Transmission Upgrade/change

[hsaddock]

Folks:
I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a little
slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if I
back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps this
is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel a
little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool down
the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.

Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated issues?
The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it be
fooled into working with an older 3208?

Harry Saddock
83FC35
South Windsor, CT

[freewill2008]

If you are starting from scratch with a 5 or 6 speed box, you should
be able to get both a lower first gear and a taller top gear. This
would/should prevent the need to change the final drive ratio.

Best of luck. I'm sure many will be interested in how the conversion
turns out.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hsaddock"
wrote:
> Folks:
> I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
> 83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
> are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a little
> slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if I
> back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps
this
> is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel a
> little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
> overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
> hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
> conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool
down
> the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.
>
> Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated issues?
> The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
> and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
> issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it
be
> fooled into working with an older 3208?
>
> Harry Saddock
> 83FC35
> South Windsor, CT

[Jeff Miller]

Adapting an MD-3060 to the 3208 will be an expensive conversion after
the electronics etc.

Although the MT643 is not a high-tech transmission, there are other
(read: cheaper) ways to skin that cat. If the MT-643 is still
servicable, you might start with a good checkup including fluid and
filter change, might improve your shifting, might need work on the
modulator?

As far as the addition of an overdrive and lower diff gears, it
sounds like you'd be spending a lot of $$ and expecting more than
you'll get. You would be saving money to add an overdrive.

I've changed gearing, run the 3208/FC from 210hp (Na) to 300hp
(ATAAC) with 5.29:1 gears to 4.11:1 gears, MT-643 and HP-500 w/ .83:1
overdrive. The simple things I've learned are that 1) gearing doesn't
add power, 2) even with 4:11 diff gears you don't run out of low-end,
3) there is a sweet-spot, depending on many factors such as intended
cruise speed / intended load / expected terrain, and 4) Experimenting
is very expensive.

As far as your goal of a reliable transmission (1 below), a reman MT-
643 with a warranty will cost you less than the electronics for the
MD-3060 (probably).

Goal 2, faster top-end, an overdrive will help but so would 4.44:1
gears which should cost less than $2k. If the gearing spreadsheet is
no longer in the files, I can try to submit it again, or I could
email it to you.

Goal 3, pulling better on hills. This is a matter of gearing, you
have lower gears in the transmission. If you run below 1st gear, then
you're in trouble, I didn't have that problem pulling 14% at 10,000ft
with my 210/Na so I doubt you will with a turbo. I found that taller
diff gearing can actually help somewhat on hills, I was able to
downshift into 3rd at a higher speed and hold a higher speed.
Climbing is largely a product of your power to weight ratio, and
gearing doesn't help that (unless you can't stay in the high end of
the power curve, which on the 3208 is at max. RPM).

I don't mean to discourage your project, I'd rather have a MD-3060
than an MT-643, but unless you can do it really cheap I just don't
see the return on investment either in coach value or performance.

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hsaddock"
wrote:
> Folks:
> I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
> 83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
> are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a little
> slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if I
> back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps
this
> is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel a
> little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
> overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
> hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
> conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool
down
> the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.
>
> Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated issues?
> The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
> and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
> issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it
be
> fooled into working with an older 3208?
>
> Harry Saddock
> 83FC35
> South Windsor, CT

[randydupree]

the fooling part may be a problem,seems like those trannys talk to the
engine.call allison first! randydupree93wb
----- Original Message -----
From: hsaddock
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 1:23 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Transmission Upgrade/change


Folks:
I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a little
slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if I
back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps this
is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel a
little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool down
the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.

Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated issues?
The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it be
fooled into working with an older 3208?

Harry Saddock
83FC35
South Windsor, CT





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[freewill2008]

I've not heard any complaints about the many Birds that have been
changed to taller gearing. Apparently a 4.11 or 4.44 will still pull
steep grades in the Rockies. Does anyone have a guess as to why BB
chose such low (high numeric) ratios for the FC buses?

