SPRING RIDE TO AIR RIDE CONVERSION ON IH 4700 USING AIRLINER SUSPENSION

THIS IS ANOTHER PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL 4700 ROLLBACK BUILD SERIES. IN THIS VIDEO WE START CONVERTING THIS TRUCK OVER TO A FREIGHTLINER AIRLINER SUSPENSION. WE GO FROM BEGINNING TO END. I HOPE I COVERED EVERYTHING THAT SOMEONE WOULD WANT TO SEE IF THEY WERE GOING TO DO THIS. IT HAS A FEW CHALLENGES TO OVER COME BUT IT SEEMED TO WORK OUT OK.

[@WatchWesWork]

I worked in a shop once that had an ancient International yard truck. It had been setup to move trailers and also once had a hitch to pull train cars. The whole back of the truck was made of 1" plate. Every time we needed a thick piece of plate we'd just whittle a little off the back of that old truck!

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

😲 wow! Poor old truck got carved up 🔪

[@j.c.smithprojects]

im not sure where that piece of 1" came from.....i usually call the guy i know that does a lot of scrapping. he always seems to have something that will work.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

@Tsunauticus III you know it! 🤣👍

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

That's a *beefy* bracket! 🙂👍 I don't blame you for going heavier than the 1/4". Its looking fantastic J.C! 🔧 Your buddy will have a nice setup on that rollback when its complete. Cant wait to see the bed install 👍

[@j.c.smithprojects]

when it doubt, build it stout! the bed is on now. ready to fill up the hydraulic tank and test it out. not really impressed with the way the bed is designed.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

@@j.c.smithprojects oh nice! Getting it done! 🙂👍 its a shame that the bed is not designed as well as you hoped. Maybe it's needing some "fine tuning" 🤔😉

[@SlipFitGarage]

@@j.c.smithprojects Is there a "brand name" on the bed itself. Just curious if its a mass produced product, or shop built? I am familiar with several brands of roll back beds.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

it was a manufactured bed. i have seen many older trucks with this same set up. mostly used for equipment not cars. in the next part of this i will show and explain why it isnt ideal.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

@@j.c.smithprojects awesome! Can't wait 🙂👍

[@j_moffitt]

Holy cow, that torque arm bracket is beefy!! Very nice 👍🏼

[@j.c.smithprojects]

if i can, i will get some pictures of how he will use this truck......it will make sense then. he knows two ways of loading....overloaded today and overloaded yesterday!

[@j_moffitt]

That’s the only way to do it

[@thomasstewart9368]

Gotta love it when a plan comes together 👍

[@barblemons5397]

Thanks again for taking us along takes a lot of thinking and planning to get a job like this finished and experience pays big rewards. Tom

[@kevinlamarr1424]

I’ve always wanted to know how to do that. My sterling is a good truck to practice on.

[@davewhittington1368]

As always QUALITY work !! Well thought out . Looking forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and healthy 🇬🇧

[@j.c.smithprojects]

thanks for watching! truck is almost complete.

[@SumterWrecker]

Mr Jc thanks for explaining what your doing. That was a informative video. Thanks for sharing Catching up on the ones I missed. Stay safe

[@j.c.smithprojects]

thanks for watching. this was a really fun build series.

[@JDCTTR]

Pricey upgrade! Nice job J.C

[@j.c.smithprojects]

not really. i bought a freightliner cut off and i am using one axle suspension on this and the other on a f750 i am building right now. they are reasonable to buy if you watch for them.

[@danielpost9919]

Really enjoy the videos...(Content) that you and Mrs Smith put out always looking forward to the next.. Thanks J.C.

[@JT-sz7xc]

Nice job J.C. 👍

[@danlabelle6210]

Hi JC love to see u guys work I learn so mush from u Tks a lot keep u the video .

[@lakesideranch]

_A very well done_ video JC. Filled with info, the reasoning, and theory of operation. Genius fab work, layout, and explanation. 5 stars. Work safe brother. Doug@ the "ranch"

[@j.c.smithprojects]

its coming along. i work on it here and there. you know the situation. i would however like to get it finished and out of the way.

