Hey everyone,

I have an 84 xtra cab 4x4 lifted on 33s, a 5 speed, with stock gearing. I have read that the 22r and 22re get 20+ mpg, while I'm getting about 16. I assume that because I have 33s with stock gearing, the engine has to work harder and thus getting lower mpgs. Could that be true?
My next question is that my gear shift does not feel very tight and sometimes it is hard to put it into 1st gear. I have read that the plastic shifter piece needs to be replaced over time. So how much does this part cost? Also why would it be so hard to shift to first gear when slowing down? Is that normal for most manual transmissions?
Ok, my last question is about my fuel gauge. It is way off. When I am at a little over half a tank it reads as empty. Could it be that the float bulb is soaked with gas and limiting it from reading the correct measurement, or could there be an electrical issue?

Thanks!

 

Your assumption about gas mileage is very true. As for the tranny questions, just do a search around this part of the forum as im sure its been discussed before. As far as the fuel float its probably time for a new one.

 

I was having a similar issue with my shifter. I drained the clutch and bled it with new fluid. That fixed the spongy clutch, but 1st and reverse were still a pain. Then I replaced the Shifter Seat bushing with one from Marlin Crawler and now it's like new again. Also my low 4x4 would fall out of gear. It was the rubber boot under the plate that holds the boot over the shifters putting pressure on it. Just tossed it and now it stays in low with no problems. Not sure what your issue may be, but I'd start there. Fixed my shifting problems and gave new life to the clutch.

http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmi...ver-ball-seats

 

I don't know what your stock gearing is, but with 33s you should be looking somewhere around 4.88 gears. You could go to 4.56 and maybe see a little better than stock mpg numbers, but you're giving up a little torque for it. Still, 16 isn't bad for 33s with stock gearing. As far as your lose shifter, you need a new shifter seat. You can get one from Marlin Crawler. They don't cost much and they're well worth it. The reason you're having problems getting it into first gear when slowing down is because that's the way it's supposed to be. First gear is geared WAY lower than other gears. It's really only meant for starting. Unless you're crawling down the road (as in inches rather than feet) then you really don't need to downshift into first. The gearing is just too low for it. Stick to second and you should be fine. As far as your fuel gauge......I have no clue.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! For the shifter seat, is it hard to install?
I have a non related question. What year bucket seats fit into a 1984 pickup? I believe that 2nd gen 4runner seats will fit as well.

 

My '85 was hard to shift into certain gears sometimes, I replaced transmission fluid (and found out that the previous owner had way way WAY too much in it) using RedLine MT-90 and it fixed all of my issues.