Gearing for School Bus

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Gearing for School Bus

Home > Discussion Forum > Bus Conversions - School

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All Messages in Thread	Author	Date
Gearing for School Bus	Paul	10-17-03
I just bought an '83 GMC/Bluebird schoolbus with a GMC 366 "industrial" engine and a 4-spd transmission. Does enyone have any suggestions on how (or if) I could re-gear this beast? Right now it's running around 4,000 RPM at 65mph, I'd like to bring it down to a more (quieter) rpm range. Paul.James@SNET.net
Re: Gearing for School Bus	John the busboy	10-20-03
First you must determine what type of drive axle you have. Our bus had a Rockwell H-172. The ratio was 6.14. Then you need to shop around and see if faster gear sets are available. The wrecking yard that handles heavy trucks is a good place to go. So are transmission shops that only do heavy trucks. If you can't find a faster gear set, then you have to look for a replacement drive axle. This is what we did. Our bus has hydraulic disk brakes and it took a few trips to the salvage yard before one turned up. We now have a 4.11 drive axle. Makes a big difference. Gear sets for the H-172 are pricey. We got the whole axle for about the same price as a 4.88 carrier. The new axle is just a bit wider than the old one. So far the tires haven't rubbed against the wheel well. Our tires are oversize, so if it does become a problem, our next tires will be a little skinnier. John the busboy
Re: Gearing for School Bus	ron	9-12-05
Sounds like you have a 7.17 ratio in your 83 gmc i have a 85 gmc same problem