1994 Bluebird TC200 - 5.9 Cummins - Transmission Issue

[Robin97396]

The 545 can be found on eBay for $300 last time I looked. Probably just a functional used transmission, but that's cheap if you need one.

[CaptainHooligan]

I'm looking at a bus now with a AT545 in it. Transmission is toast.

It's a TC2000 with a 5.9 Cummins. How hard would a swap be? And cost for a shop to do it? I can't find a solid price on a reman anywhere.

Could be totally worth it if I can get the bus for under $1k, which is what I'm haggling for now.

[Robin97396]

I like your swagger Captain

The 545s can frequently be found for $300 or more on ebay. Try and make a deal with a shop to swap it out.

[CaptainHooligan]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

I like your swagger Captain

The 545s can frequently be found for $300 or more on ebay. Try and make a deal with a shop to swap it out.

I REALLY want this bus. Even though the transmission is bad, and it has high mileage (300k), I still want it. I'm working on finding a reman now.

[EastCoastCB]

If going through the expense of a reman- at least go for a 643.

or pop for the ultimate setup!
https://www.truckpaper.com/listings/...4-allison-2000

Allison 2500RDS Only 43,000 Miles Good Condition SN-6310450521 Includes TCM

[CaptainHooligan]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

If going through the expense of a reman- at least go for a 643.

or pop for the ultimate setup!
https://www.truckpaper.com/listings/...4-allison-2000

It has to fit the 12v 5.9. Will that one fit? The bus I'm after is a 1990 model too.

[turf]

there have been plenty of at545 to mt643 swaps on the forum and over on a facebook group.
there are some issues with adapter housings and you have to shorten the drive shaft a bit.

BB offered a MT643 as an option, and the factory one has a support member that the swappers leave out.

imo, the advantage of the 643 is if you intend to turn up your diesel power and tow with the bus, its the stouter transmission.

they are both 4 speed, same final drive ratio.

so cost and your intended use and goal would make that upgrade decision to me.

if i wern't planning on towing, i would pick the cheaper option

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by CaptainHooligan

It has to fit the 12v 5.9. Will that one fit? The bus I'm after is a 1990 model too.

Yup... its got the adapter ring and TCM. Would give you lockup tc AND O/D!

Or buy a good used 643 takeout for $500-$800.

[CaptainHooligan]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Yup... its got the adapter ring and TCM. Would give you lockup tc AND O/D!

Or buy a good used 643 takeout for $500-$800.

What's a TCM? I got a quote from Allison for a new reman for $1800+ core.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by CaptainHooligan

What's a TCM? I got a quote from Allison for a new reman for $1800+ core.

For a 545?
Dang man that's nuts. You could totally swap to a better trans for that if that's the case.
Transmission Control Module- TCM, iirc.

[cadillackid]

The TCM is the computer that runs the transmission , if you are retrofitting in you will also neeed a standalone TPS to sense the throttle ..

For. 643 you don't need a TCM I didn't think , I thought they are all mechanical.

TCM comes into play for 1000/2000/3000 series , andxsont go through Allison, go through cummins Allison conversions, they can program you a TCM to be done correct , the program is dependent on your engine, gearing, weight, etc.. so a take off from another bus may very well burn up your transmission or not give you good driveability unless the bus you remove the transmission, harness, and TCM are is nearly identical..

Then in factory applications the TCM typically talks to the engine ECM ESP if it's a newer bus and you will want standalone operation.

A 643 doesn't hAve overdrive but also isn't electronically controlled..
Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

The TCM is the computer that runs the transmission , if you are retrofitting in you will also neeed a standalone TPS to sense the throttle ..

For. 643 you don't need a TCM I didn't think , I thought they are all mechanical.

TCM comes into play for 1000/2000/3000 series , andxsont go through Allison, go through cummins Allison conversions, they can program you a TCM to be done correct , the program is dependent on your engine, gearing, weight, etc.. so a take off from another bus may very well burn up your transmission or not give you good driveability unless the bus you remove the transmission, harness, and TCM are is nearly identical..

Then in factory applications the TCM typically talks to the engine ECM ESP if it's a newer bus and you will want standalone operation.

A 643 doesn't hAve overdrive but also isn't electronically controlled..
Christopher

No TCM or anything like that for the 643.
I have both and the 643 is totally the way to go vs the 545. Just all around a better driving experience.

[cadillackid]

I asgree if you have the ability to install a 643 for a real reasonable cost id make the swap...

if I ever blow up one of my 545s, the only way id put one back in is if it was free and close... otherwise Ill find a 643 (DEV)... or a 1000 / 2000 (RedByrd)...

the 643 is a MUCH easier install since its mechanical...

if the OP findso ne and unbolts it from a bus with the same engine as his, be sure to not only unbiolt the trans but unbolt the adapter ring from the engine and take that with you too!

it may have already been covered but the Bolt pattern on a 545 is different than a 643, 1000,2000.
-Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

IIRC ones an SAE 1 and the other a 2?

Should be fairly easy to source one.

I've even seen good used takeout 643's with retarders for less than a grand. That would be a HELL of an upgrade!

I just can't see the point in spending $1800 or more to replace a 545.

[cadillackid]

oh i didnt realize the 1800 was a 545, i was thinking that was a reman 643.. heck for 3k i can get a fully reman (not rebuilt), 1000 series 6speed..

the 545 is an SAE #3 mounting and the 643 is an SAE #2 mounting.

the 1000 can be had in either.. (making it a nice easy swap in place of an AT545. )
the 2000 is an SAE #2.

-Christopher

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

IIRC ones an SAE 1 and the other a 2?

Should be fairly easy to source one.

I've even seen good used takeout 643's with retarders for less than a grand. That would be a HELL of an upgrade!

I just can't see the point in spending $1800 or more to replace a 545.

Agree totally.

[Tango]

Total agreement here. If you are going to spend money replacing a 545...invest in something worth the effort. With lockup at the very least...with a few more gears even better.

[CaptainHooligan]

Really, thanks for all the input. It's a real gem of a bus. 25ft-ish in length, flat front.

I sent an inquiry to CAConversions so we'll see what they say. They are located in a good place too. I can pick up the stuff on the way back from work.

Getting a driveshaft in the small town it's in is a whole nother ordeal. But I guess the transmission shop that installs it can order one?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by CaptainHooligan

Really, thanks for all the input. It's a real gem of a bus. 25ft-ish in length, flat front.

I sent an inquiry to CAConversions so we'll see what they say. They are located in a good place too. I can pick up the stuff on the way back from work.

Getting a driveshaft in the small town it's in is a whole nother ordeal. But I guess the transmission shop that installs it can order one?

Any driveshaft shop should be able to shorten yours however much is needed, I'd think.