Automatic Transmission

[dieselsubmariner]

Im looking at a Custom Motor Home Conversion and i am curious about drivability as well as reliability with the automatic Transmission. The Conversion is a 1990 truck / Bus mix and has the large mechanical Cummins coupled with an Automatic Transmission, which i have no clue what type.
Any input on what to look for, if i do a second inspection and any input on how this might handle in mountain area?

thanks for any advice
stefan

 

[MnTom-FRF]

How it handles the mountains depends on what it is. Is it an auto shift (manual trans that shifts by computer) or is it an Allison auto? Depending on the model of Allison it could do fairly well. How many forward gears does it have? Most auto shift are either 10 or 12 speed transmissions and the Allison would probably have 6 speeds with 5 & 6 being overdrive.

 

[dieselsubmariner]

the engine is a Cummins NTC 855, Big Cam, turbocharged , all mechanical with no electronics. The Transmission is a Allison, but not sure as to how many gears. looking at the picture i have of the shifter, it shows 1, 2, 3 and D. so i think its a 5-speed.
milage is claimed to be 90000mls

 

[MnTom-FRF]

OK, since it is an Allison my only suggestion is to do an oil sample. Personally I would use JG Lubricant Services. The owner of that business was an engineer for Alison and has lots of experience with them. He also wrote the specifications used by Allison.

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

I think it's a 4 speed. I looked at an old Kingsley built on a Freightliner. They had put an Allison in that and it was a 4 speed.