Is there a direct swap trans for these old trucks? If no direct swap, any adapters available? This is for my all original 1950 IH L-122 with a 4 speed & SD200 inline six - pic below. Also, I'm not sure what the factory trans model is. It's a non-synchro 4 speed with a granny 1st. I think is either a Borg Warner T-9 or T-98. I want to look at all my options. Cheers
Your non-synchro transmission is a T-9. The T-98 is synchronized in 2-4 with a granny 1st gear. It's the closest to a direct swap, and should only require maybe shortening the driveshaft. There were a lot of different companion flanges for T-9's and T-98's, so you would need to be sure you get the right one so the u-joint would match up. A T-19 would require some work, but could be made to fit, and would be synchronized in all 4 gears. Unfortunately, the bellhousing pattern on the SD's, BD's and BG's isn't SAE.
Is the dual rear wheel axle stock on your L-122? I was under the impression that dual rear wheels were an option starting with the 130 series. I had a 1953 R-130 with duals and a 5.67 to 1 axle ratio. Mine had the same transmission as yours. I only used it around the farm, so I never got past second gear. Unfortunately, I suspect your transmission options are limited without swapping the engine.
You are correct Andy, the duals came off an early 60's 1-ton with a 6 lug pattern. The main reason I installed them is that I wanted to get away from the locking ring style of wheels. This truck has an unusual "big-6" IH lug pattern, and one piece (non-locking ring) wheels are very rare. I found a pair of 16 x 6 wheels for the front, and later a set of rear 17.5" duallys that are 1-piece, and bolt up to the factory SRW 4.10 axle. I know most guys just swap out the axles for a more common pattern & modern brakes, but I kinda like the look of the factory big six hubs. Here's a pic of my fronts before they went to get powdercoated. I reconditioned the front drums & hubs. I spent a lot of time sanding down these wheels. Before & After pics below
Mine had the same big 6 wheels yours did. Very difficult to find wheels for. I swapped a Chevy 14 bolt into mine to get rid of the split rings on the rear, but was stuck with them on the front. You have a neat project. Those IH’s had a much bigger cab than my 1950 Chevy 3100.
Funny story: I was searching for parts for my '50 L-122, and I was talking to a guy that had plans to strip down and cut up a '50 L-151 1-1/4 ton. With all the parts I wanted, he jokingly mentioned I should just buy the whole thing. So I did It's actually a few inches wider then the L-122 My goal is to recreate this album cover Thanks for the info!!
I'm ok with the double clutching. I'm mainly interested in an overdrive if I can find a compatible trans.
The bad news is older truck 5-speed overdrive trannies are clunky to shift and are only 18% over and an indirect gear, which makes them drive you nuts with the whine. The somewhat good news is IIRC, your vintage IH 3-speed T1 trannies could be had with the Borg-Warner R10 overdrive; a 30% over. jack vines
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