86 motorhome new owner questions

[comotionman]

i am going to pick up an 86 29' airstream and have a couple of questions i am hoping that you guys can answer. i did try to search the first two questions but had no luck finding the answers. and if this is not the correct place to be asking these questions please direct me to the right spot. first of all i would like to change the oil and filter in the 454 and am wondering if they used any special oil pan for enhanced capacity or if it is just a regular oil gm truck oil pan? what is the oil capacity? then i was just wondering what type of rear end is in the motorhome? is it a dana 70? lastly, it would be a good idea for me to get some new wiper blades or preferably refills, any idea as to what blades it has? please keep in mind that i have not seen the unit in person. thanks for any help. phil

[3 Dog Nite]

Welcome to the forums. Changing the oil is just like in a car. I beleive my MH takes 7 qts. of oil. New wiper blades annually are always a good idea. Especially if you don't kow the age of the current blades. Sorry I can't help you with the rest of your questions.

Ridky

[345bill]

phil- engine oil capacity on these is a tough one to answer because they seem to vary quite a bit. Oil cooler size & placement, filter kits, etc. that have been added through the years make it tough to say especially since you haven't seen it yet. The sump on my 454 oil pan appears 'stock' but doing an oil change, filter and bypass filter mine holds 11 quarts. I've read here that other MH's hold 11, some 8 and others 7. The first oil change that you'll do will probably give you the most accurate answer.

There's probably more but I do remember two other members here, Astrodokk and Swinginping, have talked about 454 oil capacities and you can read the posts by doing a search of their threads, in the members list.

Most RV parts places should have your wiper blades but I'd take an old one with me to match up. Camping World had mine.

[3 Dog Nite]

I should've mentioned the wippers are available at any auto parts store. All you need to know is the measurement. My MH uses a 20" long wiper.

Ricky

[comotionman]

thanks alot guys. so the wipers are standard automotive style wipers? if so, i should be able to find them easily. that was my main concern, i was thinking if they are something special i could try to find them now and take them when i go to pick it up. as far as the oil capacity is concerned i will have to wait to see if it has any additional filters and/or coolers and the extra oil lines they would require and add accordingly. as far as the rear axle is concerned, i was just curious. i did see a post where the guy was thinking about changing the gear ratio and he said his had a 14-bolt corporate axle. i am starting to think about a limited slip type carrrier for better traction and was thinking it probably had a dana 70--guess i will wait to see what its got.

[GlenCoombe]

Como, my 1984 has a DANA rear end that I thought was a limited slip?

As far as capacity I'm sure you'll figure that one out...just keep adding oil til the dipstick says stop.

The wipers on my rig are narrow at the attach point. If you find they are not readily available try Millsupply.com as they have a lot of P30 chassis stuff cheap.

Welcome to the Airforums btw and please post some photos of the coach when you get a chance...