Newbie Introduction and Questions

[Jeff Willard]

Tom,
    Your comment about unsprung weight is a good one. I also believe that, as I said in the previous post, True-ness make a big difference. I think steel wheels "move" more then people realize. I had a crewcab duallie back in my Drag Racing days and when it had the trailer on it you could see a noticable distortion of the wheel if you look from the inside at the clearance between the inside of the wheel and the brake drum top and bottom. I think the Aluminum wheels are much more ridgid and also provide some "heat sinking" away from the tire.

   Lots to ponder. Right now I'm interested in looking at this thing and seeing if it's usable as is. Then we'll really start the wish list. I'm anxious to head up to Amarillo as well in a month. It will probably be in my "little" GMC but we'll see. If the bus happens that quick I'll try to bring it up.

[kyle4501]

Unless it has been changed, it is stud piloted. There are many, many sources for stud piloted wheels & the tire selection is the same for stud vs. hub piloted wheels.
With the possible exception for super singles - I have no idea there.

Hub piloted is better than stud piloted for a bunch of technical reasons, but stud piloted will work just as well if the proper procedures are followed.
To change to hub piloted, you would have to change hubs & I have no idea what that would cost or if they are even available for a PD4501.

Mine have steel rims & they (the ones I have actually driven) ride nicer than any other bus I have ever been on. The fully loaded tag really helps absorb the bumps.
Bus rims are made to a higher standard than truck rims - bus rims are better balanced & run truer. Passangers complain & have a choice for next time - freight doesn't. . .
For what it is worth, the steel rim is 3/8" thick at the mounting flange . . .

That said, the Alum rims are nice, I was just trying to point out that you may not realize the same drastic improvement as with your GMC motorhome.

I even have a set of 20" alum split rims that I hope to be able to find tires for when the time comes - I like the way a split rim looks when dualed out. The things we do for vanity. 

[Ed Brenner]

      Mine have steel rims & they (the ones I have actually driven) ride nicer than any other bus I have ever been on.
 
   Kyle,
       Just have to comment  on that statement. I'll be at the cove in April I'll give you a ride in my EAGLE for the best ride yet !!!


   ED

[kyle4501]

Looking forward to that ride Ed, Will I need safety glasses?

[Ed Brenner]

   Kyle,
   nope no safety glasses needed, I replaced all upper bad metal, all the RUST is below won't get in your eyes.
   I am going to bring the new Trike Conversion so bring a helmet (even though SC doesn't require) I'll give you a ride!!!!!
   Ed

[kyle4501]

Looking forward to it!

[NewbeeMC9]

Gary Labombard likes to be taken for a ride too  Thrillseeker that one




Welcome to the madness Jeff Willard.  Hope it is a good one,   If you know the number on it you may get a lot more info on it here.