L184

[stu simpson]

Wondering if anyone has recently done any brake work on an L180-up model lately. None of my Napa links work anymore, not that they'd help me for a 1950 L-184. Numbers might work off an R model. I need comprehensive brake part #s if anyone has them. The rear is a 2 speed model, nearly identical to the RA 120s found in A and B models all the way down to 160s. I am not sure what crosses. I am not at all conversant in Rs and Ls.

[stu simpson]

What might be a suitable donor vehicle for a front disc conversion? I am guessing an IHC S series hydromax setup for the master, unless the stock hydrovac might be able to handle it. What about a period air-over-hydraulic setup? Yes I know, two systems to set up and potentially fail, but I am looking for ideas here.

When all is said and done, I can't see a disc conversion costing more than all new brake parts for this beast, if available. There are some damn big brakes on this truck, especially the back 4" X 16" type FR.

[Doc Stewart]

Measure your axles and frame mounts and head for the truck salvage yards. Grab the master cylinder that goes with the axle.

[stu simpson]

Not happening around here. Most were cleaned out by $14+ per hundred. I know of a couple of places that will have 79-88 S series trucks that's why I suggested that idea for a master/hydrovac or hydromax. A 79 or 80 will still have the hydrovac setup ala Loadstar. Otherwise I am just fishing here. I'm not swapping in an axle unless I know it is ready to go. Almost worst case is getting 4 cylinders sleeved for 4 skins, but that still leaves me with brittle old springs etc.

My thought is that the rear cylinders may be the same as on the RA120/126/RA184, which are the same as on a Loadstar, IIRC. Those cyls are available, something like 25 or 30 bucks each. There are no visible casting #s on the cyls to compare, sadly. The axle itself is visually identical to 50s, 60s and 70s 2 speed IHC light truck units. Just the brakes are different.

I am sure somewhere I can get kits for the front cyls, I feel more comfortable with new ones. The truck does barely stop but the whole thing needs refresh/refit.

I am seriously considering a front disc conversion using a turned down drum as the 'hub'. I am just still totally clueless on the back.

EDIT: I guess I could gut the back and do the same thing?????

[stu simpson]

Well all of the IH caliper/rotor/pad combos I looked at were pretty high. I would likely need to buy a whole truck or bus cheap and strip it. IN the meantime, I was wondering if anyone had a parts cross for the rear cylinders:

75 586 R93

I need four

[stu simpson]

Well I have a parts update.

I have found several sources for the rear wheel cylinders. I broke down and called Outback Parts because I figured if RJ couldn't get them it was all over. I have found repeatedly in the past that Outback often takes the IH part # and crosses it in one of their resources to find a modern manufactured part that anyone can get over the counter with a significant markup. When he responded immediately that he had them but needed to 'get them in' I knew it was game on. They wanted $89 each for the cylinders, which is not completely a shock to me but I just can't do that. Actually it was $89 plus shipping to him plus shipping to me. Hmmmmmn. Well, after all it is a business.

So I did a little more research.

I found a post on the YT website where a guy had found a couple of these and posted the part # for help to identify the application. One was actually in a Navistar box so I was intrigued. Called my Navistar dealer 2 miles from my house and found that the number straight from the 1949 MT-68 was still good (!) but was coming up 'discontinued'. They are always good for the cross so he gave me his generic cross # and off I went.

Raybestos still listed it as a warehouse order and the part is $87.50 each. Dormans are $65 each.....sounds like we have a winner. I also found someone with 2 NOS cylinders in his inventory for $50 but he hads to do a treasure hunt in his parts room. So while I wait for him to scrounge and rummage and for the YT guy to respond I am going to drag the truck off the farm and onto the hard to break it down to the backing plates. As there is still marginal stopping power I am assuming what I have is at least put together properly.

I also found front cylinder kits for $12 each which is not too bad. Also a MC rebuild kit for $20ish can't remember exactly. Spring kits are apparently available. I have also found brake and clutch linings. I just have to measure the inside of my drums to determine if they are 4", 4.5" or 5".

I have found that 20" tires have really jumped up lately. 9.00 steers are over $200 and 9.00 drives are over $300. Each. Currently has 10.00 on the back.

All in all a decent amount of success this week. Keep in mind this is a worthwhile project as the truck has under 20K miles and has minimal sheetmetal rust.

Long term, this is what I will need:

intact working dash, this one is fried from 12v.
wiper assembly including arms
complete pristine windows and regulators. I can rebuild these but why waste time as they are rusty
nice seat
hood emblem (and maybe a hood? big nose dent)
truck T98, T19 or 5 speed with the driveshaft brake (out with the Fuller F-51-C)
inner door cardboard and a firewall pad
contemporaneous IH dealer roof radio? were they available in 1949?
upper grill trim bar needs restoration (has the very rare L stainless grill trim)