What to look for when buying

A

Aubrey

Member
Hi, I just registered here so, here's my typical newb apology for asking stupid clearly linked and discussed questions.

I'm thinking about buying a '74 Scout II and I need some info on what to look for and what to expect (price, mechanical, replacement, etc) for it.

It's got the 345 v8, auto, disc brakes, think 4.09 gears, light rust in typical places. Seems to shift solid and run smooth. (I haven't seen it yet.)

my goal would be to make it safe, solid, reliable, and use it for rock wheeling on moderate and hard trails (not extreme) and camping. Probably 33s.

Thanks for any info you're willing to share.
 
Thanks. I understand those items.
I've built up my ram over the years and will probably keep it. I need, maybe will need, something to transport a cute lady and her two kids. So that puts me into things like the Scout, 4-runner, zj, etc. They will all require a bit of rebuild, build up, and clean up.
My Dad had a Scout when I was a kid and I have always liked them. I just never had the opportunity or 'need' for one really. I'm pretty sure I won't be doing a SOA or link conversion. Probably a shackle reversal and 4" lift maybe 2.5". I don't know if the 4.09 gears will be ok with 33s though. I'd probably put in arbs. I also don't know much about the transmissions and t-case in these. Is there an od unit available or do you even need one or would it be best to plan for a completely different tranny all together?
 
The auto's are 727 tourqeflights. Basically the same transmission in any dodge from the 60's to the 90's. Very durable and reasonable cheap to fix/rebuild. 4.09's will be great with the 33's but I would not expect anything over 8 to 10 mpg out of this thing. Thats just they way they are. Yes you can do overdrive swaps, the most popular is the 700r4 swap but be prepared for it to take some time to recoup your invenstement unless this is your daily driver I would just leave well enough alone.
 
Oh, good.
8 mpg. Yikes. 11 - 12 is bad in my truck now. Hmm.
Some questions about some other items...
Electric motor for wipers? Not vac right?
No a/c in them correct?
Inline or in tank fuel pump?
Was there a cat in 74?
Is a fuel injection kit worth it?
Bent axle housings? Is that a norm for these?
Any Scout specific questions I should ask the seller?
What's an average going price for a 74 in average condition?
Thanks again
 
8mpg is possible not probable if you keep it running right
yes, electric wipers.

Some had a/c and is a bolt in upgrade if not.

In line, on the side of the block, mechanical pump

not 100% sure but I don't think there was a cat. However here in California a 74 is smog exempt so that is a very desirable year.

Depends what you want from this truck and what you want to put into it. For me personally if I had it to do over I would probably left it off mine and just gone with a really well built 4 barrel carb.

Yes, but without a alignment bar you might not be able to tell.

Too many factors to say. However I will say that the value has gone up dramatically in the last 4 or 5 years. A good Scout is hard to find, and people are willing to pay a good sum when they find one.
 
Thanks
what's the normal t-case you'd find in these?
I know it's old but, what were the power output numbers for that motor?
Thanks again. The 'if I had to do it all over again...' info helps a lot.
 
There's also a '77 for sale for around the same price. V-8, auto with a leak. Probably similar condition. Are there much differences between the '74 and '77 (other than the grill)? Since they are both old, is there certain years to be looking for over others?
Thanks again
 
Not much aubrey, especially if the '74 has a disc brake d44 up front. The '77 May still require smog cert in some areas while the '74 is exempt pretty much everywhere. There are some subtle wiring differences and the oe sparkers are different, with the '74 having a Holley breaker points ignition, and the '77 having a gold box electronic. That's unless po's have fitted them with something else. The 4.09 gears in the '74 would be nice with 33" tires. That would be similar to 3.73 gears with stock tires. I've got 3.73 gears with 32/33" tires on my Scout. The big 392 has plenty of poop to get things underway and it rolls down the highway real well, but I would like some lower gearing with the larger tires for off road use. My crawl ratio went bye-bye.
 
Last edited:
Is there a bolt in conversion for putting 3-point belts in these old girls? I had a '62 falcon with no belts and that was scary. I understand these are just lap belts. I'd really prefer a 3-point but, not sure if there's a bolt in kit or you have to install a mild cage just to get mount points.
Thanks
 
The 1974 will have better sheet metal on it too. By 77 it had changed and was pretty spotty. Hp # were about 183hp for the 345 with 266fpt.
 
Thanks for all of the information everyone.
I am going to look at it sat and May be a new Scout owner that evening. One last question (I think) before I buy it, at what speed should I expect to cruise on the interstate? I'll have a couple of hours of interstate driving to get it home but, I'm not sure if I should expect to sit at 60mph or 70mph.
 
First thing is you'll want to be very confident in the rig's stopping and steering abilities. With that gearing and smallish tires (31" or less) you'll be able to cruise at 60 pretty well with occasional bursts of 65. You could hit 70 and hold it too, but the rpms will be up in a range that while not unsafe for the engine, will be making quite a howl that is rather disconcerting for new owners who May not be used to driving older vehicles without extra gears/overdrive. Also, once you get much above 60, what precious little fuel economy these rigs have just nosedives big time. Chances are your speedo will be inop or innacurate if it works at all anyway. My suggestion is get the thing up to it's comfortable cruising speed...it'll let you know...and just hold 'er there. That will likely be somewhere between 55-65.
 
Thanks.
Yes, that's the first thing I told him was I need to make sure I get home safe. The next thing is that I get it all the way home under its own power.
What's a good highway rpm for these engines? Around 2k? Also, how much would going to a 33" with 4.09s change my cruise speed? Could I expect a comfortable 65?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top