Looking at a class 8 motorhome with a 3406B CAT. Currently has a 13 spd fuller that is going out. Curious on how hard/how much it would cost to put in an autoshift or freedom shift tranny vs. just replacing the fuller? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Shannon

it should not be that hard but it's going to be alot of money,

Ouch, bro....


Just fix what ya have - it'll be $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ swappin' over to that. Find the nearest diesel mechanic shop near you and start asking questions.

Shifting ain't that bad. Live with it.

Its been a little while since I turned wrenches so do not quote me. But to the best of my recollection the 3406B was a early "hybrid" electronically controlled engine. It pre dates the new world allisons so it was never designed to interface with a trans ECM. The auto shift Fullers use a ECM to controll shift points, it will need to interface with the engine. Physically the trans will just bolt up, no issues there. The electronics will be the problem.

http://www.arvinmeritor.com/tech_library/nscategory.asp?id=21&sub=76

Here's a link for the manuals (pdf). As ff3pm said electronics is the issue. I love my autoshift and will take a look at the freedomline when the become availible in the used market. Everything I have heard is go 2 pedal. Converting to auto has been beat to death on a bunch of other boards, escapees. com has a great hdt forum. If you don't have a modern ecm the tranny can't communicate with the engine or trans brake. I talked to Ralph at Kingsley, when he was selling a used garage unit, and his best option was an Allison HD750. It's a garbage truck / dump truck / 6x6 sort of unit so not really going to get it for on the road. Your 13 is the best tranny imho for what you're doing if you can get past the shifting. It has the 2 overdrive gears (like the 18) without the lower range splits. Now that the freedomline is out I doubt the 13 will ever see autoshift.

Post up some pics of you rig!!

You should check up on the prices before buying it. Rebuilt 13 spd. (2-3K), new clutch while you're in there (500), labor (1-2k). Also with the flywheel off to resurface it change the rear main if it shows any sign of leaking. I'd say you have at least $4k in repairs and the price of this bus should be inline with that.

[Thread Hijack] I've been looking at the specs for new Toterhomes lately and
I see lots of them are using that Meritor "Freedom 12" auto-shift manual trans
behind the MBE 450hp/1550ft lb series diesel in a Frieghtliner Columbia chassis.
Does anyone know if there have been problems with this combo, or is it "THE"
set-up for a Toterhome towrig? [/Thread Hijack]

[Thread Hijack] I've been looking at the specs for new Toterhomes lately and
I see lots of them are using that Meritor "Freedom 12" auto-shift manual trans
behind the MBE 450hp/1550ft lb series diesel in a Frieghtliner Columbia chassis.
Does anyone know if there have been problems with this combo, or is it "THE"
set-up for a Toterhome towrig? [/Thread Hijack]

That is a very good combo. I sell a ton of the the MBE engines with all different trannies behind them. I prefer the 13 for over the road stuff, but in the totoerhome application the freedom line or full Allison would be the way to go. Nothing like a 2 pedal instead of having to clutch at start and stop. If you have any questions on the MBE let me know. I have all the literature here.

Thanks

That is a very good combo. I sell a ton of the the MBE engines with all different trannies behind them. I prefer the 13 for over the road stuff, but in the totoerhome application the freedom line or full Allison would be the way to go. Nothing like a 2 pedal instead of having to clutch at start and stop. If you have any questions on the MBE let me know. I have all the literature here.

Thanks


Is your literature any different from what I found in this link ??

http://www.detroitdiesel.com/Products/Mercedes-Benz/MBE_4000/index.asp

And this link for the Meritor "Freedom 12".

http://www.arvinmeritor.com/tech_library/nscategory.asp?id=5&sub=26

That really was a great hijack. It really does deserve it's own thread :shaking:

Not to ruffle anyones feathers but toterhomes are legally questionable for pulling anything but toyhauler or rv 5ers 450/1550 will be a dog and the MBE engine is a joke.....particularly when looking for service. Feightliners are cheap that's why the stick and staple crowd like them. Not knocking the value, just the re-sale value. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg and it really would serve everyone shopping for tow rigs best if pirate could provide the real tech shit without geezer vision and the early onset of dementia imparing the identification of fucktardy ideas.

With the used autoshift rigs coming onto the market and the price of a shitbox dodge, ford or chevy dually exceeding $45,000 BEFORE warranty voiding mods to get them to pull (a load up a hill) like a real truck it's a no brainer.


But back to the HT750

http://www.allisontransmission.com/

http://www.allisontransmission.com/publications/browse.jsp?BrowseBy=Series

That really was a great hijack. It really does deserve it's own thread :shaking:

Not to ruffle anyones feathers but toterhomes are legally questionable for pulling anything but toyhauler or rv 5ers 450/1550 will be a dog and the MBE engine is a joke.....particularly when looking for service. Feightliners are cheap that's why the stick and staple crowd like them. Not knocking the value, just the re-sale value. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg and it really would serve everyone shopping for tow rigs best if pirate could provide the real tech shit without geezer vision and the early onset of dementia imparing the identification of fucktardy ideas.

