Calling AOD owners.............What to do????

[1977]

About 1 year from now I will be driving my 77 Bronco from Monterey CA, to the Norfolk Virgina area. I will also be pulling a 6x8 utility trailer with a couple of dirt bikes. My concern is fuel mlieage and how to improve it. Right now I seem to get about 12mpg with the C4 auto.

I've looked around, and the AOD kits are xpensive, not to mention that I don't really have the money, or time to mess with it.

I guess the question right now is: What type of mpg should I get from an aod swap if I went that way? Just looking for the cost vs. benefit as far as the trip was concerned.

Any other suggestions?
?:?

 

[904Bronco]

About 1 year from now I will be driving my 77 Bronco from Monterey CA, to the Norfolk Virgina area. I will also be pulling a 6x8 utility trailer with a couple of dirt bikes. My concern is fuel mlieage and how to improve it. Right now I seem to get about 12mpg with the C4 auto.

I've looked around, and the AOD kits are xpensive, not to mention that I don't really have the money, or time to mess with it.

I guess the question right now is: What type of mpg should I get from an aod swap if I went that way? Just looking for the cost vs. benefit as far as the trip was concerned.

Any other suggestions?
?:?

With my 75, EFI and AOD, I average around 15 -17 mpg. And that is holding things around 65 - 70 mph, with only me in the rig. It goes down a bit with the hard top off. I have 4:11s and 33" tires. I got the trans for free, took it out myself, and had it rebuilt. I changed out the C6 that was in the Bronco and put in the AOD myself. Used a Lokar shifter on top of the tranny. I went from about 3200 rpm at 70mph to 1800 rpm. Never checked the mileage with the C6. (speedo cable was broken)
If you are going to keep the rig it is worth it. My .02

Doug

 

[broncnaz]

Your right AOD swaps are expensive. Heres a cheaper alternative
Tire size can make a cheap overdrive. I'm running 33's with 3.50 gears and a NP435 tranny(same overall drive as a C-4) I get about 13/14 mpg at 75 and about 15-17 mpg at 55-65. I'd probably get better if I got rid of the single plane intake I have on it now.
You may want to consider a cam swap one thats designed to run in the range your going to run in. That way your engine is making the best power in the RPM's your driving at. Aslo if your exhaust is stock get a free flowing exhaust headers can help. But even with stock manifolds the rest of the exhaust if designed right can help you pick up 1-2 mpg.
But considering your going to tow a trailer I wouldnt go to big on tires maybe 32's with 3.50 gears max as you will need some power to help to the trailer. Also try to stay with skinnier tires.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Without knowing engine, tire size, lift or axle gearing it is hard to say if the AOD will help any at all.

You might be better off lower the truck down to stock, putting on a set of pizza cutter 235/75R15s and go for less wind drag. Towing a trailer isn't going to help any. If you get 12 with a trailer in tow I would say you are doing very good.

 

[bax]

Setup another center section with a hwy gear. Put on some thinner tires as prevously stated above.

 

[Hazegray]

Save your money for gas! There is no way you could possibly recoup the MPG difference in one trip; it would take years...and years...and years. I have the AOD in mine, 4.11's, 33 inch tires (BFG A/T), 351W & still only manage 10-12 on the highway.

Besides, you'll be pulling a trailer. I just wouldn't recommend anyone pulling a trailer over 60 MPH in a Bronco....downright dangerous. Just take your time & gas up when needed...