International S series

Last updated
International S series
1989 International S1754 dump truck.jpg
1989 Navistar International S-1700 dual-axle dump truck
Overview
Manufacturer
Also calledNavistar International 4000 series
Navistar International 8000 series
Production
  • 19772001
Body and chassis
Class Class 6-7 medium-duty truck
Body style
Truck (conventional)
  • Tractor
  • Straight truck
Bus
Layout 4x2
6x4
Related International S series "Schoolmaster"/International 3800
Powertrans T1250
Powertrain
Engine Gasoline
197–236 hp (147–176 kW)
Diesel
150–500 hp (110–370 kW)
Transmission Manual
Automatic
Chronology
Predecessor
Successor

The International S series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester (later Navistar International) 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.

Contents

The IHC S series was produced in a number of variants for a wide variety of applications, including straight trucks, semitractors, vocational trucks, and severe-service trucks. Additionally, the S series was produced in other body configurations, including a four-door crew cab, cutaway cab, cowled chassis, and a stripped chassis (primarily for school buses). The chassis was produced with both gasoline and diesel powertrains (the latter exclusively after 1986), single or tandem rear axles, and two, four, or, six-wheel drive layouts.

The last complete product line designed within the existence of International Harvester, the S series was produced in its original form through 1989. During 1989, the S-Series underwent a major revision and was split into multiple model lines. After 2001, International phased in product lines based upon the "NGV" architecture; severe-service and bus chassis variants produced through 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Previous use of name

1956 International Harvester S100 1956 IHC S100 pickup.jpg
1956 International Harvester S100

The S-series model designation was first used by International Harvester during the 1950s. During 1955 production, the R series model family underwent an update, with International renaming its light-duty and medium-duty trucks the S-series.

The model designation was used through 1957, when International introduced the A-series model family as an all-new design.

First generation (S series; 1978–1989)

Navistar 2600 in use as a municipal service truck InternationalDumpTruck.JPG
Navistar 2600 in use as a municipal service truck

In April 1977, International Harvester unveiled the medium-duty S series at an event at the New Orleans Superdome. [1] The initial lineup consisted of heavier-duty 2200, 2500, and 2600 models (28,000-45,000 lb gross vehicle weight rating - GVWR), replacing the Fleetstar. In the summer of 1978, [2] lighter-GVWR models (replacing the Loadstar) were released for sale. The 21 models of the full lineup had a high degree of parts interghangability; this standardization helped lower the number of parts used by 30%. [3]

Following the discontinuation of the IHC pickup-truck line in 1975, the S series was designed with a model-specific cab, replacing the pickup-truck cab used for the Loadstar (designed for the 1957 A series). More vertically oriented than its predecessor, the design was much wider, as well. To lower maintenance costs, all windows in the cab were designed with flat glass, including the windshield. Similar in style to the tilting hood introduced for the Loadstar in 1972, all S-series trucks were given a tilting fiberglass hood.

The S series was produced throughout the 1980s, largely unmodified, and 1987 marked several changes to the S-series trucks. To reflect the corporate transition of the company from International Harvester to Navistar International, S-series trucks received changes in their badging (alongside all International vehicles). On the grille, the word "International" across the top of the grille was replaced by a red Navistar "diamond" logo alongside "International" in red at the bottom left of the grille. Inside, the IHC "tractor" logo on the steering wheel was replaced by a Navistar diamond logo. In a major shift, for 1987, International became the first truck manufacturer to produce a medium-duty product line powered exclusively by diesel engines.

Models

Originally intended to use the International Tristar nameplate, the S series consolidated the aging Loadstar and Fleetstar trucks under a single product line. Tandem-axle (6x4) versions of the S series were named F-series trucks. [4]

Class 6 trucks

The S1600, S1700, S1800, and S1900 were introduced in 1979. Replacing the International Harvester Loadstar model line, the model was produced in a number of configurations, with single and tandem rear axles, 4x4/6x6 drive options, and gasoline and diesel engines. The S-1800 and S-1900-were produced as both truck tractors (for semitrailers) and straight trucks, while the S-1700 and S-1800 were used in the production of International Harvester bus chassis (primarily for school-bus use).

