Rusty Scout
Member
Looking for an ihonlynorth parts solution for this:
I need a quick, easy and cost effective lift kit solution for the 1979 scoutii. I have been running a set of Skyjacker 2” springs that I bought slightly used(originally on erik vanrs Scout for about 2 years with not much use). Main use for this vehicle is backcountry road trips with a heavy load of gear. That includes the hard top, wilderness sport rack with shovel/axe, highlift jack and 2nd spare. Other heavy items include fully loaded cooler, 6 gallons of water, 5-15 gallons of extra gas, tools, spare parts, oil, camping gear for 2 and everything just shy of the kitchen sink. I do a lot of highway to get to my destinations and then go off pavement mostly on very rough washboardy roads damaged by flash floods and lack of grading. No trails with the heavy load though worse than steele pass. Also I run BFG mud 31x10.50x15.
The history of these springs on the Scout is as follows: installed slightly used with no caster shims and handled great with decent ground clearance. The main issue was breaking shock hardware on death valley washboards. I was running the Skyjacker hydro shocks for 2 “ lifts and they finally died after being dragged one too many times. The final blow was in the Nevada desert when the front right lower shock mount broke off the Scout and leaving outer Ubolt without tension. That is when I finally added 3 inch extended bump stops which finally cured the broken shock hardware syndrome.
The next issue that came along was the rear of the truck began to sag slightly and the mud terrains were grinding on the rear of the wheel wells under articulation. I believe that I improved all that with 1.5 inch extended rear shackles. Ride height evened out and tires rubbing was almost non existent.
Fast forward about 6 yrs after numerous heavily loaded outback expeditions including a baja run and now the axles (with the truck fully loaded) are only about 3/4s of an inch from the bumpstops in the rear and about 1.25” in the front. Initially when I installed the longer bumpstops there was a good 3-4 inches of clearance. I was going off to the desert the other night but just going down the freeway I could feel the suspension bottoming out so I aborted the mission..
I need help deciding which route to go. I have a small budget for rusty Scout and want to remain SUA and be able to haul heavy loads with decent travel and road-ability.
First choice I am thinking Rough Country 4” if they can handle the load.
My next choice is Skyjacker 4” if they can handle the load.
My last choice is the triangle 4” springs due to cost and what people say of the stiff ride. I am very willing to go to the triangles though if that is the only real solution for best load and towing capacity. Perhaps the stiff ride will be reduced under heavy loading..
Maybe I should bring this thing to Jeff fully loaded so he can evaluate the situation and come up with a best solution with the parts he has in stock or can get. I want this thing ready for death valley by thanksgiving and will perform the labor if need be.
I need a quick, easy and cost effective lift kit solution for the 1979 scoutii. I have been running a set of Skyjacker 2” springs that I bought slightly used(originally on erik vanrs Scout for about 2 years with not much use). Main use for this vehicle is backcountry road trips with a heavy load of gear. That includes the hard top, wilderness sport rack with shovel/axe, highlift jack and 2nd spare. Other heavy items include fully loaded cooler, 6 gallons of water, 5-15 gallons of extra gas, tools, spare parts, oil, camping gear for 2 and everything just shy of the kitchen sink. I do a lot of highway to get to my destinations and then go off pavement mostly on very rough washboardy roads damaged by flash floods and lack of grading. No trails with the heavy load though worse than steele pass. Also I run BFG mud 31x10.50x15.
The history of these springs on the Scout is as follows: installed slightly used with no caster shims and handled great with decent ground clearance. The main issue was breaking shock hardware on death valley washboards. I was running the Skyjacker hydro shocks for 2 “ lifts and they finally died after being dragged one too many times. The final blow was in the Nevada desert when the front right lower shock mount broke off the Scout and leaving outer Ubolt without tension. That is when I finally added 3 inch extended bump stops which finally cured the broken shock hardware syndrome.
The next issue that came along was the rear of the truck began to sag slightly and the mud terrains were grinding on the rear of the wheel wells under articulation. I believe that I improved all that with 1.5 inch extended rear shackles. Ride height evened out and tires rubbing was almost non existent.
Fast forward about 6 yrs after numerous heavily loaded outback expeditions including a baja run and now the axles (with the truck fully loaded) are only about 3/4s of an inch from the bumpstops in the rear and about 1.25” in the front. Initially when I installed the longer bumpstops there was a good 3-4 inches of clearance. I was going off to the desert the other night but just going down the freeway I could feel the suspension bottoming out so I aborted the mission..
I need help deciding which route to go. I have a small budget for rusty Scout and want to remain SUA and be able to haul heavy loads with decent travel and road-ability.
First choice I am thinking Rough Country 4” if they can handle the load.
My next choice is Skyjacker 4” if they can handle the load.
My last choice is the triangle 4” springs due to cost and what people say of the stiff ride. I am very willing to go to the triangles though if that is the only real solution for best load and towing capacity. Perhaps the stiff ride will be reduced under heavy loading..
Maybe I should bring this thing to Jeff fully loaded so he can evaluate the situation and come up with a best solution with the parts he has in stock or can get. I want this thing ready for death valley by thanksgiving and will perform the labor if need be.
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