Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » 1 Ton Conversion Question
| 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362459] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 08:35  |
Tom Katzenberger
Messages: 399
Registered: June 2019
Location: Kingsville, MD
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Gang,
I know I've touched on this in the past and there are differences of opinion, but I am at a point where this old coach needs a total suspension rebuild as all the rubber is all original(1977).
I have 2 spare knuckles with grease fittings. I just don't know how old they are. It appears that the 1 ton would be cost effective. Many seem happy with their 1 ton conversions. It would speed up my rebuild, plus and minus some of the positives and negatives. Many say if they were at the point at which I am, they would do the one ton conversion. How happy are those with the one ton? Would you do it again? Would you do it if you are in my stage of reconstruction? What are the differences in Manny's kit and Applied's kit? Can you get the kit in Polyurethane Bushings?
As always thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions. Also thanks for respecting those who have differences of opinion.
Take care,
Tom
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee Ignition
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| Re: 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362460 is a reply to message #362459] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 11:22  |
JohnS
Messages: 126
Registered: December 2014
Location: Vacaville, CA
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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I have Manny's 1-ton on both my coaches and am very satisfied. I do not know the differences between the two kits. If you still have OEM brakes, you will also get an immediate improvement in braking. I think that improvement in braking alone is worth the cost and work to change. I have not noticed the difference in steering/handling that others have noted, but it may be because I just drive like an old man (which I am!).
Hope this helps, JohnS
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv@aol.com;
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362461 is a reply to message #362459] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 11:28 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Tom,
I installed the one-ton from Manny's first production run, so had a few
glitches to work around that were subsequently eliminated. I've always
been very satisfied with it. The torque steer than some complain about has
not been a significant problem for me -- perhaps, even with my Cad500 and
3.55:1 final drive, I don't accelerate from a stop as enthusiastically as
some. :-)
Since I've never had to do anything to the front end since installing the
one-ton, I can't address the ease of bearing replacement -- I'm just hoping
it will be as simple as advertised.
Not a lot of information, I admit -- Simply, "I like it."
Ken H.
On Sun, Feb 21, 2021 at 9:36 AM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Gang,
>
> I know I've touched on this in the past and there are differences of
> opinion, but I am at a point where this old coach needs a total suspension
> rebuild as all the rubber is all original(1977).
>
> I have 2 spare knuckles with grease fittings. I just don't know how old
> they are. It appears that the 1 ton would be cost effective. Many seem happy
> with their 1 ton conversions. It would speed up my rebuild, plus and minus
> some of the positives and negatives. Many say if they were at the point at
> which I am, they would do the one ton conversion. How happy are those with
> the one ton? Would you do it again? Would you do it if you are in my stage
> of reconstruction? What are the differences in Manny's kit and Applied's
> kit? Can you get the kit in Polyurethane Bushings?
>
> As always thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions. Also thanks
> for respecting those who have differences of opinion.
>
> Take care,
> Tom
>
>
> --
> Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
> Kingsville, Maryland,
> 1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362463 is a reply to message #362461] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 12:58 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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The One ton from either comes with the Uathane bussing in the lower arms
on;y as the top needs some dampening from the rubber
Additional Caster are built in the lower arm.
You need the NEW Specs on alignment as the ones in ALL the fancy machines
are for Bias Belted, not the Radial tires we run.
There are lot of difference in the tires.
On Sun, Feb 21, 2021 at 9:29 AM Ken Henderson via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Tom,
>
> I installed the one-ton from Manny's first production run, so had a few
> glitches to work around that were subsequently eliminated. I've always
> been very satisfied with it. The torque steer than some complain about has
> not been a significant problem for me -- perhaps, even with my Cad500 and
> 3.55:1 final drive, I don't accelerate from a stop as enthusiastically as
> some. :-)
>
> Since I've never had to do anything to the front end since installing the
> one-ton, I can't address the ease of bearing replacement -- I'm just hoping
> it will be as simple as advertised.
>
> Not a lot of information, I admit -- Simply, "I like it."
>
> Ken H.
>
> On Sun, Feb 21, 2021 at 9:36 AM tomkatz3--- via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Gang,
>>
>> I know I've touched on this in the past and there are differences of
>> opinion, but I am at a point where this old coach needs a total
> suspension
>> rebuild as all the rubber is all original(1977).
>>
>> I have 2 spare knuckles with grease fittings. I just don't know how old
>> they are. It appears that the 1 ton would be cost effective. Many seem
> happy
>> with their 1 ton conversions. It would speed up my rebuild, plus and
> minus
>> some of the positives and negatives. Many say if they were at the point
> at
>> which I am, they would do the one ton conversion. How happy are those
> with
>> the one ton? Would you do it again? Would you do it if you are in my
> stage
>> of reconstruction? What are the differences in Manny's kit and Applied's
>> kit? Can you get the kit in Polyurethane Bushings?
>>
>> As always thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions. Also thanks
>> for respecting those who have differences of opinion.
