suspension Beam Need for Rear

bs4104 · May 12, 2009, 02:25:44 PM

A bus owner (Rod) called Gary Nickerson @ Coach Services of Lake Havasu City (Paso Robles Ca) on 5/12/09 looking for a suspension beam for a 4106 but said it was made of aluminum. I think he has a 4104 made before '56 as the newer have metal beam. He needs a replacement aluminum beam or newer rear end housing with beams.Any help for him? He is broken down somewhere? Indiana maybe??? CALL Rod @ 816-461-6143 Just helping out Gary with this.

zubzub · May 13, 2009, 07:10:32 AM

My early 4104 ('53) has an aluminum suspension beam. the later models have steel and as my left beam has already had a repair/with added steel and plates (didn't notice that when I was buying it). I can't help with bits other than to say BNO had a 4104 being parted out cheap last week. Look in the classified there, if it hasn't gone to the dump. Seeing as the aluminum seems weak I would advise going with the later model steel if it fits the same (I don't know that it does). Wish I could be more help. Patrick.

Damn Yankee · May 13, 2009, 07:48:13 AM

Does he need a air beam or a radius rod? I know people that have air beams on their coach you can put your arm through but haven't replaced them cause it's a major, major undertaking and not something you can get done on the road. I would just patch it as best I could.

bs4104 · May 13, 2009, 09:38:40 AM

This is not the air beam in the floor it's the part below the air bags to rear end housing. steel metal suspension beam are not interchangeable with the aluminum ones without changing the housing too.
I emailed the BNO one 4104 being parted for help too! thank's for any help

zubzub · May 13, 2009, 10:21:15 AM

Just so I know in case I ever have to do this what is the "housing" you are referring to?

bs4104 · May 13, 2009, 11:19:35 AM

The Axle housing, not the Differential is self or Axles. The brakes S cams mounts are not the same. One mounts on the housing the other mounts on the suspension beam.
see page # 222 Sec.14 of maintenance manual X5818 model PD-4104 show the metal one.

roadrunnertex · May 13, 2009, 03:14:31 PM

I called Ron this PM the VIN on his PD4104 is PD4104-726 which is a 1953 ex Southeastern Greyhound Lines PD4104.
I gave him some contact phone numbers in regards to some PD4104 that are scrappers.
Hope it works out for him.

gus · May 13, 2009, 06:57:06 PM

I had no idea there were any Al parts in my 4104 suspension?

When was the change to steel?

Mine is a '54 s/n 1274.

bs4104 · May 13, 2009, 07:33:46 PM

I don't have a part book anymore but you could look in it for the change as to bus what frame #, but some where around 1955/56. if the bus is jack up from the beam and or the bolts swell up with rust where they go around the rear end housing & thought the Al. beam is where it will split in two.

roadrunnertex · May 13, 2009, 08:14:00 PM

Serial number 1759- 06/1956 Was the change over per the 4104 parts manual dated 12/1960.

gus · May 14, 2009, 03:53:47 PM

Thanks.

Now I have another thing to worry about. I was so sure all the suspension was steel!!