Registry of Ex Military Land Rovers

International Trucks => International Truck Chat => Other International Trucks => Topic started by: Tommy on July 25, 2015, 12:52:07 PM

Title: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on July 25, 2015, 12:52:07 PM
Hello All

Just a quick note to let members know that I have acquired XF4 D2 179-561 and that it is now in safe hands. This vehicle will be picked up and placed undercover (out of the weather) in the next week or so.

D2 is in remarkably straight condition with no body, chassis or drive line damage. Body and tray are all aluminium so no rust to speak of. A more thorough inspection will determine what parts are missing and what is required to get it 'back on the road'. Side mounted fuel and storage boxes are sitting next to vehicle and will need to be reinstalled. Strangely, the shelf like storage unit to the left in photo #5 is off the Ford XF4 and not the Inter XF4. Hoops for tray canvas and two spare rims are sitting in the tray as well. Sale included Workshop and Parts manuals.

Interestingly, the XF4 D3 that is on display in the Bandiana Army Museum wears the ARN plate 179-561. REMLR records show that D3 is infact 179-562. Not sure how to clarify this anomaly. Can anyone help?
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: Mike C on July 25, 2015, 01:31:57 PM
I might be able to assist. Give me some time to check the records I have.

Is that the ex-Bob D (decd)  XF4?

Well worth getting hold of: a really unusual item.

Mike
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: Tommy on July 25, 2015, 01:53:25 PM
Hello Mike

Yes, ex Bob D. Any help would be appreciated.

Do you know who owns D1 and D4. REMLR records state that they are both 'in civilian hands', Victoria. Same owner. Would like to contact this person for info on XF4s.
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: AGAS 5 on July 25, 2015, 04:33:50 PM
Nice pick up Stuart - well done !

It's not often that these rare and unusual vehicles come up for sale.  Is the restoration a long term prospect ?

Thanks for the pics :)

Pete

Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: fc101 on July 25, 2015, 06:44:48 PM
Pete - I thought you were glamping this weekend - the cold got to you?

Garry
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: Tommy on July 25, 2015, 06:47:07 PM
Nice pick up Stuart - well done !

It's not often that these rare and unusual vehicles come up for sale.  Is the restoration a long term prospect ?

Thanks for the pics :)

Pete

Hello Pete

From what I can see (and know), the D2 is missing the following -

Winch
Radiator
Exhaust
One front diff axle
Both front and rear driveshafts

Apart from that, there appears to be little else missing.

I have no idea as to the motor and gearbox condition. Hoping both are OK. If so, I am hoping to get D2 up and running so that it can be licensed. Would be fascinating to see how she goes on and off the road. The initial army trials of 1971/2 showed that the XF4 had a superior off road performance over the Land Rover.
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: AGAS 5 on July 25, 2015, 09:32:28 PM
I wonder how many of those part are common to other models, or if they're bespoke to the prototype ?

Cheers.
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: Tommy on July 26, 2015, 10:27:31 AM
I wonder how many of those part are common to other models, or if they're bespoke to the prototype ?

Cheers.

Pete

As far as I can tell, the only mechanical part that is unique to this vehicle is the transfer case. Specially built by Sonnerdale Richardson David Brown Ltd to incorporate the low range gearing and the two power take offs (one for winch and one for powering the trailer) required by the army. Everything else is 'off the shelf'. Both the Ford and the IH versions of the XF4 shared a few common mechanical parts.
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: THE BOOGER on July 26, 2015, 11:22:13 AM
So would scout parts fit not common here but there are a few around and still plenty of parts from the US :)
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: Tommy on July 26, 2015, 04:25:28 PM
So would scout parts fit not common here but there are a few around and still plenty of parts from the US :)

Geoff

The IH 304 V8 is straight out of the Scout. The T18 gearbox was also used in the Scout. Apart from that, the rest of the mechanicals would be a heavier spec than Scouts.
Title: Re: IH XF4 'Delta 2' Acquired.
Post by: Tommy on July 26, 2015, 08:45:47 PM
I now have a copy of an official film shot during the XF4 trials. It is a copy taken from VHS tape and is not the best of quality. It depicts the XF4s during the initial testing at Monegeeta right through to the tropical trials in FNQ. I have taken some screenshots from this film.

