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Author
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Topic: New Truck owner here with noob questions
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masterrh
Journeyman Posts: 70
From:
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 01-15-2006 11:17 PM
   
Hey guys, Ryan here, I appreciate everyone's help on my last post asking about Ford Truck reliability. I went with your recommendations. I sold my '66 stang this weekend (RIP) and I bought a 1985 F150, inline 6, 3 speed with overdrive, 4 wheel drive. It's gray, barely any rust, and about 170k on the engine (not sure if it was rebuilt). I have a couple questions if anyone has ideas feel free to shed your experience!1. This is my first truck ever, my first mustang (not the one I sold) was a 68 I6 300 so I'm familiar with the engine. What I am not familiar with is 4 wheel drive. Any sites you recommend where I can read about how to engage/disengage and use it? It has 2H, 4H, N, and 4L. 2. The gas gauge isn't reading accurately...it dropped to 1/4 of a tank left after using only 7 gallons (out of 20). Do you think the gauge needs replacing or the sending unit? 3. I will need to get new tires soon, any recommendations? My primary concern with tires is traction on the road, especially in snow and the occasional driving over road (not mudding or anything). 4. On my trip with her back to school (90 miles) she used about 6.5-7 gallons, which is only 13 mpg... pretty low I think for highway driving in overdrive no? I'm going to do a basic tune up, should help, any other suggestions to check for eating gas? Thanks for your help! While I'm saddened by my loss, I'm happy with my truck and moving on to this forum!
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427Fastback
Gearhead Posts: 383
From: N.Vancouver.B.C
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 01-16-2006 01:32 AM
Just a question on your question #1.....You had a 68 with a 300 I6 in it???? Interesting swap.........Cory ------------------
68 Fastback 427MR 4 spd.Deluxe interior,8000 tach,140 speedo,am/fm,tilt.
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ccode67
Gearhead Posts: 2995
From: douglasville,ga,usa
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 01-16-2006 09:27 AM
13mpg for a 300 6 cylinder 4x4 is about all your going to get. The last one I had was a 65 F100 2 wheel drive with the 240 six, it got 17 with the 3 speed, 12 when I put the C6 in it.
A V8 would get better mileage but those sixes are dependable motors. With the miles it has on it you may consider putting some new timing gears on it, mine jumped at just over 200k.
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Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 2494
From: Stanton, Michigan 49707
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 01-16-2006 10:21 AM
quote:
Originally posted by masterrh:
Any sites you recommend where I can read about how to engage/disengage and use it?Do you think the gauge needs replacing or the sending unit? 3. I will need to get new tires soon, any recommendations? only 13 mpg... I'm going to do a basic tune up,...any other suggestions to check for eating gas?
Hi Ryan!
Sounds like a nice truck you've got there!
1. There are folks on this site that probably can help ya figure out how to work the 4WD. You may also want to check out the guys at:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php
There are some good folks willing to help ya out there too... 2. I'd run a few tanks of fuel through it before I'd get too excited about the gage accuracy. It may be that the float is hanging up inside the tank or something of that sort.... Try to establish a pattern to its faulty operation. It may not do it every time you put fuel in the tank. 3. I'd do a 'tires' search on the Ford-Trucks forum...they'll steer you to a few tire recommendations. Personally, I luv my 'winter-rated' Cooper "WeatherMaster S/T2" tires for snow-covered and slippery roads. I run BFG TKOs during the non-snowy seasons... You can also read up on some good tire info located at:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tiretech.jsp 4. I think you're right to start with doing a basic tuneup first then I'd look for crushed/ restricted exhaust piping, collapsed or plugged muffler, dry wheel bearings, low rearend lube level, I'd also inspect the brakes for any signs of hangup or dragging brake shoes/pads, check to insure that the timing advance is working correctly. I'm sure you can improve on the 13-mpg - Remember to refrain from stompin' on her gas pedal & keep her under 68-mph...she is a truck; not a mustang!  Ryan  ------------------
'69 Mach I; 306"/4-spd; drag racer.
'65 F100 Short box; 390"/4-spd; Tow Truck.
'85 GT Convert.; last carb'd 5.0L/5-spd; street cruiser.
'94 Ranger; 4cyl/5-spd; commuter/parts hauler.
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hwyman3
Gearhead Posts: 1646
From: Southern Maryland, USA
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 01-16-2006 08:26 PM
I'll echo what the others have said here about gas mileage and the gas guage. My 91 (basically the same truck) has the 302 and the E4OD Automatic in it. I've been able to nurse that thing to 19mpg. Granted to do that, when I take off from a traffic light, I have tractor-trailers flipping me off!My gas guages always read lower than what is actually in the tank. Heck, my front tank (the 20 gallon tank) has been on E and I still had 5 gallons in the tank. ------------------
Greg W.
M&M #3962 MCA #52100
2002 Laser Red GT Coupe The Highwayman 3
1991 F-150 XLT 4x2 5.0 Ole Faithful
Southern Maryland Mustang Club
http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/MembersPics/hwyman3.html
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 4120
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-19-2006 10:45 PM
Those guages usually err to the cautious side on Fords. I take it as a plus,because you always have some fuel left,and you aren't getting the crud at the bottom of the tank. We had a 91 Jimmy that when it was on E,it was done.
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