International 9000

International 9000 series
International 9000 series
	2005 International 9900ix Eagle
Overview
Type	Conventional cab
Manufacturer	International Harvester ; Navistar International
Production	1971–2017
Body and chassis
Class	Class 8
Related	International Paystar ; International 9000 (COE)
Chronology
Predecessor	International Transtar 400
Successor	International ProStar ; International LoneStar

Last updated August 11, 2024

The International 9000 Series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by Navistar International (previously International Harvester) from 1971 to 2017. A conventional-cab truck, the model range was configured primarily for highway applications. In terms of size, the model range was slotted between the medium-duty Loadstar (and the S-Series that replaced it) and severe-service Paystar series.

Through its production, International Harvester (and later Navistar) produced the model line in three distinct generations. Offered in multiple layouts, the Transtar 4000/9000 series was offered with single or tandem drive axles, multiple hood lengths, and multiple cab configurations (day cabs or various sizes of sleeper cabs).

During the 2000s, International phased out much of the model line in favor of the NGV-cab ProStar and LoneStar model lines; after a 46-year production run, the final 9900i was produced in 2017.

First generation (Transtar; 1971–1980s)

International Transtar 4300 (with trailer bus) HGG-Sattelomnibus-April1985.jpg — International Transtar 4300 (with trailer bus)

In 1971, International introduced the Transtar 4200/4300 series as its heavy-duty conventional. Replacing the Transtar 400 (an update of the D-400 introduced in 1961), the 1971 Transtar introduced an all-new cab, replacing the "Emeryville" cab (introduced in 1957). The model line was introduced as a standard-length Transtar 4270 and an extended-hood Transtar 4370. A steel cab was standard; an aluminum cab was optional.^[1]

In 1972, the severe-service Paystar 5000 adopted the cab of the Transtar; the 9000-series COEs introduced in 1981 sourced its doors from the model line.

At its launch, the Transtar 4200/4300 was offered with a range of diesel engines; the 4200 was fitted with standard V8 engines and inline-6 engines for the longer-hood 4300. The initial standard engine for the 4270 was a 260hp Detroit Diesel 8V71 V8; the 4370 was fitted with a 230hp Cummins NH inline-6 as standard. At its launch, the 4370 was able to be fitted with a 434hp Detroit Diesel 12V71 V12.^[1] The engines were paired with manual transmissions, ranging from 5 to 16 speeds (along with an optional 4-speed auxiliary transmission).^[1]

At the end of the 1970s, the 4300 was offered with some of the largest-displacement diesel engines ever fitted in a road-going vehicle, including the 450 hp Cummins KT inline-6 (1150 cubic inches) and the Caterpillar 3408 V8 (1099 cubic inches).

Second generation (1984–1999)

Following the corporate transition of International Harvester to Navistar, the Transtar 4370 series was rebranded as the International 9370; alongside the retirement of the Transtar name, the standard-length 4270 was discontinued. The cab structure was carried over, with Navistar adding a more prominent hood and grille (distinguished by vertically-stacked headlamps).

In 1989, Navistar introduced several changes to the model line; in line with other International product lines, the 9370 was renamed the International 9300. For the first time, a set-back front axle configuration was offered.

In 1990, the 9400 was introduced as a second conventional to the 9000 series. The first Class 8 aerodynamic conventional from International, the 9400 featured a set-back front axle and a sloped hood.^[2] Though less radical in design than the Ford Aeromax or the Kenworth T600, the 9400 further improved aerodynamics through optional skirted fuel tanks.

In 1992, the luxuriously appointed 9400 Midnight Eagle Limited Edition was introduced; offered only with the Caterpillar 3406 diesel engine, it had a leather interior with wood trim and a fully color-coordinated exterior.^[2]

In 1993, several changes were made to the model line. The 9200 was introduced as a shorter-hood version of the 9400; International dropped the set-back front axle configuration of the 9300.

In 1997, the 9100 was introduced, produced primarily in a day cab configuration. The same year, the 9000 series (with the exception of the 9300) received an exterior update, including a redesign of the grille, front bumper, and headlamp surrounds.

For 1999, the 9900 was introduced to replace the 9300; again fitted with a squared-off long hood, the twin headlights were surrounded by chrome trim faired into the fenders.

Third generation (i-series; 2000–2017)

For 2000, International introduced the third generation of its Class 8 highway trucks, distinguished by an "i" suffix. Previewed by the 1997 update to the 9200/9400 and the 1999 introduction of the 9900, the redesign was the most extensive update since the 1971 introduction of the model range. While sharing the underlying aluminum structure of the cab, many changes were focused on improving driver visibility and comfort. To enlarge the drivers' compartment, the firewall of the cab was moved forward; this change replaced two-pane flat windshield glass with a single-piece curved design (along with cowl-mounted wipers).^[3] To improve outward visibility, the base of the windshield was lowered (along with the lower half of the door windows); in another change, vent windows were deleted.^[3]

For its 2000 launch, the model launch consisted of the 9100i (112-inch BBC),^[4] 9200i (112-inch BBC),^[5] 9400i (120-inch BBC),^[6] 9900i (120-inch BBC),^[7] and 9900ix (130-inch BBC).^[7] Sold primarily for regional use, the 9100i was offered only as a daycab (no sleeper).^[4] In contrast to the rest of the sloped-hood model line, the 9900i and 9900ix were configured with straight hoods,^[7] and the 9900ix was offered only with premium Eagle trim.^[7] As with its predecessors, the third generation shared its cab with the Paystar severe-service truck (renamed 5000i).