All images show International Harvester D2 in action.

High speed water testing.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4d_zpslijseokm.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4e_zpsiddxsc4p.jpg)

On the way through NSW to the tropical testing. Convoy is - S2A LWB Land Rover, IH D2, Ford G2 with trailer and a D Series Ford truck.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4j_zpsrbvhc5oe.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4m_zps4sgwaupo.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4k_zpspeiz6xr2.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4l_zps8migznx1.jpg)

Far North Queensland.

Scrub Bashing.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4g_zpsnoc9qhgo.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4h_zpsu5ytvj2y.jpg)

High Speed Beach Run.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4n_zps2zay2axx.jpg)

Creek Crossing and Jungle Track.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4s_zps9nedqh36.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4o_zps8meu5lfw.jpg)

Slippery Mud Track. 

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4p_zpsfkho4eu3.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4q_zpseudlrn4c.jpg)

Towing Trials - 105mm Pak Howitzer.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/xf4r_zps3ypwxsdn.jpg)




Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on July 28, 2015, 05:04:49 PM
Picked up a Workshop Manual the other day. Comprises mechanical and electrical information. No body or accessories info.
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: 2short on July 28, 2015, 06:41:35 PM
For such a rare vehicle that is very cool to have it on film.
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on July 28, 2015, 10:01:19 PM
For such a rare vehicle that is very cool to have it on film.

You're not wrong there 2short. I will be uploading the film onto Youtube as soon as I can.

What struck me about the film was the way in which the army tested these vehicles. Full on. All XF4s had locking front and rear diffs and it shows. They were almost unstoppable in all conditions. There are shots of the XF4s at full pace along dusty, muddy, beach and bitumen roads/tracks. The scrub bashing scenes were a sight to behold. It's a wonder that they survived the testing in one piece.

D2 (International Harvester) and G2 (Ford) are the two XF4s used in the tropical tests. Probably the two best known XF4s out of the eight.
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on August 07, 2015, 10:57:16 PM
Update...

Spent this afternoon readying the XF4 for transport to it's new home. A good mate of mine, REMLR member 'DODGE', helped out with the towing duties from the backyard to the house front. A tilt tray truck will be picking the XF4 up tomorrow morning.

I removed what was left of the cab canvas roof. Although looking rather tattered, it is complete apart from the top flat section. It will make a great pattern for the reproduction of a new one.

Whilst checking over the vehicle, we found an under floor storage compartment behind the two piece swing down tailgate. The compartment was full of the missing driveshafts, axles, the remainder of the tray hoop sections and other parts. This was a pleasant surprise and will go a long way towards completing the truck.

One other interesting thing I did find this afternoon was that the drivers door has been replaced using the door from XF4 'D4'. If the door is viewed from a certain angle, the number '4' can be seen directly behind the '2'. I will try and get a photo and post it up.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2a_zpsmjfrssuu.jpg)

As you can see, the XF4 is not a small truck.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2b_zpsvw58fw06.jpg)

'Under tray floor' storage compartment.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2c_zpsulkk3dtu.jpg)
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Mike C on August 08, 2015, 12:57:55 AM
Nice find of the parts, Stuart. It would have been typical of BD to chuck them all into the vehicle like that: my ex-BD Dingo was the same when I first saw it in his shed - full of all the bits he's collected with or for it.

The XF4 floor is actually a demountable insert as I expect you've already discovered - the 'real' floor is the bottom of the well. The design allowed a flat tray with drop or removable sides for cargo/shelter carrying, and with the floor insert removed, troop carrying and other duties using the flats along the sides over the wheel wells as the seats. It was a very well-thought out design to maximise its adaptability to a wide variety of roles.

