IH scout 800

[big dan]

No real update on the scout but I have to post a pic of what kept me from a wheelin trip yesterday.

Spent most of the day dragging this home

Its a 79 shortbed, 12 bolt rear, 10 bolt front sm465/np205 and no motor. Has lots of surface rust but the only hole is on the driver side front fender and I have a good one to replace with. Has a small dent in passenger door, driver rocker is bent and a few small dings that I don't care about. Guy told me 800 over the phone, haggled for a while and got it for $600 and got him to throw in a fresh re-ring 305.

Plan to build it into a work truck for my heat and a/c side work I do. Gonna keep it mostly stock with some 31 all terrains, ladder rack, toolbox and a lift gate. Going to blast all the surface rust and paint before I put in a motor. Probly open the 305 I got and see if its what he says. If it is Ill run it for a while but plan on ls with overdrive auto swap in the near future so no money will be spent on the engine. Figure I can have it running for under a $1000.

Ive also started planning the buildup of my other scout. Next month will be real busy with a planned shop build and getting this truck on the road but as soon as the shop is up my other scout gets pulled in and torn down.

 

[max 02]

sweet!

 

[chulisohombre]

Nice score. Even with the 305. If it runs eve better.

 

[big dan]

Took the scout on a pretty wild trail ride today, my wife has a couple waterfall pics Ill try to get posted later.

For now, looks like the scouts getting parked for a while. Pretty sure I roasted the front ring/pinion. Was making some awful growling and squealing noises. Had to drive out on it, or stop and winch every couple feet.

Also my engine isnt running so great. Ran real good on gasoline but not worth $h!t on pane. Has a real bad misfire under a load, reminds me of a vacuum leak but I cant find any. Also have low vacuum but I can run it with a carb and gasoline and it runs fine Don't know if my mixer is worn out or Im just too retarded to tune it right.

But the worst of my problems is that I broke the tranny in half. I figure it has to do with my mounts being at the end of the crossmember where it bolts to the frame binding or something. Don't know, may swap in a sm465 I have in my shed. Don't really want a standard though.

Anyway, with trying to put another truck together, my dd breaking down on me and trying to build a shop I imagine its gonna be a while before the scout goes again.

On a side note, anybody have experience with tube and fin style tranny coolers? Like these http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transmissio...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd6f695d9&vxp=mtr.

Currently I have a real big cooler in front of my radiator but I don't have a lot of room up front and I really need to put a bigger fan on my radiator for better cooling. Doing this would require me to move my tranny cooler. If I could get away with running a couple of these mounted on the frame rail it would save a lot of much needed space.

 

[big dan]

Thought I would update with some new plans for those that may be interested.

First off, pulled my seats and center hump so I can see the tranny break. Honestly looks like I can weld it back together without pulling the tranny so I may try it. I think my mounts (spring bushing mounts at the frame) are too stiff and ultimately what caused the break. So I am in search of a short style adapter to run a factory style tranny mount.

Second to deal with my cooling and space issues Im going to pick up an aluminum radiator with an internal tranny cooler. Going to rearrange the core support to move the radiator about an 1" farther from the engine so I can fit either dual electric fans or one big one. Also going to add a tube and fin style cooler on the frame rail for the tranny for a little extra cooling.

Since scout II power steering gears are hard to come by and $500 for a reman unit Ive been holding off on power steering but its gotta come before I start driving again for reasons other than Im tired of breaking my thumbs. Found a grand Cherokee steering gear will fit nicely but I have to modify my frame a bit but for $50 off ebay possibly free if I can find one local, I think a little work to get it to fit will be ok.

Now for my axle situation. This is a pic of a scout 80 built for mod stock rock racing and my initial inspiration to build a scout. I really want to try and get back to what I initially wanted with this build with a bit of a spin.

So Ive discussed some things with a friend of mine who has a bunch of Mitsubishi Montero's. Im going to grab a rear end from one to toss under the back of the scout. Specs include 9" ring gear, 30 spline axles, drop out third member (like ford 9"), 6-lug, factory 4.62 gears (randy ring and pinion says 4.56 matches close enough to run up front) and 58" wms which is stock scout width.

