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Old 05-22-2016, 06:13 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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What should i check.....

tomorow i will go to a buss seller to have a second look at a bus that interested me a lot. It is a 2009 bluebird that is used to inter city transportation only. Not a schoolbus. Cummins engine with automatic transmission equiped with a ajustable retarder. 289,000 kilometers very clean. It is a rear engine pusher. No sides compartements.
I wish to know what i shouls checked . The weekest points. Not mechanical.
My concerns is the structure weekpoints. You guys should know hat i should look at. Of course i will have acces to a lift to lift the bus .
Many thanks
Alain

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Old 05-22-2016, 07:41 PM   #2
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The thing many of us overlook is the model of transmission. Lots of people here are unhappy with the Allison 545, although we are still driving on them so obviously it's usable. We just like more gears if possible so there's a shot a better mileage, better hill climbing, higher top speed, etc.
You're going to want to check the rear end ratio. You don't want to end up needing to change your rear end or gearing, if possible.

Oh, wait... never mind. You said not mechanical? Rust. You're looking for rust.
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Old 05-22-2016, 07:53 PM   #3
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An 09 won't have a 545.
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Old 05-22-2016, 07:53 PM   #4
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Old 05-22-2016, 08:10 PM   #5
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An 09 won't have a 545.
Good point. That's my brain fart for today, I hope.
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Old 05-23-2016, 07:14 AM   #6
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Thanks, it is not the first time that a read abouth this transmission (545).
Is the press button shift control could tell me what kind of transmission the bus have ?
I hope the mechanic over there will tell me. Anyway, we will lift the bus to have a check underneat. The transmission model will certennely be on a plate somewere on the trans. I will also try to have the building sheet of this bus.
My concern is what the guys will try to hide to me ahhh.
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Old 05-23-2016, 07:32 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by Templar View Post
Thanks, it is not the first time that a read abouth this transmission (545).
Is the press button shift control could tell me what kind of transmission the bus have ?
I hope the mechanic over there will tell me. Anyway, we will lift the bus to have a check underneat. The transmission model will certennely be on a plate somewere on the trans. I will also try to have the building sheet of this bus.
My concern is what the guys will try to hide to me ahhh.
if its push-button its the 3060.
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Old 05-23-2016, 09:42 AM   #8
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There are push button (electronic) shifters for just about every tranny Allison has ever made. They are speced by the chassis manufacturers and most are made by Orscheln. They are building my all mechanical through their network as we speak and it should be here any day now.
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Old 05-23-2016, 02:21 PM   #9
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Some push button selector only have reverse and drive and neutral of course.
This bus have more selection.
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Old 05-23-2016, 03:11 PM   #10
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There are TONS of shifter options out there. These days you can even get a paddle shifter for your Allison. Good news for all you Formula One bus racers.
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Old 05-23-2016, 05:03 PM   #11
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There are TONS of shifter options out there. These days you can even get a paddle shifter for your Allison. Good news for all you Formula One bus racers.

I'm so getting my paddles CHROMED!!!!
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Old 05-23-2016, 05:56 PM   #12
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I'm so getting my paddles CHROMED!!!!
Go full ricer and wrap em in faux carbon fiber.
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