Welcome, sounds like a sweet truck, what sort of tires are you running? Is the parking brake and cables functional? 7mpg's does seem a bit low, but I do not have much experience with that particular setup. I had a '74 Camper Special 2wd with a 460 and the C6 3spd auto, got 8mpg.
You ain't kidding. At 55mph she's turning just under 3,000 rpm. I rarely go over 50. I have a 18 mile drive to work with about 6 red lights. But I bet she will climb a cliff and pull a trailer along the way.
My guess is a thorough tune up and fresh vacuum lines would be worth a 2 mpg boost. However, when I had 4.10's in my 77 with a 400/c6, I topped out at 8mpg's...I wouldn't expect much more than that.
She has a new Air filter, fresh oil and filter, spark plugs, rotor, points, and cap. I can't think of anything else to change for under $20 and an hours work.
That should definitely help as long as you keep your foot out of it...
Also if you run across 255/85/16 or 285/75/16 tires that will help your top speed and mileage a little. They are 2" taller than the ones your running now...
Well, today I found out why I'm only getting 7 mpg. I have a dead cylinder. I know my hearing isn't as good as it was 10 years ago, but I thought I could hear that. Not sure what to do next. You man says NEW MOTOR. another man says "sell it to the rock crawlers". I hate to see the truck disassembled for axles tranny and transver, But I don't have $2000 for a new motor.
And don't feel bad that you didn't notice it... We had one once that had less than 100psi in 4 cylinders... 2 were at 70psi and it ran like a top. Never knew till we checked the compression.
Not sure. I was talking to a mechanic and he said if the headed tube is cool that cylinder isn't firing. I need to pull a plug and check the compression. Maybe the pliug is just fouled.
I found an easy and inexpensive way to boost my mileage this morning. Make sure the transfer case is in 2 wheel drive. My mileage should improve now. LOL What a Stooge!