LUVTruck.com

Being that gas is so high I was wondering if any one has swapped trannies to a 5 spd or even different rear end gears to help with gas milage? If anyone has swapped anything else out like the carb or header post that up as well.

Use the search icon. A lot of people have done it, researched it, and talked about it on this site.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

All right I can't help but be a smart ass. It is getting everyone..

bicycle;
good walking shoes;
hang glider;
dog sled;
horse;
horse & buggy;

I don't know, something will work.
If enough people were interested in adapting a newer better transmission I am sure a tranny adapter could made to work.

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75 Luv, 350 V8, TH350, Camaro rearend. New 1975 Luv Step side. Stock for now.
Grandmaster of the "Shade Tree" way.. I can't see the yard for all the cars. Come on down and we will sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.

Another thing to consider the cost of the swap and how long it will take to recoup your money. If you are going to keep the truck for a long while it would pay off and will it add that much money to the value of the truck if you sell it.. Gas won't get any cheaper

I think it sucks that almost any new small trucks does not exist. Every thing keeps getting bigger and heaver. My B-I-L's Toyota Tacoma only gets 20mpg's, nice smaller truck(1999?); but his Dodge Diesel 1 ton crew cab 4x4 gets 16-18mpg's on the old diesel fuel unloaded.

Adapt a later model 5sp tranny from any of the rwd v6 or 4cyl engines would be a good deal. If you can gain 10-15% in fuel mileage it would pay off.

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75 Luv, 350 V8, TH350, Camaro rearend. New 1975 Luv Step side. Stock for now.
Grandmaster of the "Shade Tree" way.. I can't see the yard for all the cars. Come on down and we will sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.

The 5 Speed Tranny really will depend on if it's 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive.
I swapped in a 5 Speed out of a Trooper, however this will take fabrication to the frame, and you have to shorten the drive shaft. I paid quite a bit, becaue I had a shop do it, but I am not planning on getting rid of my truck. However if you know how to weld or know a friend, then that cuts the cost quiet a bit.

I know that you dont have any frame mod's with a 2WD conversion, and I heard the Isuzu pup is a good doner for this conversion.

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1980 Luv 4x4 with a 5 speed tranny.



"When all else fails, follow the directions".

6 pack and BBQ get together time. Don't for get my diet coke....

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75 Luv, 350 V8, TH350, Camaro rearend. New 1975 Luv Step side. Stock for now.
Grandmaster of the "Shade Tree" way.. I can't see the yard for all the cars. Come on down and we will sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.

"Adapt a later model 5sp tranny from any of the rwd v6 or 4cyl engines would be a good deal. If you can gain 10-15% in fuel mileage it would pay off."

Will it be an improvement though? I swapped a 4 speed out of a 'yota that had a 20R in it and the mileage actually dropped somewhat because the engine didn't make enough ponies to keep from lugging in overdrive...

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If you think no one cares, try missing a couple of payments...



FIAA!

SFPP!

We have 2 cars, a 03 Saturn Vue and a 07 Chevy Equinox. Same car. The Vue has the 4 cyl (gm) and the Equinox has the V6 (honda)The Equinox gets better fuel mileage. The tach readings are differnt for say 60 mph. The 4cyl is turning more rpm's than the v6. Part of it I would guess would be the gearing, but the V6 doesn't have to work as hard. This has been the feeling on the Saturn Forum and it looks like they were right. Both are automatic's. Well the Vue has a rubber band transmission,

"Hummmmmmmmmmmmm", no shift. "It sucks"

The point is like mytmouz was saying. Most cars-trucks are designed to have the engine running at a rpm where the powerband is at. Too low and the engine doesn't make horsepower, too high and all it does it eat fuel. Look at some dyno engine runs. You will see where their is low hp and torque and where there is more. You don't need or want max of those for gas mileage.
Oh and the flatter the curve, the better it is for driving.

There is a old saying.
"Torque gets you going and horse power keeps you going." or something like that. Not quite true, but it git the idea.

HTH.

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75 Luv, 350 V8, TH350, Camaro rearend. New 1975 Luv Step side. Stock for now.
Grandmaster of the "Shade Tree" way.. I can't see the yard for all the cars. Come on down and we will sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.

The actual ratio of a transmission can effect driving. A Big difference each gear ratios, can cause the engine to lug. Close ratios keep the engine up in the power band or power from dropping off. I have a VW 92 GTI 16v engine. It has a close ratio transmission. The engine power does not drop in any gear. Even 5th is not a big drop like some transmissions have. This is real noticeable when you are driving it hard. This makes the engine seem like it is more powerfull. 134hp stock, about 175 like we have it. It can be a blast to drive, but then the fuel mileage goes way down. The gearing is lower also, meaning the engine turns more rpm's. Lower gearing and means higher RPM's as I am using them.

I don't want to get in the 4:11 vs 3:08 what the terms mean

I hope all this didn't confuse the question

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75 Luv, 350 V8, TH350, Camaro rearend. New 1975 Luv Step side. Stock for now.
Grandmaster of the "Shade Tree" way.. I can't see the yard for all the cars. Come on down and we will sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.