During the 2000s and 2010s, International began to phase out the 9000 series in favor of newer designs based on its NGV cab. After 2002, the 9100i was dropped (functionally replaced by the 8000 series, later TranStar). The 9400i and 9200i were discontinued after 2007 and 2011, respectively (directly replaced by the NGV-based ProStar enhanced aerodynamic conventional).

From 2012 to 2017, the sole remaining model of the 9000i series was the 9900i Eagle. The closest model in design to the 1971 Transtar 4370, the 2017 9900i was fitted with a Cummins ISX15 inline-6 with up to 600 hp with either manual or automated transmissions.^[8]

After 2017, International ended production of the 9000 series entirely with no direct successor. The role of the extended-hood International Class 8 highway conventional is currently served by the NGV-cab International Lonestar (introduced in 2009); far different in design from the ProStar, the LoneStar is an aerodynamic conventional that commemorates the design of its large trucks from the late 1930s.

Related Research Articles

The International Harvester Company was an American manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, automobiles, commercial trucks, lawn and garden products, household equipment, and more. It was formed from the 1902 merger of McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and Deering Harvester Company and three smaller manufacturers: Milwaukee; Plano; and Warder, Bushnell, and Glessner. Its brands included McCormick, Deering, and later McCormick-Deering, as well as International. Along with the Farmall and Cub Cadet tractors, International was also known for the Scout and Travelall vehicle nameplates. In the 1980s all divisions were sold off except for International Trucks, which changed its parent company name to Navistar International.

Navistar International Corporation is an American holding company created in 1986 as the successor to International Harvester. Navistar operates as the owner of International-branded trucks and diesel engines. The company also produces buses under the IC Bus brand. On July 1, 2021, Navistar became an independent subsidiary of Traton.

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The Chevrolet and GMC B series was a series of cowled chassis that were produced by General Motors. Produced across three generations from 1966 to 2003, the model line was a variant of medium-duty trucks marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC nameplates. Initially derived from the medium-duty C/K series, later examples were derived from the GMT530 architecture.

The Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick are a range of medium-duty trucks that were produced by the Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors from 1980 to 2009. Introduced as a variant of the medium-duty C/K truck line, three generations were produced. Slotted between the C/K trucks and the GMC Brigadier Class 8 conventional, the Kodiak/TopKick were developed as a basis for vocationally oriented trucks, including cargo haulers, dump trucks, and similar vehicles; on later generations, both cutaway and cowled-chassis variants were produced for bus use.

The medium-duty version of the Ford F-Series is a range of commercial trucks manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1948. Derived from the smaller F-Series pickup trucks, the medium-duty range is currently in its eighth generation. Initially slotted between the F-Series pickup trucks and the "Big Job" conventionals, later generations were slotted below the L-Series "Louisville" trucks; the last two generations are the largest vehicles produced by Ford since its exit from the heavy-truck segment.

The GMC General is a heavy-duty truck that was assembled by the GMC Truck and Coach Division of General Motors from 1977 to 1987. The largest conventional-cab truck ever produced by the company, the product line replaced the C/M 90/9500 trucks.

The International MV, known as the 4000 series prior to 2008 and the DuraStar from 2008 to 2018, is a line of medium-duty trucks produced by Navistar International since 2001. Introduced as the successor to the International 4000 series of 1989–2001, the 4000 series was renamed the DuraStar in 2008. Developed as a Class 6-7 product range, the 4000/DuraStar was slotted below the 8000/TranStar regional-haul semitractor, with the Class 5 International TerraStar (2010–2015) serving as the smallest International conventional-cab product range.

The International TranStar, is a range of Class 8 trucks produced by Navistar International for North America. Produced nearly exclusively as a semitractor, the product range is focused towards local delivery and regional shipping.

The Ford L-series is a range of commercial trucks that were assembled and marketed by Ford between 1970 and 1998. They are also known as Ford Louisville or, for the 1990s aerodynamic models, Ford Aeromax. The first dedicated Class 8 truck produced by the company, although Ford had been producing "Heavy Duty" trucks since 1948 and their "Super Duty" lineup since 1958. The L-Series was the successor of the F-900/F-1000 Super Duty and the Ford N-Series. The line encompassed a wide range of models in GVWR Classes 6 through 8, as either straight trucks or as semi-tractors, with vehicles developed for medium-duty, on-highway, severe-service, and vocational applications.

