1970's International Loadstar 1700 4x4

tractorsam

Well-known Member
I've been reviewing my tractor hauling situation and I'm not quite sure where to go. I'm currently using a '98 Dodge 3500 and while I like it well enough I think I'm already pushing its limits. According to the manual I'm only allowed a gross combination weight of 16500lbs and the truck weighs close to 7000lbs empty, add to that my trailer (24' 5th wheel deckover) which I'm calling 4000lbs and that only leaves me 5500lbs payload. That said I haul 10000lbs on the trailer fairly often but I wouldn't mind being able to haul a second tractor. So the way I see it I've either got to uprate the dodge to handle the load or get a different truck.

On that note I've recently run across an add for a mid 70's IH loadstar 1700 4x4 with only 24000km, currently dressed as a fire truck. From the pictures it looks to be in great shape and the price seems very reasonable. I've been toying with the idea of going and having a look at it but I'm concerned about weather a truck of that vintage is viable for more than parade use. Can you get things like brake parts etc? Anything else to look out for?

Many thanks, Sam
 
The old International were good trucks no doubt about it. If you have the build sheet you shouldn't have a problem getting parts, With out it it could be a problem. I had a 68 1700 Load Star and I didn't have any problem getting wheel cylinders or brake shoes for it(it had Rockwell Axles). A good parts man can find them. The days of a goose neck and a 1ton are about over. I had to pass on a IH 1700 single Axel city tractor 345 5&2 that I wanted to pull my goose neck trailer with and would have handled it mighty fine. The funny thing was when I checked on insurance for the IH (GVW of 32000lbs) was cheaper than my 1ton. He said 26000 to 43000 is considered a medium duty truck and is cheaper than a light duty and heavy duty trucks, Go Figure! Bandit
 
That is good to know. Looking at the generic specs the 1700 is rated for just about where I want to be. I"m thinking of going to a 35" tandem axle with dual wheels which ought to give me a payload towards 15000lbs. I like the looks of the old IH trucks and that is what my tractors are so it ought to fit well. It currently has a 304 and I"ve no idea what the transmission is. It also has hydraulic brakes. Many thanks, Sam
 
I had a 62 1700 loadstar, never had problems finding parts. As a matter of fact I still have a large parts breakdown manual for that series. It was a good truck for its time but was pretty slow with the small v8 (304 I think it was). I replaced it with a cummins dodge just for that reason. That was before the crackdown thats got you looking for a bigger truck though (wish Id kept my loadstar now). It didnt get terrible fuel mileage It was about the same as my full size jeep pickup right around 8-9 mpg. If I remember correctly insurance was around $380.00 a year ,it was much cheaper in that respect than any other truck Ive had. Always liked the looks and it had pretty good brakes on it felt safer pulling with it.
 
Two things to look out for,being 4x4 it might be too high frame wise and take a different(special) trailer hitch height.The second problem being 4x4 the gear ratio might be too low for much highway running.Good luck otherwise on it.
 
That's something I hadn't really considered but will definitely have to check out. I'm not a speed demon but it should at least be highway capable. I can't imagine me keeping the 304 in it though, knowing me I'd want it to be diesel so the gearing is even more important. Although come to think of it, I have an old auxiliary four speed (out of a dump truck) sat home in the yard and that might just be the cure for it if it is a little slow. Thanks, Sam
 

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