 F150 4x4 (360) that got that exact mileage (11-12) Auto also.. I say had because I took it down the railroad tracks in 1985 and it never saw our driveway again. First I snapped the rear axle, then it rolled into a stream. It was that "Jade Green" color with the white striped on the hood and sides. I figure I did the guy a favor.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Montana
I drive my 360/C6 4x4 very carefully. I get a lot of crap from other drivers, driving as slow as I do in traffic. I keep the tires up and watch the maintainence. I run 3.73 gears. If you are careful with your right foot and avoid using gas on steeper downhill roads, you'll find that it won't be too bad for mpg (in the world of 360's and all). You may be the last to the red light, but you'll get the last laugh at the pump. Just take it easy when you drive is my advice.
-"$lick"
For the record, the 360 Ford V8 is nothing to scoff at.
-"$lick"
For the record, the 360 Ford V8 is nothing to scoff at.