Now for the front Im going to regear my 10 bolt (ring and pinion are shot anyway) to 4.56 and cut the tubes down 3". I have a set of Yukon axles that Dutchman axle says they can cut and respline for $90. Then add some sort of locker (may weld cause Im cheap) and 6 lug hubs and I have a 10 bolt front with 61" wms.

Have a bunch of minor stuff to do like moving shock mount locations and rear spring swap. Also either going to have to figure out how to make my propane engine run better or rebuild it to run tbi which is kind of what Im leaning towards.

I want the end result to be very similar to the pic I posted with 35s and narrow axles. Ultimately I want to race my scout in some of the local races. Probably have 6-7 a year within 30 miles of my house. No real money but Ive always wanted to race.

Unfortunately for those of you that may be interested this is gonna be slow. Have another truck to finish getting driveable and a shop to build. I guess I can post pics as I collect parts. Really and truly I had originally planned to run a race this past weekend but I think Im gonna try hard to have the build complete with a good hard shakedown run and be ready for the last race of the year in October.

 

[flynhawaiian]

I am pretty sure that scout belongs or used to belong to a guy here in Oregon and I have seen it in person. I believe he is a member of IHSTO and have seen it at some club functions.

Sounds like a sweet plan. I have enjoyed following your build so far.

 

[big dan]

Well its been a while but Im starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Scout is almost back together, kind of

Finally built a radiator mount that Im happy with so I could get a bigger fan in. Welded all the holes up in the hood so I don't have to cover the engine every time it rains. Moved the winch solenoid under the hood to protect it a little and get it out of the way. Got tired of wiring issues and rewired the whole scout. Used the gm fuse block that I had already but completely re-terminated everything and ran new wiring.

Engine never ran right on the propane. It acted like a vacuum leak but my ignition parts were pretty worn so I replaced dizzy with msd street fire, new plugs, moroso wires. Then I replaced the q-jet base plate and adapter with a brand new holley base plate that does not require an adapter to get rid of potential vacuum leaks. Don't know what it was for sure but it seems to be running way better now.

The biggest setback though was my bright idea to narrow that axles. Found a narrow rearend that I liked and decided to narrow a 10 bolt front. Stripped a housing down, narrowed it and put it back together. Was really happy with the width and then I mounted some tires and checked my steering clearance. Would have really had to limit my steering to keep the tires from hitting the springs. So Pulled my narrow front end out and rebuilt another one I had laying in the yard and stuffed it under, 2 steps forward and 5 back.

Found a good deal (free) 14 bolt rear with a factory posi and 3.73 gears. It was in really good shape so I swapped it into my former dd (which I plan on restoring soon) and put the 14 bolt from it with disks and Detroit locker in the scout. Still need to regear (have gears and bearing just waiting on a new diff cover)

So as it sits now, the scout is running and drives with front wheels. Need to regear the rearend and I would really like to build a new mount for my propane tanks. I also traded my 36s on 16.5s for a set of 33s on 16s. Not much tread but I really wanted to get rid of the 16.5s.

And finally no pics. Ill post some when either my phone or me, which ever it is, quits being retarded.

p.s. found a smoking deal on a brand new orbital valve and got a smoking deal on steering links from ruff stuff's holiday sale so it looks like the scout is getting hydraulic steering at which time it will also get a front locker

OH and I finally poured the concrete for my shop so I have a nice pile of concrete to stare at while I work in the rain. Maybe one day Ill put up some walls and a roof

edit: on last thing, found a local guy that had a farm and everything he had ran off propane but is swapping to diesel equipment. Selling his tanks cheap, I have 7 now and plan on a few more so I can always have fuel around. hope to do lots of wheeling soon. Plan on a shake down run new years day or sooner.

 

[max 02]

Good to see an update on the IH!

 

[big dan]

Changed the rear ring and pinion this morning. Discovered that I may have shaved too much off the bottom of the 14 bolt so Im gonna cut a 3/8 plate and weld on so I don't knock a hole it until I can save up for the tmr shave kit.

