The 71's build

[71mtnscout]

Well since we are getting the 64 for a dd the wife has given the go ahead to "toy" the 71. It has some rust issues in the rockers, doorjam body mount, and lower front fenders, the rest of the tub is clean with just surface rust. It has a 345 4v, with a bw-11 and has lived its whole life on the mountain and has 70k+ origanal miles. It was a "fancy" Scout back in the day with slider windows and factory ac.

Now I need some opinions!

The factory springs seem to be in pretty good shape. Can I go 35's if I go SOA? I will "freshen" the bw-11 and use it till it goes then replace it with a 727. Where can I get soft parts for the bw? How long will the d30 hold up, or should I just keep it for the 80 and find a d44?

This should be a blast!!! This is my first Scout II.

 

[Scoutboy74]

There is some work involved with the spring over conversion particularly where the front axle is involved. The d30 fa won't hold up to 35" meats for long. If you're going to go sprung over, might as well dump the d30. SOA on stock springs get's you @ 5.5 inches of lift, which May be enough to clear 35's so long as the vehicle isn't articulated off road. 35's are going to be at least 12.5" wide, so a body lift and/or fender trimming will be required for proper clearance. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Are tires that size really necessary to achieve your goal?

 

[71mtnscout]

I'm interested in building a pretty capable crawler style rig with good articulation abilities. I was going to loose the inner fender wells on the front and was going to cut the body for tire clearance. Want to keep the cg low for good off camber stuff too. I was thinkin 35's for ground clearance of the diffs. I know that I will have to cut and turn the front if I go with IH axle.

Crawlin will be new to me, so I'm not sure what direction I need to go. I used to build and race score rigs a long time ago, so I have some pretty fair fab skills, there just a little rusty. I was also thinkin of just going d60's for the beef, but I dont have an endless supply of $$$$ and I already have the II sitting in the backyard. Can I get away with 33x10.50 or 12.50's and have a decent crawl rig?