Gas Mileage

fmattox73 wrote:
Tropical36: You're probably right. Somewhere in the literature, I thought that I read that it had the Allison Transmission. Since you brought the subject up, I thought that I should go back and look at the Factory Manual for the chassis.
In the 7th chapter on transmissions it calls it a Hydra-Matic 4L80-E.

So nothing special other than it shifts just fine.

I've been under it once or twice and I seem to remember that it had a coil spring front end suspension.
When I got it and drove it back to the house all the tires were low, but other than the front end feeling a little loose it was fine.

Since then I've pumped the tires to 90 psi and now I seem to have a wobble at about 40mph.
Looks like I might need some front end work also.
On the other hand since I brought it home a local shop has replaced the Hydro Boost Unit, The Power Steering Pump, and the Master Cylinder. I want to check underneath and make sure that they bolted the steering gear links and arms back solidly before I have any expensive work done to it.

Frank

Best to replace the front coils if they're still OEM with airbags and get some Henderson super steers under there, according to the actual loaded front end weight. You'll need proper ride height of 1 1/34 - 2 1/2" for alignment, anyway and who wants to be replacing air bags on a regular basis anyway.
Wobble is most likely cause by tires that are out of balance and with excessive play, I'd be looking at the bell cranks as well.
As for as I know, the hydro boost for the wheel brakes and the power steering pump are one and the same thing.
By the way, check the DOT number on the tires for age (last four digits) and since you don't know the history, I'd change them out and even if they might only be 4 or 5 yrs old and you can always use them on the rear, if they're not too old, like between 7 and 10rs and dependent on a professional inspection.