1992
2004
1977 International Scout Traveler Rallye Sport Edition
This was my first car. I drove it all through high-school and into college. Rust had developed under the rear plastic floor covering and I decided to park it until I had enough money to repair the damage. Fast forward 10 years.
That was the end of 1993. It is 2003 now. The Scout has had several homes since then and is finally receiving some help. I began with a rebuild of the 727 transmission and a cleanup of the transfer case.
The axles were next on my list. Both axles were drained and all of the gunk scraped out. New gaskets were put on and Mobile 1 gear oil replaced the old stuff.
All of the U-joints were old and relatively abused. I replaced them with some HD Spicer ones (Spicer part # 5-1200X) Then lubed them up with high-speed Red Line grease.
The transmission, transfer case, and drive-shafts are all back in place. The shifter linkage has been adjusted and it has been tested.
My next plan is to replace the radiator with a custom one that uses a floating mount system. I have always had problems with the radiator because of vibration and twisting. So I have devised an updated mounting system. I pray that this will solve all of the radiator issues. I will also be switching to an electric fan. Once the cooling system is complete, I will have the whole exhaust system replaced and then get the truck re-registered.
I am leaning towards a single 3" exhaust system that runs down the drivers side. The benefits of a merged exhaust system outweigh any benefits that a full dual-exhaust could offer.After that, I am going to start working on the interior and exterior. This will prove to be the hardest part of the build I am sure.
One of the goals for the rebuild is to raise the amount of power and the redline of the engine. The electric fan, improved cooling, and optimized exhaust system are just the beginning. Because of costs, I am planning to wait until after the body and interior are complete before rebuilding the engine. It still runs strong and idles smooth. I plan to lighten and balance the engine internals when that day comes. I'm not looking to build a racing engine, just improve on the original design a little.
I will try to get new pictures posted as I take them... (The Scout has been back burnered to finish a few other projects and pay some bills)
Here are a few links that have been helpful for me
Super Scout Specialists - Restoration Parts
Scout FX - Restoration Parts (2008 - site is down now)
D & C Extreme - HD 4x4 Parts
Mag-Hytec - Diff Covers (More fluid capacity and a magnetic dipstick)
CTM Racing - Rebuildable HD U-Joints