[@apex-td5th]

nice fab work J.C.

[@gregdiaz5788]

Nice job on the suspension JC I appreciate you showing this video now I have a better idea for my truck thanks

[@j.c.smithprojects]

greg, i have the f750 spring to air ride to finish up as well.

[@steverone7623]

When I did some up fitting, we had a pretty cool frame drill. It was mounted on a cart with the up and down adjustment, then a chain, hook, and wheel you turned that pulled on the chain which fed the drill bit into the frame. It was awesome

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i looking into the "frame drill" it had a milwaukee drill and used regular twist drill bits. i used one a friend bought. the mag drill was less money and i thought it was easy to get set up.

[@markpaulene4002]

Jc your a very talented man, you explain things well I know this as I’ve been around air ride for a number of years with busses here in the U.K, I’m now retired due to ill health but do enjoy watching things I know about, thanks and keep up the excellent work, markUK

[@kevinyork1326]

That is a nice conversion of that rear suspension from spring to air. The fab work is awesome as always and the way you use those used parts on that axle is great. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see it with the bed on !! Looking forward for your next video.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

its almost done now. some finishing touches here and there.

[@robertquast9684]

You have it down to a science and make it look easy

[@j.c.smithprojects]

even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then!

[@matthewjohnson3910]

Great video 👍

[@SlipFitGarage]

Very heavy duty bracket! I build stuff the same way. I figure because im not an engineer, if go way overkill and build it extra heavy duty, then it should be fine. That bracket is perfect! Nice job, sir. 🙂

[@coryarcher1766]

The Wire sounds absolutely tuned in. Great work keep the videos coming

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i must have got lucky....im not a welder!

[@coryarcher1766]

J.C. SMITH PROJECTS 🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeycunningham2307]

Very nice job JC awesome craftsmanship love your videos always learn something new thks take care and stay blessed

[@j.c.smithprojects]

thanks mikey. it is coming along nicely. i have the bed on, all the hydraulics are done and i am ready to fill the tank to try it out. then we will see what changes we need to make.

[@chrishigdon1070]

nice job JC came out good I think

[@OBS_Ford_Diesels_Inc]

I make all my cuts in thick plate steel the same way. Works just fine as long as you're good with a cutting torch. Looking forward to seeing the bed on it.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i dont know that i am good with a torch but i got it done.

[@DrEwBaBy625]

That track bar bracket turned out nice and beefy! I like it! Should be a nice truck when you’re done with it!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

when in doubt, make it stout!

[@mikejackman4416]

May have missed it earlier,, Juice brakes and air ride?so cool ,,,

[@brianherron5400]

Nice job 👍👍

[@bustertim5333]

You do great work going to be a nice truck win ur done with it

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i hope it works well for him.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Cool video.

[@outcastprojects6733]

That looks really good and strong to me! This video was cool.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

thanks chris. i lost some of the video over the time it was on the "back burner". it happens.

[@shanesooth6267]

Hey guys just wanted to say I love your channel and all of your projects but please use eye protection. I’m a retired Ironworker and had a good friend who damaged his eye for life and he was just making a quick cut. All it takes is one splatter. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@mraycgz]

Very nice. Great fab as always.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i will be waiting for your video of you doing yours!

[@mraycgz]

J.C. SMITH PROJECTS well see. Covid took my season from me fir 2020. But the trucks and trailers need to roll next spring. But believe me, I was paying attention to the video.

[@MrGommer101]

Nice job filming these videos

[@jinan0014]

WHAT A PRO!!!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

no sir....just a guy trying to help out a friend.

[@gregbrown4962]

JC- I'm glad you're able to restart this project. I've been curious about how all this would come together. Ready for the next video. Great torch work. I would have nicked the fence at least once while cutting.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

this project is almost done. the bed is on, the hydraulics are run and i am down to the tool boxes and air compressor. should have the next video in a few days. you cant work with old rusty junk and not use a torch right?

