1999 International 4700 26' Box Truck

A 1999 International 4700 26' box truck is a mid-duty commercial vehicle typically powered by the International DT466 diesel engine, with a GVWR around 25,999 lbs and a 26-foot cargo box. At 25+ years old, engine hours, transmission condition, and rust on the frame matter more than mileage alone. Verify maintenance records and inspect the box, lift gate, and brakes before you buy.

The International 4700 built its reputation on durability, not luxury. By 1999, this platform had already logged years as the default choice for delivery fleets, moving companies, and small freight operators who needed a truck that would run past 300,000 miles without major surprises. But a 25-year-old truck comes with 25 years of wear, and not every unit on the market has aged the same way.

If you're shopping for one of these trucks, the year and box length only tell you part of the story. Here's what actually determines whether you're getting a workhorse or a money pit.

What engine does a 1999 International 4700 have?

Most 1999 International 4700 models were built with the International DT466 diesel engine, a 7.6-liter inline-six known for its longevity in vocational trucks; the International 4700 is typically a Class 6 truck, with gross vehicle weight rating figures varying by setup. This engine commonly paired with an Allison automatic or a manual transmission, depending on the original spec.

Before you commit, confirm three things:

• Engine hours or estimated mileage, not just the odometer reading

• Oil sample or compression test results, if the seller has them

• Evidence of a rebuilt or replaced turbo, injectors, or head gasket

These trucks remain popular in the used truck market for reliability and heavy-duty build.

A DT466 with documented maintenance and 250,000 miles can outlast a neglected unit with half that mileage. Paperwork beats odometer numbers every time.

Price and availability vary by location.

Why does the GVWR matter on a 26' 4700 box truck?

A 1999 International 4700 typically carries a GVWR near 25,999 lbs, placing its gross vehicle weight rating within the upper end of Class 6 in many configurations, and many came with the DT466 inline-six rated around 175 to 230 HP, though some used the T444E V8 instead. This is a major reason fleets favored this model — non-CDL drivers can legally operate it, especially with an automatic transmission commonly supplied by Allison. The DT466’s wet-sleeve design also allows in-frame rebuilding for easier long-term repair.

Confirm the GVWR on the door sticker or title before you buy. Some 4700 configurations were built with higher-rated axles and GVWRs that push the truck into CDL territory. If your business plan depends on non-CDL drivers, this detail can make or break the purchase, and the truck’s straightforward mechanical design helps simplify repairs.

Is a 1997 international 4700 or 1999 model too old to buy in 2026?

Age alone doesn't disqualify a used box truck. A well-maintained 1999 International 4700 26 box truck with full service records, a rebuilt engine, and a gross vehicle weight rating that falls within the broader 19,501-26,000-pound range—often around 25,999 pounds on trucks like this—can outperform a newer truck with an unknown history. In many common non-CDL setups, the 4700 is treated as a Class 6 truck. Choose the older, documented truck if reliability data matters more to you than a lower age number on the title. Choose a newer model if you need financing, since many lenders set cutoffs around 10–15 years on commercial vehicle age.

Payload capacity typically falls between 6,000 and 10,000 lbs depending on configuration.

Some 4700 models were also built with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 29,000 pounds, so weight classification can vary by model year and configuration. Braking and suspension setups also vary by spec, with hydraulic or air brakes and multi-leaf spring or optional air-ride suspension.

Get a pre-purchase inspection before you sign

Don't rely on a walkaround and a test drive. Because of this truck’s age, careful evaluation is essential before you purchase a 1999 International 4700, including checks on the VIN, international VIN records, spring VIN notes, gross vehicle weight rating, class, brake setup such as air brakes or hydraulic brakes, tires, rear axles, and the cab, rear door, roll hardware, good doors, good box, and nice box condition. The International 4700 remains popular in the used truck market for its reliability and heavy-duty build. Have a diesel mechanic inspect the engine, international horsepower, diesel drive, transmission, including any international transmission details, automatic transmission, automatic transmission manufacturer, manual transmission manufacturer, allison description, allison suspension, automatic suspension, spring description, spicer, spicer number, speeds, brakes, frame, and look for electrical issues, unknown issues, or signs of non running condition before you finalize any deal on a 1999 International 4700. This single step costs a few hundred dollars and prevents the far larger expense of a failed transmission or a cracked frame rail showing up 30 days after purchase, especially on a truck that may have been sitting for a few years, gone through a shop, or is selling as is. You may also see listing references like 1997 international, 1997 international 4700, 4700 box, single engine model, fl, low mileage notes, price, sale, selling, ready timing, or date stamps such as monday, tuesday, wednesday, saturday, june, july, august, september, and location tags like covington, but those should never replace an in-person condition review. Built for vocational heavy hauling, this truck is better suited to local and regional freight, moving, and utility work than a passenger-like driving experience, and replacement parts remain widely available to support long-term maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles can a 1999 International 4700 with a DT466 engine last?With proper maintenance, the DT466 engine is known to run past 400,000 miles before requiring a major overhaul. Actual lifespan depends heavily on service history and prior use, so verify the VIN, brake type such as hydraulic brakes or air brakes, tires, and the cab, box, rear door, and good doors condition during inspection. Many older units are selling as is, so check for unknown issues or electrical issues before signing.

Does a 1999 International 4700 26' box truck require a CDL to drive?Most configurations stay under the 26,001 lb threshold that triggers CDL requirements, but always confirm the exact gross vehicle weight rating and class on your specific unit's title or door sticker before assuming, especially on a 4700 box with a 26-foot straight-truck box that offers substantial cargo volume. As a reference point only, inspection should always be weighed against mileage and asking price—for example, 149,550 miles and a $7,995 price—not treated as a universal market value.