Class 7-8 trucks

Introduced in 1978 as the replacement for the Fleetstar, the S2100 and S2200 were joined by the severe-service S2500 and S2600, slotted below the International Paystar 5000. Configured primarily as tractors, the S2100s were fitted with a sloped hood. To accommodate larger-bore diesel engines under a standard-length hood, the S2200 was fitted with a widened cab (distinguished by a two-piece windshield).

In 1982, the S2300 was introduced; the model line was essentially an S2100 with International diesel engines replaced with Cummins-sourced powertrains. [5]

1978–1983 models

Model [6] Max. front GAWR [lower-alpha 1] Max. rear GAWREngine [lower-alpha 2] Trans [lower-alpha 3]
1600 4x25,000 lb (2,300 kg)15,000 lb (6,800 kg)V-345 4M, 4A
Binder 4x21,600 lb (730 kg)15,000 lb (6,800 kg)V-3455M, 4A
1700 4x27,500 lb (3,400 kg)15,500 lb (7,000 kg)MV-404, D-17010M, 5A
1800 4x26,000 lb (2,700 kg)15,500 lb (7,000 kg)MV-446, DT-46613M, 5A
1800 4x49,000 lb (4,100 kg)15,500 lb (7,000 kg)MV-446, DT-4665M, 4A
1900 4x28,000 lb (3,600 kg)17,500 lb (7,900 kg)MV-446, DT-46610M, 5A
1900 6x49,000 lb (4,100 kg)34,000 lb (15,000 kg)MV-466, DT-46610M, 5A
1900 6x69,000 lb (4,100 kg)34,000 lb (15,000 kg)MV-466, DT-4665M
2100 4x29,000 lb (4,100 kg)17,500 lb (7,900 kg)V-537, DT-46610M
2100 6x49,000 lb (4,100 kg)34,000 lb (15,000 kg)V-537, DT-46610M
2200 4x210,800 lb (4,900 kg)23,000 lb (10,000 kg)Cat 340613M
2200 6X412,000 lb (5,400 kg)23,000 lb (10,000 kg)Cat 340613M
2300 4x412,000 lb (5,400 kg)41,000 lb (19,000 kg)
2500 4x216,000 lb (7,300 kg)29,000 lb (13,000 kg)Cat 340613M
2500 6X418,000 lb (8,200 kg)44,000 lb (20,000 kg)Cat 340613M
2600 4x216,000 lb (7,300 kg)29,000 lb (13,000 kg)Cummins PT13M
2600 6X418,000 lb (8,200 kg)44,000 lb (20,000 kg)Cummins PT13M

Second generation (1989–2002)

As a running change during 1989 production, the S-series model line underwent an extensive revision. While the cab structure was retained, the interior and exterior underwent a complete redesign. To optimize aerodynamics, the model line was given a lower hoodline and closer-fitting fenders (with halogen headlamps and wraparound turn signals). An all-new dashboard received a redesigned instrument panel along with a two-spoke steering wheel.

During its production life, the second-generation vehicles had few major changes. From 1989 to its 2001 discontinuation, the exterior remained nearly unchanged; in 1992, Navistar changed the design of the instrument panel, updating the entire interior in 1995.

Models

International 8100 4x2 tractor towing solar panels SunPod2.jpg
International 8100 4x2 tractor towing solar panels
International 4700 MBTA International 4700 at Malden Center station, February 2016.jpg
International 4700

For 1989, Navistar split the S-series model line into three distinct model families, all sharing the same cab structure. The 4000 series was the medium-duty truck range (the 3000 series bus chassis replaced the "Schoolmaster"), with the 7100/8100 serving as the Class 7/8 tractor series. The 2500/2600 severe-service truck were carried over, dropping their S-series badging prefix.

