I have a 47 international KB5. It has two piece wheels. I need to swap spindles to something different so I can use regular bolt on wheels. What spindles will fit? If here is something close I can machine them to fit
A KB-5 has huge wheelwells, it's a 1.5 ton truck. Even if you could change spindles to put half-ton wheels on it, how are you going to deal with the acres of space between the tires and the fenders? Lower it? Sure, but if you're going to do that better purchase an appropriate half-ton axle and have it dropped by Nostlgia Sid. I love these old IHCs, I own lots of them. I often think what you're thinking, but the fact is 1.5 ton is too different from half-ton for TRADITIONAL hot rodding. I may get shot for saying it, but maybe a different frame? I'd be glad to talk about these trucks anytime. Good luck, Don
Go here - these guys will be able to answer all of your questions. The website is kinda weird - when you go that first page, click the link that takes you to the forums. Good buncha guys on there. Very helpful.
The KB5 was offered with 2 types of wheels, the 2 piece wheels (outside ring with center as the hub/drum) and a one piece wheel with a large 5 lug patten (way larger then any 1/2 ton pickup), pretty sure both used the same spindle, you just need to find the other hub and drum plus the other wheels. The KB-5 like stated is a 1.5 ton truck, with a larger frame, springs and axles, the fenders are longer at the lower rear then the smaller pickup and the wheel opening is a bit larger, other then that the fender is the same size over all, you just need to shorten the lower 2.5"s and its just a pickup fender is a little larger opening. The cab.hood, grill, inner fenders, radiator support are the same from K-1(1/2 ton) through K5(1.5 Ton).
I have the other hub and drum assemblies. But what about the rear axle? With the different hubs, now it takes Budd 20" split rims. Still not traditional. I personally have no problem with it. How does he get the truck lowered, though? I completely understand the need to hot rod. But maybe another vehicle would be a little easier? Or show me I'm wrong, hot rod the heck out of it and I'll learn something. Not a bit of meanness in this post, i guarantee it!
Smog guy could you post some pics of the wheels and hubs you have? What is the bolt pattern? My spindles look the same as a Chevy or ford but they are a larger diameter. The outer bearing is .937 (15/16) and the inner is 1.562 (1 9/16). I think the disc brake conversions from speedway have 3/4 and 1 3/8 bearings. I guess I could machine my spindles down and use one of those kits. I do own a machine shop so it wouldn't cost me anything.
On the half ton truck axles I've been installing 48-52 F-1 Ford spindles. When dropping those axles I set the inclination to match those spindles. With the f1 spindles there are all kinds of brakes that fit those. www.droppedaxles.com
Not sure if it helps or not but my brother has a '47 international KB-2 i believe, and he just had a machine shop turn his down to accept chevy hub/rotors off a chevelle and the bearings. It worked out awesome. That way we could just re-use the stock front axle, and the spindles would just bolt right back up.
in my previous off topic aicooled vw life drop spindles were made (long ago before aftermarket recasts)by taking two pairs of spindles, cutting the axle stub off the one to be attached to the suspension and welding a second with the bosses cut off the back offset to lower (or raise). To the first one. You could do the same thing but with 2 different dpindles to change brakes/wheels and lowers at the same time. track width only widened bywidth of the flange on the spindle on each side. Just a thought
I realise this is an old thread but... If it was my truck I would be looking for a whole new axle. 1 1/2 ton trucks use leaf spring solid axle suspension still don't they? If I could find one with springs the same width apart I would bolt it on and have modern disc brakes, later king pins and all (easy to get parts for). I would try to cabbage the rear axle off the same truck and have compatible brakes, wheels and all.
Old Sprint cars use those spindles, do they have a 1" king pin ? I have a set with 6 pin knockoffs and Wilwood disc brakes. Chris
I,m wondering if you or anybody on here know about wildmanbills international front end convertion from drums to disk ,, I need a template he has to finish this project have all the other parts but this thanks and please ask your friends if they might know I seen him on here a while back I have just joined this page ? thank you
gladiator, bill is active on oldihc.org and has posted his front disc brake conversion many times. rick
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