| Author | Message | ||
| Greg Coffin (207.174.178.20)
Rating: N/A |
Newbie questions here... I'm new to bus coversions, and I've fallen in love with the PD4106 buses. But I'm worried about operating the transmission, which I believe is a 4 speed non-synchronized "crash box", with a very tall reverse. I'm not real interested in an automatic at this point, mostly to keep my fuel milage up, and I just like shifing gears - it keeps me more in tune with the machine. So, are there any other synchronized manual transmissions that might fit into the 4106 with an 8v71, either 4 sp or 5 sp OD? I'm NOT looking to reinvent the wheel here, too much money and time. And at the risk of exposing my ignorance, is the V-drive and integral part of the transmission, or a separate entity? And is it before or after the transmission? (yes, I'm REAL green....) Also, where can I get my hands on books that show everything about the 4106s, and what would I ask for? I'm interested in engine and drivetrain info, electrical systems, dimensions, service info, etc. So many questions, so little time.... Thanks in advance, you have a GREAT asset here on this board! Greg | ||
| Joel Lanstra (Joel) (209.204.150.161)
Rating: N/A |
Most of the commercial truck boxes are non-syncro the drivers use the clutch to get it rolling. They use the engine rpm, sound + feel of the shifter to slip from on gear to the next. A good clutch brake eleminates the grinding when you are trying to put it in gear the first time. | ||
| jmaxwell (66.42.92.7) Rating: N/A |
Your options are very limited here. I believe the 4 spd gear box is a spicer and I know of no one (know several people with or who have had 4106) who has replaced it with another make or model, except to go to automatic, which is done with the Allison 3spd 730, an angle drive auto. The V drive part is on the input side of the 730 and the differential, which also has an angled input bevel gear. | ||
| FAST FRED (65.58.187.84) Rating: N/A |
The spicer is easy enough to learn and is very well matched to the 8V71. With 40 years of service in almost 15,000 coaches of diferent vintages , don't worry. With a half hours instruction YOU will be silently cruising the roads , shifting is no more of a hassle than in an old VW bug. Much more to learn about getting arround in cities and forests that were NOT designed for a coach , and require an extra eye to watch the rear wheels location. Any broken clutch or tranny should be fixed , not cursed, then its the fine driving machine, Known as the "Sports car of Coaches" FAST FRED 4106 | ||
| Greg Coffin (207.174.178.20) Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm used to driving large vehicles (fire engines, tanker trucks, 20' stake bodies,) but not used to driving large vehicles with crash boxes! I was mostly hoping to find something a little more modern, maybe an overdrive. Parts availability was my main concern, but it sounds like that won't be a problem. Also hoping to get the wife comfortable driving too, but I think the crash box may be more than she will want to handle. We'll see! Greg | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.193)
Rating: N/A |
Greg, the clutches in these 4106s can be made very easy to live with, too! We use a mousetrap and there are air assists available, as well. If you already have an assist unit, then just make sure it's working right. Also, there are many women bus drivers, so that part just depends on her interests. We met a woman who learned to drive hers only after her husband died. She had no assist and did not realize that they were available. When the subject came up, we told her to try ours. Was she ever surprised! Good luck! Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher | ||
| FAST FRED (63.215.227.107) Rating: N/A |
When the simple art of doubble clutching is learned there is NO "crashing" of gear teeth , just a delightfull slipping into gear. IF the bride is going to drive , find and install a "Mousetrap" , it makes the clutch easy for brides of under 100 lbs. FAST FRED | ||
| don (Bottomacher) (216.130.152.51)
Rating: N/A |
While we're on the subject, I need information on the adjustment procedure for the mousetrap. My book only covers the air asist. Does a supplement exist specifically aimed at the mousetrap, and does anyone know where to find it? A while back I talked to a DD mechanic who advised me to get rid of the trap and drill the bellcrank to relocate the clevis for the clutch rod. He claims it makes a great linkage. Has anyone tried that or heard of it? Thanks- Don | ||
| Sam Sperbeck (206.230.105.249) Rating: N/A |
Don, My wife got me the maintenance manual suplement for our 4106 from Coach Information Network (www.coachinfo.com) last year for my birthday and it has the adjustment procedure in it. Thanks, Sam | ||
| Greg Coffin (207.174.6.20) Rating: N/A |
Okay, I'll bite - What's a mousetrap, and how does it differ from an air assist? Thanks, Greg | ||
| OAE Palmer (216.39.187.98) Rating: N/A |
One catches rodentia and the other is passing gas right after declining your better halfs invitation to a foreign film in subtitles? just my guess.... ;) this one is technical... betta wait fo' FFred or Luke to step up on the box...  | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
Rating: N/A |
Conceptually similar: the air assist uses a slave cylinder powered by air pressure. The mousetrap uses springs to accomplish the same task, which is to lighten the effort needed to operate the clutch. With |@N's help, I'll post a pic of the one on my coach tomorrow. . . HTH, RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| don (Bottomacher) (216.130.152.51)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks, Sam. I knew the supplement exists, but I never knew what was in it. I ordered one this morning. I'd still like to hear about drilling the bellcrank, though. My old Harley Duo-Glide had a mousetrap clutch. When H-D replaced it with a simple cable in later models, we all wondered why it had been necessary in the first place- the cable was effortless without springs. I sure wonder if the GM linkage could be simplified and made to work. Don | ||
| FAST FRED (63.208.82.198) Rating: N/A |
The mouse trap was GM's third try. First there was only linkage , then there was an attempt with a boost cylinder setup, Finally the mousetrap that works excellently. FAST FRED | ||
| Jim-Bob (12.46.52.74) Rating: N/A |
Fred, the boost cylinder works great too. You have to use an adequately sized cylinder to gain enough force. I used a 3" I.D. x 10" stroke on my 4104. That yields a 20lb pedal force, just about the same as a pick up truck. When I forget how good that is, I try it without air. That needs 65lbs of push (and hold)! If I wanted to, I could use a Skinner valve to hold the clutch in at stop lights. |