Hello to my new Bus Friends!

gus · November 21, 2013, 02:25:42 PM

Bryan,

If you have a box with hose connections it is probably a Sheppard, the original had a manual box with hyd cyls attached to the steering link. It was a booster, not true power steering. The booster is better than manual for maneuvering but actually is manual on a straight highway - the wheel has to be turned a few degrees to kick in the booster. OK if you are a young man but a killer for an old guy like me, my shoulders can't take it after a full day of driving!

It is really not worth all the effort and expense to install the original type when the Sheppard is so far superior. If the box you have is an old Sheppard it is not so good. Mine is old and has too much slack which is confirmed by the factory. They will no longer overhaul it but will supply an updated model to fit the older mount.

Closely adjusting your clutch to manual specs will eliminate the gear clash when stopped. If you can't adjust it to specs the shift linkage is worn out.

Clash when shifting just takes practice, lots of it. Most all of us have been through this. Before I got the 4104 I'd driven many types of old and new heavy trucks but none were nearly as hard to shift as that bus 4-speed!

I just looked at your other string, as someone already posted, that is not a PS box or for a bus! Maybe a manual for a skoolie but not a highway bus. The bus box is at least ten times heavier than this one!

Bryan · November 21, 2013, 03:21:02 PM

Quote from: gus on November 21, 2013, 02:25:42 PM
Bryan,

If you have a box with hose connections it is probably a Sheppard, the original had a manual box with hyd cyls attached to the steering link. It was a booster, not true power steering. The booster is better than manual for maneuvering but actually is manual on a straight highway - the wheel has to be turned a few degrees to kick in the booster. OK if you are a young man but a killer for an old guy like me, my shoulders can't take it after a full day of driving!

It is really not worth all the effort and expense to install the original type when the Sheppard is so far superior. If the box you have is an old Sheppard it is not so good. Mine is old and has too much slack which is confirmed by the factory. They will no longer overhaul it but will supply an updated model to fit the older mount.

Closely adjusting your clutch to manual specs will eliminate the gear clash when stopped. If you can't adjust it to specs the shift linkage is worn out.

Clash when shifting just takes practice, lots of it. Most all of us have been through this. Before I got the 4104 I'd driven many types of old and new heavy trucks but none were nearly as hard to shift as that bus 4-speed!

I just looked at your other string, as someone already posted, that is not a PS box or for a bus! Maybe a manual for a skoolie but not a highway bus. The bus box is at least ten times heavier than this one!

Gus, thanks so much for all the info. So you are basically recommending me just order a brand new Sheppard correct? Here are my questions...

Do they come in full kits to where it will have the pumps, lines, mounts, etc. (everything I need)?
How do I know which one to purchase?
What type of mechanic should I search for to install?

Again, thanks so much!

RJ · November 21, 2013, 06:18:44 PM

Quote from: Bryan on November 21, 2013, 08:22:16 AM
It's a 4 speed manual. It grinds a little (which I've learned is normal in this model) I would love to have an automatic someday. I also would like to install power steering but don't know much about it.

Bryan -

Are you sure that your coach doesn't have power steering already? By turning the front wheels full left or right, you can easily look at the tie rod between the wheels. If equipped, there should be a hydraulic cylinder attached to the tie rod.

As for the 4-spd, this should help:
http://busnut.com/forum/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=41

If you can't access, send me a PM and I'll help.

FWIW & HTH. . .

gus · November 22, 2013, 03:33:28 PM

I've never installed a Sheppard system, my 4107 came equipped, but some others here on the board have so I'll defer to them to give you the proper info. I think the factory only provides the steering box but that is a guess.

If you have nothing of the original boost system you will need the pump/reservoir on the engine and the two lines from the engine to the front axle. You might luck out and find a complete used system, maybe even here, but they are in high demand. If yours has the original booster system you will have a big reservoir high on the right rear at the engine which looks like an oil filter canister.

Check with the factory for a new one and be prepared for sticker shock!!

wildbob24 · November 23, 2013, 02:34:26 PM

I like John's idea of a GA Busnuts group. Count me in.

Bryan,

I'm about an hour south of you, down 985/85, in Duluth. I'll be happy to assist you in any way I can.

Bob

harleyman_1000 · November 24, 2013, 07:07:54 PM

Welcome your now an official nut

Great looking bus! Do you have any pictures of the inside? We love bus porn......

Bryan · November 25, 2013, 03:47:19 PM

hey guys! I haven't been on here for a couple days because we are actually remodeling the interior. Pics coming soon! It's probably going to take most of December to get the inside the way we want it. I am overwhelmed by how nice everyone has been to me as a newbie in the bus world. I have received your private messages and emails and just want to say thank you for being so helpful. This is my first experience with a bus so it's been comforting to know I can come here and ask questions. The inside of the bus will be easy for us, but I'm far from a mechanic so that's why I want to learn as much as I can to take good care of her :-)

Bryan · November 25, 2013, 03:49:55 PM

Quote from: JohnVickrey on November 21, 2013, 05:18:23 AM
Hey, Bryan and RGauto. Lets start our own Georgia Busnuts Club. (See we have a name already.) I know several people who would be interested. If your bus needs some exercise we have water and electric, come and visit for a while.

Glen, I still can't play it.

Bryan, Welcome to the madness.

Count me in John!

Bryan · November 25, 2013, 04:01:06 PM

Quote from: RJ on November 21, 2013, 06:18:44 PM
Bryan -

Are you sure that your coach doesn't have power steering already? By turning the front wheels full left or right, you can easily look at the tie rod between the wheels. If equipped, there should be a hydraulic cylinder attached to the tie rod.

As for the 4-spd, this should help:
http://busnut.com/forum/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=41

If you can't access, send me a PM and I'll help.

FWIW & HTH. . .

I apologize in advance for so many pictures, but I took some pictures on drivers side in front and behind wheel when turned left and right. I'm not seeing a hydraulic cylinder, but let me know if you see anything that I'm missing :-) Thanks!

LuckyChow · November 25, 2013, 09:41:59 PM

I don't want to hijack this thread, but count me in too for a local Georgia Bus nuts group.

JohnVickrey · November 26, 2013, 03:31:23 AM

Bryan, sorry 'bout hijacking your thread. I'm gonna start a new thread for Georgia Bus Nuts.

gus · November 26, 2013, 05:56:17 PM

These photos don't show the boost cyl area, it will be in the front center of the axle attached to the tie rod and be very obvious.

The very last photo shows just the very end of the tie rod where it attaches to the steering arm.

A cylinder is about a foot long with a rod attached to the tie rod with two hyd lines running to it.

This cyl just pushes or pulls on the tie rod to help you steer, it is not attached any way to the steering box.

My guess is you don't have boost or it would be easy to see. You would also have a pump with attached hoses and a fluid reservoir in the engine comp.