4106 hand brake delete?

Darkspeed · December 26, 2012, 06:04:27 AM

I have a 4106 that has been converted to automatic.
The hand brake seems to not be connected to anything but a pivot & link above the rear wheels.
Im guessing it went to a shaft brake on the original 4spd?
Do most people remove the hand brake lever when switching to automatic?

This bus has the original brakes, anyone know the part number for converting to spring brakes??

Thanks..

uncle ned · December 26, 2012, 08:57:27 AM

I believe you will have to go to spring brakes. that is what I did to HUGGY when she was converted to a 6v92 and 730.

uncle ned
4104 172

Utahclaimjumper · December 26, 2012, 09:03:49 AM

There is a large cast iron drum attached to the input shaft of the rear end with linkage to the brake shoes within. I had to use a large grinding wheel to cut the drum in half,, and when it came down it was HEAVY!.. I removed it to gain exceleration and help with stopping, and this drum being a rotational force makes a difference.. My service brakes were spring type so the hand brake was not needed.>>>Dan

chessie4905 · December 26, 2012, 04:52:52 PM

no room for spring brake chambers without some significant modification to the body or mounting brackets. DD2's will fit, because they are short enough to clear, although some air line and components will require altering. 4104's have enough body to chamber clearance for spring brakes. Starting with the 4106, they tightened the clearance too much for them to fit. Maybe someone will make a spring brake as short as the dd2. Once that happens, most will probably change, as spring brake chambers are relatively cheap, especially compared to dd2's, which haven't been available as new units for several years.

Utahclaimjumper · December 26, 2012, 05:18:04 PM

I had spring brakes on my 06 and they are still in working order. the installation requires 2.5 inch offset slack adjusters, that are available at most truck brake supply houses,, custom can brackets and rearranged plumbing and your good to go.>>>Dan

Darkspeed · December 26, 2012, 05:37:44 PM

Anyone know the correct part number for a spring brakes for the 4106 - i know i need to fab new brackets

Darkspeed · December 27, 2012, 07:55:06 AM

I did not see it at first but my 4106 does still have a big shaft brake at the input of the diff.

is it best to remove this??

Utahclaimjumper · December 27, 2012, 08:40:58 AM

Those damn things are incredibaly heavy, I found it makes a difference in excelleration and braking do to rotational forces. The only way to remove it with out removing the input yoke,(major job) is to cut it in half and let it drop down,(preverably not on your leg).>>>Dan

wildbob24 · December 27, 2012, 11:43:32 AM

Todd,

I wouldn't remove the pinion mounted drum brake until you've installed your spring brakes. If it's not working, I'd try to repair it, since a working parking brake is pretty important.

I can't help with a part number for the spring brakes since it will depend on whether you want to use a standard stroke or long stroke chamber. In addition the length of the pushrod will be determined by the location of the re-engineered mounting bracket. You can always get one with a long pushrod and cut it to fit.

I can tell you that the original 4106 chamber is a type 30, so you'll want to use a type 3030 piggyback chamber. There are some part numbers for standard stroke chambers listed here:

http://www.foundationbrakes.com/media/documents/actuators/pnu157000.pdf

Your local heavy truck parts store should be able to assist.

Bob

Darkspeed · December 27, 2012, 01:19:14 PM

Quote from: wildbob24 on December 27, 2012, 11:43:32 AM
Todd,

I wouldn't remove the pinion mounted drum brake until you've installed your spring brakes. If it's not working, I'd try to repair it, since a working parking brake is pretty important.

I can't help with a part number for the spring brakes since it will depend on whether you want to use a standard stroke or long stroke chamber. In addition the length of the pushrod will be determined by the location of the re-engineered mounting bracket. You can always get one with a long pushrod and cut it to fit.

I can tell you that the original 4106 chamber is a type 30, so you'll want to use a type 3030 piggyback chamber. There are some part numbers for standard stroke chambers listed here:

http://www.foundationbrakes.com/media/documents/actuators/pnu157000.pdf

Your local heavy truck parts store should be able to assist.

Bob

Thanks Bob..

I am not moving it until i get spring brakes on.

Is there any advantage to the drum brake on the diff if i have properly working spring brakes?

I will be building the new mounting plates and installing the spring brake air circuit myself.

I was guessing 30/30 cans, i just need to find a proven rod & slack adjuster combo.

wildbob24 · December 27, 2012, 04:10:18 PM

Todd,

Once you have properly working spring brakes, I can't think of any advantage in keeping the drum brake, other than as a back-up and the Johnson bar is kinda cool in an old school sort of way.

Bob

luvrbus · December 27, 2012, 04:21:11 PM

It is fairy easy to install a spring brake on the hand brake drum then you can work on the spring brake change out later

good luck

RJ · December 27, 2012, 04:30:16 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on December 27, 2012, 04:21:11 PM
It is fairy easy to install a spring brake on the hand brake drum, then you can work on the spring brake change out later.

Clifford -

Now that's a good idea!

Darkspeed · December 27, 2012, 04:30:50 PM

Luvrbus - that a cool idea.. thanks!