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deandec · 06-27-2014, 07:05 PM

I took a better look at the Air Dryer mounted in the cavity in front of the rear differential on my Gillig Chassis.

Without a pit or a lift, it looks extremely difficult to reach the bolts and nuts that hold this massive thing in there.

Maneuvering the whole enchilada out of its space also looks challenging.

Has anyone done this replacement procedure as a DIY project on a 1995 Magna or similar Gillig chassis?

(The last mechanic to do so was quite unhappy with the process!)

TQ60 · 06-30-2014, 12:45 PM

Air levelers?

deandec · 06-30-2014, 01:12 PM

Yes, I use ramps and 12 ton jack stands.

TQ60 · 06-30-2014, 01:22 PM

That sucks...ours has hyd levelers and makes it easy....

In your case air can still get body high to make room then blocks and stands to support it there.

If ad9 dryer they are not light but not too bad either.

Terminal air brake has rebuilt ones fair price to just swap it out.

deandec · 06-30-2014, 02:44 PM

I believe I have an AD-4 with the extended filter. Will have to look to see if an AD-9 is a direct swap.

CoCoDave · 07-18-2014, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deandec

I believe I have an AD-4 with the extended filter. Will have to look to see if an AD-9 is a direct swap.

Dean,

Have you determined which dryer you have and a source for a replacement unit? I think mine is a Bendix AD-IP, at least that's what the Dynomax owner's manual implies. I'd like to get a rebuilt Bendix rather than a cheap import aftermarket replacement. Will have to get under the coach to verify the correct model variant though.

Good luck with your replacement.

deandec · 07-18-2014, 12:23 PM

Dave

The documentation indicates AD-4, but the last replacement done by a shop indicates an AD-9 filter replacement, so I do not know for sure. It is definitely not an AD-IP judging by size.

I am more concerned about disabling the rig in my drive-way, having a problem with the replacement process, and getting the HOA CC&R police on my case. So I will probably job out this replacement.

I do not have a big problem with after market stuff, especially since the AD-9 is a fairly old component. It does directly replace the AD-4.

So far I have done aftermarket parts on the Cummins water pump and the fuel shut down solenoid with no problems.

IMHO much of the OEM stuff is manufactured abroad anyway, so we end up paying just for the brand name not a different manufacturer.

TQ60 · 07-18-2014, 03:03 PM

Dean...do you have a terminal brake supply in your neck of the woods?

There is one in fresno and that is where we got ours.

It was bendix rebuilt and cheaper than the kit to do it yourself.

Only a couple hoses and maybe 4 bolts.

Ours us in front so easy...yours maybe not.

If you can get it out then they match over the counter.

deandec · 07-18-2014, 07:03 PM

Tony, no that company is only in Fresno and Visalia.

I can find replacement filters and complete units on the Web for reasonable prices.

At 70 years of age and dealing with the air suspension with air leveling and working in the suburban driveway, I am either reluctant or inclined to do the job, depending on the moment.

TQ60 · 07-18-2014, 07:22 PM

Understood...

Should be multiple places that could do the work for decent price.

Since it is gillig chassis...ours is MHA I think but yours may be high rail something else.

Before calling places for quote confirm your chassis then you can ask for general price based on chassis as that info is more likely to be in their system.

Too hot now for DIY...