I found a '71 Travelall that someone abandoned at a local RV storage place, The place has title and is sick of looking at it. They also have an early 70s Cadilac sitting tight next to it with the same MO. There's also a guy locally trying to sell me some 3/4 ton chevy axles for a fair price. See where I'm going here:D? If you guessed low buck tow rig from hell you're right. I'm guessing swap the engine, tranny, radiator and other goodies from the caddy and throw the 3/4 ton axles under and go. I'm sure I can swap the engine and junk in pretty easy with the divorced t case. But I didn't think to measure the spring width on the IH axle. Will a Chevy 44 bolt right in or do I have to do a bunch of crap? I got enough projects and if I get this one I want to get it done cheap and quick. Will the 1/2 ton travelall frame be beefy enough tow lots of crap and get flogged like 3 legged mule? Anything else I should know before going further with my idea of the day? Thanks in advance
Travis

If you decide not to take it on as a project, tell me where it is! I'm right here in Tempe, and have been lookin' for a super cheap Travelall.

As far as towing goes, I'd wager that the IH engine is a far more suitable powerplant then the caddy engine.

The Travelall frame is plenty durable, the Chevy axles will be wider than the IH ones.

if its a 1/2T, then the axle swap is a good idea for a tow pig.

Front:
Spring spacing is the same, they *should* bolt right in, even the steering configuration is "simular" (for and aft steering).

You may have to shim the axle a bit for castor/pinion angle issues, but it should be close.

Rear: never checked, but at the worce, new perches.


Swap the MC out for a disc unit (a chevy one *should* work, or you could get a '74/'75 t-all unit)


Motor: if the IH motor runs and the tranny's good. Leave it. You will be happy with it. The caddy would be cool, but its major swap time, got to get trannys that work with it, build new motor and tranny mounts, d-shafts ect.


IH motors rock, may take a while to get it tuned (if its been neglected), but you won't be sorry....


and the mileage will be better :D

Bwahahahah... Rusty, did you just say IH motors and mileage in the same post? :flipoff2:

well it might work with the travelall

this us what a budie and i did

had a 78 cupe da vill with a 425 not title

had a 62 international pickup short box shot engine and frame but it had a title

checked WB of both vehickes and it was 1 inch out


got the back-Ho pulled the body off the caddy frame placed on the pickup cab and box fabed up some mounts did some eletricl done had an old rust bucket pickup that rode like a caddy


you should of seen the faces of the people we took on at the light thinking they can take on a farm truck :eek: :eek: :eek: :laughing: :laughing:


it was a true sleeper

Originally posted by Sully
Bwahahahah... Rusty, did you just say IH motors and mileage in the same post? :flipoff2:

Sure.. I got 9.5mpg towing 14k to RMIHR and home.. that's not bad, is it? :D

Get the T'all, swap the Chevy axles under it. The front will pretty much bolt in.

Custom draglink will hook the steering up.

As Rusty said.. Chevy/IH disc/drum m/c.. 74-80 scout II would do it fine. I buy 'em for $20.

Might look at some add-a-leaves or 3/4T IH springs or *something* firmer for the rear.. my 1/2T T'all is awfully wishy washy.

I'd also leave the IH motor as-is and run it.

A good solid 3/4 T'all would make a good moderate tow-rig. Seats 5 or 6 comfortably, room enough to "camp'" in the back if you want (or haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood).. room for *adults* in the seats.. and not as long as a Sub.

Thanks for all the advice. My daily driver just took a crap tonight so this little idea may get back burnered a bit. Glad to hear the front axle will be a near bolt in. I didn't pop the hood on the caddy but I'm assuming it has hydroboost which I'd swap as well. As for the IH vs. Caddy debate, I'm a big fan of IH motors, they make great tourque, and go for ever... but the Cadilac probably displaces 500 cubic inches and is close to if not over 500 ft/lbs of tourque with an easy to adjust Qjet and HEI. I don't think the IH motor in the truck, not even sure if it's a 304, 345, or 392 it is a 2 brl though, can hold a candle to those numbers assuming it even runs. My trail Scout will be recieveing a 345 one of these days. I definately need a tow rig though. I have some 3/4 ton chevy rear springs I could swap in too, or I can get some rear springs off a Superduty, that should take care of the rear, As for the front do Chevy or Dodge lift springs work for an IH? I wouldn't mind throwing a little lift on it. I think I could pull off a tow rig/ camping mobile for pretty cheap.

Sully if I don't get the T'all I'll definately let you know where it is, I've seen way too much IH iron go to the crusher lately:(.

Thanks again
Travis

Originally posted by Overkiller
sure if it's a 304, 345, or 392 it is a 2 brl though, can hold a candle to those numbers assuming it even runs. My trail Scout will be recieveing a 345 one of these days. I definately need a tow rig though. I have some 3/4 ton chevy rear springs I could swap in too, or I can get some rear springs off a Superduty, that should take care of the rear, As for the front do Chevy or Dodge lift springs work for an IH? I wouldn't mind throwing a little lift on it. I think I could pull off a tow rig/ camping mobile for pretty cheap.

Thanks again
Travis

Well, I pulled 14k with a 2bbl 345 just fine.. :)

As for the front lift springs.. if it's a '71, you should be able to grind the rivets off and slide the shackle hanger back a couple inches to the 2wd location.. which should open up your choice of 73-87 Chevy lift springs.

When I ran the numbers against my '72 110 T'all, I figured a 4" Chevy lift would net me about 2" of lift on my Travelall.