Pile of Parts
Posts: 39
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2020 3:09 pm
41 international K3- advice on brakes
I have acquired a 41 International K3 Woodie, which I am starting to restore. The truck/car is completely intact and the wood is actually in very good condition.
The problem is brakes, which appears to be a common problem for the K3s. I have not been able to find replacement brake shoes for the K3 drum brakes. Likewise, there is not a disc brake conversion for the K3, like there is for the K2 and K1. As brakes are quite important, I am trying to decide how to address this. Of course, it would be nice to keep things as stock as possible, but safety must be addressed.
1. Acquire a Ford Explorer 8.8 rear which has disc brakes. My understanding is that this requires a minimum of fabrication, mostly in relocating the attachment for the newer tube shocks. Is that correct?
If using the Ford Explorer rear end, how is the drive train addressed? Is a "combination" drive shaft using the international and the ford explorer drive shaft created at a machine shop?
2. Are there other/better options for the rear axle assembly that would allow use of the existing 6 bolt international wheels?
3. Are there sources for the rear drum brakes (brake shoes, cylinders, ect) that I am missing?
4. For the front, there appears to be a disc brake conversion for the K1 and K2, but not the K3. Is a new front axle assembly required? I have found a few brake shoes for the front brakes, which would allow use of the existing front end and wheels, but it would look weird with the stock front wheels and aftermarket rear wheels. Any thoughts?
I contacted "Fat man" and they said that they might be able to construct a front end assembly/suspension for the K3, but I need to provide some measurements to them. Anyone found any other options?
Thanks for any help! I have read all the existing threads about this and have gained good information, but not a firm answer on what is the best way to address this issue.