1976 MCI 8 Steering - Rebuild or Upgrade?

windtrader · March 08, 2018, 12:42:47 PM

The steering box has slack that is beyond adjustment, so it's time for a steering box rebuild or an upgrade to an integral system. The Ross integral system was installed in the MCI from early 80s.

There are references to a Sheppard integral system that GM folks upgrade the most. Could not find earlier MCI8's doing upgrades so seeking wisdom from you busnuts.

Option 1 - Rebuild current power assist. Probably cheapest and easiest to replace.
Option 2 - Upgrade to later model Ross integral system. Pull from a parts bus. Retrofit requires minimal modification, more cost and effort.
Option 3 - Upgrade to a Sheppard integral system. ?

thanks
don

luvrbus · March 08, 2018, 01:01:05 PM

My 1976 MCI 8 had a Ross 71 series semi integral the upgrade to a full integral Ross was just a bolt on exchange, lol get help those are heavy suckers working from under the bus

buswarrior · March 08, 2018, 05:29:58 PM

Lots of pre 1982 MCI steering systems have been upgraded by busnuts.

The choice is usually dictated by what donor parts are readily available.

There used to be a couple "how to" sites by busnuts, Fred Hobe's pages have some detail.

There are both truck and bus components that those in the know have recommended.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

jmblake · March 08, 2018, 06:10:33 PM

Don,
I just upgraded my 9 to integral steering see my thread on repairing the front suspension an d generator slide, I haven't got to try it out yet but should be a major improvement, There is some cutting and welding that needed done and like Cliff said that sucker is heavy, defiantly a 2 man job. If you decide to rebuild and need a control valve for your power assist I have one I purchased new about a year and a half ago that I would sell.
Jason

Dave5Cs · March 08, 2018, 06:20:01 PM

Don here is the parts and how to site for Ross TRW integral steering like mine.

Geoff · March 08, 2018, 06:55:35 PM

Of course the power steering boxes are heavy! I use my transmission jack and a custom holder (big exhaust pipe with bolt-on brackets) to change them.

luvrbus · March 08, 2018, 07:51:06 PM

Talk to the guys at Straight Line Steering in San Jose Ca they will walk you through it

windtrader · March 09, 2018, 11:19:18 AM

Quote from: Dave5Cs on March 08, 2018, 06:20:01 PM
Don here is the parts and how to site for Ross TRW integral steering like mine.

Dave, Looks like a really easy upgrade - no parts and no instructions?

windtrader · March 09, 2018, 11:22:42 AM

A bit confused.

From an earlier MC8 with power assisted steering system, is it a bolt on swap or is there some mods(cut,weld) involved?

Any tips on sourcing the newer full integral steering parts?

Average cost for parts, labor hours?

Thanks
Don

jmblake · March 09, 2018, 01:10:59 PM

I just did mine I got my parts from Luke used they were parting a MCI 9 out I think he charged me $1,200 and that included the new bracket that I had to weld in not sure how and 8 is different from the 9 but it definitely didn't directly bolt up to the old bracket
Jason

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · March 09, 2018, 03:10:18 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on March 08, 2018, 07:51:06 PM
Talk to the guys at Straight Line Steering in San Jose Ca they will walk you through it

I agree with the guy who drinks the good wine first.

Call Mark Mason of Straight Line Steering. He can rebuild your steering box and make it feel like new. That is what he does. He can usually turn it around quite fast as well and the good thing, he is just down the road from you even though he ships these all over the US and Canada all the time. Just be careful after you install it as you may run off the road over-correcting the steering if you aren't use to driving a bus without any play in the steering wheel like me.

You can reach him at 408 289-9850 and view his website at www.straightlinesteering.com/.

Gary

Dave5Cs · March 09, 2018, 06:59:38 PM

Sorry Don forgot to drop it in. Mine is the 85 series

https://www.trwaftermarket.com/globalassets/na/trucksteering---literature/steeringgears-lit/steeringgears-sm/tas/trw_1108_02_07.pdf

luvrbus · March 09, 2018, 07:19:17 PM

I didn't use a unit from a MCI 9 mine was a direct replacement for the Ross 71 I did need to change the pressure valve in the Vickers pump

windtrader · March 09, 2018, 07:28:14 PM

Thanks all.

A few months ago Luke quoted around $1k for a rebuilt. I'll check with the local guy on Monday. For my situation, it seems the rebuilt should be satisfactory. For sure the rebuild option is the most straightforward and hassle free option. The power assist system works fine for me; it is just the extra slack needs to go.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · March 10, 2018, 06:34:05 PM

Quote from: windtrader on March 09, 2018, 07:28:14 PM
Thanks all.

A few months ago Luke quoted around $1k for a rebuilt. I'll check with the local guy on Monday. For my situation, it seems the rebuilt should be satisfactory. For sure the rebuild option is the most straightforward and hassle free option. The power assist system works fine for me; it is just the extra slack needs to go.

I think you should be able to get yours rebuilt in San Jose for much less than that. I would call him before you make your final decision.