Thread: 49 International kb2

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Originally Posted by techinspector1

Cheap Dave, I'm very, very cheap. I would rather call it frugal, but Sharon says CHEAP. I suspect that by the time you cobbled up the front and rear suspension the way you outlined and set up a 9", you could build 3 or 4 Dakota/Internationals for the same money. It would probably take more labor to do it my way, but remember, I'm CHEAP and my labor rate is very attractive to me. Then there is the advantage of replacing OEM parts down the road with one phone call to the local parts house. Dave, you know I love you like a brother, but I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one.

It is no doubt a lot cheaper in parts.....no argument there.... Guess I'm just getting spoiled, the IFS packages we use at the shop are sooooooo nice and all new parts (other then a reman rack).

When installed correctly, the grafted front suspension does work fine......but I've seen a whole lot more cobble jobs then I ever have good jobs..... Also as you mentioned, the method chosen has a lot to do with the builder's skill and the amount of time he can (or is willing) to put into the project and have it come out right.... From a shop standpoint if a customer is paying the bills the majority of the time a made to fit IFS package comes out costing less.... However, for an at home craftsman with the time, knowledge, ability, and equipment to do the upgrade correctly, grafting from a donor will cost less....

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.

Ive got the identical truck in mys dads shed , nice base to build something.
my plans are, that i have a 78 landcruiser 6 cyl 4 spd that is slowly but shurely turning to dust but runs really good.
I am thinking of an entire powertain and steering swap into the old ihc.
if the 6 craps out maybe swap a chev v8 into it eventualy.