Typical skoolie driving control

[RVWorldTraveler]

I just bought a 2003 Corbeil 3800 54 passenger with a T444E and Allison transmission. i haven't done any work to the bus yet.
Most times driving was normal but then...
1) whenever a semi went to pass me it felt like i was being pushed away from it then when it does pass me it feels like i was being sucked in behind it. That normal?
2) Going up some slighly steep hills my speed dropped down to about 30 - 35 mph while still having it floored. the guy i bought the bus from said i should learn to manually shift the gears. My gear shifter has D,4,2 and 1 Good idea?
3) The most terrifying driving experience is new asphalt. Whenever i drive on new asphalt i have to slow down to 40 - 50 mph, anything faster and it feels like the bus is shifting and sliding all over the place. i nearly lost control a couple of times (before i figured out to slow down). is that typical?

[o1marc]

We and trucks are huge bricks trying to punch a hole in the air, That air has to go somewhere and it's out the sides and over and under the bus. That air he is displacing in front and going to the sides is what is pushing you over, once he's past and the turbulence is gone you are no longer effected by his aero. On hills you want to keep it near your peak RPM, you may have to manually manipulate the gear selection. Sounds like you have some seriously worn out suspension components if it's wandering on new pavement.

[pbeggs]

i would check sway bars and shocks,.. mine needed sway bar bushings and had some of the behaviors you list 2 bushings and 1/2 hour at the garage fixed it,

[Seriousracer]

Check tires mismatched worn and pressures
Worn suspension (kingpins)
Toe out sound most probable.