NEED A TRANS 4106 Spicer input shaft bearings munched!

momentum · April 29, 2019, 12:04:23 PM

Hi all,
I am pleased to have found this active community of busnuts. I recently picked up a 4106 and drove it about 8 miles before experiencing some clutch issues (understatement). I pulled the trans and found some demolished bearings on the input shaft, and lots of ugly debris in the pan. I topped up the transmission oil before driving, so I suspect I just had the privelage of grinding away at damage that began before i 'rescued' her.

I think the most sensible way forward would be to find a whole replacement unit to swing in, as I am afraid I'll find more problems with this one (not to mention the very visible fact that the input shaft and bevel gears are pretty beat up).

Any help out there? With all the alisons driving around in these buses, maybe there's a spicer collecting dust. I live on the western slope of colorado and unfortunately have a pretty limited cashflow for this project right now. My hope and dream is to find an inexpensive replacement within a day's drive. Here's to the power of positive thinking... any help?

Here's a video I uploaded of the mess: https://youtu.be/Vba-tzry0Mg

Thanks for reading!

daddysgirl · April 29, 2019, 12:43:07 PM

Hello and WELCOME...to the wonderful jungle

I'm sorry I am of no help for your current dilemma...but methinks the previous owner (PO) should have had a automatic.

But you'll get many helpful suggestions, I just wanted to say hi.

luvrbus · April 29, 2019, 12:47:25 PM

Check on the Western GMC board Larry,Dan and Mikey will know of 1 Red Ryder (Mike) may have a old one you could take the 2 and build 1 good one

momentum · April 29, 2019, 01:18:00 PM

Y'all are pretty fast. Thanks for the comments. Luvrbus, can you give me a little more help finding the western GMC board? Haven't been able to find my way there, wherever it is.

luvrbus · April 29, 2019, 01:45:37 PM

I think it's Western GM Coach

chessie4905 · April 29, 2019, 03:54:41 PM

Would a transmission from a 4905 work?

momentum · April 29, 2019, 04:18:58 PM

Chessie, I don't know enough yet to be sure if it'll work, have you got one to spare? The trans in the 4106 is a 7145VE.

Dave5Cs · April 29, 2019, 04:39:06 PM

http://www.westerngmcoach.com/

chessie4905 · April 29, 2019, 05:09:23 PM

My nephew has one in a H8H-649 (4905) he is dismantling. But Pa. is a long ways from you. 4905's have a wet clutch, btw. Some don't like wet clutches on GM's.
Also, now would be a good time to consider a V-730 while they are still available. The cost to change would be gotten back when you sell the coach in the future. Nobody likes manual transmissions much anymore.

Utahclaimjumper · April 29, 2019, 05:10:37 PM

Westerngmcoach is no longer supported and dead.>>>D ( The trans that Mikey HAD,, is now junk and went to the killers.)>>> Anyone that removes springs from the pressure plate is nuts, many "mousetraps" can still be found and work well if adjusted properly.>>>D

Utahclaimjumper · April 29, 2019, 05:18:00 PM

double post

momentum · April 30, 2019, 06:38:10 AM

Thanks for the stream of info. It sounds like there's one in Massachusetts, so there's a freight bill. Anyone know the weight of these v drive 7145 trannies? I'd guess 400# or so but thats a SWAG.

I recognize the wisdom of upgrading to the auto, but right now I have to do everything at bare minimum expense. Plus, I do appreciate fuel economy.

I do still have the mousetrap! I am looking forward to adjusting it carefully and feeling the clutch pedal as light as the one in my Jetta. Maybe, maybe not.

For now it seems logical to stick with the dry clutch and not build too much of a Frankenstein out of rare parts. What are the common complaints against the wet clutch?

How common are failures of this manual box? I can expect reliable service once she's back together and consistently full of oil, right?

Utahclaimjumper · April 30, 2019, 07:25:49 AM

Don't be tempted to install a wet clutch or a "button" clutch,, the old standard heavy duty two plate will do nicely and easier on the driveline. The crashbox is very reliable,, most folks don.t know how many miles have been run thru the trans so they just keep going until something breaks. In todays world few owners are professional drivers, so transmissions and clutches get hammered with out mercy.. When I first drove a 4106 , 28 years ago,, I drove from southern Utah to northern Idaho and return over a period of one week.. The coach was bone stock,, and I had a blister the size of a gulf ball in the palm of my right hand,,and an education.>>>Dan

luvrbus · April 30, 2019, 07:57:44 AM

What was you doing with right hand Dan ?

lostagain · April 30, 2019, 08:01:37 AM

Manipulating his stick, evidently, lol.

JC