Well i appreciate it!

Finances are not an issue its my trust in that transmission. Ive heard legendary things about alison but honestly im still learning. Thanks again for the help gonna get it all figured out.

Out of curiosity do you have an input on manual vs automatic and which is easier to "maintain"?

 

The "E" in "E4OD" is "Electronic", so the transmission and engine computer control when it shifts etc. Without it, you will be shiftless.

Ditto fuel injection and other engine controls. I am not that familiar with your 7.3 but I'm pretty sure that as OEM there was some electronic control to it.

Either a manual or automatic can be trouble free if set up correctly.

Let's go backwards a bit to the real joy killer for this type of vehicle: What kind of wheels and tires does it have, and have you been into the brakes to see how they are. Brake drums are not available by the way. All else is. There is always a risk for having the dreaded "widow maker" wheels as well.

 

Hey what are you psychic of something?

yeah ive got the dreaded widow makers...hahaha

looks like i have 20 year old dry rotted highway tires tires (was next on my list after brakes) they do however have a lot of tread but i know how DOT is about tires on these buses
when i initially drove it the brakes did not work at all the vaccum booster was OEM and completely shot and so i decided to "upgrade" to a hydro static booster which added a lot of braking power but im mainly going off the front two brakes and it appears the rear line was cut at some point and welded shut. My bleeders arent working properly and so i have air in my lines. Was otw to the brake shop when one my compression rings from a piston toasted my block...

got to go tow her from the shop tomorrow back to the yard for repair/upgrade

 

There are a couple threads on wheels. You can get tubeless 22.5 wheels, and if you are going to be on the road with this thing those would be the best bet. 9R 22.5 will be a little taller than your 8.25x20s, and if you go with that oil burner, the extra diameter will help with overall gearing. Once you get settled on a driveline, a check of the numbers will tell you cruise rpm and you may well be looking at 11R-22.5s.

Good luck with all that!

 

It's a bit of work but I'd search a few big truck salvage yards and get the axles from a later model that has the standard 10 hole wheels, you'd also end up with a set of brakes you can get parts for.

 

Ok so update on the situation at hand;

I acquired a 1976 F700 with a 391 FT engine in it (been sitting for 25+ years). I tinkered with her for 2 weeks and with the help of my buddy we got the damn thing to start yesterday! So now I am going to proceed with swapping out the old 330 that was in there (detonated). I already know the engine will bolt right up no problems. I currently have the New Process 435 4 speed Transmission (Code A) in the bus. The bus does also have a two speed split rear axle which is kind of neat but after lots of reading it would appear most people agree a 5 speed is better than a 4 speed any day. I dont know if this is true but I was hoping to get a few of you guys (or gals) to chip in your 2 cents. The F700 has a 5 speed in it with the transmission code M. Now it will probably take some doing but im thinking minimal modification to make it fit but the bus has a 222 in wheelbase while the F700 (donor truck) has a 212 in wheelbase. I dont know if it as simple as making a 10 in cut or if I would even need to do that. This is my first total rebuild so I am weighing my options. Wondering if I should just throw the 391 in the bus and call it a day which i could probably do in a day or 3 haha OR should I do the work now and go ahead and pull the engine + tranny together from the F700 and put it in the bus? I know this is wordy but any opinions as to the undertaking this would be or like opinions on whether the 4 speed would put strain on the motor in 4 gear for extended travel. Im excited and looking to get this done and be living in my bus tiny home by the winter. It is fast approaching haha

 

As a added bonus the F700 donor actually has the now standard non split rims which if all goes as planned I am hoping to use to replace the dreaded widow makers I have on the Bus.

 

Well according to your other thread on the F700 your 5 speed is direct, not overdrive. Your gear splits will be better, but cruise rpms will remain the same.

As to the driveshaft, once everything is in place go have one made. Under $300 I would reckon.

 

Cool project. Any pictures?