The International Loadstar is a series of trucks that were produced by International Harvester from 1962 to 1978. The first product line of the company developed specifically as a medium-duty truck, the Loadstar was slotted between C-Line pickup trucks and the heavy-duty R-series. Following the discontinuation of the R-series, the Loadstar was slotted below the Fleetstar and Transtar conventionals.

The International S series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester from 1977 to 2001. Introduced to consolidate the medium-duty IHC Loadstar and heavy-duty IHC Fleetstar into a single product range, the S series was slotted below the Transtar and Paystar Class 8 conventionals.

The International Paystar is a series of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester and its successor, Navistar International. Produced from 1973 to 2017 across three generations, the Paystar replaced the long-running 210/230 and M-series. Developed for both on and off-road use, the Paystar was the largest commercially-marketed product range sold by International, intended for vocational applications. For 2017, the Paystar underwent a substantial redesign, becoming the International HX series.

The COE version of the International 9000 is a series of cabover trucks that were produced by International Harvester and its corporate successor Navistar. Introduced in 1981 as the replacement for the Transtar II COE, two generations of the model line were produced in North America until 1998. Subsequent production continued into the 21st century for worldwide markets, where more restrictive length laws continue to favor the use of this configuration.

The bus chassis variant of the International S series is a cowled bus chassis that was produced by International Harvester from 1979 to 2004. Produced primarily for school bus applications, the chassis was also produced for other applications, including commercial-use buses and cutaway-cab buses. In addition, the cowled chassis formed the basis for front-engine and rear-engine stripped chassis produced for bus applications.

The International 3300 is a Type-C cowled bus chassis (conventional-style) manufactured by Navistar International, derived from the International DuraStar since 2004 for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While most examples are produced as yellow school buses, variants of the 3300 are also produced for commercial applications; International also produces as cutaway-cab variant of the model line.

The International R series is a model range of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester. Introduced in 1953 as a further development of the International L series, the model line marked the introduction of the IH "tractor" grille emblem on International road vehicles. Sharing a cab with its predecessor, the R-series marked the introduction of four-wheel drive vehicles and the wider use of diesel engines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International LoneStar</span> Motor vehicle

The International LoneStar is a model line of conventional-cab trucks produced by Navistar International from 2009 to 2024 model years. The flagship model line of the company, the LoneStar is marketed as its largest on-highway truck, slotted above the International LT. Unveiled at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, the Lonestar is the largest road vehicle ever introduced at the event.

The International TerraStar is a medium-duty truck that was manufactured by International Trucks from 2010 to 2015. The smallest conventional-cab truck ever produced by International, the TerraStar competed against chassis-cab vehicles derived from large pickup trucks along with the smallest versions of the Freightliner M2 and Hino 600. Though never officially designated by the company as a replacement for the 2006-2009 CityStar LCF COE, the TerraStar is of similar dimensions and GVWR.

The International Fleetstar is a series of heavy-duty trucks that was produced between 1962 and 1977 by International Harvester. Slotted above the Loadstar and below the Paystar and Transtar conventionals introduced after it, the Fleetstar was the first truck line that International designed specifically for vocational use.

References

1 2 3 "International Truck Specifications -- Transtar -- 1961-1981 :: McCormick - International Harvester Collection". content.wisconsinhistory.org. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
1 2 Duncan, Thomas W., ed. (July 1990). "Limited-edition conventional added to heavy-duty tractor line". Fleet Owner. Vol. 85, no. 7. FM Business Publications. p. 52.
1 2 "ROAD TEST: INTERNATIONAL 9900i | Today's Trucking". 2016-09-06. Archived from the original on 2016-09-06. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
1 2 "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-06-03. Archived from the original on 3 June 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
↑ "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-06-03. Archived from the original on 3 June 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
↑ "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-08-15. Archived from the original on 15 August 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
1 2 3 4 "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-08-05. Archived from the original on 5 August 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
↑ "9900i® | International Trucks". 2017-04-02. Archived from the original on 2017-04-02. Retrieved 2023-04-04.

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[:4-1] 1 2 3 "International Truck Specifications -- Transtar -- 1961-1981 :: McCormick - International Harvester Collection". content.wisconsinhistory.org. Retrieved 2020-03-19.

[TWD-2] 1 2 Duncan, Thomas W., ed. (July 1990). "Limited-edition conventional added to heavy-duty tractor line". Fleet Owner. Vol. 85, no. 7. FM Business Publications. p. 52.

[:0-3] 1 2 "ROAD TEST: INTERNATIONAL 9900i | Today's Trucking". 2016-09-06. Archived from the original on 2016-09-06. Retrieved 2020-03-19.

[:1-4] 1 2 "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-06-03. Archived from the original on 3 June 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.

[5] "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-06-03. Archived from the original on 3 June 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.

[6] "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-08-15. Archived from the original on 15 August 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.

[:3-7] 1 2 3 4 "International: Heavy Duty Trucks". 2002-08-05. Archived from the original on 5 August 2002. Retrieved 2020-03-19.

[8] "9900i® | International Trucks". 2017-04-02. Archived from the original on 2017-04-02. Retrieved 2023-04-04.

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