01-23-2021, 02:34 PM
Sorry to hear about your problems. I'm probably the best one on the forum to let you know what not to do.
I have an '86 with the factory mechanical 8V92 and HT740 4 speed Allison transmission. My 8V92 overheated and seized up. I had it towed from northern Nevada to my home in Idaho with the hopes of being able to un-seize it. Long story short, decided to go with a re-power. Bought a 2001 Denver transit bus with a Cummins ISM for the re-power. It was advertised as having an Allison world transmission. Flew to Denver to pick it up and found out it actually had a ZF transmission. Pulled the 8V92 and Allison out in the driveway. It was on rails, rails that were rusted to the frame. We were able to get it out with a come-along, but decided a forklift was the appropriate method. Called shops in the area to see what they would charge. Because it was a motorhome they wanted a higher rate and wouldn't give me an hour estimate, time and materials only. Had it towed to Missouri where there is a mechanic that specializes in powertrain swaps. That was 2015.
Right now, it's done all except the electrical. I've already paid a guy that said he could do it over $1,800 for wiring and it's still not working. Apparently an issue with the engine ECU and transmission ECU talking. I'll be loading up some tools in my Range Rover and drive to Missouri and see if I can't figure it out on my own. Nobody seems to know about ZF electronics in the area and online documentation isn't that helpful.
I have an '86 with the factory mechanical 8V92 and HT740 4 speed Allison transmission. My 8V92 overheated and seized up. I had it towed from northern Nevada to my home in Idaho with the hopes of being able to un-seize it. Long story short, decided to go with a re-power. Bought a 2001 Denver transit bus with a Cummins ISM for the re-power. It was advertised as having an Allison world transmission. Flew to Denver to pick it up and found out it actually had a ZF transmission. Pulled the 8V92 and Allison out in the driveway. It was on rails, rails that were rusted to the frame. We were able to get it out with a come-along, but decided a forklift was the appropriate method. Called shops in the area to see what they would charge. Because it was a motorhome they wanted a higher rate and wouldn't give me an hour estimate, time and materials only. Had it towed to Missouri where there is a mechanic that specializes in powertrain swaps. That was 2015.
Right now, it's done all except the electrical. I've already paid a guy that said he could do it over $1,800 for wiring and it's still not working. Apparently an issue with the engine ECU and transmission ECU talking. I'll be loading up some tools in my Range Rover and drive to Missouri and see if I can't figure it out on my own. Nobody seems to know about ZF electronics in the area and online documentation isn't that helpful.
Jon & Chris Everton
1986 40' Dog House #86
450 hp ISM 5 spd ZF Ecomat 2
2004 Range Rover L322 Toad