I might actually finish this thing!

[Dodger-TC]

Well it has been a while since I post any updates, so here it goes.

In the past month I have replace the tires, installed another 50 gallon fuel tank on the drivers side, replaced the front bumper, and drilled more holes than I want to remember...

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

Looks good. Keep at it and keep the pictures coming.

 

[Dodger-TC]

This past weekened I was able to get a hatch installed for some air movement in the box.

 

[Dodger-TC]

So a little more got done this past weekend, I am thinking that by the end of the month the box will be on the frame! That is if all goes well, and the weather holds out.

Dodger

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

Looks good. Are you going to cut out the back of the cab and make a pass through to the box?

 

[Dodger-TC]

Yeah, the cab has a 60" by 60" knockout section from the factory. I will reinforce it according to the service manual prior to any cutting. I am using the same mounts on the cab as well since I am hard mounting the box to the cab as it was originally mounted on the old chassis. Hopefully it all works out, so far lots of measuring before any cutting or drilling.

 

[Dodger-TC]

So I was able to finish up all the support brackets and crossmembers to support the box. Nothing like 3/4" bolts through 3" poly bushings to keep everything in place! Well it is now ready to be pulled all apart and painted. I also need to order a new front fuel tank bracket for the passenger side. The truck had been in an accident before I bought it, so I am still sorting out some of the damge. After paint it will be ready for the box swap! Which is a good think, because the old ambulance van frame is really starting to rust out!

 

[Dodger-TC]

Stripped all the new metal work off for paint. Time to wire brush the whole frame and get to painting!

 

[Dodger-TC]

Sanded, acetone wiped, and painted!

 

[Kenn-TC]

Looks good keep the pictures coming. Kenn

 

[Dodger-TC]

Painted brackets back on and torqued up!

 

[Dodger-TC]

Well, it is back outside, cross members all painted up and installed. Even found time to fix the ignition switch wiring up. Just a few little things left, then it is box swap time!

 

[CumminsFan]

Bushing Source?

Dodger,

What application are your bushings from? Where did you procure them? Do you have a part number? Manufacturer?

Regards

 

[Dodger-TC]

Dodger,

What application are your bushings from? Where did you procure them? Do you have a part number? Manufacturer?

Regards

They are a mixture of parts I had to gather up, but here is what I got:

- 1990 Ford Bronco Radius Arm Bushings from autozone (cut the uppers bushing to 3/4" in height, and drilled the center hole of the bushings and top beveled washer to 15/16")
- 3/4" X 5" grade 8 bolt with nut from Lowes
- the stainless steel bushings are cut into 2" pieces from a larger stock 15/16" O.D. X 3/4" I.D. from Fasatenal
- some 3/4" willams washers from fastenal across the top and bottom of each bolt.

 

[AKat777]

Awesome work so far Dodger.. I didnt realize before looking over the posts, we have the same truck. IH 4700. I have the DT466 though. I cant imagine trying to drive my truck with the 360. It dies on the hills with the 466.

 

[Dodger-TC]

I had really wanted to the 360 because of its similarity to the Cummins 5.9 ( an engine I lots of experience with). Mine is not the 7100 P-Pump, it has the Bosch MV type injection pump. There are lots of ways to pull power from these motors. Just look at the the 1000 horsepower tractor pulls the 466 is used on. Once I get a little farther on my truck I will put a larger turbo/intercooler on it, have the injectors extrusion honed, maybe different nozzles. I will post my results as I go. Good luck with your rig!

 

[AKat777]

Well I dont know about 1000 horsepower, but I wouldnt mind more than I have now. But I worry I start tweaking the engine, the transmission (which does not like to shift as it is) will get worse. But I wont lie.....more power to get up those hills and not be doing 35 at the top wouldnt hurt my feelings at all.

Perhaps it's just unique to this truck, I dont know. But this truck does not like to shift out of 1st (automatic) until 2000-2200. If I did that to the rigs I drive (mostly Volvo & Mack with 10 speed Fullers) the damn thing wouldnt go into gear no matter what I tried. Sweet spot on the Volvos and the new Mack (2009) I drive is around 1400....not the insane 2200 that the IH wants to shift at.

 

[Dodger-TC]

there are plenty of trannies out there that will bolt up in that truck. I am going to replace my 545 with a manual when it finally goes out. I already start gathering up parts for the swap. The clutch pedal and cable were much easier to find than I thought they would be.

 

[AKat777]

It certainly isnt something I would want to try to get done on the road during the tour, but I am thinking I would prefer a manual instead of the automatic. You planning on putting in a 6 speed when the auto fails?

 

[Dodger-TC]

I was going for the spicer 7 speed or an eaton 8, there is a local medium and heavy truck salvage yard in Hopkinville, Ky. The guy Earl that runs the place is amazing when it comes to these IH4700 trucks. He has helped me tremendously with parts and advice. Everyone I talk to about these trucks says they auto tranny is what makes them horrible on the road. They never shift right, and are almost always in the wonrg gear for the terrain. While the 545 series Allison is a tough tranny, it just doesn't fit my driving style.