What's more expensive in your area-shorties or full size?

[Badfish740]

Here in NJ right now I can buy a fullsize (54 pax) International bus with a T444E, mileage ranging from 130K-200K for between $1500-3000 off of Craigslist. Shorties on the other hand, ranging from very small (4 window), light duty GM based platforms to larger E450 based platforms are going anywhere from $5000-9000 Is there just more demand for shorties? My issue is that I am wedded to a 4WD conversion, otherwise there I'd be pulling the trigger on one of these today. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a 4WD bus on a medium duty platform, but the steering axle alone would cost me $5000 (Dana 80)...

[Tango]

Mostly a supply & demand issue. Fewer shorties made but more wanted by civilians. And there are a few 4WD shorties out there but they pretty much fall into the "rare" category. Oddly enough, there seem to be more "vintage" 4WD's than current. Guess it goes back to there being more rough roads back when.

[crazycal]

Not everyone can drive a big bus or wants one or has a place to park it and yes, they tend to be priced higher.

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by Tango

Mostly a supply & demand issue. Fewer shorties made but more wanted by civilians. And there are a few 4WD shorties out there but they pretty much fall into the "rare" category. Oddly enough, there seem to be more "vintage" 4WD's than current. Guess it goes back to there being more rough roads back when.

No stock 4WD shorties to be found here at all. I am looking to buy an E450 based bus and swap in a dime-a-dozen D60 steering axle.

[Tango]

Can't remember where, but I just saw some pix of a barn find...sixties-era (as I recall) Dodge 4WD Powerwagon school bus in great shape. VERY cool.

[sdwarf36]

I remember a while back someone from Alaska came in here to ask about a bus he wanted to buy. A 4wd E-350. A few commented how cool that was-and he showed pics of a 2nd 4wd Shortie he looked at. So I'm guessing you gotta look where the weather is serious.

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by sdwarf36

I remember a while back someone from Alaska came in here to ask about a bus he wanted to buy. A 4wd E-350. A few commented how cool that was-and he showed pics of a 2nd 4wd Shortie he looked at. So I'm guessing you gotta look where the weather is serious.

Converting is not that big of a deal. But since you brought it up-this is pretty cool:



My conversion will be done with an eight lug Dana 60, but the bus above has some kind of 10 lug axle.

[nat_ster]

Nice bus.

They should have lifted the engine nearly a foot and dropped the whole bus that foot.

Would have made for a better looking, and riding bus, with a lower center of gravity.

Nat

[Tango]

10 lugs...might be Dana 80?