64 scout 80

[Fixerupper]

Hey all!
I have a 64 scout 80 that I am trying to piece back together. I am looking for help. I found this truck out in a field and Im trying to put it back together. I swapped in Jeep TJ dana 30 front and 35 rear with 4.10 gears. Front disc rear drum. Took the whole body off the frame and cleaning up what needs to be cleaned up. Im running grabber 31s and 3 in lift. Im looking for recommendation on the power. I was leaning to a 4.3 or 5.3 don't care to build a race car but I want the vehicle to be drivable. My wife is insistent on the auto trans. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Brian

 

[ihpartsjeff]

With just a smaller Dana 35 rear axle I would stick with the smaller power plant. A 4.3 does fit nicely, but only after you move the front frame crossmember forward along with the radiator support. You might want to check out this build we did years ago that had a 4.3/Auto combo installed - Jim's 1968 Scout 800