Disassembly of an International Semi Truck

Over the last week and a half it has been mine and some of my other peers assignment to disassemble an old International Semi truck and scrap everything except for all three axles the engine the dash and all wiring harnesses.

We started out by getting the truck in the shop so we would be able to properly work on it. This wasn't the easiest of tasks considering there was no transmission or air in the system to free the brakes or steer. After caging the air cans and freeing up the brakes we gathered around for a good old pushing match, we won!

 

After getting the truck inside we began to pull off the doors, hood, fuel tanks,seats,dash and exhaust.

We ended up with quite a pile of stuff, I thought one of the funnest but mind blowing parts so far during this assignment. Was disconnecting all the wiring running to and from the dash, then removing a bundle of wires that will make your head spin. I definitely learned that even in an older truck with out all the the computers, there is still a lot going on electrically in these types of vehicles.

After removing the insides of the cab, we were then able to focus on removing the cab. We did so by strapping the cab so it would sit level we hoisted, then disconnected the 14 bolts holding on and hoisted it off the frame and it was as simple as that.

One of the next tasks we set out on was to unbolt the drop axle from the frame so we could remove the whole drop axle assembly from the frame allowing us to remove the actual axle from the air bags and frame part of the assembly.

As you can see we managed get the drop axle out and it was not easy, it took either a 1" air gun and most of the fasteners had to either be heated with and induction tool or a torch. Actually the last 2 fasteners had to be cut out by your truly. One of the most interesting things I learned throughout the removal of this axle assembly was how to use a the heating induction tool, I had never seen one before and was surprised at how good it actually worked. Although I think it would work better on nuts without nyloc. Also, fun fact this axle weighed in at 1,285 lbs.

I think the thing that I have had to keep reminding myself throughout this project is, this truck was put together, it didn't magically appear. So every time I run into the situation of  how do I get this apart and start getting frustrated. Is to not run to the nearest person for help but to sit back and think about it.

Week 1 & 2
Shop Hours 26