>>
>> Take care,
>> Tom
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
>> Kingsville, Maryland,
>> 1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362464 is a reply to message #362459] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 14:24 |
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RF_Burns
Messages: 2277
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I've had my one-ton for about 10 years now. I really like the superior braking power from the larger rotors and would not go back to OEM.
As far as the steering geometry, I don't really notice it, its not a rally car! The front-end loading on the motorhome changes very little so the suspension does not move far from center point.
Maybe someday new knuckle casting can be made with proper ball joint mounting points so this issue will go away.
I got the JimK kit before I heard about Manny's kit. From what I gather and my experience, JimK's kit comes with everything you need for the conversation, whereas with Manny's kit you need to source your own brake calipers, pads, tie-rod ends etc.
Just my experience.
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
[Updated on: Sun, 21 February 2021 14:24] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362465 is a reply to message #362464] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 17:19 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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I have installed too many 1 ton conversions to remember how many. Both the
Huber version, as well as Manny T's. So far, I have had one known failure
that I am aware of. It was a recent install, and it was a torsion bar
socket failure. A faulty weld that allowed the torsion bar to unwind. It
was a Manny T conversion, but it could have just as well been a Hubler..
Not a nickle's worth of difference between the two. The bar was wound up to
the end of the adjustment threads. The lower control arm was promptly
replaced under warranty, and new 19% stronger torsion bars were installed.
Better than originally fitted. One big advantage of the 1 ton, is the
bigger brakes. All new bushings throughout are also a big plus.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Feb 21, 2021, 12:24 PM Bruce Hislop via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I've had my one-ton for about 10 years now. I really like the superior
> braking power from the larger rotors and would not go back to OEM.
>
> As far as the steering geometry, I don't really notice it, its not a rally
> car! The front-end loading on the motorhome changes very little so the
> suspension does not move far from center point.
>
> Maybe someday new knuckle casting can be made with proper ball joint
> mounting points so this issue will go away.
>
> I got the JimK kit before I heard about Manny's kit. From what I gather
> and my experience, JimK's kit comes with everything you need for the
> conversation, whereas with Manny's kit you need to source your own brake
> calipers, shoes, tie-rod ends etc.
>
> Just my experience.
>
>
>
> --
> Bruce Hislop
> ON Canada
> 77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
> My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362468 is a reply to message #362459] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 18:57 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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You say all the rubber parts are shot. There are only 8 bushings (and the stabilzer links and bushings which is minimal) What about all the hard parts?
2 upper ball joints
2 lower ball joints
2 drag link ends
2 inner rod ends
2 outer rod ends
Idler
Relay
I would check all these hard parts and then make my decision.
You already have knuckles with fittings that will outlast us.
Some of these parts apply to both situations, so figure that into your total cost.
I see no advantage in replacing parts that are not bad.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362472 is a reply to message #362459] |
Sun, 21 February 2021 21:22 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I replaced ALL of the rubber bushings with urethane years ago. It was not a bad job. Bushings pressed easily with a vice and used no special tools or spacers. I spent more time sandblasting and painting the control arms while I had it apart than I did pressing bushings.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362483 is a reply to message #362459] |
Mon, 22 February 2021 10:36 |
Tom Katzenberger
Messages: 399
Registered: June 2019
Location: Kingsville, MD
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Ken,
Is there a kit for the complete poly bushing replacement or did you order separately?
I am looking into Jim and Manny's kit. Are they both Hublers design? I also found that my donor coach has grease zerks in the knuckles which may change things a bit.
Thank everyone for your input. The beautiful thing about these coaches and there owners is that no two are alike. None all wrong or none all right, but all heading in the path of their owners dreams.
Thanks again,
Tom
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee Ignition
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| Re: 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362486 is a reply to message #362483] |
Mon, 22 February 2021 10:58 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Tom Katzenberger wrote on Mon, 22 February 2021 10:36Ken,
Is there a kit for the complete poly bushing replacement or did you order separately?
I am looking into Jim and Manny's kit. Are they both Hublers design? I also found that my donor coach has grease zerks in the knuckles which may change things a bit.
Thank everyone for your input. The beautiful thing about these coaches and there owners is that no two are alike. None all wrong or none all right, but all heading in the path of their owners dreams.
Thanks again,
Tom
The knuckles on the donor coach have zirks? If you know the previous owner, contact Dave L to see if those are his rebuilds. If they are, IMO this is a no brainer. Swap them over to your rebuild. Grease them up good with Mobil 1 grease and drive it. With a greasing every 25K or so, they will probably outlast you and Oki. JWIT
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
[Updated on: Mon, 22 February 2021 10:59] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: 1 Ton Conversion Question [message #362492 is a reply to message #362459] |
Mon, 22 February 2021 13:11 |
Tom Katzenberger
Messages: 399
Registered: June 2019
Location: Kingsville, MD
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Thanks again Larry!
I will go through the paperwork to see if I can find out any info. If no luck I will call Dave L. Upper control arms are off. I am trying to locate my pork chop tool to remove the lowers. If all goes well I will switch out by the end of the week.
Take care,
Tom
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee Ignition
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