hanggiloren

I have a 40 foot Executive with Tag and 500 hp ISM. Traded up from a 97 Dynasty that was 36 feet. I got used to the additional length very quickly and have no regrets. The best thing about this Executive is the extra power, 4000 series Allison and Jacob brake. The 97 Dynasty was a great rig, it's just that this Executive is just that much better. What a motor home ought to be. I'd guess that anything longer that 40 feet (41' 2") might very well be a PIA. Loren

We did something similar to our floors. Actually we did it to our last two rigs. The engineered hardwood is the way to go. We learned the second time to use the six layered plywood with the top layer as thick as possible. it is best that all layers are the same wood, such as all oak or all maple. The quality of the wood that you pay for is secondary to the labor. Get the best material available. Did you float the wood, glue it, fasten it or a combination of these?

What Mr. Martin said about Michelin tires is spot on. I got more than three years out of them, but only 25,000 miles and that was for the 295 80 22.5 size. Could not believe it when they cracked. Remember, no matter what tire you get, they are only good for about six years. If that is the case, no sense spending a bunch of money on them. Toyo's are very good, so are Hercules. I always hear about the sun's ultraviolet rays cracking them, but I've talked to knowledgable people who claim it is really oxygen 3. Oxygen 3 is a very corrosive component of the earth's atmosphere. He is right about going to 295 75 22.5. much better ride. Plus they are a common truck size. Loren

You would be surprised how many issues are the result of bad grounds on Allison transmissions On my old rig I added a second ground. That helped. Loren

Just had to rebuild my Sheppard steering gear box. Had a fellow rebuild my box. He has rebuilt them for more than ten years. Watched him rebuild mine and others. Don't see any reason to grease the box. The ATF used through the high pressure hoses should provide plenty of lubrication. Do grease the u-joint at the steering coupler and also the Pitman arm bearing. I also asked about the TRW steering box being a better unit. He said steering play is a function of the rebuild and installation. If the Sheppard is rebuilt properly it will be fine. He also said that tie rod bearings must be good and to check them. We also learned that replacing the tie rod assemblies is actually cheaper and saves labor. Those old bearings will not come out of the shaft without damage. Truck shops should have new ones. Parking the RV for extended periods drys out the steering box seals with resultant leaks. Damn that steering box is heavy but all good now. Loren

I installed the new steering box with both the wheels straight ahead and steering wheel straight ahead. They were not moved from when I removed the old box. We also installed the Pitman arm as indicated on the output shaft. Same as old box. That was pretty easy. Are you suggesting that the new box should have had the input shaft centered with equal number of turns right and left? I can only turn left a little better than right. I installed the new one as received. Didn't move the input. Loren

Lost a steering gear box seal on my 2002 Monaco Executive. Removed the Sheppard box and took it to my local Weller distributor. They used the ID on the housing to obtain a like box. I installed as indicated after aligning the pitman arm on the output shaft. However, my steering lock to lock is much different and it is no longer possible to make normal turns. Left turns are not good and right turns are really poor. Did I get an incorrect Sheppard steering box or what? Weller has my old box and we may need to send it back east for a rebuild. Before we do that I thought I would ask here for advice. Weller said to ask you for if the TRW steering box is a better idea? Will it mount correctly with a TRW Pitman arm?

This brings up a lesson I learned. Used to use wooden match sticks or tooth picks along with glue to fill elongated holes. Someone taught me to use bamboo food skewers. Break off what you need and fill the hole along with a good wood glue. Works much better. Bamboo is a hard wood and very strong. I use this trick on my cabinet door hinges along with longer screws. Works well.

I did engineered wood flooring throughout. Used the best seven layered flooring I could find and had some ex Monaco employees in Eugene, OR do the installation. Make sure you get quality flooring with the thickest top layer (veneer) available. Some sections are glued to the floor, other sections are floated. Done correctly the flooring is amazing. Not cheap though. Already have Aqua Hot so just needed the floors. Loren

Put a "Lock Nut" on both of them. The one stud does look broken off, but there still is enough room to put a "Lock Nut" on it. Vibration is a big deal on these rigs. The six cylinder engine is really trying to shake itself apart. That is why every part is so heavily engineered. Make sure fasteners are tight. Use "Red Lock Tight" if you need too. Loren

For those who don't want to drive 100 miles for Aqua Hot Service. For parts... https://www.parts.rvhydronicheaterrepair.com/Routine-Service-Kits_c54.htm;jsessionid=9DBA13D2ADEA39D82F1B2CC8BBCA31FC.p3plqscsfapp001 The service is pretty much the same as working on an old oil fired furnace.

I see the pads have backing plates. We're the backing plates imbedded or glued to the pads? Did you use grease on the back of the pad where it seats on the caliper? Normally we use grease to prevent squealing. It is red and works well if you don't use too much.

I've done a few auto and F250 brakes. I would take the pads and rotor to a truck parts dealer. You may also call Rockwell with the year of the axle and the diameter of the rotor. The number of lugs and rotor diameter should get it. If Rockwell will give you a part #, you should be able to find someone who will sell it to you cheap. Unless you have more than 100,000 miles on the pads, I would not rebuild the calipers. DO follow the proper installation on the pads. Normally, I'll make an effort to bed the brakes, but on these large axles, probably not necessary. Sounds as though you have a damaged rotor that cannot be turned. If so, often times it is just as cheap to get new ones. Loren