Got the rear all buttoned up. Still waiting on the ruff stuff cover to come in but I went ahead and slapped the factory cover on and put in some used (but clean) gear oil cause I couldn't wait to do a donut.

Got it fired up and slung a couple donuts in the yard then wheeled it on the rock pile that was left over from building my shop pad. Hopefully get to take it out very soon.

Figured out whats wrong with my camera too so hopefully I can post some progress pics tomorrow.

 

[campfire]

Figured out whats wrong with my camera too so hopefully I can post some progress pics tomorrow.

 

[big dan]

First pic up is my @$$ pay no attention to the loose wires hanging around, or the brake lines dangling in the air

Had some diy4x shock mounts for inboarding shocks so I welded them up and utilized the scouts factory upper mount for the rear shocks, not ideal but it work.

I had to weld the th350 back together where it cracked on the back. I assumed my mounts were too rigid so I built a new crossmember and used a short style t-case adapter with the factory mount

I also welded a 3/8" plate to the t-case adapter to use the mounting holes for the factory 2wd mount on the tranny. Should give a little more strength to the rear of the tranny

Welded up all the holes in my hood, doesn't look real pretty but it keeps the rain water out of the engine bay. The cross that's painted on the hood is from welding in hood braces that I originally cut out to clear the breather assembly on the original 304 engine. You can also see the new tranny cooler I mounted. The one I built was a little too thick and wouldn't fit after I moved my radiator out. Also note the absence of a winch solenoid, should provide a little more air flow plus getting it in a little more protected spot and it looks better.

Heres where I mounted the winch solenoid, you can also see part of my new radiator support

During winter with the cool air, propane vaporizer and heater helping cool the engine I rarely even had to use the fan. Summer was a different story, 90* days meant overheating with a single 14" fan. Replaced it with this one, cant remember specs but its a 2 speed 18" (I think) factory Taurus fan. Suppose to pull several thousand cfm (seems like I read 3-4K) on high speed. Should keep me from overheating.

My biggest problem however was fitting a bigger fan meant moving the radiator since there was only about 3" between the radiator and the water pump. Plus Ive been plagued with crappy radiator mounts since I built this thing. Finally came up with a solution. Cut out all of the factory upper core support and built a bolt in piece out of square tubing to go behind the radiator then got the idea for the mounts from, oddly enough, an IH truck build in a magazine I read.

Upper and lower mounts use these bumpstops from daystar

And finally here's a shot of what it looks like on 33s

I don't think it really looks all that bad with the smaller tires. Don't really care what it looks like either, as soon as I get my ruff stuff diff cover on and all the loose ends tied up Im gonna wheel it. A lot.

Next up plans for it include full hydro steering. Got an orbital and some linkage from ruff stuff, just need a ram and then Ill get started. Going to add a front locker at the same time. Will be nice having power steering

Eventually, maybe spring, Ill probably buy a set of 35s but for now the 33s are gonna get wheeled until they fall off

 

[big dan]

Ruff stuff tie rod and full hydro are on

Everything is a tight fit from the power steering pump all the way to the ram. There is less than a 1/4 inch of clearance between the ram/tie rod/ram mounts when turned all the way either direction but got it lined up so nothing ever hits.

Welded the front diff while I was at it. I like have a locked front end and figured since I was doing the steering mod I may as well have it too. I can stand outside the scout and turn the wheels lock to lock with the hubs locked in and engine idling with one finger.

Even drove it down the highway to see what it was like. Not bad at 40-50 mph but this thing wont go much faster than that anyway. It does still see some highway miles but no more than 10-15 at a time so I think it will be alright for the benefits Ill gain off the pavement.

Will get some more pics when the weather is better, need to get a seal kit for my steering valve too. It was suppose to be a new take off unit, think I know now why they took it off. Leaks out the input shaft a little, one drip about every 30 seconds or so when it gets hot but I want no leaks.

Been trying to get out wheeling but it seems like every time the weather is nice I end up working.

 

[scotto0609]

Any updates? And sorry for those thinking this was one.

