| Author |
Message |
John Vickrey (Jlvickrey)
Registered Member
Username: Jlvickrey
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 64.128.130.206
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 06, 2006 - 4:57 pm: | |
Guys,
I lurk out here most of the time and don't enter any conversations, but I have learned so much, and I enjoy some of the rants people get on.
I need to tap into this wealth of information for some comments and advice on putting Shepard steering in the 04. Anyone who has installed integral steering gear in an 04 please share your expertise with me. The old girl has the factory power assist steering but now the pump is bad the steering gear is beyond wore out and I need to Git'er done before the rally in September.
If you have some parts or free advise, let'er rip. |
Tim Hoskinson (Tdh37514151)
Registered Member
Username: Tdh37514151
Post Number: 176
Registered: 9-2004
Posted From: 4.252.64.236
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 06, 2006 - 6:48 pm: | |
If I was going to install a new box I would go with a Ross steering box over the Sheppard. I have a Sheppard on my 4104 now. Its better than standard steering but does not compare to Ross power steering. Sheppards have no free play adjustment to make up for ware. Take some time to call around and get good info. befor you spend your money. Sheppards are easier to find and usally cheaper just keep in mind what play they have you just have to get use to. |
Larry Ward (Rts_parts)
Registered Member
Username: Rts_parts
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 64.12.116.138
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 06, 2006 - 8:32 pm: | |
John: I have several complete sets out of a GMC RTS. Ask around and see if they would fit. One of my buses is a 1979 GMC with a 8v71, and all the others are 1988's with 6v92 turbos. See if any of the others on this board know if it would work or not. I would hate to say it did when I don't know for sure. You might have to make some mounting modifications. |
Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member
Username: Gusc
Post Number: 154
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 63.97.117.27
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 06, 2006 - 10:14 pm: | |
Tim,
I just tightened the original Ross power assist steering on my 4104. After reading the manual a few times I decided to tackle it and was surprised at how easy it was. The adjustment is on top of the steering box directly above the steering arm shaft.
All the tools required are a 3/4" box end wrench and a flat screwdriver. It is all explained in the manual except I didn't detach the pitman arm, I just took a guess and turned the adjustment screw about 8 degrees clockwise. You can tell the effect of the adjustment by the decreasing amount of play in the steering shaft into the steering box when someone rocks the steering wheel back and forth.
I was amazed, it took out about 80% of the one inch dead spot I had at the rim of the steering wheel. I'm going to turn it another 2-3 degrees to take the rest out. It was a real pleasure to drive for the first time since I got it a year ago.
One inch doesn't sound like much until you drive all day on the long straight roads out west all day, then it is a real pain. I could live with it the way it is now but I know I can take out the rest.
You have to be very careful not to get it too tight as it will bind in a sharp turn so I'm going to leave a little slack just in case. |
John Vickrey (Jlvickrey)
Registered Member
Username: Jlvickrey
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 64.128.130.206
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 06, 2006 - 10:53 pm: | |
Gus,
Been there, done that. You are correct tho, it does take the play out. Also, check for play in the ujoints on the shaft attached to the steering box. If you have to replace it, the one in the compartment under the cover is the same shaft.
On mine the bearing and seal in the bottom of the box are shot and I filled the box with grease. |
jlvickers
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 71.52.82.62
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 07, 2006 - 12:20 am: | |
I have several complete sets out of a GMC RTS. Ask around and see if they would fit. One of my buses is a 1979 GMC with a 8v71, and all the others are 1988's with 6v92 turbos. See if any of the others on this board know if it would work or not. I would hate to say it did when I don't know for sure. You might have to make some mounting modifications.
The above Sheppard steering boxes will NOT work on a PD4104.
Sheppard makes a steering box just for the PD4104.
jlv |
Mel La Plante (Mel_4104)
Registered Member
Username: Mel_4104
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 208.181.100.35
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 07, 2006 - 1:38 pm: | |
John the shepard out of the GMC fish bowls will work on a 4104 as that is what all of us around here have put in our 4104s and none of them had the power assist so you are lucky that you have the hose in place. if you can find a fish bowl with the shepard in it the you will have a source for the parts that you need, if you like just call me at 1-250-248-2766 and i can tell you what we done, as i am on the other coast north of Seattle on Vancouver Island or i could ship you most of what you need. all the transit buses in our area use Shepard not ross and the one fellow that did have a ross in his bus took it out and went for the shepard, but that is not to say that ross is not a good steering unit. |
Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member
Username: Gusc
Post Number: 158
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 63.97.117.43
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 07, 2006 - 6:23 pm: | |
John,
I checked the u-joints first. I figure they or loose bevel gears were the problem. Obviously it was the adjustment in the steering gear box as that adjustment took out the play. Needless to say I was very pleased to find it so simple to do. I doubt that it had ever been adjusted!
Mine is a leaker too and I did the same as you, filled it with grease. Sure did steer a lot easier too after the grease. The Manual says to use grease if the Special 100W Lube is not available. I never heard of it and neither has my parts guy so I plan to use grease anyway. |