Request Info on 4x4 bus drivetrains

[richlindquist]

I think it's because of my air ride suspension. I might try to find a sway bar.

Just let all of the air out. No suspension, no swaying. Problem solved.

Rich

[bamper]

Whilst cruising on YouTube I found a short clip about that bus/train on the first page.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsieu7cKna0

[NewbieNut]

This bus is about what I vision for my suspension..strong, but not overboard. I would be happy to buy this bus!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf0eGmEMtSg

These are just some fun videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HHf6TYluZk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfrD498_6jo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKNbnTKHN48

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApSyrXpBxpY

[NewbieNut]

front bumper inspiration

[NewbieNut]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-Che ... 460c080b52

Out of my price range, and to small for my needs. But nice ride all the same

[Motobus]

Scarry. Pinion brakes are not safe on the highway, not with a rig that big anyway. Unless his rear steer can be pinned for road use, I say that's a bad idea also. The front lift blocks are stacked and look suspiciously like 2x4s. You know that isn't 4wd right? The jacked up buses look like a fun toy, but I would discourage you if you are wanting to actually use the thing on the road. This is coming from someone who built a 2 1/2 ton rockwelled suburban on 1600x20's, the tire on that bus. I considered building a bus like that for a toy, but I wouldn't want to drive it to where I wheel, and trailering it presents a whole list of pains in the ass. Not to mention, it wouldn't fit down many trails and they really aren't capable off road, and what is it going to take to pull you out when you get stuck?

There are positives, getting the tires to fit is a sinch, the vehicle is strong enough to handle the tire size. The next tire size down, 1400x20 would fit on my bus with just fender trimming. If 4x4, you could make the brakes from the 6x6 work. The steering on the bus could handle the larger tires and probably wouldn't take much modification.

You might consider a bus that still has the older 20 inch rims and sawzall a set of 1400x20's on it. If you don't know already, that tire, and the ones in the link are military surplus. They can often be bought cheap as surplus from farm related tire stores. Don't skimp on them if you want to drive it on the road, find ones that look like new, they're out there.

[NoBusYet]

FOUND ONE!

$10,500. Its a shortie IH, but its factory 4x4.

http://www.busesonline.com/view-listing ... ing_id=910

[crazycal]

FOUND ONE!

$10,500. Its a shortie IH, but its factory 4x4.

http://www.busesonline.com/view-listing ... ing_id=910

That's cool. Would make a great expo rig.

[the_experience03]

As has already been pointed out, using parts from an ex-military 2.5 or 5 ton truck is probably your best bet. The front end will be interesting though. It will be very difficult to keep the oil pan and differential from trying to occupy the same space. You could have a lot of down-travel in the suspension, but that doesn't do you a ton of good. 4wd doesn't do you any good if the bus is too tall to be usable.

[inkblots84]

Newbienut;
I haven't a clue about 4x4, but you mentioned water. Check out Lifestraw, their large scale isn't in production yet but their single units looks very promising for clean water.
And I hear you on your Zombus concept. We are aiming for the same idea - Safe & sustainable. Doesn't matter what kind of bus we get, my fiancée wants a cow pusher on the front, liftable steel tilt slats over the windows and as much fresh water and back up power as we can haul.
The plan is for long term bondocking (and a good exit strategy) so please keep us updated on your bus situation.

[Ninja Nate]

Not sure if these are still available or not? I just happened to run across them in my own bus search. Good luck!!

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3572408609.html

http://outerbanks.craigslist.org/cto/3609341388.html

[richlindquist]

You know, for nearly a century, trucks did quite well without four wheel drive. Look at dump/farm/logging trucks of today. Proper weight over the duals and a locking differential can get you through stuff that would stick a standard 4x4. Knowing how to drive off-road and what you vehicle can and cannot do is vital. A central tire inflation system would allow you to adjust the footprint of the tires to match the terrain. Tire chains or traction mats are also great when-needed devices.

If you still want a 4x4, why not look into doing a truck conversion instead of a skoolie? Get the drive train that you insist upon and then modify it for your needs.

Just what kind of terrain and situation are you building this for?

Ultimate off-road Zombie Apocalypse vehicle.


More interesting ideas.

Rich

[bansil]

steam punk Zombie killer

[the_experience03]

It looks like an up-armored Tucker Sno-Cat.

[richlindquist]

I would rather have this.

Rich