79 IH S-???? Flatbed Things to check for

bestes1206 · Jul 4, 2015

Hi All Happy Independence Day!

I am likely about to pick up a S-1700 I think seller doesn't know for sure . It's a single dual axle with stated original 60k miles
The price is so right that I think no matter I will buy it if it runs and moves under its own power ( I could make my $ back in in scrap weight / parting it out)
Owner states that is has dt 466 but not sure that dt466 existed in 79, and a Eaton 5Spd High/Low It looks to have never had a DOT #
Has PTO Hyd pump and air breaks

Questions:
1 Things to look for specific to this vintage IH truck?
2 Is it likely under 26001#
3 is it possible that it truly is a DT466? IF so are they good from that vintage ? I am a lot more familiar with cats and dd, I hear they are good economical but somewhat underpowered but last for ever

Thanks

Creamer · Jul 4, 2015

That is a nice looking vehicle for that age. I have an '86 S1600 that has the same engine as Ford pickups. Not a very appreciated engine.

DT466s were around in '79 -if it is a six cylinder it probably is a DT466. Always was a good engine. My dad had one in a 1979 1586 tractor.

Norm W · Jul 5, 2015

There should be a door plate either on the door or the jam. It will have the specs for the front and rear axles. Add those together and you will have the GVW. Some states require an amendment on your license or a "B" CDL with air brakes. Check with your local DMV. The truck's greatest fault would probably be rust, either on the frame or suspension parts.

gary49 · Jul 5, 2015

Could also be a DT-360. Still an excellent engine.

bestes1206 · Jul 6, 2015

gary49 said:
Could also be a DT-360. Still an excellent engine.

Is that in effect a smaller DT466?

bestes1206 · Jul 6, 2015

Norm W said:
There should be a door plate either on the door or the jam. It will have the specs for the front and rear axles. Add those together and you will have the GVW. Some states require an amendment on your license or a "B" CDL with air brakes. Check with your local DMV. The truck's greatest fault would probably be rust, either on the frame or suspension parts.

Will for sure check out the door plate and reg docs since it was plated last year for weight.
Lucky for us in the Rockies rust is usually just surface
Were IH's known for rusting out at suspension attachment points ?

I found out so long as I operate it within 150 air miles of ranch nothing required other than a valid DL
Up til 2003 I had a CDL A with X not interested in jumping through all the DOT FMCSA hoops to haul some logs/hay so that part is key in my buy/no buy but should be worked out see above