BCM Community
Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: hargreaves on December 22, 2009, 05:27:26 PM
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I am in the process of converting from a 5spd. std. to a 740. I have a 36.5 foot shift cable that I ran through where the clutch rod used to be but it looks to be a tad short. Does anyone know the proper length?
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Gerry,
Looks like you are moving right along on the tranny swap. I am interested to see how it turns out. Someone here will help you with the cable length. Keep us posted on how this transmission project turns out.
Doug
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Hmmm will that 5 fit where my 4 is ???
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Gerry,
I wish I could help you with a more informative answer, But I have to tell you truthfully all of ours are shifted by wire & a key pad! ;D
And really not trying to be a smart @$#, but it only needs to be long enough to go from the transmission to beside the driver, not bumper to bumper! FWIW
;D BK ;D
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When I went to an auto I mounted my shifter on the vertical surface of the dash. I then measured to the tranny. You need to know if the shifter is pulling or pushing. You may need a loop at the tranny to get the right action. Tom Y
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B K ya that would be nice but I'm sticking with the non electronic style, everyone tells me they are easier to fix on the road and I am inclined to believe them. Don't have the package (engine - trans ) in yet. but measuring approximately it looks short.
Tom it pushes and pulls lol . I intend to mount it close to where they are mounted stock. The stock shifter will work both ways.
Doug, are you still interested in the tranny?
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Where you install the driver's shift control lever will make a difference in the length of cable needed. Our shift tower is on the floor on the right side of the drivers seat. I had thought about moving it to the dash, but by the time I ran the cable forward under the floor, and up behind the dash, it was going to take about 6-8 feet more cable. I decided having the shift tower next to seat was a perfict location for it. Jack
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I should have worded my post differently. The shifter probally has R on top and 1 on the bottom. I can not remember the shift on the 740. I think the cable went straight in with out a loop, but I will go look. So from R to 1 the cable is pushing at the trans. Tom Y
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I have driven many buses with different shifter locations, and I personally like the shifter to be down to the right mounted on the floor. The problem with the shifter mounted on the dash is that you have to reach for it to shift. And you are going to be using the shifter more then you might expect. Even though the shifter is not within ready view when mounted on the floor, you can look down to see where it is positioned while driving. But, after awhile you get to know what gear it is in just by the feel of the the shifter knob. Then you'll have a straight shot with the cable, and probably will be the correct length. Good Luck, TomC
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Just do away with the shifter and cable install a Stone/Bennett shifter you will love it plenty of used ones out there cheaper than the new cable.YMMD
good luck
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I looked at mine and it comes down to the trans, I was thinking it came from the front or back. Sorry for bum info. I bought a new cable I think about 70.00? Tom Y
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Yea mine is standard 102 with the shift lever on the right of the driver whichis very hady since you use more than you would guess. The standard arangment is R is back and forward gears are forward. Jerry
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I plan on putting mine on the floor beside the drivers seat on the right side. There is a fiberglass panel there that the maxi brake valve is mounted to . I am guessing it has to be removed and a new one made to accept the shift tower. My shifter is the R all the way back .
Tom is yours mounted directly to the floor? And is that the floor that is a step above the floor with the brake and gas pedal?
Luvrbus, What is the Stone/Bennett shifter?
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Removed
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What is the Stone/Bennett shifter?
Stone-Bennett shifter is an electrically controlled air soperated shift mechanism. All that is up front in the drivers area is a toggle switch or a touch pad to select the gear you want. Advantages: no cable to run from front to back, no shift tower (less "cluttered" drivers area) Disadvantages: requires air pressure before you can shift (don't shut bus off in gear or have a method to disable neutral start switch). More components (more possible failure points). Jack
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Jack, I don't understand your disadvantages comments about the Stone/Bennett you need air to move a bus period,they won't allow a shut down in gear if the wiring is correct I have owned a Stone shifter in buses for over 20 years and never had a problem yet.
I am not a big fan of the hydraulic controlled Stone but love the air controlled unit
good luck
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Cliff,
I did not know the Stone-Bennett would prevent the engine from shutting off in gear. After having done this a time or 2 (OK, a few more times than that) with my cable control, I was thinking that if I did that with a Stone-Bennett I would have to access the transmission to correct the problem. I learn something new every day. Jack
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Merry Christmas everyone! Jack would you know how much the Stone Bennett costs and where to purchase it?
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I will reinforce the idea that you want whatever shifting device you choose to fall readily to your hand.
You don't want to place it where you need to reach.
You will be using it, once you get a demonstration of how much better/smoother/faster/quieter the coach performs under different conditions, if you make the shifting decisions instead of the machine.
My favorite is the MC8 vintage shifter, which has a series of offset notches for each gear. Never have to look down to know which gear. The later simple in-line shifter, each click is the same as the last.
For the earlier 102, the shift tower tucks tightly inside the driver courtesy panel, with the shift handle somewhat ahead of the parking brake control. IIRC, I don't think MCI had different panels for each application.
happy coaching!
buswarrior