MC5 B - again...

RJ · March 24, 2011, 10:46:16 PM

Paul -

How ya gonna get it up your driveway?

(Sorry, couldn't resist!)

artvonne · March 24, 2011, 11:32:28 PM

Quote from: RJ on March 24, 2011, 10:46:16 PM
Paul -

How ya gonna get it up your driveway?

(Sorry, couldn't resist!)

I plan to drive it up here.

bevans6 · March 25, 2011, 04:58:10 AM

Is it an automatic or a 4 speed? I missed that part. 8V71? Jake brake?

If it was Mel Tillis' bus it might have had "there goes M-Mel" on it because he apparently stuttered...

Brian

artvonne · March 25, 2011, 03:46:09 PM

Its a 4 speed.

Just got an email from Mel, lol. I found his website and asked about the bus in an email.

He says no, never owned an MCI, says he always bought Golden or Silver Eagles. Oh well, I got an email from Mel out of the deal.

artvonne · March 27, 2011, 10:59:35 PM

Integral PS?

The steering gear has lines going to it, but a ram above the steering rod connected to the pitman arm.

bevans6 · March 28, 2011, 03:46:51 AM

That ram assist is the stock power steering on a MC-5B. The integral steering has the power steering lines connected to the steering box itself. That came in, on MCI's, around 1983 so no MC-5's had it stock. Mid model MC-9's were the earliest with integral steering stock.

Brian

artvonne · March 28, 2011, 08:59:31 AM

Thats whats confusing me, there are lines going to the steering gear, but it still has a ram.

rgrauto · March 28, 2011, 09:04:05 PM

There is a control valve mounted to the gearbox that controls fluid pressure flow to the hyd. cylinder , HTH, Glen

artvonne · March 29, 2011, 07:32:59 AM

Quote from: rgrauto on March 28, 2011, 09:04:05 PM
There is a control valve mounted to the gearbox that controls fluid pressure flow to the hyd. cylinder , HTH, Glen

How bad is the the OE system?

Can anyone lead me to a site that explains conversion?

Bus 101 shows putting an integral gear into an MCI 8 or 9, would this be simular??

lostagain · March 29, 2011, 07:51:41 AM

Paul,

the OE power steering with the ram assist is OK, but not nearly as tight and precise as an integral power steering. This is why a lot of buses of that vintage were converted. The MC5A,B or C is very similar to the 8 or 9, so your info on Bus 101 would be relevant.

JC

artvonne · March 29, 2011, 08:22:51 AM

Quote from: lostagain on March 29, 2011, 07:51:41 AM
Paul,

the OE power steering with the ram assist is OK, but not nearly as tight and precise as an integral power steering. This is why a lot of buses of that vintage were converted. The MC5A,B or C is very similar to the 8 or 9, so your info on Bus 101 would be relevant.

JC

I assume by things ive seen and read that there is no direct replacement gear, that any gear I find would have to come from a large truck, and I will have to custom fit the gear just at I see on the Bus 101 site???

bevans6 · March 29, 2011, 08:47:10 AM

You can either engineer a new, unique setup yourself or duplicate the installation of the steering box on a MC-9. Mine is the same as a MC-9. You also have to change the power steering pump pressure to 2000 psi. The ram system uses 1000 psi, and you really can't turn the wheel unless you are rolling with that pressure.

Brian

artvonne · March 29, 2011, 09:34:43 AM

Was the -9 gear a direct bolt in?

Busted Knuckle · March 29, 2011, 09:49:10 AM

Quote from: artvonne on March 29, 2011, 09:34:43 AM
Was the -9 gear a direct bolt in?

NO! Here is a good source to call and get the info needed or to even have them do it as they are experienced and have the parts on hand!
http://www.caylorsupply.com/bus-repair.html

artvonne · March 29, 2011, 10:30:27 AM

Thanks. I gave them a call, looks like $900 for a kit. The more questions I ask, the more I realise I really need an operators/service manual.