It has occured to me that these rigs were built during the 55 MPH
national speed limit, but that didn't stop BB from buiding PTs that
would run 75 MPH all day.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII MT643/4.88 11R22.5

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
wrote:
> Adapting an MD-3060 to the 3208 will be an expensive conversion
after
> the electronics etc.
>
> Although the MT643 is not a high-tech transmission, there are other
> (read: cheaper) ways to skin that cat. If the MT-643 is still
> servicable, you might start with a good checkup including fluid and
> filter change, might improve your shifting, might need work on the
> modulator?
>
> As far as the addition of an overdrive and lower diff gears, it
> sounds like you'd be spending a lot of $$ and expecting more than
> you'll get. You would be saving money to add an overdrive.
>
> I've changed gearing, run the 3208/FC from 210hp (Na) to 300hp
> (ATAAC) with 5.29:1 gears to 4.11:1 gears, MT-643 and HP-500
w/ .83:1
> overdrive. The simple things I've learned are that 1) gearing
doesn't
> add power, 2) even with 4:11 diff gears you don't run out of low-
end,
> 3) there is a sweet-spot, depending on many factors such as
intended
> cruise speed / intended load / expected terrain, and 4)
Experimenting
> is very expensive.
>
> As far as your goal of a reliable transmission (1 below), a reman
MT-
> 643 with a warranty will cost you less than the electronics for the
> MD-3060 (probably).
>
> Goal 2, faster top-end, an overdrive will help but so would 4.44:1
> gears which should cost less than $2k. If the gearing spreadsheet
is
> no longer in the files, I can try to submit it again, or I could
> email it to you.
>
> Goal 3, pulling better on hills. This is a matter of gearing, you
> have lower gears in the transmission. If you run below 1st gear,
then
> you're in trouble, I didn't have that problem pulling 14% at
10,000ft
> with my 210/Na so I doubt you will with a turbo. I found that
taller
> diff gearing can actually help somewhat on hills, I was able to
> downshift into 3rd at a higher speed and hold a higher speed.
> Climbing is largely a product of your power to weight ratio, and
> gearing doesn't help that (unless you can't stay in the high end of
> the power curve, which on the 3208 is at max. RPM).
>
> I don't mean to discourage your project, I'd rather have a MD-3060
> than an MT-643, but unless you can do it really cheap I just don't
> see the return on investment either in coach value or performance.
>
> - Jeff Miller
> http://www.wanderlodge.net
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hsaddock"
> wrote:
> > Folks:
> > I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
> > 83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
> > are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a
little
> > slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if
I
> > back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps
> this
> > is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel
a
> > little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
> > overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
> > hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
> > conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool
> down
> > the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.
> >
> > Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated
issues?
> > The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
> > and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
> > issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it
> be
> > fooled into working with an older 3208?
> >
> > Harry Saddock
> > 83FC35
> > South Windsor, CT

[randydupree]

the early pts would run 70 mph,wfo..with stock gearing..they were built during
the 55mph days too. the fc's with a turbo will run that fast too..no matter
what,you don't want to run your engine with the pedal on the floor.
randydupree93wb
----- Original Message -----
From: freewill2008
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 6:28 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Transmission Upgrade/change


I've not heard any complaints about the many Birds that have been
changed to taller gearing. Apparently a 4.11 or 4.44 will still pull
steep grades in the Rockies. Does anyone have a guess as to why BB
chose such low (high numeric) ratios for the FC buses?

It has occured to me that these rigs were built during the 55 MPH
national speed limit, but that didn't stop BB from buiding PTs that
would run 75 MPH all day.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII MT643/4.88 11R22.5