Class 5-7 trucks

Replacing the S1600 through S1900, the 4000 series was again produced in a number of configurations, with single and tandem rear axles, 4x4/6x6 drive options. Produced exclusively with diesel engines, the 4000 series was produced with the IDI V8 and DT360/DT466 engines.

The 4000 series was produced through 2001, when it was replaced by an all-new 4000 series (formerly replaced by the International DuraStar, now the International MV).

Class 7-8 trucks

Replacing the S2100 and S2300, the 7100 and 8100 were introduced in 1989; the wide-body S2200 was not replaced. Configured nearly exclusively as tractors, the 8000 series was powered by the Cummins L10 diesel; the 7100 was a variant powered by the DT466.

The 8000 series was produced through 2001, when it was replaced by an all-new 8000 series (now the International Transtar).

Severe-service trucks

Again slotted below the Paystar, the 2500 and 2600 severe-service trucks dropped their S-series prefix. During the 1990s, the set-back axle 2674 was restyled with the aerodynamic hood of the 8300. The 2500/2600 remained in production through 2003, outlasted only by the 3800 school-bus chassis.

ModelReplacedNotes
4500S1600Low-profile chassis
4600
4700Low-profile chassis
4900S1800Available with tandem rear axles
8100S1900
8200Long hood truck-tractor
8300Long hood truck-tractor
2500Long hood
2600Long hood, set-back front axle
Available in 4x2, 4x4, 6x4, and 6x6 drive
3600Australasia-specific model, similar to 2500
model-specific hood

Bus use

Wayne Lifeguard school bus with International 3800 chassis (retired) 12schoolbusscheveningen.png
Wayne Lifeguard school bus with International 3800 chassis (retired)
Navistar International bus in Mexico TMoctezuma12.jpg
Navistar International bus in Mexico

Throughout its production, the S series was used as a cowled chassis for bus manufacturers. Used primarily for yellow school buses in the United States and Canada, the S series also was used outside of North America as a basis to produce other types of bus bodies. Introduced in 1979, the bus variant of the S series was one of the final models designed by International Harvester before its transition to Navistar. In 1989, the S-series bus chassis was rechristened the 3000 series with the fitment of the new-generation Navistar cowl.

Produced until 2004, the bus chassis outlived its truck counterpart by three years; its 25-year production run is the longest of any North American product ever sold by International Harvester or Navistar. The unrelated Australian ACCO cabover truck built under various guises by IH and IVECO was produced with the same cab architecture for 47 years.

Models

ModelsReplacedNotes
S-1700

S-1800

Loadstar 1703

Loadstar 1803

3600See Thomas Vista

Produced 1992-1998

3700

3800

S1700

S1800

Powertrain

Model [lower-alpha 4] DisplacementType [lower-alpha 5] PowerTorque
V-345345 cu in (5.7 L)G V8197 hp (147 kW)309 lb⋅ft (419 N⋅m)
V-392392 cu in (6.4 L)G V8236 hp (176 kW)
MV-404404 cu in (6.6 L)G V8210 hp (160 kW)336 lb⋅ft (456 N⋅m)
MV-446446 cu in (7.3 L)G V8235 hp (175 kW)
D-190549 cu in (9.0 L)D V8190 hp (140 kW)340 lb⋅ft (460 N⋅m)
IDI-420 420 cu in (6.9 L)D V8170 hp (130 kW)
IDI-444444 cu in (7.3 L)D V8190 hp (140 kW)388 lb⋅ft (526 N⋅m)
Cat 3208636 cu in (10.4 L)D V8210 hp (160 kW)
Cat 3406893 cu in (14.6 L)D I6380 hp (280 kW)
Cum NTC-350855 cu in (14.0 L)D I6350 hp (260 kW)
Cum M11 659 cu in (10.8 L)D I6500 hp (370 kW)1,550 lb⋅ft (2,100 N⋅m)
DD 6-71 426 cu in (7.0 L)D I6230 hp (170 kW)
DD 6V-92 552 cu in (9.0 L)D V6335 hp (250 kW)
DD 8V-92736 cu in (12.1 L)D V8400 hp (300 kW)

