Scout 80 - swap 44 front but keep manual steering

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chevy43

New member
I want SUA Scout Dana 44's under my Scout 80 but I'd really like to have a manual steering box.

I'm pretty sure the geometry is all wrong to keep the manual box with a Dana 44 since the steering arms are about 4 inches longer on the 44. So the pitman arm would have to be lengthened or the steering arm shortened. I'd rather not weld on knuckles or pitman arms...

I would use a manual box that mounted the same as the Scout box if I could find one - Travelall or f150? There aren't many where the pitman points towards the rear.

If I have, to I will go with power steering from a Scout II but I like the simplicity of a manual box and it keeps my arms strong.

If I go to the Scout II box I will have to cut up my radiator support and re fabricate it to clear the box.
 
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Get waggy d44s (rear is offset for the d18).

I can't remember if stock 80 steering is push/pull (forward/back) or if the pitman arm goes left/right.

If left right, simple get standard Jeep/Chevy tres (the ps has a tapered hole for the dl).

If push/pull, you could swap a Chevy knuckle on the ds, which has the studs & arm for push/pull.

Edit: also, I'm pretty sure if you use a Jeep/Chevy ps box, which mounts inside the frame rails, the shaft goes through the vent wall in the radiator mount (might need slight trimming).
 
I have the scout2 44's already.
I'll be running a 4bt with a dana300 so the centered diff will be fine.
 
chevy43 said:
I have the scout2 44's already.
I'll be running a 4bt with a dana300 so the centered diff will be fine.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure you will be making new radiator supports to fit the 4bt/radiator/inter-cooler.

There isn't a bolt in solution.

Welding pitman arms or knuckles is ghetto & dangerous, so you are on the right track.

There are a variety of options.

You could move the axle forward or back.
Bolt in the new ones, measure & then decide.
IH Parts America has components to help make it work, if Jeff doesn't, many other vendors do.
 
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