Fuller T11605 Swap to something Automatic?

JordanRinke · July 22, 2016, 10:24:14 AM

So, I am looking at two buses. One is a 89 MCI with a 6V92TA and a Fuller T11605 - with an excellent service history, transmission/engine/diff all rebuilt within the last few years etc. The other is an 87 with a 8V1 and an Allison HT700.

I would really like to have the automatic, the 87 is in another province and is a lot of work to get imported etc, no service history, would likely need some amount of work sooner than later. So, I am curious if the Fuller can be reasonably easily swapped to anything automatic if anyone knows... or if I should look at the 87 instead and just be ready to rebuild some components.

luvrbus · July 22, 2016, 10:32:34 AM

You would need to change bell housing for a 740 it takes a SAE 1 bell housing the Fuller T-11605 takes the SAE 2 bell housing the Allison 600 series takes the SAE 2 they hold up fairly well in a bus Eagle used the 600 in a 40 ft bus with good results

JordanRinke · July 22, 2016, 06:00:06 PM

So for the easiest swap I should basically be looking for a MT654?

TomC · July 23, 2016, 08:45:37 AM

MT654CR is a good transmission. But you can't beat the HT740 for ruggedness-it is the transmission most all Diesel truck hot rodders use. Good Luck, TomC

Timkar · July 23, 2016, 10:02:33 AM

I know where you can get an Allison 747 that was behind a 6V92. Has tranny portion of stone bennet shifter.

JordanRinke · July 23, 2016, 11:22:21 AM

Timkar:

Interesting... Tell me more.

HB of CJ · July 23, 2016, 12:51:46 PM

Do you have enough drive shaft length to run the big preferred Allison 740? The cool neat easy to shift Fuller 5 speed is only about 24.7 inches long. How long is the 740? U-joint angularity comes to mind.

JordanRinke · July 23, 2016, 12:59:27 PM

I believe the spec sheet lists the HT740 as 37.4" I wasn't able to find all the dimensions for the Fuller to compare.

kyle4501 · July 23, 2016, 02:59:17 PM

Might I suggest that you keep looking. The cost of having a manual transmission changed to an automatic can exceed $10,000.

Is far better to spend more up front to get what you want than to try to save a little & end up with something you don't want that will cost more in the long run.

There are some great values to be had on nice, well built coaches. Just have to wait till the right one shows up. May take a few trips to see coaches that don't match the description, but that is part of the journey.

I started with a less than perfect bus & chased that dream collecting parts to change it into what I wanted. 10 years later, My Wife found our dream coach on the internet one Saturday night. The following Friday after a bunch of phone calls, I had a one-way ticket to see it in person. Ended up buying it & driving it 1100 miles home. Buying this one was the best thing I could have done. Lots less money & lots more fun NOW!

Good luck, whatever path you choose.

DoubleEagle · July 23, 2016, 05:12:50 PM

I don't know about MCI's, but on Eagle's you have to modify the frame to fit anything bigger than the Spicer 4 speed in, including 5 speed manuals, 10 speed RoadRangers, etc., let alone an Automatic with cooling requirements. Save yourself some big expenses and headaches, get something that is ready to go.