4104 non-Sheppard PS

[Nova Eona]

So I'm finally getting around to going through my power steering system now that the list of higher priorities has diminished, and it turns out that what the P.O. said was a Sheppard clearly is not.  I know a bit about Sheppards now and I know a little about the air-assist option, but I don't know much about the factory power steering option which I seem to have.  A few pertinent questions -

How does it compare to Sheppard?  Pros/Cons?
What should it feel like driving?
Worth keeping, or should I plan on a Sheppard upgrade at some point?

Right now my steering is definitely power assisted, but it does take a lot more effort - particularly at low speed - than I would really enjoy.

[dtcerrato]

Rob your photos show you have the OEM Vickers power assist steering. Most bus nuts say that Sheppard is a step up but we are very happy with our Vickers the same system you have. There is a little steering wheel play but not bad.
Your right photo is the Vickers power assist cylinder & your left photo is the Ross steering gear. The steering gear is the same weather you have manual or power assist steering so it's really not part of the power assist option. The maintenance manual spells everything out. Your Vickers system if you stay with it has adjustments that will help take some play out of the steering wheel and also the steering gear but caution to not over adjust. The Ross steering gear when paired up with the Vickers power assist lasts a long time as there isn't hard wear & tear on it as with a manual system. There are differences with the Sheppard system but I can't elaborate as we're married to our Vickers. We recently had a hydraulic shop rebuild the power assist cylinder for $125 so don't let anyone tell you that it is unobtanium or can't be rebuilt! As far as resistance when revs are down & your not rolling- that's normal and reving it a little & try to roll while steering if possible makes a world of difference.

[chessie4905]

We had Sheppard on our 4104. Sam Crawford helped install it. No discernable play, with light effort at the wheel. The 4104 steering box turns the opposite from other models from what I've heard. The air assist has more play, even when new. Don't  know how hard getting a shepherd system would be nowadays. Check with Luke.

[Nova Eona]

Thank you both, and it's good to hear some positive reviews of the Vickers system - mine is underperforming and my first question upon realizing it wasn't a Sheppard was whether it was worth repairing or replacing.  I did check in with Luke and it sounds like the Sheppard units alone are running about a grand lately, so I'm inclined to see how good I can make do with what I've got before I seriously consider upgrading.

[chessie4905]

a grand these days isn't  bad at all. They've  been that price for a few years. Fortunately they must be still available for a 60 plus year old coach. If power assist is that good, it would still be commonly used.

[uncle ned]

I believe that when you put a Shepard box in a 04 you have to change the steering column.

I think a 06 has the correct column.  I will refer to the expert either Luke or Clifford.

Huggy has a Shepard but also has a home made tilt column. and it has been 21 years "at least" since it was done.

Also have a small steering wheel and is the best driving vehicle i have.

uncle ned

[chessie4905]

We didn't  change our column. Something about a different box that runs backwards? because upside down or something compared to newer GM's. Luke would know for sure.

[Nova Eona]

Yeah I've heard there is one specific model that can mate to the 4104 steering column, don't know the part # yet.  Still on the fence, going to ponder it over the weekend and see if I can even find the parts still.

[chessie4905]

the Shepperd mates to the column, just like other GM's. It connects with a short driveshaft. I would find the correct shepherd while still available. Seriously, 1000 bucks isn't bad. I think the one we bought 40 years ago was around 500.