Re: [ihc] wheels again, dual>single conversions?

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@xxxxxxxxx>]

David Raistrick wrote:

> Regarding front axle upgrades without changing completely to 4wd...could
> it be possible to drop a 4wd front axle in the truck and leave it
> disconnected? Perhaps removing the diff and axles, leaving just the shell
> and spindles?
Yep.  That's pretty much how IH built the 2wd Scout IIs.

Imagine a Dana 44 front drive axle, but instead of a center diff, 
there's just a piece of straight tube from wheel to wheel, with standard 
D44 yokes, spindles, wheel hub, etc.  Just no axle shafts, no center diff.

Your "problem" is, if you want a 1T truck, you'll need a 1T front end.. 
and they're not cheap.

My 1T Travelette (later, 1974 vintage) has the FA-7 4000lbs rated front 
coil suspension, with 3800lbs coils, and sits empty with 3200lbs on the 
nose.

A Dana 44 is rated for 3500, maybe 3600lbs max.

Add in a driver and passenger, and I'd be over the weight rating of a 
Dana 44.. forget about filling the backseat, or loading the 8' box.

Salvation comes in the form of a Chevy or Dodge Dana 60 (or 70) front 
end.. but the average price is $1000.  They're rated for 4500lbs though.

They're also almost all 8-lug, standard stuff.  Single or dual.

You could find a Dana 70 from an earlier IH or Dodge, but it'll still be 
drum brake, and still have the odd 6lug BUDD pattern..