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Old 03-23-2017, 04:35 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 32
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: TC2000 RE
Engine: Cummins 8.3; Allison 3060R
Rated Cap: 66 passenger
how to increase clearance on '98 BB TC2000 RE?

We've had our bus for about 18 months, and have enjoyed it a lot, but the clearance is challenging, as we'd like to be able to go the last mile or two to camp off the pavement, which sometimes requires going through some areas with ruts, etc. The rear engine layout of the bus is great, so we can talk in the front when driving, but the rear left side scares me as the radiator is there, and we've already sheared off the lower drain plug, requiring a costly repair. This recent trip, even though we were babying it as much as possible, one of the radiator pipes seems to have hit the ground, and now leaks a bit.

The bus has air suspension in the back, and I believe conventional shocks in the front. Are larger air bags available to raise up the coach? Longer shocks for the front? I'd love it we can raise the body by 4-6", not that we want to go off-roading in the 37' bus, but just to give us some buffer from the critical engine stuff hitting the ruts and stuff when we turn off/onto dirt roads, etc. Thx!

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Old 03-23-2017, 05:54 PM   #2
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There are probably adjustable air bags. They have them for semi trucks. The front would require a change to the spring pack. That much lift would require shocks all the way around.

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Old 03-23-2017, 07:26 PM   #3
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Look at heavy duty truck parts and you need to look at extra stuff like add in tanks,pressure valve etc..
There is a lot to look at online? if you want to do it one time and forget?
Do it to where your happy?
I will never be perfect?happy? Complete?
The have to fix it while you are out and or about is what decides?
Shouldn't we have the tools to fix and knowledge to know exactly what was done?
Therefore we know exactly where to go and what to look at?
Sorry I had to a job today that I didn't do and hang out with a bunch of young German. engineers?
Personally I try to go extra on everything and if you can find a housing construction or commercial construction around you then hit the dumpsters!
You won't believe what is thrown away?
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:21 PM   #4
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Year: 1935
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Careful there. Raising the body 4 to 6 inches will greatly increase the angle of the drive shaft. This is particularly so with a RE bus because of the short drive shaft. Before you do the airbag and shock treatment talk to a drive line specialist to see what you have to do to avoid breaking a u-joint or worse.
Jack
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:22 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by ol trunt View Post
Careful there. Raising the body 4 to 6 inches will greatly increase the angle of the drive shaft. This is particularly so with a RE bus because of the short drive shaft. Before you do the airbag and shock treatment talk to a drive line specialist to see what you have to do to avoid breaking a u-joint or worse.
Jack
Do they make a double cordon drive shaft for heavy application?

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Old 03-23-2017, 09:38 PM   #6
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Without a doubt----but pretty pricey I'd bet.
Jack
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:53 AM   #7
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How about making skid plates or guards under all the critical ítems? You could easily protect the radiator, engine and transmission this way without needing to redesign the entire suspension and driveshaft.

John
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:07 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Iceni John View Post
How about making skid plates or guards under all the critical ítems? You could easily protect the radiator, engine and transmission this way without needing to redesign the entire suspension and driveshaft.

John
That's a pretty good idea.

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Old 03-24-2017, 10:37 AM   #9
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i sympathise with u. my bluebird t444e 3800 handibus has a spot between the 2 front wheels that only has about 4 or 5 inches of clearance. definately not ideal for driving anything but perfectly flat paved roads. my 19.5 tires dont help either. i think they are about the smallest large truck tires out there. so i wonder if u have the largest size tires and wheels u could have on your bus? larger ones would raise the bus a little.
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Old 03-24-2017, 11:31 AM   #10
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Wouldn't raising a bus 4 to 6 inches change the center of gravity? Not to mention the drivetrain issues. I have no idea if that would be a significant issue.
I've seen self built basement storage that hangs 3 inches off the ground on some buses. Boondocking might be the thought, but if you can't go off the pavement where will you boondock? Personally I didn't do all this work so I could pay to stay in an RV park. Just saying. And yes I know I'll have to use RV parks on the crowded side of the country.
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Old 03-24-2017, 03:00 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by welcomehome View Post
i sympathise with u. my bluebird t444e 3800 handibus has a spot between the 2 front wheels that only has about 4 or 5 inches of clearance. definately not ideal for driving anything but perfectly flat paved roads. my 19.5 tires dont help either. i think they are about the smallest large truck tires out there. so i wonder if u have the largest size tires and wheels u could have on your bus? larger ones would raise the bus a little.
My RedByrd must be the same bus... the front end is very low... it was built that way on purpose.. elementary kids.. low step..

ive been concerned more than once even turning into a steep driveway with the way-low door step up front..

raising the rear bags wouldnt help either..

ive onlky found the ability on those rims to be able to go up maybe 2-3 inches in tire Diameter which translates to just an 1 - 1.5 inches of groiund clearance..
-Christopher
-Christopher
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Old 03-24-2017, 03:29 PM   #12
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Skid plates and rails are the way to go.
Look at what is low between the left wheels and right wheels.
No matter how much "lift" you install you still have the same low axle clearance.
Hi
Unless your lift includes 60 inch tires, lol.
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Old 03-24-2017, 08:25 PM   #13
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How about taller tires and skid plates?
Gordon

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Old 03-31-2017, 07:54 PM   #14
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If you only need to raise it while in a campground think about using the reverse of a dump valve. Flip a switch and air the bag up to max psi and that should give you an inch or three. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but low speed operation to go over a tough spot shouldn't damage the drive shaft.

The only problem would be if you already have your rear air bags maxed out. Then you won't get more lift. You can test this by crawling under the bus and unhook the leveling valve. Once in unhooked, move the bar so you fill your bags all the way and see if it makes enough of a difference to justify an "over inflat' switch. -just a though.

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Old 03-31-2017, 08:14 PM   #15
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agreed on skid-plates. my "off-road" package on my truck came with skid plates. they put them there for a reason.
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Old 03-31-2017, 09:59 PM   #16
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Height like this?


or this?


I'd even take a motorhome like this.
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Old 04-05-2017, 08:12 AM   #17
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Location: Essex, MD
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin97396 View Post
Height like this?


or this?


I'd even take a motorhome like this.
That last one is a photochop but if you could get me in touch with the middle one that would be great!!

Imagine a 40' bus on tires like that!! A strong breeze going across a bridge and you get an indoor pool.
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Old 04-05-2017, 08:54 AM   #18
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If I found that second one I'd have to buy it. It kind of matches my power wagon.
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