International Harvesters on the African Caravan

PeeWee · 08-23-2009, 03:37 PM

What happened in Africa need not stay in Africa.

In April at the Cherry Blossom Rally, a true, diehard IH collector asked how did the IH's perform in Africa?

I was blunt, hopefully not insulting, but my first word was spelled out. I don't believe it was the answer that was sought.

I spelled "J U N K!" I'm sorry, but it is true the IH's were nothing but trouble.

What about the Chevrolets, Fords, Dodges and the one Land Rover? No memorable problems.

In good faith Wally Byam purchased an International Harvester. And so did most of the African Caravanner’s.

So what's wrong with that?

Nothing on paved roads. Nothing on toll roads. And maybe nothing when not towing an Airstream.

There were severe engineering discrepancies in the drive train. I am not engineer, but will detail the problems.

Broken axles, spider gears shattering their teeth, drive shafts cracking...yes monumental, and universal. To my knowledge most, if not all, of the International Harvesters had trouble. And many had problems more than once. Snap, crack-led, and plop!

The first line of defense was the Union of South Africa, then Africa, then Europe...when we depleted the parts on two continents we had to have them flown in from the United States.

So a presumed commonality to protect breakdowns and down time, turned into a physical disaster.

"J-U-N-K"

62overlander · 08-23-2009, 03:44 PM

I know when he asked you the question, he was expecting a different response about their performance.

Goin camping · 08-23-2009, 06:52 PM

Dale,

Long time IH owner, collector and fan here.

I challenge you to a duel. Have your second contact mine.

nvestysly · 08-23-2009, 07:13 PM

Pee Wee,

How many of each vehicle brand were used on the trip. It would be interesting to know. Sounds like most of the trailers were pulled by IH. How many GM, Ford and Dodges. You said one Land Rover.

If you have details please post the model/rating (i.e. 1500, 2500, 3500). I realize the older trucks may not have used these model numbers but you get the idea. I'm curious if the IH was under-rated and maybe the GM, Ford, Dodge and Land Rover had a heavy duty drive trains.

No excuses for IH, just curious.

Lucius

Goin camping · 08-23-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvestysly

Pee Wee,

If you have details please post the model/rating (i.e. 1500, 2500, 3500). I realize the older trucks may not have used these model numbers but you get the idea. I'm curious if the IH was under-rated and maybe the GM, Ford, Dodge and Land Rover had a heavy duty drive trains.
Lucius

I doubt Dale (no offense) can answer that.

My '57 was an B120 3/4 4X4 and my '60 (made in 59) was a B120 3/4 4X4 factory fitted with 2 ton trans, transfer case and rear end. It was a fire truck and yet other than the grill looked exactly like the '57. The options list from IH was thicker than a phone book as they were mostly commercial vehicles.

As a very general rule though. There were very few 1/2 ton 4X4's

Excella CM · 08-23-2009, 08:30 PM

It is interesting and puzzling to note that International Harvester used the same drive components that other manufacturers did, supplied by Dana, Spicer, Fuller, and the like. They made their own engines and bodies. One wonders why the same equipment worked OK in one manufacturer's vehicle, but not in another's?

PeeWee · 08-23-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvestysly

Pee Wee,

How many of each vehicle brand were used on the trip. It would be interesting to know. Sounds like most of the trailers were pulled by IH. How many GM, Ford and Dodges. You said one Land Rover.

If you have details please post the model/rating (i.e. 1500, 2500, 3500). I realize the older trucks may not have used these model numbers but you get the idea. I'm curious if the IH was under-rated and maybe the GM, Ford, Dodge and Land Rover had a heavy duty drive trains.

No excuses for IH, just curious.

Lucius

Lucius,

I really don't know off hand. I may have the info somewhere. The only Land Rover was purchased in South Africa.

Pee Wee

PeeWee · 08-24-2009, 08:42 AM

If "Cash for Clunkers" was in stride in 1959, none of the International Harvesters would have made it out of the show room, and most all mechical problems would have be avoided in Africa.

62overlander · 08-25-2009, 05:46 AM

Dale, Was it true that the Land Rover never broke down once? Were any of the other tow vehicles free of break downs?

robandzoe · 08-25-2009, 07:42 AM

They might have broken down, but they made it... IHs are part of America's heritage.... and that's why I love em!

Ike T · 08-25-2009, 08:14 AM

I still have to work on ours before, (sometimes during), and after every tow trip. It's par for the course with IHs.

PeeWee · 08-25-2009, 08:27 AM

Frank,

The Land Rover never had a problem. If the other brands had problems they were minor.

The IH's were like lemmings on a mass sucide march off a cliff.

REDNAX · 08-25-2009, 08:54 AM

Sorry to hear this. Remember reading about IH used in India/Pakistan in early 1960's and how one could even find parts in a bazaar in Peshawar. May now know why.

PeeWee · 08-29-2009, 07:00 PM

This thread was posted to show the distruibution of tow vehicle manufacturers used on the African caravan.

Tow Vehicle Distruibution Africa 1959, You asked for it!