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5.9l mpg what are you getting? auto tranny opinions

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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 05:31 PM
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Default 5.9l mpg what are you getting? auto tranny opinions

so guys with the 5.9 magnum what are you getting for mpg?


also what is the name of these automatic trannys in these trucks? one I'm looking at is a 99, whats average build cost and how long are they reliable for?
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 05:42 PM
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On my last road trip I was able to squeeze just shy of 15MPG out of the thing, bucking headwinds the whole way. This was on a fresh oil change and full tune-up, and with the mods I've done being specifically to improve fuel efficiency.

The transmission is the 46RE. A fresh one will go between 100,000 and 200,000 if you don't make it work hard, won't go 100,000 if you work it hard. The best bet if you plan on keeping the truck long term is to replace it with something like the PATC Viper or Mega Viper. They're spendy but worth it -- if you can spend double the money to get double the lifespan, at the end you're ahead of the game because you've avoided the bother and expense of an R&R.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 06:21 PM
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i have a 46RH due to my truck being OBD1.....i have 4.10 gears, and get about 13-14 city, and around 17-18 highway being easy on it.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 06:43 PM
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13 mpg mostly higway with hills. Unregistered user, what mods have you done to improve mpg?
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by UnregisteredUser
On my last road trip I was able to squeeze just shy of 15MPG out of the thing, bucking headwinds the whole way. This was on a fresh oil change and full tune-up, and with the mods I've done being specifically to improve fuel efficiency.

The transmission is the 46RE. A fresh one will go between 100,000 and 200,000 if you don't make it work hard, won't go 100,000 if you work it hard. The best bet if you plan on keeping the truck long term is to replace it with something like the PATC Viper or Mega Viper. They're spendy but worth it -- if you can spend double the money to get double the lifespan, at the end you're ahead of the game because you've avoided the bother and expense of an R&R.
how much is a rebuild cost, truck is a plow truck owned by a town. 60k orig miles automatic.

also how fast were you traveling on the highway?

Originally Posted by jswain
13 mpg mostly higway with hills. Unregistered user, what mods have you done to improve mpg?
how fast are you traveling
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 07:42 PM
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I have the 46RE. The transmission has been rebuilt once. I am the 3rd owner on the truck and the last guy that had it plowed it so the transmission took a BEATING! All I have been doing to the truck for the past 4 years is replacing stuff. I have way too much money into the thing at this point. I baby the hell out of my truck anyways so I usually get 17-18 MPG's on the highway. All of my buddies don't believe me but I have done 21 MPG's in my truck before. I'm talking no cruise control and keeping the truck steady at 55 mph the whole way... but no one drives that slow so unless you are really in a pinch for fuel then I wouldn't recommend it!
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 07:54 PM
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yeah I like to atleast be able to travel 70 on the interstate
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 08:18 PM
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5.9 auto 3/4 ton 4x4..... I get around 9 around town, and have done as good as 18 on the road. (cruising around 60 or so) That was with a light load, and three of us in the truck. Now, bear in mind, my plenum was seriously blown at the time, and since I have fixed that, I haven't really done any long trips to check mileage again. Also since then, I have replaced the plugs, cap, and rotor.

I have 165000 on mine, the trans still shifts nice, no slipping, no rude noises, etc. So far as I know, it is the original.

Plowing takes a real toll on half ton trucks....... Better figure on rebuilding/replacing yours in the not so distant future. You can actually do it yourself, if you have a reasonable place to work. Only special tool you need can be worked around with a couple c-clamps. There is a thread in the FAQ section with LOT of links to some seriously good info, and there is also MonteC's trans thread..... On page six of that thread, you will find a list of parts for a member that regularly towed a 7k pound trailer, a similiar build would prolly be good for plowing.

Also, get the transfer case saver...... replaces the snap ring that likes to break on the rear output shaft..... which then allows the shaft to wander around, and munch up parts. (and blow holes in the t-case......)
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by HeyYou
5.9 auto 3/4 ton 4x4..... I get around 9 around town, and have done as good as 18 on the road. (cruising around 60 or so) That was with a light load, and three of us in the truck. Now, bear in mind, my plenum was seriously blown at the time, and since I have fixed that, I haven't really done any long trips to check mileage again. Also since then, I have replaced the plugs, cap, and rotor.

I have 165000 on mine, the trans still shifts nice, no slipping, no rude noises, etc. So far as I know, it is the original.

Plowing takes a real toll on half ton trucks....... Better figure on rebuilding/replacing yours in the not so distant future. You can actually do it yourself, if you have a reasonable place to work. Only special tool you need can be worked around with a couple c-clamps. There is a thread in the FAQ section with LOT of links to some seriously good info, and there is also MonteC's trans thread..... On page six of that thread, you will find a list of parts for a member that regularly towed a 7k pound trailer, a similiar build would prolly be good for plowing.

Also, get the transfer case saver...... replaces the snap ring that likes to break on the rear output shaft..... which then allows the shaft to wander around, and munch up parts. (and blow holes in the t-case......)
please tell me more on this transfer case saver..

I am planning on ordering my plenum kit from hughes and will be fixing that pita first even if its not shot it will be peace of mind for me, my truck is a 3/4 ton not half, sorry for not specifying.

could you guys tell me what axle they threw in the front of the 3/4 tons and did they ever use 6 lug axles on the 2500 series, because I'm specifically after 8 lugs

thanks for the help so far fellas
 
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Old Nov 25, 2010 | 08:44 PM
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I think ALL 3/4 tons had eight lug axles. Check your GVW rating. light duty is 7400, I think, heavy duty is 8800. HD trucks had dana 60's front and rear with the 360 engine.

As you have a 3/4 ton truck, transfer case saver won't fit in yours. I don't know if that particular problem manifests itself on the 241 T/Cs, might be specific to the 231's found in the half ton trucks.

Already having the 3/4 ton just made the NV4500 swap a bunch easier.
 
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