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
wrote:
> Adapting an MD-3060 to the 3208 will be an expensive conversion
after
> the electronics etc.
>
> Although the MT643 is not a high-tech transmission, there are other
> (read: cheaper) ways to skin that cat. If the MT-643 is still
> servicable, you might start with a good checkup including fluid and
> filter change, might improve your shifting, might need work on the
> modulator?
>
> As far as the addition of an overdrive and lower diff gears, it
> sounds like you'd be spending a lot of $$ and expecting more than
> you'll get. You would be saving money to add an overdrive.
>
> I've changed gearing, run the 3208/FC from 210hp (Na) to 300hp
> (ATAAC) with 5.29:1 gears to 4.11:1 gears, MT-643 and HP-500
w/ .83:1
> overdrive. The simple things I've learned are that 1) gearing
doesn't
> add power, 2) even with 4:11 diff gears you don't run out of low-
end,
> 3) there is a sweet-spot, depending on many factors such as
intended
> cruise speed / intended load / expected terrain, and 4)
Experimenting
> is very expensive.
>
> As far as your goal of a reliable transmission (1 below), a reman
MT-
> 643 with a warranty will cost you less than the electronics for the
> MD-3060 (probably).
>
> Goal 2, faster top-end, an overdrive will help but so would 4.44:1
> gears which should cost less than $2k. If the gearing spreadsheet
is
> no longer in the files, I can try to submit it again, or I could
> email it to you.
>
> Goal 3, pulling better on hills. This is a matter of gearing, you
> have lower gears in the transmission. If you run below 1st gear,
then
> you're in trouble, I didn't have that problem pulling 14% at
10,000ft
> with my 210/Na so I doubt you will with a turbo. I found that
taller
> diff gearing can actually help somewhat on hills, I was able to
> downshift into 3rd at a higher speed and hold a higher speed.
> Climbing is largely a product of your power to weight ratio, and
> gearing doesn't help that (unless you can't stay in the high end of
> the power curve, which on the 3208 is at max. RPM).
>
> I don't mean to discourage your project, I'd rather have a MD-3060
> than an MT-643, but unless you can do it really cheap I just don't
> see the return on investment either in coach value or performance.
>
> - Jeff Miller
> http://www.wanderlodge.net
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hsaddock"
> wrote:
> > Folks:
> > I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
> > 83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
> > are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a
little
> > slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if
I
> > back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps
> this
> > is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel
a
> > little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
> > overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
> > hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
> > conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool
> down
> > the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.
> >
> > Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated
issues?
> > The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
> > and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
> > issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it
> be
> > fooled into working with an older 3208?
> >
> > Harry Saddock
> > 83FC35
> > South Windsor, CT




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WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[George Lowry]

I have always been told that the Detroit Two Strokers like it best
when the throttle is to the floor. Some said that the worse you treat
a women, a dog, and a Detroit two stroker, the better they like it.
Haven't got the skinny on the four stroke Detroit yet....

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

randydupree wrote:

> the early pts would run 70 mph,wfo..with stock gearing..they were built during
the 55mph days too. the fc's with a turbo will run that fast too..no matter
what,you don't want to run your engine with the pedal on the floor.
randydupree93wb
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: freewill2008
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 6:28 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Transmission Upgrade/change
>
>
> I've not heard any complaints about the many Birds that have been
> changed to taller gearing. Apparently a 4.11 or 4.44 will still pull
> steep grades in the Rockies. Does anyone have a guess as to why BB
> chose such low (high numeric) ratios for the FC buses?
>
> It has occured to me that these rigs were built during the 55 MPH
> national speed limit, but that didn't stop BB from buiding PTs that
> would run 75 MPH all day.
>
> Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII MT643/4.88 11R22.5
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
> wrote:
> > Adapting an MD-3060 to the 3208 will be an expensive conversion
> after
> > the electronics etc.
> >
> > Although the MT643 is not a high-tech transmission, there are other
> > (read: cheaper) ways to skin that cat. If the MT-643 is still
> > servicable, you might start with a good checkup including fluid and
> > filter change, might improve your shifting, might need work on the
> > modulator?
> >
> > As far as the addition of an overdrive and lower diff gears, it
> > sounds like you'd be spending a lot of $$ and expecting more than
> > you'll get. You would be saving money to add an overdrive.
> >
> > I've changed gearing, run the 3208/FC from 210hp (Na) to 300hp
> > (ATAAC) with 5.29:1 gears to 4.11:1 gears, MT-643 and HP-500
> w/ .83:1
> > overdrive. The simple things I've learned are that 1) gearing
> doesn't
> > add power, 2) even with 4:11 diff gears you don't run out of low-
> end,
> > 3) there is a sweet-spot, depending on many factors such as
> intended
> > cruise speed / intended load / expected terrain, and 4)
> Experimenting
> > is very expensive.
> >
> > As far as your goal of a reliable transmission (1 below), a reman
> MT-
> > 643 with a warranty will cost you less than the electronics for the
> > MD-3060 (probably).
> >
> > Goal 2, faster top-end, an overdrive will help but so would 4.44:1
> > gears which should cost less than $2k. If the gearing spreadsheet
> is
> > no longer in the files, I can try to submit it again, or I could
> > email it to you.
> >
> > Goal 3, pulling better on hills. This is a matter of gearing, you
> > have lower gears in the transmission. If you run below 1st gear,
> then
> > you're in trouble, I didn't have that problem pulling 14% at
> 10,000ft
> > with my 210/Na so I doubt you will with a turbo. I found that
> taller
> > diff gearing can actually help somewhat on hills, I was able to
> > downshift into 3rd at a higher speed and hold a higher speed.
> > Climbing is largely a product of your power to weight ratio, and
> > gearing doesn't help that (unless you can't stay in the high end of
> > the power curve, which on the 3208 is at max. RPM).
> >
> > I don't mean to discourage your project, I'd rather have a MD-3060
> > than an MT-643, but unless you can do it really cheap I just don't
> > see the return on investment either in coach value or performance.
> >
> > - Jeff Miller
> > http://www.wanderlodge.net
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hsaddock"
> > wrote:
> > > Folks:
> > > I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
> > > 83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
> > > are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a
> little
> > > slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if
> I
> > > back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps
> > this
> > > is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel
> a
> > > little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
> > > overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
> > > hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
> > > conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool
> > down
> > > the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.
> > >
> > > Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated
> issues?
> > > The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
> > > and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
> > > issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it
> > be
> > > fooled into working with an older 3208?
> > >
> > > Harry Saddock
> > > 83FC35
> > > South Windsor, CT
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
> a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