 

[80' 427]

Mine on lpg runs cool enough with a one tin rad and a impala fan, but the condenser wasn't getting enough air flow and the high side would over pressure. Now I have one pusher and 2 pullers (impala fans). Now it never gets hotter than 180 in the trail with the ac on. Everyone pulls their ac stuff and I swapped a cab to get it.

 

[big dan]

Yes I have updates just never have posted them. Cleaned it all up and sprayed it with primer. Got a tailgate put on and misc other things, new tires too. Also took a couple wheeling trips. Got new dents. Twisted the rear driveshaft in two and slammed the front bumper so hard it broke one side off. I'll post pics and a better update once I get home in a couple days

 

[big dan]

So I've really neglected this thread but I promise to have at least a few pics up soon. Been a busy summer, lots of ac work on the side plus I'm building a shop (literally I'm building a shop, no contractors, with very little help) so I havent done much to the scout besides drive it. I do have a new exhaust setup to put on it doubler parts and I bought another scout to work on.

The biggest change coming is that while trying to convince my wife that I need a suburban she said that it would be fun to take a week long trip in the scout wheeling and camping, kind of like the ultimate adventure Petersons does. So the plan now is for ultimate reliability with plenty of storage and fuel (going to keep propane and plan fuel stops). Don't really plan on going out of state, mostly just hitting some places in Arkansas that we haven't been and doing it in a 69 scout. She still says no to the suburban though, maybe after a week in a scout she'll at least let me have an IH travelall

 

[big dan]

First pic with new tires. 35" maxxis, first time Ive had any offroad tires with tread in a while

Pic on the trail, fresh red primer

Heres my friend's 87 Montero. Has 350 on propane with sm465/np205 and 35s. He is currently swapping in 1-tons and 37s

Scout loaded on my friends wrecker after the steering failed for the 4th time. This was the first time out with full hydro. Turned out the filter was causing a restriction making it blow return lines. Ended up ditching the filter and made a trip to town to have steel braided return lines made up, no troubles after this

Got a shot of a swb truck stuck in the big mud hole at the park. Truck has 48" tractor tires

The next part is where I got stuck. Was wedged in between some rocks and just as the front started to climb and I was about to pivot around and carry on the rear driveshaft twisted in two. This caused me to lose my grip and fall off the rock I was perched on. This is a pic of what happened to my bumper when I crashed down

Turns out it was thinner tubing then what I thought. Currently a new bumper is in the works. Here's a shot of my poor driveshaft

This shot kind of shows my new rear suspension. Swapped out the worn out scout springs with no bushings for a set of 52" chevy springs with urethane bushings and set of 15" travel shocks. Much better ride and flex.

Here we are preparing to winch out

Once we got it out we pulled the rear shaft out and took off to my brother in laws house, this park is just 15 miles from my house and my brother in law is half way in between. There we ground the tube off the yokes and found a piece of 1/4" wall drill stem tubing that fit the yokes with a little grinding. Trued it up and welded it together. Its actually still in the scout today and doesn't really vibrate all that bad.

Anyway when we got back to the park it was almost dark so no more pics but we weren't finished wheeling. Took some easier trails and ended up having a jeep join our group that had never been to the park. He followed us to the trail where I broke my rear driveshaft and got stuck at the same place. Couldn't get the jeep in gear any more. Turns out the guys where new to wheeling and didn't know the jeep that well. Stock 4cyl, probably stock gears and 35s=clutch didn't make it. We pulled him out and got him back to camp.

It was getting late so we decided to hit one of the hard trails to finish it off. Scout did great but the Montero didn't survive. Half way down the short rock pile of a trail one of the factory front cv axles let go leaving him with 3 wheel drive. When we got to the end there is a 4' vertical rock climb with a v notch in the middle and he couldn't get it to climb with just 3 wheels pulling. Took several hours in the rain winching and pulling to get him up it but we finally made it out.

Sorry to those who are interested for neglecting this. I have more updates to come and its getting to be good weather for some wheeling so hopefully some of that soon as well.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Looks good man.

 

[campfire]

Sounds like you're having fun with it!

Curious to see how the future camping trip turns out.

 

[chulisohombre]

Looks like it's at least getting some use. Now that you broke it upgrade to stronger. Hopefully the new lines will hold. Great pics.