76 Scout II take 2

[Donnie801]

This is going to be a long post but I think its important to explain the background then the questions. In 2001 my wife and I living in western Washington bought a 76 Scout II Traveller. Spring over 44s F&R 36" Swampers. Great rig for a family of 4! Then on the trail one day I met Bobby Long. We hit it off immediatly! After years of some tight trails and knarley hill climbs axles and body panels were failing. Over a span of 2 years Bobby and his wife Tina helped us fully tube the body, put a chrysler V8 in it & Install Dana 60s. Beause of the terrian we wheel'd we geared it low, 5:89s detroits F&R. In 07'my wife and I moved to Salt Lake for work reasons. We sold the scout to my brother, sad day. We sold to him thinkin Moab was too far away and my boys were getting older and he had 2 youngins. Then 2 things happened,1 we took our SxS to Moab. 2 my grandmother passed away and I had to travel back to washington for that. I knew my brother had gotten a blazer to wheel and had retired the Scout, but didn't get rid of it, but has neglected it badly. After some long conversations with my wife and brother i got it back. The body is all tubed so its not harmed but has no engine,tranny or tcase. 60s are still under it. Finally, questions, 120" wheelbase, too long? It is leaves F&R still but hope to link the rear one day. I have a SB350 I plan to use and want to go Turbo 350 203/205, is that too low? Is there such a thing as too low with 40" tires? AND, thoughts on propane? This will not be a overnight rebuild! Thanks

 

[ChestonScout]

Mine started out as a Traveller. Stock wheelbase is 118". I kicked it out to 123" when it was on tons and 42s and it was awesome. Climbed anything in Moab i pointed it at.

Jeeps wish they had that wheelbase. Haha

Your drivetrain will be great. No such thing as to low for crawling purposes.


Post some pics! I love a Traveller

 

[Pile of parts]

Sounds like a stout drivetrain/plan. I've always had manual transmissions and am currently looking at options for t-case gearing. I like what I have and want to retain the current ratio but have options for lower as well. Can't really comment on a doubler setup in an auto but I'm sure others on here will have ideas. The length and leaf springs should be fine. Spring over or under? You'll need a good anti-wrap bar if over. I'm 105" wheelbase and spring over. I have my limitations due to spring wrap and length but can go just about anywhere. Post up some pictures, document the progress and go have fun.

 

[Donnie801]

First 2 are when it was in its prime, second 2 are this last weekend. Spring over.