Rookie
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2019 2:00 pm
KB11, R-190, Loadstar 1600
Just been looking around the forum trying to gather some info about my upcoming build Ill be starting this fall and thought I better login and introduce myself.
I currently have three trucks Im messing around with. I have a RDF-190, I believe its a mid 50s? I forget at the moment, its not my favorite and Im currently in the middle of selling it to a friend. It already had a DT466 International Diesel swapped into it, but a shed fell in on it before I got it and did some cab damage. Its just to big of a project for what Im after.
The next truck I have in a early 60s? Loadstar 1600. It has a hydraulic dump bed, but also hydraulic brakes (not my favorite). The previous owner accidentally put hydraulic fluid in the engine instead of motor oil and drove it 200 miles. My plans for this truck is to put the cab on a 2wd dually pickup frame and turn the dump bed into a utility trailer for my ranch. But this is a few years away.
The last truck is my favorite and the one Ill be starting this fall. Its a 1948 KB-11. It has air brakes which Im excited about and in really good condition. It has a 5 speed trans, and a 2 speed rear end. Almost no rust anywhere. It started its life as a over the road truck until the late 60s. Then a logging company in Washington state bought it and ran it for another 20+ years. It then was purchased from the guy I got it from in the 90s and brought to Ontario, OR. At some point the engine seized. He started on it but due to health he sold his farm to a friend of mine and I picked up the KB11 and R-190 for $500. A broken down tractor, a second red diamond engine, and loads of parts and pieces came with the deal as well.
My main plans for the KB are to swap the engine with a DT360, the trans with a medium duty 6 speed with overdrive, and get rid of the 2 speed rear end. Im leaving the exterior in its current condition, except for getting rid of the 5th wheel and replacing it with a gooseneck hitch, but doing a really nice interior with air conditioning and heat. I may also have to regear the rear end because I want to be able to do 75 on the freeway. Also add a 4 link or similar with airbags on all four corners.
Im mainly looking for help on how to get power steering, and regearing the rear end, as well of finding interior kits or pieces.