You have a great project there, look forward to the updates.

Mike
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on August 08, 2015, 09:04:43 PM
Had the XF4 picked up this morning. Very wet day here in Perth.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2a_zpsgelgykvo.jpg)

Once D2 was under cover at it's new home, I began the process of giving it a quick 'once over' to clean out leaf debris/dirt and explore this trucks unique features.

First off the rank was the cab. The XF4s have tilt forward cabs for easy access to engine bay and hydraulics. The cab can be tilted with one hand. It is wonderfully well balanced, light and smooth in operation.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2h_zpsxjm9uiel.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2k_zpscansgmpw.jpg)

The cab interior is simple yet well thought out. The central control panel that hosts the gear stick, winch and driveshaft operation controls remain in it's original position when cab is tilted. This ensures the hydraulic lines remain undisturbed. Virtually all controls on the XF4 are hydraulically operated. As can be seen from the photo above, there is a plethora of hydraulic tubes servicing 'everything' :o.

At first glance, both cab seats appeared to be replacements. A closer look revealed the seats to be the originals. They are quite basic in their design and comfort. Hard to imagine sitting in them for long stints behind the wheel.

 (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2i_zps6jge1ns5.jpg) 

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2j_zpsew4iaxcj.jpg)

Both windscreen panels open a full 90 degrees.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2d_zpsobqavh7m.jpg)

Once the cab had been explored, the rear tray was next. I stripped out the removable central floor panels and cleaned out the under section of parts and dirt.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2b_zpswcydhjdq.jpg)

I also reinstalled the right side fuel tank and battery box.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2c_zpsp8593y2h.jpg)

Close inspection reveals that this truck is in remarkable condition. The all aluminium body is in almost perfect condition. The chassis is undamaged and rust free.

The only problem I see is the installation of the Ford V8 by a past owner. To accommodate this install, the motor, gearbox and transfer case have been re-positioned slightly rearwards from original. Fortunately, this has been sympathetically done and no damage to chassis has occurred. Should be quite easy to re-install IH V8 in correct position.

I now look forward to researching this vehicle before any further work is undertaken. There are a number of brackets and fittings that have to be identified and how they were utilised. Not the sort of vehicle one can simply go down the road and have a look at someone elses :(.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2g_zpsyvmr8yqb.jpg)  (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D2f_zpsehjs4naw.jpg)
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Mike C on August 09, 2015, 01:09:50 AM
Have you checked the chassis number yet, Stuart, to verify you have 179561 aka D2?

Mike

Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on August 09, 2015, 01:24:42 PM
Have you checked the chassis number yet, Stuart, to verify you have 179561 aka D2?

Mike

Mike

Had a good look around the truck and could not find any chassis number etc. I need to find someone who knows where to look.

Whilst on the subject, I did find this very clear photo of IH D2 with the ARN plate 179-561. It clearly shows the lettering on the door....DELTA2. Exactly what is on the door of my XF4.
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: AGAS 5 on August 09, 2015, 01:31:39 PM
Thanks for the pics & write up. I was somewhat distracted by the other occupants of the shed though  ;D

Cheers.
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on August 09, 2015, 01:39:19 PM
Thanks for the pics & write up. I was somewhat distracted by the other occupants of the shed though  ;D

Cheers.

Thanks Pete. This truck type is new to me so I'm happy to share any info for others to learn about it as well.

...and yes, the shed is full of goodies ;)
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: FFRMAN on August 09, 2015, 09:27:29 PM
thanks Tommy keep it coming, I am enjoying learning something new

regards
Scott
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on August 16, 2015, 03:27:21 PM
Update #1...Missing Parts

After some searching of the property on which D2 was stored for the last 15 years, I have now found a number of the original parts from XF4 D2 that were presumed 'missing'.

These parts include the SUE winch, left hand side fuel/storage underbody tray, 2 x rims and most importantly, the bellhousing.

