Matt's Full Width Scout II

[ihojeff]

This is a recent project we completed for our good customer Matt P. The Scout was trailered to us as the current spring over axle lift made it unsafe to drive. We pretty much ripped everything out and replaced it with a Dana 44 front axle and GM 14bolt rear axle out of a 3/4 ton Chevy pickup. A CV rear driveline was installed along with a long travel front driveshaft. The Scout already had a reverse shackle but with the short front fangs it left no room for the hysteer so we replaced the front fangs with some CPT ones to make clearance for the tierod. We did leave the shackles below the frame to save a little labor of redoing it thru the frame. The front axle had a Powrlok installed along with 5.13 gears. Flat top knuckles were machined for a PartsMike hysteer system. The front brakes were completely redone. The rear axle had a custom disc brake kit installed along with a Detroit Locker and 5.13 gears.

[ihojeff]

Matt has his Scout back in the shop for a new cage. Here are some pics from the last couple days work.

This is what Matt was using for a rollbar/cage. It was already in the Scout when it was purchased.



Before cage fabrication could begin Darren and I had to replace the right front body mount as it was rusted away. We also replaced all the body bushings with new ones.





With the upper floor cut out you could see all the trapped dirt.



Body mount was completely removed.



This was a clean floor when we started.



New body mount wedge was first welded in.



Followed by the floor mount.





With the body mount all welded in a new partial floor patch was fabbed and welded in.

[ihojeff]

With the body mounts solid we could now move on to the cage.

We started with the 'B' hoop.



Followed by the main side bars.





We reinstalled the hard top to test fit and welded in both front and rear main bars.





Followed by some lower door bars.

[ihojeff]

Darren and I got the roll cage for the most part completed. Just needs to be painted and the seats and seatbelts reinstalled.



This is the lower carriage that mounts the factory rear seat to the cage.





Beginning of the front seat mounts.

[ihojeff]

After the cage was built Darren and I fabbed up some simple rock sliders and rear quarter panel guards. We also mounted the cage to the frame in four spots. Here are pics of the completed work.

[Scouty]

Hood Louvers and Fan Shroud

Installed a set of hood louvers from Jeff. Placement over the manifolds really lets the heat out . I added a fan shroud (from IHONLYNORTH) and cut out part of the inner fenders at the same time I added the louvers, so the engine temp went down considerably. Also noticed a big difference in the under the hood temp, you can actually feel the heat coming out the louvers when you put your hand over them. The reduced heat also makes it nicer in the cab, before these latest mods it felt like the heater was on all the time, especially when the side vents were open. Now when the vents are open you can actually feel cool air coming in. Added a new SSII grill (from IHONLYNORTH) while I was at it.

[Scouty]

RuffStuff Diff Cover

Picked up a RuffStuff diff cover for the 14bolt from IHONLYNORTH

[Scouty]

Dual Batteries and Starter

Finally got the dual batteries and selector switch (IHONLYNORTH), new starter (IHONLYNORTH) and ford solenoind installed (thanks Craig). PO made a real mess with the wiring, so took almost 2 days to get everything installed and cleaned up. Big thanks to Jesse for the help and garage space.




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[ihojeff]

Looking great Matt!

Looks like you and Jesse did a top notch job on the dual battery install.

[Scouty]

Originally Posted by ihojeff

Looking great Matt!

Looks like you and Jesse did a top notch job on the dual battery install.

Thanks Jeff,

We ran into some wiring issues that slowed down the install. As you know, the things previous owners do really make you your head. Love the switch.