Is this bus a good buy?

[Dm4hire]

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=97&acctid=1251

Is a bus I'm looking at purchasing to convert into a skoolie. The engine from what I know is solid and reliable. It has an Allison 3000 transmission. It's also before the heap of issues with buses made from 2002-2004 and after. What are your thoughts on it? I'm looking at traveling the country with it. Any and all insight/help is greatly appreciated.

 

[o1marc]

How do you know it's a 3000? Shifter indicates otherwise. If it is infact a, most likely, AT545, then it's a basic base model bus, not best for your criteria.

 

[Dm4hire]

The guy I called about it said he thinks it's an allison 3000 transmission. What makes a basic model bus not wise for a conversion? I'm new to this so any input is helpful.

 

[o1marc]

The guy I called about it said he thinks it's an allison 3000 transmission. What makes a basic model bus not wise for a conversion? I'm new to this so any input is helpful.

Small engine backed with a 545 is not a good drive train if crosscountry traveling due to the tranny not having a locking torque converter, easily over heating if put under hard use , like mountain passes. Also no engine backpressure to slow you down coming down grades. There are bigger engines and tranny combos out there for the money posted. The 3000 series tranny is electronic and has a digital shifter, never seen one with the "T" handle. Some one will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Dm4hire]

Thank you so much for helping me with this. You make very good points that I didn't even think of. What are some of these bigger engine and tranny combos that would suit my criteria?

 

[EastCoastCB]

Small engine backed with a 545 is not a good drive train if crosscountry traveling due to the tranny not having a locking torque converter, easily over heating if put under hard use , like mountain passes. Also no engine backpressure to slow you down coming down grades. There are bigger engines and tranny combos out there for the money posted. The 3000 series tranny is electronic and has a digital shifter, never seen one with the "T" handle. Some one will correct me if I'm wrong.

Some districts ordered theirs with t-handles but you can tell those because there's still a digital display.

 

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Small engine backed with a 545 is not a good drive train if crosscountry traveling due to the tranny not having a locking torque converter, easily over heating if put under hard use , like mountain passes. Also no engine backpressure to slow you down coming down grades. There are bigger engines and tranny combos out there for the money posted. The 3000 series tranny is electronic and has a digital shifter, never seen one with the "T" handle. Some one will correct me if I'm wrong.

Was just gonna ask about this. I've also tried giving DM some input on this, but they weren't able to send me a link earlier... This is good to know. So T-handle, depending on shift indicator layout, is AT545 or MT643, the 3000 could be a T-handle or touchpad sort, but digital display either way. Is this across the board on all others besides the 545/643?

 

[PNW_Steve]

I have to go along with the crowd...

Doesn't look like it has an MD-3060. Likely a 545 but could be a 643. Regardless, a 5.9 in a full size bus is less than ideal.

If you are planning on a stationary "tiny home" or a rig for short local trips it may be fine.

If you want to travel cross country or mountain driving I would recommend holding out for a more substantial drive train.

Just my $0.02.....

I can highly recommend the Cummins 8.3 backed by an MD-3060

 

[Dm4hire]

Thank you guys so much for you help. The only part I'm confused on is how to tell what drivetrain a bus has?

 

[peteg59]

The tire pic shows what looks like dry rot between the treads.
A potential expense in replacing tires, if you go for this bus...