I Need Input

[Cilina]

My husband and I joined skoolie about a month ago. We were looking at a school bus from my district. We now have the opportunity to purchase a different bus. It is a 1990 International Eaton Fuller 5-speed with reverse,A navastar DT466c with air brakes. Has about 160,000 miles on her. I need to know the pros and cons of this bus in your opinions. SO go let me know what you think

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Cilina

My husband and I joined skoolie about a month ago. We were looking at a school bus from my district. We now have the opportunity to purchase a different bus. It is a 1990 International Eaton Fuller 5-speed with reverse,A navastar DT466c with air brakes. Has about 160,000 miles on her. I need to know the pros and cons of this bus in your opinions. SO go let me know what you think

Any rust? whats the rear axle ratio?
Sounds like a GREAT bus.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Originally Posted by Cilina

My husband and I joined skoolie about a month ago. We were looking at a school bus from my district. We now have the opportunity to purchase a different bus. It is a 1990 International Eaton Fuller 5-speed with reverse,A navastar DT466c with air brakes. Has about 160,000 miles on her. I need to know the pros and cons of this bus in your opinions. SO go let me know what you think

An Eaton Fuller 5-speed *WITH REVERSE*? Oh No! Whoever would want a reverse?

All kidding aside, it sounds like an excellent drivetrain. I have long believed the DT466 can be a million mile engine if properly cared for. They don't like being overheated but can be rebuilt in-frame if needed. Very common engine and parts are widely available.

Pros: DT466 engine. 5-speed manual transmission (some might see this as a con, YMMV). Air brakes (again, some might see this as a con).

Cons: Unknown interior height (irrelevant if you plan on a roof raise anyway). Unknown rust condition. Unknown rear-axle gear ratio (a low ratio [higher numerically] will limit your top speed. A gear swap can be done for somewhere between $1000-1500 if you do it yourself).

[Jacob]

Welcome to the community

Sounds like a great start, as long as you don't mind shifting gears. Like ECCB said inspect carefully for rust, check fluid levels take it for a spin. It may top out at 55! For some people that's okay others have the need for speed (65) lol.

[Cilina]

We will be looking at it Tuesday, so dont know about the rust, but that is funny because my last name is rust haha. Not planning on raising the roof (again funny ) because we are both pretty short folks. I will see if I can find out tomorrow about the wheel ratio, however we live in the mountains and this school bus is from a school here in the mountains.

[EastCoastCB]

You would want a mountain bus for driving in the mountains. If it has lower gears in the rear it would be better for mountains, not as good for freeways.

[Jacob]

A manual transmission can be beneficial in the mountains as well. I hope the bus is in good shape for you.

[brokedown]

I really wanted a manual transmission in my bus. Then I drove through Fort Lauderdale.

[Jacob]

Manual transmissions are still a great choice for some. Big city stop and go not so much. I avoid that kind of driving unless it is absolutely necessary I have lived in a small town for too long and the only thing that would be better is outside of a small town.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by brokedown

I really wanted a manual transmission in my bus. Then I drove through Fort Lauderdale.

Yep, I thought the same, then went through Atlanta!

[Cilina]

Thanks for the input everyone! I will keep those things in mind when we look at it Tuesday. Anything else to keep in mind while checking it out?

[Jacob]

Inspect it like you would any used vehicle. Look at fluids, tires, batteries check for leaks. I did a blow-by test on my 8.3 before I bought it and it made me feel better. Rust is a big one to inspect carefully for, bad rust will make your conversion much more work in the long run. Inspection records are a big plus.... be subjective and keep in mind fixing or replacing anything on your bus will typically cost more than a car.

[Cilina]

Thank you its a school district bus from my district, so I will be able to get inspection info