Hello all,
I am brand new to this forum. I recently purchased this truck http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... Action:MPS
The truck has a 390 bored .30 over and a 3 speed tranny. The seller said that the truck runs 4k RPM @ 70 MPH and gets about 10'ish MPG.
I would like to squeeze more miles per gallon (who wouldn't) while retaining as much of the "fun factor" associated with the BB engine. My plan is to install a 4 speed and a different running gear to drop the RPMS @ highway speed.
Can anyone offer any suggestions as to the best tranny/gear combo for this truck?
I am also toying with the idea of putting nitrous on the track just for fun.
New Here and a few ?? on a '68
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ezernut9mm
- Posts: 9141
- Joined: July 21, 2006, 9:37 pm
- Location: KCMO
good looking truck. do you know the rear end gear ratio? 4k sounds kind of high unless it's got 4:10's or something. taller gears will help, but the fun factor will go down too. mine is a 68 with the 360 3sp with 3:xx gears and doesn't do much better on mpgs.
you might check out "fordification.com" for more info specific to the 67/72 trucks.
you might check out "fordification.com" for more info specific to the 67/72 trucks.
always
"i believe i've achieved satisfaction".-bubbles
"should i be gettin" baked for this boys?"-bubbles
i could no longer keep "r.i.p.ing" all of our fallen brothers and sisters, so i say here, slick loads of love and much respect to all you beautiful people.
"i believe i've achieved satisfaction".-bubbles
"should i be gettin" baked for this boys?"-bubbles
i could no longer keep "r.i.p.ing" all of our fallen brothers and sisters, so i say here, slick loads of love and much respect to all you beautiful people.
It will be a couple of weeks before the truck makes the trip from MD to SD. I will find out the specs then.
I am thinking the 390 has enough punch to allow for a taller gear, but if it is not going to gain and relief at the pump then what is the point really?
Might just have to get a 2nd job to pay for gas.
I am thinking the 390 has enough punch to allow for a taller gear, but if it is not going to gain and relief at the pump then what is the point really?
Might just have to get a 2nd job to pay for gas.
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"Whitey Ford"
- Posts: 701
- Joined: November 8, 2007, 11:12 am
- Location: Jackson, MS
That definitely sounds like it's got 4:10's in it, or steeper. Anything from 3:00 to 3:50 rear gears would be a big improvement in the mileage department...and make the engine last longer too.
Looks like the guy did a nice job fixing 'er up, including things like disc brakes & sway bars.
I wonder what the blue thing is inside the spring...a spring helper of some type?
Looks like the guy did a nice job fixing 'er up, including things like disc brakes & sway bars.
I wonder what the blue thing is inside the spring...a spring helper of some type?
My "Slickitis" affliction began here...
66 F100 CC/65 F100 CC/66 F250 CC
If it starts to rain, they'll tax the splash.
If you want to fish, they'll tax the bass.
If you plant a yard, they'll tax the grass.
If you don't play nice, they'll fine your *$#!
66 F100 CC/65 F100 CC/66 F250 CC
If it starts to rain, they'll tax the splash.
If you want to fish, they'll tax the bass.
If you plant a yard, they'll tax the grass.
If you don't play nice, they'll fine your *$#!
Yeah, I was thinking 3.50 would help drop the revs and still keep enough punch for the feel of all that torque hitting the ground.
That "blue thing" is an airbag. It has air adjustable front suspension to eliminate the front corner dip that often happens in corners.
I think the guy did a great job on the truck and I feel I got it for a fair price. Just can't wait till it gets here.
That "blue thing" is an airbag. It has air adjustable front suspension to eliminate the front corner dip that often happens in corners.
I think the guy did a great job on the truck and I feel I got it for a fair price. Just can't wait till it gets here.
Oh, that makes sense.fr0gman wrote: That "blue thing" is an airbag. It has air adjustable front suspension to eliminate the front corner dip that often happens in corners.
I guess you can tell how many air bag installs I've done... 
My "Slickitis" affliction began here...
66 F100 CC/65 F100 CC/66 F250 CC
If it starts to rain, they'll tax the splash.
If you want to fish, they'll tax the bass.
If you plant a yard, they'll tax the grass.
If you don't play nice, they'll fine your *$#!
66 F100 CC/65 F100 CC/66 F250 CC
If it starts to rain, they'll tax the splash.
If you want to fish, they'll tax the bass.
If you plant a yard, they'll tax the grass.
If you don't play nice, they'll fine your *$#!
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FORDMANLCRACKEL
- Posts: 1237
- Joined: July 11, 2006, 9:48 pm
- Location: williamston, n.c.
- Contact:
Good looking truck.Lonnie
The most rewarding job i ever had was being a dad.
1988 Ranger Build http://s275.photobucket.com/albums/jj31 ... %20RANGER/
1988 Ranger Build http://s275.photobucket.com/albums/jj31 ... %20RANGER/
Most can get 12mpg with a little work.
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blackagatha
- Posts: 2582
- Joined: March 10, 2007, 12:49 am
- Location: Arizona
my 63 sb/flareside has a 390, and 2.75 rear installed, still spritely, albeit not as quick off the line as my 3.89.
I leaned out the carter 625 with the leanest charted jets in the edelbrock manual, and am getting 9-12 mpgs... (9 coming from Tucson to Prescott, 12 going down the hill)
Spins maybe 3500 (not sure) at 70....
I leaned out the carter 625 with the leanest charted jets in the edelbrock manual, and am getting 9-12 mpgs... (9 coming from Tucson to Prescott, 12 going down the hill)
Spins maybe 3500 (not sure) at 70....
'63 with 390 & lots of juice. But never enough. Always want more.
I'm thinking of seeing if gear vendors makes an adapter to fit a car toploader, but you need to get the RPM down below 2000 before you can see any real difference, I think. Which means that you would still have to run about 3.00 gears to get there, If my math is right. There are differences in the four speed car tranies, not sure if the big spline might have lower gear ratio in first.
Rich
Rich