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Old 01-08-2019, 04:01 PM   #1
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Larger Wheels and Tires

I found a bus I like...International CE, 8 window special needs bus, conventional front, 2004, DT466, Alison2000, no egr, but it has small tires, and I want better ground clearance.

Front tires are 245/70R19.5 with 8 lugs.

It has a flat floor, but adding fender wells doesn't seem like a big project.

What would it take to increase up to 22.5 wheels?

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Old 01-08-2019, 04:09 PM   #2
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I found a bus I like...International CE, 8 window special needs bus, conventional front, 2004, DT466, Alison2000, no egr, but it has small tires, and I want better ground clearance.

Front tires are 245/70R19.5 with 8 lugs.

It has a flat floor, but adding fender wells doesn't seem like a big project.

What would it take to increase up to 22.5 wheels?
I'm not bus wheel expert, but that would be a nice upgrade if you're looking for more clearance. Look around and see if they sell em in 8 lug. I've only ever had 10 lug or Daytons.
The hubs would need to be swapped if you can't find 8 lug wheels. I have no idea if they even make those so find that out first. I may just be pissing in the wind here.
My IC had 19.5's and was upgraded to 22.5's. Make sure your suspension isn't one of the super low ones. Some handi-buses are basically lowriders and getting clearance on one of those would be more work and money.
My IC has 2" lowered suspension. My Thomas has 6" lifted suspension.
The parts are out there to raise your bus up a bit so if that's what you're aiming for its just a matter or calling around and paying for the parts when you find out just what you need.
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Old 01-08-2019, 04:17 PM   #3
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Someone else posted this link a little while ago.
To tech challenged to copy and paste?
Look at
www.accuridewheelendsolution...ct-Catalog.pdf
It helped me find what I need to change tire sizes
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Old 01-08-2019, 04:40 PM   #4
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Don't know if I can help because we know nothing about you, where are you from etc. Go to the user CP and fill out your profile so we can better assist you. With that said, if you can convert to a 10 lug hub I have a full set of 6-22.5 wheels and tires for sale. Are you close enough to take advantage of them? While wheel tubs are easy to make, you are only adding 1.5" in height, they may clear the floor if your not fully loaded and hitting big bumps in the road.
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Old 01-08-2019, 06:26 PM   #5
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also make sure it does not have a flat floor, if it does, you will not be able to fit larger wheels without jacking it up
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Old 01-08-2019, 06:31 PM   #6
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And...
it would be a good idea to confirm your rpms/speed with a tire size change. Could be a good thing...or maybe not. Either way you need to know before investing in tires and/or wheels.
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Old 01-08-2019, 06:31 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TomL View Post

It has a flat floor, but adding fender wells doesn't seem like a big project.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kubla View Post
also make sure it does not have a flat floor, if it does, you will not be able to fit larger wheels without jacking it up
.................................................. ..
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Old 01-09-2019, 09:14 AM   #8
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Thanks for your replies.

I'm in Phoenix.



The bus is designed to be low to the ground...who wants to lift a kid in a wheelchair higher than necessary?


Changing wheels and tires only adds a couple inches (thanks Marc). A bigger win would be achieved by changing the big steel forging that goes across the front. The one on this bus is u-shaped: the wheels attach higher on the ends, putting the horizontal portion low to the ground. If my memory is correct, I'd call this a 4-inch lowered suspension. If I could find one that goes straight across, the front would be good to go...but I'd need to make sure the steering links, etc still work. If this is doable, I may go ahead and get the bus.



I could search for bus salvage...what other business might have these sorts of parts?
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Old 01-09-2019, 09:20 AM   #9
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Quote:
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Thanks for your replies.

I'm in Phoenix.



The bus is designed to be low to the ground...who wants to lift a kid in a wheelchair higher than necessary?


Changing wheels and tires only adds a couple inches (thanks Marc). A bigger win would be achieved by changing the big steel forging that goes across the front. The one on this bus is u-shaped: the wheels attach higher on the ends, putting the horizontal portion low to the ground. If my memory is correct, I'd call this a 4-inch lowered suspension. If I could find one that goes straight across, the front would be good to go...but I'd need to make sure the steering links, etc still work. If this is doable, I may go ahead and get the bus.



I could search for bus salvage...what other business might have these sorts of parts?
My lifted bus is a WC bus. The WC lift goes down to the ground just like any other handi-bus.
The u-shaped thing is the front axle beam. I'm pretty sure they're all the same. The suspension height is likely the result of different spacers, leafs, or other suspension components. My bus has factory 6" lift block spacers. A standard height would be more or less the same stuff minus the block spacers. Not sure how they get em lower but its porbably a lower profile stiffer leaf spring.
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Old 01-09-2019, 09:55 AM   #10
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It's the front axle beam that's limiting the ground clearance. Not much point in lifting the other stuff if I can't lift the beam.
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Old 01-09-2019, 10:04 AM   #11
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Here's mine. Only way I see to get more clearance for the axle beam is bigger tires.
The 6" lift feels NICE though.


These are 10R's. I could go MUCH bigger but my rear is 4.11 and with bigger tires I'd be lugging the engine pretty much all the time. Its already got a ridiculously low cruising rpm.


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Old 01-09-2019, 11:10 AM   #12
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An inexpensive lift kit like Charlie's (Happy Birthday) would be an easy way to get the 1.5" clearance you'll need. The tires will lift the axle another 1.5"
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Old 01-09-2019, 11:16 AM   #13
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An inexpensive lift kit like Charlie's (Happy Birthday) would be an easy way to get the 1.5" clearance you'll need. The tires will lift the axle another 1.5"
Yep, and THANKS!
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Old 01-09-2019, 12:12 PM   #14
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beam

That beam Eastcoastcb is talking about hits the dirt and your done. Found this out a month ago costing a 300$ tow truck on a Sunday afternoon. Thought I would run across a stretch of grass and didnt turn out so good.
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Old 01-09-2019, 03:04 PM   #15
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Gotta wonder if an old time hot rodders trick could work...


reverse (flip) the axle.
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Old 01-09-2019, 03:15 PM   #16
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No, mounting plates are forged into the topside of the axle and camber would be backwards since the kingpin holes are bored for it
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Old 01-09-2019, 03:15 PM   #17
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Gotta wonder if an old time hot rodders trick could work...


reverse (flip) the axle.
I was wondering the same thing. I have no clue as to how the other suspension pieces would play.

We did that with our 5er. It has a drop axle that we just flipped over. What was a 4" drop is now a 4" lift.
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Old 01-09-2019, 03:16 PM   #18
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Hey that's what oxyacetylene and welding rigs are for! Make it work!
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Old 03-26-2020, 06:52 PM   #19
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bigger tires

I bought some used 8 lug wheels x 22.5 put 295 75 22.5s 14 mph faster. They are hard to find used but they are available new very expensive.
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