See also

Notes

  1. Gross Axle Weight Rating is the loaded weight of the axle.
  2. Highest rated gasoline, diesel engine.
  3. Speeds in manual(M), automatic(A) transmission
  4. Engines are International unless noted as Caterpillar(Cat), Cummins(Cum), or Detroit Diesel(DD).
  5. Gasoline(G), diesel(D), inline(I), (V), and number of cylinders.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Harvester</span> American manufacturing company

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Navistar</span> American industrial company

Navistar, Inc. 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 a wholly owned subsidiary of Traton, and therefore part of the Volkswagen Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Kodiak</span> Series of medium-duty trucks by General Motors

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.

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

The International Harvester Travelall is a model line of vehicles that were manufactured by International Harvester from 1953 to 1975. One of the first competitors of the Chevrolet Suburban, the Travelall was a truck-based station wagon, serving as a forerunner of modern people carriers and full-size sport utility vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford F-Series (medium-duty truck)</span> Medium-duty line of trucks manufactured by Ford

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International L series</span> Type of truck

The International L series was introduced by International Harvester in fall 1949 as the replacement for the KB series and were available as everything from light pickup trucks and delivery vehicles to full-size tractor-trailers. Electric wipers, a radio, and a clock were optional. International would continue to produce the line until 1953 when it was replaced by the R series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International DuraStar</span> Medium-duty truck series

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. Sharing its chassis with the medium-duty Ford F-Series, the International DuraStar competed against chassis cab vehicles derived from pickup trucks, such as the Freightliner M2 and the Hino 600, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Transtar</span> Truck 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.

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

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.

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

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International S series (bus chassis)</span> Motor vehicle platform

The bus chassis variant of the International S series is a cowled bus chassis that was produced by International Harvester from 1979 to 2001. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International 3300</span> Motor vehicle

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International R series</span> Motor vehicle platform

The International R series is a model range of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester. Introduced in 1953 as the replacement for 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 Metro Van</span> Motor vehicle

The International Metro Van, made by International Harvester, is a step van, also known as walk-in or multi-stop delivery truck. This vehicle type was one of the earlier, mass-produced forward control vehicles, once commonly used for milk or bakery delivery, as well as ambulance services, mobile offices, and radio transmitter vans. Typically, they were 1/2-, 3/4-, or 1-ton panel trucks that allowed the driver to stand or sit while driving the vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International 9000</span> Motor vehicle

The International 9000 Series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by Navistar International 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 severe-service Paystar series.

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

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Light Line pickup</span> Motor vehicle

The International Light Line pickups replaced the C-Series as International's Light Line range of pickup trucks in early 1969, for a shortened model year. The name started out as a simple continuation of the previous A-, B-, and C-series trucks. It was largely a rebodied version of its predecessors, with a square-rigged look very similar to the period Scout utility vehicle. The Travelall underwent parallel changes to the Light Line trucks. The light line of trucks was marked by a larger range of transmission and wheelbase options than any of its competitors, and in general the lineup aimed to maximize adaptability. The Light Line was also available as a bare chassis, for special purpose applications. Production ended in late April 1975, as a hard-pressed International chose to focus on the Scout and on heavier machinery.

References

  1. Crismon, p. 485
  2. Crismon, p. 492
  3. Wren, James A.; Wren, Genevieve (1979). Motor Trucks of America . Ann Arbor MI: The University of Michigan Press. p. 320. ISBN   0-472-06313-8.
  4. Crismon, p. 495
  5. "Question about International S-series trucks". hankstruckforum.com. Retrieved 2017-05-07.
  6. "International Truck Specifications – S Line – 1956–1983". Wisconsin Historical Society. 2013. Retrieved 2014-10-28.