Thread: 49 International kb2

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Originally Posted by techinspector1

Well, it is a mid-sized truck, not a mini, so I suspect it could hold up well to a larger V8. The engine bay is larger on the '91 to '96 Gen I than it is on the '87 to '90 Gen I, according to what I read about them.

Well, better just put it on my "things to do" list....... Got way too many projects of my own that I'm having to ignore now..... But it sure would be fun....especially if it still appeared stock from the outside........

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Well, better just put it on my "things to do" list....... Got way too many projects of my own that I'm having to ignore now..... But it sure would be fun....especially if it still appeared stock from the outside........

Yeah, we've got a '54 Buford to chop up first.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Well, it is a mid-sized truck, not a mini, so I suspect it could hold up well to a larger V8. The engine bay is larger on the '91 to '96 Gen I than it is on the '87 to '90 Gen I, according to what I read about them.

A problem that I see is the placement of the stock gas tank. It takes up a lot of space on the left hand side and the exhaust is run on the right hand side of the truck. Mine in stock form has a 22 gallon tank and a single cat and it's pretty crowded between the frame rails.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Yeah, we've got a '54 Buford to chop up first.

-----and still a couple ahead of the Buford to finish up!!!!!! As I've said before, if you can't die til all your projects are done, looks like I'm here forever!!!!!!!

Sergeant Hump, you have a PM.

Didn't mean to start a thread Hi-jack on you Sarge, just couldn't pass up a chance to mess with Richard a bit!!!!! Whichever way you decide to procede on your project, good luck with it and keep us updated on your progress!!!!

Everyone has different tastes. I think much of the charm of an old truck is lost when you ditch the solid axle. If you want an S-10 ride, maybe just drive an S-10. Ok so that is a little narrow minded, one of my best friends is doing a 40 Ford pu on S-10.
I think someone already mentioned dropping it and upgrading the brakes, or maybe just find a 70s axle with the disc brakes already on it.

ssgthump told me on a PM that he posted up some pics of progress on the International KB2/Dakota frame swap, but I couldn't find them, so I'm posting them here for the rest of you fellows to see....

Originally Posted by willowbilly3

Everyone has different tastes. I think much of the charm of an old truck is lost when you ditch the solid axle. If you want an S-10 ride, maybe just drive an S-10. Ok so that is a little narrow minded, one of my best friends is doing a 40 Ford pu on S-10.
I think someone already mentioned dropping it and upgrading the brakes, or maybe just find a 70s axle with the disc brakes already on it.

I have a 55 Cameo and I'm keeping the solid axle, want to put power rack & pinion in, giving the truck to my daughter when I'm gone. Getting a 400 sbc and 4 speed, I'm going to use it to tow my 60 Vette when I go drag racing...
I drove the truck for a few years and it rode good why put IFS.
My Vette has kingpins, drum brakes, no power anything, just go's down the road....fast....
If you want a new car ride, buy a new car......JMHO

Originally Posted by Jack60

If you want a new car ride, buy a new car......JMHO
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I guess that's ok for some--Personally I want it all!!!! Big horsepower, excellent handling, great ride, and brakes that will stop on a dime and not fade.... ain't gonna happen with old technology. Takes IFS with correct geometry and an adequately sized and well balanced braking system.

Not much on new cars....other then sometimes they're handy for robbing some very nice suspension pieces from...

As for the rack and pinion with a straight axle... Bump steer issues abound!!!!! Some guys have gone to the Uni-Steer system, haven't driven one or mapped out the steering geometry, not sure how well they work.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

And of course I'll take the opposing point of view, Richard. I would leave both the S-10 and the Dakota frames wherever they are and go with an IFS setup with a front crossmember made specifically for your truck.... Then in the rear, a 9" Ford rear end narrowed to fit your specific wheel and tire combination with coilovers and a triangulated 4 bar suspension system.... I've put the IFS packages under everything from 30's coupe to 70's pickups and have never had a bit of trouble with them. The good one's use the same geometry as the Mustang II's, but then build them with DOM tubing for control arms, heavy duty ball joints, 11" disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and all the other goodies. With this setup, you retain your stock frame which is designed for the truck. The body parts, radiator support, etc. all re-attach easily, and the best part you can make it as low as you want, and still retain the stock appearance of the truck!!!!

I agree with Dave. Use the original frame with a front crossmember that is designed for your pickup, and I would add box the rails for additional strength. You might contact Chassis Engineering to see if they have what you need. I learned to drive in my dad's '49 Int. pickup so they have a special memory for me.

Hey guys I appreciate all the help everyone has given me, especially Techinspector1 who gladly (I think) helps me out with questions. Here is some pictures that I recently took of some progress that we have made.

Well it has been a while, floor is in, leaded in the joints, looks good. Waiting on my steering column to get here this week, I dont think it is going to be that bad, then its on to the brakes... God I hope the brakes go half way smooth. If I can get them done with out pulling all my hair out the rest of this is going to be down hill. Took the rad to a shop today to get it rodded and have a flow test done to see if it will be usable to cool the 350. If not Ill throw it on Ebay and get some good cash for it. Installed the rear end, new brakes, E-brake cables and a 3.55 set of gears.










This is my nine month old Preston, it will be his someday after he wrecks somthing a little cheaper first!

Looks like a fun project. Keep the pics coming!

July 27th was the last update I had posted on this marathon. I recently hit a hotllick on the IH, my biggest hang up had been the front windshield frame. I was driving home couple months ago, and noticed what I thought to be a IH cab with glass and frame sitting in a neighbors driveway. I did as any gear head would do, I stoped and spent about 3 hrs making friends. This guy has a beautiful 38 ford 2 door he was was squeezing a new Hemi down in. Anyway he took a saturday and helped me rebuild the frame. He is a local welding teacher, and taught me some very good techniques with the welder. The window frame is ready for paint and glass, still have to order some seals, but thats the easy part. I have finally started doing the body work with only a few months till we up and move to either SC or VA, so God only knows when we will find a house, get moved in, AND we have another addition to the family on the way, this time a Girl only to further throw off the powers within my domain... However I will be happy no matter what! I will post some pics this weekend, hope everyone has been doing well.