New Suspension Costs

[adioteque]

Just picked up my bus a 2002 Blue Bird All American a few days ago and it's in pretty great shape however I am noticing some creaks and squeeks as I make my way across the country in addition it has been a moderately bumpy ride.

About how much on average would you say that new shocks would run with labor? Or am I not looking at the right solution?

[EastCoastCB]

Front shocks you can do easily. Probably can do the rears, but with some air ride setups the shocks can be a little more work.
If yours is all leaf spring you're looking at about $75-$100 per shock and about 15 mins or so apiece to install.

[musigenesis]

I had new front shocks put in by a shop when I first got the bus. I think it was $350-$400 total but I don't remember.

[adioteque]

Definitely no air ride system. But I don't have ANY experience so I am likely to have a shop do it.

[adioteque]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

I had new front shocks put in by a shop when I first got the bus. I think it was $350-$400 total but I don't remember.

Was that in Philly? I'm very close so of you have a shop that you recommend o would be thrilled.

[rossvtaylor]

Are you the guy I met in Gallup on Thursday? If so, I can attest to all here that this is one sweet, clean bus.

You're running completely empty (even the seats are gone) and are super light weight compared to a bus filled with kids...or with conversion interior items and water. I think it's probably pretty normal to have a bumpier ride when unloaded. And without the interior, it's just a big metal cavern and you're going to hear every squeak and rattle.

[adioteque]

Originally Posted by rossvtaylor

Are you the guy I met in Gallup on Thursday? If so, I can attest to all here that this is one sweet, clean bus.

You're running completely empty (even the seats are gone) and are super light weight compared to a bus filled with kids...or with conversion interior items and water. I think it's probably pretty normal to have a bumpier ride when unloaded. And without the interior, it's just a big metal cavern and you're going to hear every squeak and rattle.

Hey Ross! That's me! Thanks again for the help!

[rossvtaylor]

Originally Posted by adioteque

Hey Ross! That's me! Thanks again for the help!

Right on...it was nice to meet you and good timing.

Gang - I was on my way back to AZ from Wisconsin with a flatbed we bought. I had stopped in Gallup for an iced tea and parked out of the way of the pumps...which is just good manners...and when I walked out I saw this nice bus parked behind me...also demonstrating courtesy for people trying to access the pumps.

Of course, we had to talk buses when I saw their new bus! I plugged my Bluefire into their bus, to show him what it did, and he ordered one from Amazon before I had it unplugged. I love it when bus owners care enough to learn about their rigs! That's a good sign.

Anyway, welcome to the bus world and Skoolie.net. As I mentioned, there's a ton of real world experience here.

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by adioteque

Was that in Philly? I'm very close so of you have a shop that you recommend o would be thrilled.

Mario's Complete Auto Repair And Collision Center
2730 Castor Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(215) 426-6770

I'm not sure it would be worth it for you to go all the way from NYC for them, but they seem to be good folks. One thing I liked was that they showed me all the original stuff that they had to replace (including the broken shocks). They're right off I-95 which is convenient.

[EastCoastCB]

If paying for service you definitely want your kingpins checked and greased properly.

[EastCoastCB]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZBAfznZju4