A new steering column………..

…….. Bad light, these pics aren’t the greatest but if your steering column is worn out, here is a unit that fitsThe manufacturer is Flaming River.  You will see their GM wired, has tilt, key, flashers and a shift indicator on the top of the columnoops, pushed the wrong button……this was a handicapped Hertz airport shuttle bus……..with the middle taken out! …….Back into workthis coach is about ready to go home.  Because of Covid, we will be driving this coach home where Jadon will do the introduction and delivery.  The new owner has never owned a Motorhome much less a GMC so the needed lessons will be administered there.  Other than in person delivery, overseas shipping or having the coach delivered and gone over with the customer is the only ways you can pick up a coach from us……no flat bed deliveries.  It’s not a good way to meet your new charge and I’m just not into trying to give that much information by phone. ……its not fair to anyone…….sorry.

So the guts are ready to install another quad bag rear suspensionAbove you see the hardware packet laid out to be sure it’s all there.  So I go answer a phone call…..i come back and WHAM… The back section of the 2 piece structure is in with its air bag bolted onThis is the first and most difficult part of the install.  As you can see, the 4 bolts going through the frame holding the bogy are taken out, replaced with 4 longer bolts (with 2 washers on each bolt head)well, they’re a little hard to see but you have the idea.  Now the other half of the fixture is bolster to this section with bolts in the 4 holes on the center plate and then to the 2 bogy pins and it’s in.  The bags are lifted 2″ from the original?bag on the swingarm using the shown black metal riser plates for more leverageTomorrow I’ll show you the other piece of the 3/8″ gold zinc coated fixture in place and the system in.

I refuse to get involved in the debates on Hockey on subjects but if you’re on Facebook you’ve probably endured the bantering back and forth about replacement rear suspensions and how so many different rigs have been welded up.  I have to appologize for how I approach those threads but they always seem to talk about what someone did and how it’s cheaper than this current 4 bag system.  Look, having one of these unique coach was not going to be a cheapo thing…..no, the quad bag does not effect up/down mobement, no….your coach will not ride rough……no, it’s not impossible for a DIY install….yes, it’s a safer system, you will not be stranded on the road if you loose a rear wheel!  Yes, the replacement bags are the most used and easy to find in fact Firestone, Goodyear, Conrinential or Air Lift bags will fit…..yes, the ride is more stable especially when towing and finally yes, it does cost more than 2 bags and 4 spacers!  It’s 2 boxes 54 pounds each with a computer tested custom suspension that’s the best on the market and will cost more than any of the 2 bag systems and for good readon.

I’m just so tired of the rear suspension subject comes up and all that’s talked about is a flawed 45 year old bag design.  Flawed because it put you out on the road with a mission critical part that can fail big time.  Opinions do differ and hey that’s fine but don’t ever say any 2 bag system is better and safer than the Quad bag system.   So, are you trying to have a more reliable coach?  Nuff said!……….

That’s it, I think you’ve heard me enough for 1 day.  JD, we need to get that trans cooler in before the next road test….it has to be soon.  Youall have a great day …its Thursday/Friday for us……see ya later…..

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