I have an all original 1950 IH L-122 Series 3/4 ton flatbed truck. It requires a complete front brake job, and a possible wheel replacement due to extensive rust. The replacement brake parts are non-existent, as well as the rims. I'm looking at some possible swap options. I'm attempting to find specs on Chevy / GMC / Ford truck axles. I did find a 1956 GMC front axle from a 1-ton model, but I need some critical measurements before I pull the trigger. If I go this route, it will be a wheel to wheel swap, along with all the steering pieces. After I do the front axle, I will start looking into swapping the rear, but I think I should be able to drive it in the mean time after I swap the front. Does anyone have any technical data on possible I-beam swap candidates? I'm trying to find details on GMC I-beam axles up to 1959. I'm attaching my axle specs below. My front axle code is F-170. If anyone has a measurement on spring spacing on a Chev or GMC truck (center-to-center), that would be very helpful. Also, I'm not looking to do any clip, IFS kit, or frame swaps. Only the front axle. I don't have the time or space for any major modifications. Cheers.
You can see what wheel bearings fit your truck and do a little research and you may find some other hubs that take the same bearings and will fit your spindles.
Post current measurements. I have a 57 gm 3/4 ton axle laying around. What bolt pattern is on the truck! Brake shoes can be re-lined. Wheel cyls can be rebuilt/re-sleeved.
You want to check the spring bolt to spring bolt center to center measurement before looking at axles. Looking at Sid's site. 55/59 Chevy axles are 31-7/8 from spring pad center to spring pad center. https://www.droppedaxles.com/ Anything any newer is going to be too wide kingpin to kingpin. The big problem with International is that 90% of the time the only place you could and can get parts is from an IH dealer's parts counter. They never released a lot of parts to be made by the aftermarket. From working both in a Firestone stone store and at a Ryder truck shop in the 70's that was a constant issue.
I am assuming these are 5 stud hubs. What I have found that a lot of caravans in Australia use an almost identical backing plate, shoes and such. You just need an adapter for bearings. https://www.couplemate.com.au/drums-and-hubs/12-drums/2t-3t-electric-brake-drum-12/
That's a great idea. I will dig into that for sure. It looks like my spring center spacing is 28", and the U bolts are 2-1/2" The wheel hubs are 6 lug on 7-1/4"
A little snooping around says the same king pins were used until 1970. (According to a parts source ) I’m no expert on internationals. If that’s true, a later style brake set up could be a possibility
It appears the same king pin, 7/8, was used on 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks https://oldinternationaltrucks.com/parts-store/axle/front/king-pin-kit-78-king-pin-d215-k-kb-123/
Just consider that IH was largely an assembler of trucks, and, with some exception ( eg rear axle assemblies on medium trucks of that era) used parts, often off the shelf, made by the big name suppliers like Spicer, Timkin, Bendix, and others. Bottom line is that many parts should cross over.
From the data you attached, spring center spacing is 28" on your F-170 axle. 1933-1939 Chevy car axles are also 28". https://www.droppedaxles.com/chevy-dropped-axles-0
I guess one question is the difference between a 120 and 122. Rock auto lists master cyl, wheel cyl and hoses for both
Try this.............. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/international-kb1-spindle-swap-options.1091403/ https://www.tsmmfg.net/international-truck-complete-front-disc-brake-kit-1457.html
Not on topic for this site but I saw an International Pickup that had a 70s chevy truck complete front end installed, they bolt in and the owner told me it was basically a bolt in in the international. Yes I know you said you do not want to swap to an independent front end, so ignore this if you want to.
I found sellers on eBay with brake parts for the L-120, which I believe is the same (a 3/4 ton but just with different load ratings.) https://www.ebay.com/b/Brakes-Brake-Parts-for-1950-International-Harvester-L120/33559/bn_7063493981 For that matter, from what I've read 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks used the same spindle, so the 5 lug hubs and brakes from a 1/2 ton IH should bolt on. I'd think used wheels shouldn't be that hard to find.
stuart is correct. over on OLDIHC I have been told that L,R & S 110 half ton hub/drums will slide right on and the brakes and backing plates are the same for the front. I just picked up a parts R110 truck to do that to for my R120. a ford explorer rear axle is also the correct width for the rear. you just need to replace the spring pads. they are like an inch or two off for the springs. the L,R, & S 100's use a smaller brake and wont work. rockauto does have the brake parts on their page as of now.
This is my experience as well. My dad worked for IH and drove IH pickups since I was in Jr HS. I owned one a fe years too new for this forum, but I never had any problems getting parts for it at the local auto parts chain store, or local mom & pop auto parts store. Brakes, ignition tune up, carburetor, starter, alternator, filters, belts, etc. Radiator hoses were a little harder, but the local IH truck store parts dept would have them. The engine was IH, but the transmissions are typically BW or even Chrysler Torqueflight. All of these parts are as readily available as any other 50 - 60 y.o. truck.
Just to throw the idea out there, but there have been some articles/threads about flipping the axle above the springs and fabricating/welding new spring perches. Even though you aren't looking to lower it, you could apply the same fabrication techniques to add new spring perches to a Ford or Chevy axle to fit your IH.
If the 110 hubs will slide on. Then the backing plates /spindle is the same. If that be the case then TSM makes a bolt on disc brake kit for it. I know it’s not traditional but I like stopping. I put it one mine that I had years ago. It also had 3 on tree and an unusually high ( mid 3s like 3:55 ) stock rear which I left. Went all over the country in it. Used a frame mounted Ford MC /welded plate. (right in front of steering box. )Lengthened stock rod. Literally was bolt in from there. Good luck.
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