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Pulled the trigger - New owner if an '89 Monaco Crown Royale

Yahooligan
Explorer
Explorer
Well, we did it. We went with the '89 Monaco Crown Royale 36' we looked at today. Fair price for the condition, though not perfect it's a solid start that just needs some TLC (Nothing major, just little projects). The 6CTA8.3 Cummins fired right up and while not a rocket ship, it had no problem running 65-70 on the freeway. Very little smoke from the exhaust, looked like a typical, healthy Cummins. No leaks from the engine, 4-speed Allison shifted firmly but not harshly and no banging. No air leaks, brakes are great, airbags don't leak but I'm going to replace them as the outer rubber where it's being flexed continuously has deteriorated and flaked off, the cords are faintly showing so those along with new tires and fresh fluids are the first order of business. The interior is in very good shape for its age, just needs a good clean and could use new carpet in the rear bedroom area.

Anyway, we're excited. It may not be as pretty as some others out there on the market, but that's ok. It has character. 😄

Hogan & Clan
26 REPLIES 26

Mike_Hohnstein
Explorer
Explorer
Looked one over identical to yours years back, if the owner would have changed the oil regularly I would have purchased it. It had 70k miles and had a rusty drain plug bolt and a nasty oil filter, then there was the stress crack in the windshield frame next to the gasket. Wish it was a better example, loved that floor plan.
Your 643 will do fine with Dextron, not always the best plan to change a vintage transmission over to syn. You can change the Dextron yearly for a long time before you approach the cost of a syn oil change over. I did go with Amsoil Tork Shift for the MD 3060 upgrade I did to my Wanderlodge. I own a transmission reman facility so I do have some insight into the requirements of Allisons. Motor homes aren't really much of a challenge for 643 as long as it doesn't get overheated.

Smitty77
Explorer
Explorer
That is a classic coach, with great lines... The 2Spd Rear is a real positive. Have fun, and in between 'the projects' go have some fun...
Smitty

Bob___Ann
Explorer
Explorer
Congratulations on your coach. It sure looks like a nice one. Enjoy and stay safe
Bob and Ann
Schnauzer - Della (Rainbow B 3/31/17)
Chihuahua - Lola (Rainbow B 12/26/18)
Autumn-Red Poodle
2019 Tiffin 40 IP Bus
Powerglide Chassis
Cummins 450
Onan 10,000 Watt
Four Slide/ 1.5 Bath
2021 Jeep Unlimited Sahara Toad
Demco Dominator & Airforce One

Yahooligan
Explorer
Explorer
Yup, 2-speed rear and a side bath.
Hogan & Clan

Mike_Hohnstein
Explorer
Explorer
Some of them had a two speed rear axle, does yours? Side bath?

Yahooligan
Explorer
Explorer
bitster98 wrote:
Nice coach. What chassis is it built on? When you change out fluids put transynd in that Allison. She will shift much smoother&you won't have to do it again for a long time.


It's on the 36' Roadmaster chassis (4 airbags).

I did some reading and it looks like the Transynd is compatible with the Dex III so while pricey I do like running synthetics.

I think this has the Allison 643 trans, but I'm not sure. Is there an easy way to ID it?

Thanks!
Hogan & Clan

Valkyriebush
Explorer II
Explorer II
Very nice! Welcome.
Command Master Chief (AW) USN, (ret)
2003 Fleetwood Excursion 330 Turbo Cat 39D
2000 Jeep GC
2005 Big Ruckus (Rides Behind Jeep)
2003 VTX 1800

bitster98
Explorer
Explorer
Nice coach. What chassis is it built on? When you change out fluids put transynd in that Allison. She will shift much smoother&you won't have to do it again for a long time.

jackandh2o
Explorer
Explorer
Sounds good!!

Ray

lj2654
Explorer
Explorer
Looks great and a solid Coach! Congrats to you.
2001 Beaver Contessa Naples 40
2012 Cadillac Srx
retired AirForce 1979-1992

Les_Balty
Explorer
Explorer
Congrats! It sounds like a fun value-buy. The projects should be satisfying.
Les Balty

Peralko
Explorer
Explorer
Congratulations! That is a well-built coach.
Peralko
USAF Retired
2000 Prevost Marathon H3-45
2006 Nissan Maxima