[zjrog]

I recently bought a 1994 Ford Explorer for my son. It isn't planned to be anything more than a grocery getter. But it is a small gift from me for his 21st brithday, and a bit of an early wedding gift (he is getting married in August) It was an inexpensive purchase because, it has a dead transmission. I am rebuilding it myself.

So my question, while I still have the thing apart. WHAT sort of modifications can I do to an automatic (it is a Ford A4LD) that MIGHT help it get better mileage. I have purchased some parts in the better interest of durability and HD usage. I still have less than the purchase price in the trans and will probably have it buttoned up this weekend to put back in the truck. Any FE ideas now while its open would be good.

And when this transmission goes out (if it goes out), we will decide what to do with the truck. It currently has 194,000 miles on it, but the motor is tight and has great compression across all cylinders. No smoke and it sat for over an hour running and didn't overheat. We almost put in a 5 speed manual instead of rebuilding what we have. That is a viable option for later. But likely, with the mileage on it, it will get recycled when the trans dies next...

YES, I know it isn't a very fuel efficient rig. On the other hand, it goes to my son with no strings attached, no car payments and its old enough that insurance won't be a big issue for him and his soon to be bride. It is large enough to be a safe vehicle if they start a family right away too. And with functioning 4x4, it wil be a safe winter vehicle. And the boy knows how to drive for FE. Who do you think has been getting such good numbers from my Neon?