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MC-Iv.
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 70.69.177.255
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 4:06 am: | |
I am interested it the pros and cons of the Ross "power assist" steering and the Ross "integral" steering in a MC-9. Can they be interchanged? It doesn't look like the coach framing is even similar.
Thanks, Iver. |
Greg Peterson (Gpmci102)
Registered Member
Username: Gpmci102
Post Number: 14
Registered: 8-2006
Posted From: 71.228.18.37
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 11:37 pm: | |
Since you had no replies to your question I will give it a shot. The integral power steering was added to the MCI 9 around 1983. I have tried driving the old and new steering and the integral is far superior. There is much less “play” and the coach does not wander around on the road. There is no “kit” to convert the old to new steering. I checked with MCI and they would have to ship me a whole new short frame for the front of the bus. There is too much liability for them to do anything else. The integral unit puts stress and torque on the bulkhead in a way that the old steering did not. Therefore, you have to beef up the mounting point in order to take the increase load forces. You may be able to find some one to do the welding required and add an Integral steering from a truck.
Fred Hobe describes how to do this. http://users.cwnet.com/%7Ethall/fredhobe2.htm
It is best to buy a newer MCI 9 with the integral steering already installed. Since many buyers are not aware of the difference they do not seem to sell for any premium over the old steering. |
John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member
Username: John_mc9
Post Number: 69
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 71.41.217.54
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 5:45 am: | |
You might want to check with "Chuck MC8", as he's just
completed the "Fred Hobe" style conversion. Chuck seems
to be as "pleased as punch" with his effort!
Most all of the older buses had quite a margin of play in the
wheel. 1/4 turn of play was common....
FMCSA DOT |