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My 1974 Gear Box problem

Posted 2012-07-31 3:07 AM (#1643)
Subject: My 1974 Gear Box problem

Contributor

I recently picked up an FMC off of Craig's list for 4500 dollars. I did not test drive it on the Highway. Once I got it there, the steering was real loose and it was all over the road above 50MPH. I took it to the shop and they convinced me it was a tire problem. I paid 800 dollars for 2 front tires. The problem was mis diagnosed! It took them 3 more weeks to come up with another diagnosis, which was that the gear box and something else associated with it needed to be replaced. They assured me that after I paid another 2300 dollars, all would be well.

1. Does anyone else experience this looseness, and is it normal?

2. Is 2300 too much, or is it reasonable?

3. Is this more than I should put in this classic? Should I sell it now, or hope for the best that the problem will be fixed?

Please help me with any and all questions.

Thanks in advance.

BigRabbitMan

Posted 2012-08-01 9:11 AM (#1645 - in reply to #1643)
Subject: RE: My 1974 Gear Box problem

Expert

Location: Cottage Grove, OR

Welcome to FMC ownership. No, it shouldn't have a steering problem as that is not normal. It appears to me that you have two problems. The first one is the "shop" that is working on it and the second one is the steering itself.

Unless you cure the first problem you will never cure the second problem. The most unlikely issue is the steering box and it is also the most expensive to correct. Much more likely the problem is a combination of the tie rod ends, and the bushings in the pitman (bell crank) that is attached to the frame. Those are the parts that usually wear over time.

I cannot diagose over the internet and can't tell you what is an appropriate amount of dollars to put into a coach. That is all a personal issue. Personally, I am in the middle of an upgrade project on my coach that costs much, much more than the numbers you are talking about.

For the front end issues, I would go to the shop and go under the coach with one of their people and, with someone else turning the steering wheel back and forth, have them show me each and every joint or flex point in the system and determine which ones have any motion at all. Those are the ones that need to be replaced. Start with the flex (or rag joint) joint in the steering column and work your way all the way out to the wheels.

I would only let them replace the steering gear if they agreed to refund my money if it doesn't fix the problem. That will tell you how much real confidence that they actually have in their diagnosis.

Others may have additional suggestions.

sirmarkalot

Posted 2012-08-01 10:01 AM (#1646 - in reply to #1645)
Subject: RE: My 1974 Gear Box problem

Contributor

That is great advice, Thanks. Louis Cruse also pointed out to me that it may be that the tension springs on the rear need to be replaced (like the gentleman in Norway did) with a rubber Tim Brin "ball spring." I have asked the shop repeatedly if this 2500 dollar repair would fix this problem. What you all know and I am learning is that not many shops know how to work on the FMC. It is unique in most every way, particularly the suspension and steering. Most of the mechanics were not born in the 70s, and, coupled with the fact that there are only a little over 1000 made (I am 552 out of 1052?) and they probably have not worked on any others in their lifetime. That makes troubleshooting any problem that is unique to the FMC very difficult. I asked the shop if they could lower the number for me a bit. From what I understand, they may be getting their parts from RVS. Thanks for all this great advice. I am still learning, and welcome any and all comments and advice. Thanks so far to all.