Cost of an SOA

[jayman2003]

I have a 1977 Scout II with a 2.5 inch superlift...(was on it before I bought it, I'm guessing a 2.5 inch) and 32 inch tires. 345 V8, Dana 20 T-Case, Dana 44's front/rear, and the 3sp auto.

I am weighing the options I have, either buying a lift kit, or doing an SOA. I have an experienced welder I can have help, I would be using the springs I have on there now, as well as the axles. I would like to know doing a budget, but proper SOA (I am aware that could very well be an oxymoron) what is the round about cost of doing it myself...?

I have read on the good 'ole internet it is just as expensive or more to do an SOA over a lift. But I've also been told by others that it should be cheaper and most say the benefits out-way the cost. Thanks for your time and good luck with your builds.

[Chris Pucci]

Research, research and research some more.

You have a few things to deal with when doing a SOA -- steering, brake lines and drivelines. You can spend between a little and lot on each step.

Just tossing out numbers I'd plan $400 at least for steering parts, $100 on brake lines and anywhere from $0 to $600 on drivelines.


Now go do more research and write out your plan.

What is your goal for the Scout?

[Korllach]

When I bought my scout it had one of the ever famous "budget" SOA's on it... and budget steering and budget brakes... I had to have Jeff hook me up with all new parts for PO Virus surgery and to make sure it was done right the first time and I wasn't just making a giant pile of dog shite into a giant pile of dog shite with expensive parts, I took it down to Bucks 4x4 in Boise. I did my research though with estimates from bucks, but also from Jeff here, and from Damian at D and C. All of the estimates were roughly the same.

Lets just say I expected to pay 1 price, but by the time i had them correct everything from steering, axles, brakes, and doing the suspension correctly (i added a reverse shackle kit to it)my original price i had in my head had doubled.


That being said, I cant be happier with the results that my scout is now safe, and will more than handle any wheeling I have in mind for it. I absolutly love the hardware I have purchased from Jeff and the guys at IHONLY North.

[jayman2003]

Originally Posted by Chris Pucci

Research, research and research some more.

You have a few things to deal with when doing a SOA -- steering, brake lines and drivelines. You can spend between a little and lot on each step.

Just tossing out numbers I'd plan $400 at least for steering parts, $100 on brake lines and anywhere from $0 to $600 on drivelines.


Now go do more research and write out your plan.

What is your goal for the Scout?

When doing a lift of any kind that nets you about 4+ inches you have to deal with brake lines, steering, drivelines, and such...correct?

Being my first lift, I have never tried to remedy driveline issues with diff angles. So I don't know if that can get me by until I can afford proper length drivelines.

My plan is to use this Scout on the road most of the time, and wheelin on the weekend. I go to school full time, (a little late but hey at leasts it's happenin) I drive it to school every day as it is. I don't want anything major from a lift just a little more to clear 33 inch tires when flexing...(which is something I have nothing of I found out a few weekends ago...lol) and I would like to get bit more flex out the beast. With the research I've done doing an SOA is the better way to get that to happen. I am not into doing crazy boggin, or slappin from one ledge to another. I plan to tread lightly, take it slow (unless required by the obstacle), and enjoy the trail.

I would like to do a basic rebuild of the motor, add the TBI system offered here at IHON, new gauges, just mainly things to make it more everyday reliable and convient.

[Chris Pucci]

Originally Posted by jayman2003

When doing a lift of any kind that nets you about 4+ inches you have to deal with brake lines, steering, drivelines, and such...correct?

Not always. With a 4" SUA lift you would only need to get new brake lines. Steering would work as is from the factory, and 'most' Scout drivelines still work fine. SOA changes things a bit more and the factory steering CAN NOT be safely used.

Originally Posted by jayman2003

Being my first lift, I have never tried to remedy driveline issues with diff angles. So I don't know if that can get me by until I can afford proper length drivelines.

If you SOA a Scout axle without doing a cut and turn you will have either TERRIBLE driveshaft bind or being unable to use it at all. OR having terrible caster angle and not being able to drive straight or safely down the road. DO NOT attempt to do a SOA without addressing driveline angles and caster angle.

You would also hate for your driveshaft to come apart the first time you flex it out and the Stock shaft is too short...


If you want to daily drive the Scout and do not have the money or skills to do a SOA correctly. Get some softer 4" lift springs and some extended brakelines and be done with it...

[jayman2003]

Originally Posted by Chris Pucci

Not always. With a 4" SUA lift you would only need to get new brake lines. Steering would work as is from the factory, and 'most' Scout drivelines still work fine. SOA changes things a bit more and the factory steering CAN NOT be safely used.




If you SOA a Scout axle without doing a cut and turn you will have either TERRIBLE driveshaft bind or being unable to use it at all. OR having terrible caster angle and not being able to drive straight or safely down the road. DO NOT attempt to do a SOA without addressing driveline angles and caster angle.

You would also hate for your driveshaft to come apart the first time you flex it out and the Stock shaft is too short...


If you want to daily drive the Scout and do not have the money or skills to do a SOA correctly. Get some softer 4" lift springs and some extended brakelines and be done with it...

I have skill enough to do a lot of the work myself, but I would be enlisting the skills of my father who has done a # of SOAs as well as regular old lifts...lol

I understand the risks of keeping the same drivelines, brakelines, and so on. I know with any SOA on a Scout you have to cut and turn the front axle. Just didn't know if it was possible to getaway with stock driveline lengths when doing an SOA. I said on my first post that if doing the SOA I wanted to know the cheapest PROPER way to do it. I drive this old thing on the freeway at 60mph safety is a big concern.

This would be a "park in the garage for a while" project for me. I wouldn't want to try and do it crazy fast over a couple days and pay for it later in safety, quality, or usability.