[@gregbrown4962]

Absolutely! Been there done that more than once.

[@mcrosten829]

Good work, sir. Only thing I wish this thing had was drum brakes!

[@beaversstumpgrinding3352]

So many variables to consider when changing, modifying, retrofitting...

[@donmcintosh4125]

Looking forward to seeing what kind of compressor you’re going to use.

[@Ezrider359]

nice job. that takes some practice to get that nice of a cut on thick steel like that with a torch.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

you understand this, patience and a steady hand can save you tons of time from grinding.

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

Interesting bracket you are making. Factory is one sided, makes it easier to change the bushings. All looks good to me!! (Except it's got juice brakes😵)

[@j.c.smithprojects]

if the truck had air brakes....it would be getting one of my rollback beds!

[@patriot2164]

Dam that 1" plate is massive !

[@j.c.smithprojects]

the original mount was thicker. however it was on a road tractor with a 20,000 lb capacity axle. this truck has a 13,000 lbs axle.

[@patriot2164]

@@j.c.smithprojects I've never worked with steel that thick

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

Very nice work, I've noticed there are two kind of you tube channels. The good ones like you and the guys who show you how NOT to do things. The scary part is when you read the comments on somebody's cobble job and the viewers think it's right just because it's on you tube!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

it seems those other ones have a ridiculous amount of subscribers and views as well......

[@sparksfireandbalingwire8467]

@@j.c.smithprojects Very true!

[@jamalt7461]

How much you'd say a job like that cost? Amazing work by the way 👍

[@jodiebourke8925]

That cut off saw is awesome I can’t find one in Australia 🇦🇺

[@j.c.smithprojects]

they sell them on amazon.

[@WalkingPeopleBooYA]

Man you need help around the shop? I love the work that you do its right up my alley ive been doing similar stuff in fleet but man you might aswell be custom fitting rear suspension thats awesome! Hire me lol

[@WalkingPeopleBooYA]

And youre super talented i wish I could learn from a guy like you!

[@burningdinosaurs]

That was awesome, JC! Really enjoyed that. This reminds me a LOT of a project we're currently working on. I'm still waiting on a little more progress before we reveal it, but I think you'll like it! So, that truck does not have an engine-mounted air compressor? Did I hear that correct? What is the compressor going to be? Thanks for the video!!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

there is not an engine driven compressor. it will be an electric unit mounted in the tool box. we are keeping this as low a budget as possible and he has the electric one.

[@HillbillyRednecking]

I kinda like the Brits and their Evolution tools!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i have nothing but great things to say about this saw.

[@HillbillyRednecking]

J.C. SMITH PROJECTS J.C. SMITH PROJECTS I was looking at buying a mag drill but the Dewalt’s and Milwaukee’s were a little out of my price range for a tool I wouldn’t use everyday, but I remembered people saying good things about the Evolution chop saws and settled on a slightly less expensive Evolution mag drill, it’s still a high quality mag drill for about $300-$400 less than Dewalt or Milwaukee

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i have the milwaukee m18 cordless mag drill. it works very well for what i do. i am ok with the cost. the only negative thing i can say is that i am constantly tightening up the slides. i dont know if this is a normal thing for all mag drills or not. i have drilled thousands of holes with this drill and i am very happy with it. most holes i drill are either 11/16" or 13/16" thru 3/8" up do 5/8" material.

[@chaswagner4204]

Man this is awesome great project I'm actually looking for somebody to do this to my 4700 now. Would you do it again?

[@j.c.smithprojects]

I certainly would. this truck has been abused by the owner since the day i finished it. it is holding up just fine.

[@krisbarnes1223]

Interested in doing the same on a 07 4300 box truck. My rear leaf springs are shot and on the bump stops. I was thinking since they are shot maybe I should just try adding helper bags instead of doing a full swap. Thoughts?

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i would not add air bags to remedy worn out springs. i would replace the springs or swap out to a factory air ride set up.

