[Neweller]

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1691 8/24/2005 5:39:22 PM 8/24/2005 TechTalk Staff TechTalk@newellcoach.com Steerable tag Our apologizes. We intended to post a commentary immediately from the TechTalk staff and overlooked it.

This is one of those areas where, yes, it could be done, but most certainly the cost would be prohibitive. Without even checking pricing for all of the required ZF parts (they are expensive), the chassis structure and attachment points, both front and rear, are significantly different for the ZF suspension. Note that the "wheelbase" between the drive and tag axles is longer with the ZF setup. That means the drive axle would be moved forward, requiring the center section of the chassis and the body to be modified. This would be a huge job.

We don't mind doing retrofits if the value is there. For example, we have modified several of the Series 2000 coaches with the original rectangular headlights to the newer design front end with the round Hella Xenon gas discharge projector headlights, at a total cost of about $10,000. But sometimes a retrofit is just way outside of any justifiable cost, and we believe that retrofitting the ZF suspension sits in that category.