1989 International S1600

S1600

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Spruce Pine NC
I bought an ex u haul truck. With only 188,00 miles. 7.3 with 5 speed with super low 1st gear. I think the trans is a clark or spicer. Truck looks like its only a couple years old under the hood or underneath.Motor even looks new,maybe it was a replacement? Got it from a church. It has a 26 foot box and is the low profile version with air bags in the rear. I think it has the 4.33 rear gears as the truck will run 65 on interstate. I am going to use the truck as a toy hauler (only motorcycles). But the trips I will take are anywhere from 5-10 hours. I really need to be able to do 75 on the interstate. I know the truck has a SAE 2 bell housing. Can someone please help me figure out a 6,7,10 speed transmission to help with my top speed? I plan on adding a turbo kit from hypermax. But before I drop $3k I want to try a trans swap first. Thanks in advance.
 

DaveBen

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The number of shifts has to do with the lower end through to the top. The final Over Drive ratio is still pretty close to a 5 spd. I drove a 13 speed for years and all I remember is that I could shift 4 times going through an intersection.
 

riphip

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Maybe you can find a 2 speed rear axle to get you there. Should be plenty out there.
 

compressionignitionrules

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Nice score, I agree on the 2 speed rear axle, might even score a better gear ratio in the high set. that would probably be your cheapest route. posting a pic of your new truck would be a great thing to share.............:popcorn.

I watched for one of these trucks for years to put my 67 Merc 700 cab/front on but they disappeared too soon here in Ontario.
and now they are a classic themselves.
 

Farmer Rock

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I have an 87' s1600 with 6.9 idi and spicer 5 speed (actually a 4 speed plus granny low),I can run 60-65mph but with 5.10 gears,and no overdrive,I try to stay under 60mph.I am going to install a dump bed on it,so I am leaning towards a 2 speed rear for all the payload.I wouldn't mess around changing the transmission out.

Rock
 

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