1968 IH Scout 800

[tntmo]

I already posted some info about my IH on new member info, but figured I could put it here too so that we can get some topics started.  I actually have three Scouts (you can't own just one!)  I only have two that are running/driving, this one and a 1970 that used to belong to my brother.  I also have a 1965 Scout 80 that I am working on for my daughter's first vehicle.

Here's what I have on my 1968.
Oldsmobile 455, bored .060, Crane RV cam, Edelbrock aluminum intake and 4 barrel carb.  It's a great torque motor, more than I'll ever need.  Still has some issues to work, it gets hot pretty quick.  I have a larger 4 core radiator I want to install along with an electric fan.
 
It's got a TH400 auto, with a basic shift kit, no issues there.  I'm running a NP203/NP205 ORD doubler for my tranfer case.  It's a great setup, the 4 to 1 low will get you over most anything.  I'm having problems with the 205, it's not shifting into 2hi or 4hi correctly.  I'll have to pull it out and see what I come up with. 

For axles I've got the running gear off a 77 Chevy Blazer, 12 bolt rear and Dana 44 front.  The rear has an Eaton locker and the front is an open diff.  I'm considering doing high steer soon so I will need a flat top passenger knuckle.  I don't have a parking brake so that's on the to do list. 

The whole truck is rewired with a new harness, but there is a lot of things I need to finish up.  Wipers aren't hooked up, and I have a few shorts that I'm working on too.  I want to install a stock heater, it currently has a Mohave heater but I would like to have defrost for cold mornings and to get a bit more space under the dash to install a CB/Ham radio. 

I'm currently running a fuel cell behind the back seat.  I don't mind it, but it eats up the little storage space available on this small rig.  I want to put a fuel tank between the frame rails in the back of the truck, don't know exactly how I'll do that but I'm researching it. 

All I have is lap belts up front, I really want to go with 4 points and tie the seat mounts into the cage.  I also want to extend the roll cage farther back.  Don't forget the swing out spare tire mount on the rear bumper.  Oh yeah, the bed liner on the entire interior too.

Lots of ideas, not a lot of time or money but it will all work out eventually.  If you have a Scout or IH truck, post up your mods and future plans.  I'd love to see what you have done and what you have planned.

[ilovedirt]

sorry, tried to im you the other night but i missed your reply. anyway, looks like you have alot of nice things done to your scout.  i am new into the scout world, but i have built my samuri for on and off 7 years now.  i took the scout to the desert last weekend to do a shake down on it and i was very impressed.  i drove it down there, wheeled all day and drove home with no issues.  i am trying to fogure out the axle situation right now; spoa on stock 44s or front 44 and rear 10 bolt from my 76 chevy.  i have a 79 scout 2 100" wheelbase, 342, chrysler auto(?), full cage, i think 2 1/2 inch lift on 31s.  i want to get it on 35s at least.  i also want to try to lighten it up if you have any suggestions.  looking foward to the new project, but trying to do it on the cheap because like most people cash is tight.

[tntmo]

That should be a 12 bolt rear from your Chevy.  The Chevy Dana 44 front is already set up for SOA so it's not too difficult to swap in.  If you do the SOA you should be able to get 35's under the truck pretty easy.   

Your engine is probably a 345, and you should have a 727 automatic.  It's the same internals as a Dodge 727 with a different bellhousing and input shaft so parts are easy to get.   

These trucks are not light, and it's not easy to get them lighter.  I've heard that IH stands for It's Heavy.  Just build it strong and keep it going, at least you will have a unique wheeler.  Hope to see you on the trails soon.