[randydupree]

if you wait long enough you can hear anything you want to hear! haha.. but,i'm
not going to run my 2 stroke at wide open throttle or my 4 stroke 8.3 cummins or
my 6.5 chevy diesel or....i like the 1900 rpm range in my bus.do you run your
engine at w.o.t.? randydupree93wb
----- Original Message -----
From: George Lowry
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 7:29 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Transmission Upgrade/change


I have always been told that the Detroit Two Strokers like it best
when the throttle is to the floor. Some said that the worse you treat
a women, a dog, and a Detroit two stroker, the better they like it.
Haven't got the skinny on the four stroke Detroit yet....

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

randydupree wrote:

> the early pts would run 70 mph,wfo..with stock gearing..they were built
during the 55mph days too. the fc's with a turbo will run that fast too..no
matter what,you don't want to run your engine with the pedal on the floor.
randydupree93wb
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: freewill2008
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 6:28 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Transmission Upgrade/change
>
>
> I've not heard any complaints about the many Birds that have been
> changed to taller gearing. Apparently a 4.11 or 4.44 will still pull
> steep grades in the Rockies. Does anyone have a guess as to why BB
> chose such low (high numeric) ratios for the FC buses?
>
> It has occured to me that these rigs were built during the 55 MPH
> national speed limit, but that didn't stop BB from buiding PTs that
> would run 75 MPH all day.
>
> Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII MT643/4.88 11R22.5
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
> wrote:
> > Adapting an MD-3060 to the 3208 will be an expensive conversion
> after
> > the electronics etc.
> >
> > Although the MT643 is not a high-tech transmission, there are other
> > (read: cheaper) ways to skin that cat. If the MT-643 is still
> > servicable, you might start with a good checkup including fluid and
> > filter change, might improve your shifting, might need work on the
> > modulator?
> >
> > As far as the addition of an overdrive and lower diff gears, it
> > sounds like you'd be spending a lot of $$ and expecting more than
> > you'll get. You would be saving money to add an overdrive.
> >
> > I've changed gearing, run the 3208/FC from 210hp (Na) to 300hp
> > (ATAAC) with 5.29:1 gears to 4.11:1 gears, MT-643 and HP-500
> w/ .83:1
> > overdrive. The simple things I've learned are that 1) gearing
> doesn't
> > add power, 2) even with 4:11 diff gears you don't run out of low-
> end,
> > 3) there is a sweet-spot, depending on many factors such as
> intended
> > cruise speed / intended load / expected terrain, and 4)
> Experimenting
> > is very expensive.
> >
> > As far as your goal of a reliable transmission (1 below), a reman
> MT-
> > 643 with a warranty will cost you less than the electronics for the
> > MD-3060 (probably).
> >
> > Goal 2, faster top-end, an overdrive will help but so would 4.44:1
> > gears which should cost less than $2k. If the gearing spreadsheet
> is
> > no longer in the files, I can try to submit it again, or I could
> > email it to you.
> >
> > Goal 3, pulling better on hills. This is a matter of gearing, you
> > have lower gears in the transmission. If you run below 1st gear,
> then
> > you're in trouble, I didn't have that problem pulling 14% at
> 10,000ft
> > with my 210/Na so I doubt you will with a turbo. I found that
> taller
> > diff gearing can actually help somewhat on hills, I was able to
> > downshift into 3rd at a higher speed and hold a higher speed.
> > Climbing is largely a product of your power to weight ratio, and
> > gearing doesn't help that (unless you can't stay in the high end of
> > the power curve, which on the 3208 is at max. RPM).
> >
> > I don't mean to discourage your project, I'd rather have a MD-3060
> > than an MT-643, but unless you can do it really cheap I just don't
> > see the return on investment either in coach value or performance.
> >
> > - Jeff Miller
> > http://www.wanderlodge.net
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hsaddock"
> > wrote:
> > > Folks:
> > > I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
> > > 83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
> > > are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a
> little
> > > slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if
> I
> > > back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps
> > this
> > > is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel
> a
> > > little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
> > > overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
> > > hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
> > > conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool
> > down
> > > the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.
> > >
> > > Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated
> issues?
> > > The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
> > > and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
> > > issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it
> > be
> > > fooled into working with an older 3208?
> > >
> > > Harry Saddock
> > > 83FC35
> > > South Windsor, CT
>
>
>
>
>
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Stephen Birtles]