[@chevymarineretired]

Have you ever looked at a watts link? I like it better than a penner bar.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

whats link is better for light duty. too many moving parts for my liking on a medium or heavy truck.

[@michaelhartloff3833]

Wassup JC

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

You must have watched my service truck build slideshow.. Freightliner air is a damn good setup!! We have it on two tandem drive Freightliners, a single drive Freightliner and the service truck is an S1900 International. Easy to use a small transfer punch, just slide a bushing over it. Maybe need a couple to get to size, but works good!!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

no. i never saw your service truck build but i will search for it. i use the air liner because they are good suspensions, they are plentiful, parts are always available and they are inexpensive to buy.....i usually buy a whole truck for parts so i can save as much as possible.

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

@@j.c.smithprojects I looked.. dang ,covid KZbin only showing part of the videos. I'm thinking about a year ago.. Yes, great suspension! Hold very level too! My 4 axle has a 24' bed and hoist. Had the same bed on a truck on spring.. much better on air👍😎

[@mikeduhm5325]

Looks like it should work good. An observation here, shouldn't that panhard bracket been on the inside of the PH bar to allow shims to center the axle for alignment purposes? Btw, those torch glasses are more effective over your eyes instead of on top of your head. That dump valve should make loading a lot easier.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i put it the same way it was on the donor truck. it ligned up pretty well for an old air liner suspension. you should see the picture my wife took the other day. i wear glasses to see small details and print, clear glasses when grinding and the tinted for the plasma cutter. i couldnt find the reading glasses. she showed me the picture she took. i had all 3 on my head and couldnt figure out where i left them.

[@mikeduhm5325]

@@j.c.smithprojects Ok, I'm not real familiar with that specific suspension. Many use a shim setup, or provision for shims to align center. The 3 glasses would be something to see.

[@coolHandLuke5150]

I must have missed it, but im left wondering by you didnt swap the axle alone with the suspension? Seem like it would have same time and effert?

[@Ezrider359]

i don't think he mentioned it but i can think of a few reasons, rear end ratio mix match, the axle that would have been paired with that air liner suspension would have air brakes where that truck has juice brakes also the axle that would have originally been with that suspension probably would have had different series u joints a new yolk to match up to the existing drive line would cost around $400 alone. so a little fabrication for brackets and mounts really is just a lot simpler short of starting with a air brake air ride truck.

[@coolHandLuke5150]

You mentioned a ton of things i had not thought about. I figured it would have been something as simple as gear ratio

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i mentioned it in the first video on this project but that was awhile ago. i didnt use the donor differential for several reasons. mainly because this truck was hydraulic brakes and the donor was air. gear ratio was wrong. yoke sizes were different.

[@outcastprojects6733]

Maybe a dumb question, but why not add an air compressor to the engine?

[@j.c.smithprojects]

that would have been the ideal choice. he didnt have one but he did have an electric one.

[@Kamshaft93]

Do you have any sort of social media that I could direct message you I recently acquired a 1998 F650 33000 gvw It has 10 busted leaf springs on one side and four on the other Both sets of leaf springs need to be replaced the truck already has air for everything else parking brake I have a fairly extensive background in fabrication but I’m not familiar with commercial type vehicles more so light duty trucks I have a triple turbo cummins in my F250 That I swapped but I was just curious where you would go about finding the trailing arms and the lateral arm and what approximately this cost to do

[@j.c.smithprojects]

buy a rear cut off. it will come with all you need and is the most cost effective way to do it.

[@jeffgreen9109]

How much does something like this cost?

[@j.c.smithprojects]

no idea. i used what i had laying around.

[@MCatSHF]

Hello All: 7:48 Anybody watching this, please don't be a idiot & cut steel with an O/A torch & wear your goggles on top of your head like this. Protect your eyes. They're the only 2 that you've got.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

idiot? classless. if you cant get your point across without degrading people. move on. your not welcome here.

[@jamesboris1233]

We like your video I skip some because the Democrat ads

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i surely dont put those in there. that is all youtube's doing.