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Old 04-04-2017, 07:15 PM   #1
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'98 T444E Speed Governor

1998 Thomas 8 Window

Gears 1-4 red line ~3k RPMs
5th gear is speed governed at 57mph (~2300 RPMs)

I'd like to get a little more top end out of it, 65mph would be nice.

Is this possible? If so, what is a safe RPM to cruise at?

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Old 04-04-2017, 07:42 PM   #2
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you are not going to get to 65 MPH unless you change the rear end, 2700 RPM is usually redline on a TE444
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Old 04-04-2017, 08:13 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kubla View Post
you are not going to get to 65 MPH unless you change the rear end, 2700 RPM is usually redline on a TE444
Ok, thanks. I'll need to double check my RPM at top speed. It's been a couple months since I had it up there and I seem to remember having some good space before redline.
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Old 04-04-2017, 09:29 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kubla View Post
you are not going to get to 65 MPH unless you change the rear end, 2700 RPM is usually redline on a TE444
Yes, OP-
Check what your rear axle ratio is, mine's a 4.10 and with 10R tires, 175hp 444E, and allison 545 mine will cruise at 70-75 on flat ground. It doesn't really like going that fast, but it will. Mine only revs to 2600.
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Old 04-05-2017, 05:59 AM   #5
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2600 is the normal rev point maxx.. actually 2700 but most of them are programmed at 2600, they can be set to 2700..

2300 at 57 in a 5 speed stick, if the speed limiter were removed fro mthe computer, he likely could get close to 65 running it flat out.. sounds like that bus has the 4.78 gears that are in a lot of school busses..
-Christopher
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Old 07-19-2017, 10:21 PM   #6
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How is the bus going up mountain roads with that gear ratio?
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Old 07-20-2017, 03:12 AM   #7
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if bus wont go 75, it is time to change the pot or the entire rear end... either way is not difficult, except, of course while you are under the coach bus removing the rear end for a customer as even with proper blocking would be big ouch if the carcass moves...
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Old 07-20-2017, 06:20 AM   #8
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Bus can be sitting on its wheels to do this, full floating axles can be removed without taking the wheels off
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Old 07-20-2017, 06:54 AM   #9
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kubla: - we need to get together and compare.
-Christopher
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Old 08-06-2017, 11:35 PM   #10
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So what kind of trucks/buses got the good hiway gears?
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Old 08-06-2017, 11:51 PM   #11
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None that I am familiar with! Plenty of Ford/Chevy van chassis, but I am accustomed to seeing 4.78 and up. With a full load of people and hills, the low ratio is a must have.

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Old 08-07-2017, 03:51 AM   #12
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rear axle ratio is not a big deal, as ring and pinion can easily be changed, also there are used drop out's in wrecking yards as well as entire rear ends which are easily changed.
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