VN>  I think I have it figured out, but you're not gonna like it!  Our Dodge
VN>gets about 20 MPG on the road with the a/c on; we have the 360 with the RT
VN>headers and computer.  To me, this is OUTRAGEOUSLY WONDERFUL gas mileage,
VN>compared with the trucks I grew up with.
 
   Thats really good for a full size truck.I don't know anything about the
dodges but I like the looks of the new ones. I get a measly 10 mpg full or
empty. It would get about 4 more if I add F-I.
 
VN> I think that the older, heavier-duty transmissions don't help you get the
VN>great gas mileage as they don't have all the computerized bells and
VN>whistles.But they probably last a lot longer.
 
   I think you are right, and there is alot less to go wrong with the older
style tranys. I guess that reliability, durability, and inexpensive repair
bills are higher on my list than mileage..... It's just my opinion :)
 
VN> Ask me which one I would pick to have break down in Pagosa Springs in the
VN>middle of the night.  The older one wins hands down.
 
   Yes, I get into some pretty remote places in Eastern Washington. It is
an advantage to have a truck that can be worked on by any little hole in
wall shop, and the parts are plentiful and inexpensive. So far it has never
broke down on me.
   Ford is now building trucks with computers that only Ford Shops have
access to. That means if you have one of these trucks, almost all of the
maintenence will have to be performed at a Dealer Service Center.All other
shops are locked out of the onboard computer.ABS brakes, trany's, Engine
adjustments and a whole bunch of other things are computer controlled.
   I guess I am living 25 years in the past, but I like to be able to work
on my own stuff if I have to.
 
VN> In fact, my three-on-the-tree '70 Chevy would win that one.  It seems
VN>everything's a trade-off, doesn't it?  But the mileage THAT truck gets
VN>pulling the horse trailer uphill is in FEET PER GALLON!
VN> It's just a guess, Dave, but that's why I would figure it'd be more.
VN>Does TH-400 stand for Turb0 Hydramatic?  I used to have one that I was
VN>gonna have installed on my Chevy in place of the 3 speed, when I added the
VN>air conditioning, rebuilt the engine, and put power-assist brakes on it,
VN> but when I realized that 3/4 of the population now doesn't have a CLUE
VN>how to drive it,I decided to cut down on the number of punks who could
VN>steal my truck.  (It was the last truck my dad ever bought...I'lll keep it
VN>until one of us goes.)
 
     Ya, It's a tradeoff alright. It is a Turbo Hydramatic 400. It's 16yrs
old and never a problem. I drive it to work 55mi. each day, pull a 3 horse
trailer, haul a 10ft camper, and I pull a heavy Portable Welder Trailer
around to side jobs, so it gets a good workout.
     I must confess tho,we drove the car to Seaside,Oregon and got a Motel
this summer. With the high gas prices we would not have saved any money
with the truck and camper on a short visit.......So.....There ya go
 
                                .....Dave.....
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