With the used autoshift rigs coming onto the market and the price of a shitbox dodge, ford or chevy dually exceeding $45,000 BEFORE warranty voiding mods to get them to pull (a load up a hill) like a real truck it's a no brainer.


But back to the HT750

http://www.allisontransmission.com/

http://www.allisontransmission.com/publications/browse.jsp?BrowseBy=Series


Nice. :rolleyes: I guess this is just some more "Ford vs Chevy" crap, since you're a Volvo guy, huh. :shaking:

Thanks for the info. I'll probably keep the 13 spd, just was curious on what it would cost to convert.

Friend has an 03 Renegade with the 450 MB and 12 speed Freedomshift. Tows 40k easy and tranny works nice so far.

I agree, why pay so much for a 1 ton truck, when a used Class 8 is so much better and usually less expensive. That's why I'm looking at this class 8 motorhome. It's a volvo chassis, but has been completely redone, full major CAT inframe, new airbags, new pressure plate flywheel, new rear with 3.08s, etc. Rig has abou 700k lifetime. New CAT dyno after inframe at 436 hp.

Thanks,
Shannon

Shannon, 308s will do 100mph with the 13. You should be able to rerate to 430-475/1600 no sweat. That'll run 8%s like an airplane. Post up a pic.

Nice. :rolleyes: I guess this is just some more "Ford vs Chevy" crap, since you're a Volvo guy, huh. :shaking:
Yeah, I guess it sort of came out that way....not on purpose. Sorry.
Resale on Volvos is great because Volvo doesn't allow flooding of the market. Good for them bad for everyone else. fwiw I would never buy a pos Volvo VED engine for the same reason I wouldn't buy a Mercedes MBE, no service.

so, no, not a ford vs chevy thing per se. While I think you get more options for the money in a Volvo, I really like 379 Petes the best. Practically speaking, if I can get my choice of engines, transmissions and axles in any brand of truck it becomes a question of construction and ameneties.

So why Volvo for me?
standard from the factory you get:
double door seals (I hate wind noise)
2" insulation
widest cab
9 speakers w/subwoofer
http://www.capitalvolvo.com/VN%20770%20Interior.jpg
fridge
http://www.concertcoach.com/Volvo_files/image031.jpg
sink
largest interior volume
only steel framed sleeper (which is why the downside is heavy front axle)
drop out engine in collision
http://www.concertcoach.com/Volvo_files/image029.jpg
factory workstation lower bunk (like a dinette)

http://driversmag.com/ar/fleet_sleep_2/
Interior dimensions: Depth, 77-in. (taken from interior rear wall to backrest of the driver's seat in midpoint position); maximum standup height, 98 in.; width, 85 in.

Sleeper interior volume: 566 cu. ft. (area up to windshield curtain)

Bunk arrangement: Lower, 42x79 in.; upper, 39x79 in.

Construction: High-strength steel with fiberglass roof

Emergency doors: Volvo says Integrals don't require special access doors, but notes that driver and passenger doors are designed to offer escape routes

Dedicated storage space: 78 cu. ft. (including underbunk area)

Power outlets and interior lighting: Five 12V, three 120V A/C outlets; three fluorescents; two adjustable reading lamps; three area lights

Climate control: Separate HVAC system with constant temperature control

Insulation: 2 in. within sides, back, and roof; 1-in.-thick floor mat

Windows: Five standard, four hand-cranked with screens

Weight: 2,251 lb. (cab fully groomed, trimmed, and optioned)

Yeah, I guess it sort of came out that way....not on purpose. Sorry.
Resale on Volvos is great because Volvo doesn't allow flooding of the market. Good for them bad for everyone else. fwiw I would never buy a pos Volvo VED engine for the same reason I wouldn't buy a Mercedes MBE, no service.




I'm interested as to why you claim there's "no service" for the MBE400 series.
That motor is sold and serviced through Detroit Diesel, so there's tons of places
that do DD service.

I work on trucks all day long, maily suspension/steering/tires/some drivetrain...

I'd much rather personally own any volvo with a cummins engine and any tranny combo, the ride, handling, AWESOME TURNING RADIUS, and overall reliability is an easy winner... Only thing I really don't like is they are so damn nose heavy you should run 16ply tires on the front of the damn things.

Thanks for the info. I had a buddy in SD stop by and look at the rig. Turns out pics didn't tell the whole story, fglass was cracked and lots of gellcoat missing, transition from the cab to the motorhome was cheezy rubber and not done right, condition was not the best, etc., etc. So I'm not going to get it. Still looking for a Class 8 motorhome/tow rig though.

I agree, Volvos seem to be the best choice. They ride really nice. with 99 and newer models, they are almost all autosticks as well.

Shannon