Photo of the found parts.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D21_zpsszhwfo7b.jpg)

Bellhousing.

The bellhousing was found attached to a IH V345 motor sitting in the long grass. The motor was subsequently extracted and bellhousing removed.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D28_zpsuoyvsuwb.jpg)

The bellhousing is unique to this truck. It can be identified from the raised cast part number beginning with 'ADE' (Army Design Establishment).

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D23_zpsrpghwizt.jpg)

The Storage Tray.

This tray was found under a few feet of household junk. I found it by pure luck. The tray is missing the fuel tank and two storage boxes. These missing items are identical to the right side so replication should not be difficult.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D22_zpsrmndq1ea.jpg)

The SUE (Shute Upton Engineering) winch.

The winch I found is the winch that came out of D2. The winch itself has been gutted and is missing the cable drum and roller frame. These parts can be sourced at a later date.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D24_zps7ahqemzn.jpg)

I have now re-installed the winch to it's correct position. The roller frame will be mounted to the underside of bumper as per original.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D25_zpsbr2daltv.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D26_zps72fumwcq.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/D27_zpscb329rez.jpg)
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Chazza on August 17, 2015, 02:19:11 PM
Update #1...Missing Parts

After some searching of the property on which D2 was stored for the last 15 years, I have now found a number of the original parts from XF4 D2 that were presumed 'missing'.

 The tray is missing the fuel tank and two storage boxes. These missing items are identical to the right side so replication should not be difficult.


Top work cobber!  :D

If you need a hand to make the replica parts give me a call,

Cheers Charlie
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: FFRMAN on August 17, 2015, 06:23:48 PM
Interesting Stuff Tommy, thanks for sharing

Regards
Scott
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on August 20, 2015, 03:19:16 PM
Update...

Bit the bullet and bought the SUE winch. Thats another item for the truck taken care of.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/winch1_zpso9k5rmjy.jpg)
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on August 28, 2015, 07:49:05 PM
Removed the unwanted Ford 351 V8 motor today :)

Engine hoist sprang a leak so could not lift any weight. Called in the neighbours hay tractor to do the job. All went well. Much easier and quicker than the hoist.

Have a few leads on a good running International V8 to put into the XF4. Will be checking these out over the coming weeks.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor1_zpsprpgpwzn.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor2_zpsxwh3oy0y.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor3_zpsokvpbwox.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor4_zpsxt7cyhyq.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor5_zpspmixaghk.jpg)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Motor6_zpsoysbfogp.jpg)
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on September 07, 2015, 10:07:56 PM
Stumbled across these photos of 'D2' (top 3 photos) and Ford XF4 'G2' (bottom 2 photos).

I suspect that these images are from the tropical trials as both D2 and G2 were the only two XF4s to undertake this trial.
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on September 20, 2015, 09:56:54 PM
Update...

Picked up these two winch chainboxes the other day. The one on the right is marked - Shute Upton Brisbane (SUE). I have yet to identify the left chainbox.  

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/tommykm/REMLR%20Forum%20Photos/Chainbox_zps3ofq0vyg.jpg)
Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: AGAS 5 on December 09, 2015, 03:58:18 PM
Another film mate. I'm not sure if it re-uses parts of your vhs tape or not.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F00209/

D2 is at 07:04:50:12

Cheers,

Pete

Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Tommy on December 09, 2015, 10:02:06 PM
Another film mate. I'm not sure if it re-uses parts of your vhs tape or not.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F00209/

D2 is at 07:04:50:12

Cheers,

Pete

Thanks Pete :)

Just watched the video. This footage is new to me. Great quality for once :o.

Those few shots of D2 will be 'screenshotted' (if that's a word) and kept for reference at a later date.



Title: Re: International Harvester XF4 D2 'Delta 2'
Post by: Phoenix on May 21, 2018, 07:42:56 PM
Stuart did you sell this in the end?  Because I am sure I saw a Delta 2 data plate on one of these at bandiana the other month.