why not go whole hog and get an Eaton ultrashift thats what they are
putting in the newells
but instead of the 10 speed just go to the 6 speed ultrashift
Stephen 77fc35



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "hsaddock" wrote:
> Folks:
> I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
> 83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
> are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a little
> slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if I
> back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps this
> is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel a
> little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
> overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
> hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
> conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool down
> the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.
>
> Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated issues?
> The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
> and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
> issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it be
> fooled into working with an older 3208?
>
> Harry Saddock
> 83FC35
> South Windsor, CT

[Mike Hohnstein]

There in lies the problem, retrofitting to an non electronic engine. I haven't
hooked up with any one who is on top of the project. The wiring from the donor
vehicle chassis is needed as far as I can tell and at this time I have yet to
find a recycling entity that is knowledgeable and skillful enough to put a
package together. If you get a handle on the electronic issues, I would like to
be kept up to speed as I would like to have one of those double ODs too. I'm
not ready to buy a whole truck to get the trans and related components. The
converter attachment to the flex plate could be a problem as they never mated to
the 3208. I found a couple of MDs on the internet, some place in FL. They
wanted 3500 bucks. Dupree turned me on to a place that has Brownie inline ODs,
I located one for under a grand and that might make more economic sense.
Mike Hohnstein
----- Original Message -----
From: hsaddock
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 12:23 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Transmission Upgrade/change


Folks:
I am giving serious thought to changing the transmission in my
83FC35 from the Allison MT641 to an Allison MD3000. The reasons
are: 1) current transmission with 112K miles on it shifts a little
slowly from 1st to 2nd at full throttle - it shifts just fine if I
back off the throttle slightly and in all other gears. (perhaps this
is the beginning of a bigger future problem?) 2) I want to travel a
little faster at top-end, and the MD3000's 5/6 speeds gives the
overdrive(s). 3) I want to pull a little better going up steep
hills so if I lower the differential ratio while doing this
conversion, I can pull better in the lower gears and still tool down
the road faster on the flats with the overdrives.

Has anyone tried this conversion? Comments on anticipated issues?
The MD3000 appears to be an inch shorter in length than the MT641
and a similar bolt up pattern so I don't expect to see any major
issues with mounting. The MD3000 is computer controlled - can it be
fooled into working with an older 3208?

Harry Saddock
83FC35
South Windsor, CT





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