I was talking to my wife last night, and we figured it is just about time ot get a rig that I can build over the next few years, and I have always loved the look of a scout 80. There is something about the body lines of this ride that make them appealing to me. The only question I have is about the frames on these. The plan is to throw a 4.3 in there with an auto. I will not run the stock drivetrain. Will the stock frame hold up, or would IU be better off building a frame from scratch?

thanks
dIma

Frames are plenty strong, especially for only a v6.

Here are some pics of my 80 frame before paint.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g149/prospectorc4/scan0003.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g149/prospectorc4/scan0004.jpg
As long as it is in decent shape, no worries at all. Way stronger than any jeep frame IMO

Look around there are several really cool detailed ongoing early scout builds going on in the first couple of pages on the board.

Scout frames are beef.:smokin:

I will not run the stock drivetrain.
dIma


Are you planning on running full width axle's or something similar to stock width? (Just curious)

Yo Dima,

The frames are stout, I beefed up a few of the body mounts but they are a fully boxed frame. Build a Scout and let's wheel :)

http://whiteknucklemotorsports.net/gallery/albums/scout80ss/2008_oct16_canon_001sm.sized.jpg

I was talking to my wife last night, and we figured it is just about time ot get a rig that I can build over the next few years, and I have always loved the look of a scout 80. There is something about the body lines of this ride that make them appealing to me. The only question I have is about the frames on these. The plan is to throw a 4.3 in there with an auto. I will not run the stock drivetrain. Will the stock frame hold up, or would IU be better off building a frame from scratch?

thanks
dIma

Considering the same frame held a 345 V-8 weighing over 700 pounds, I think the svelte 4.3L will do just fine. FWIW, we've got a guy in the club running the 4.3 in his 800 (same basic frame as the 80) and he hasn't had any problems.

I was talking to my wife last night, and we figured it is just about time ot get a rig that I can build over the next few years, and I have always loved the look of a scout 80. There is something about the body lines of this ride that make them appealing to me. The only question I have is about the frames on these. The plan is to throw a 4.3 in there with an auto. I will not run the stock drivetrain. Will the stock frame hold up, or would IU be better off building a frame from scratch?

thanks
dImaMight look at running a 4.8/5.3L for V8 power and better MPG than the 4.3l!

Dima...

Do it...The 80 is a great rig. Very spartan stock and easy to throw shit onto.

My rig has lots of crap on it so if you need any photos just let me know.

This is just an idea. I have always liked the scout, and they are CHEAP to pick up... NOw why is that? I found a scout 80 for $250 complete the other day.

On to why the 4.3? Ihave a vortech 4.3 that need a rebuild in my garage. This will be a LONG project, so I figure a year or 2 until I can even see a trail. I would not get stated until march or april (I gotta move out of my current house and into the new place).

I am not running fullwidth under this. To be honest, I am a little tired of the hardcore stuff. I just want to take my family out and do some camping. I wasa thinking 38's with Dana 44 front and MAYBE a 60 rear.

DIma

There's several 80/800 builds in the FAQ. Read and start building!

I saw that $250 80 as well... The body looks pretty good.
If I had the $$$ I would have picked it up for spares.

If you in the East Bay any time soon Dima, shoot me a PM & we can talk over some beers & look over mine.

I saw that $250 80 as well... The body looks pretty good.
If I had the $$$ I would have picked it up for spares.

If you in the East Bay any time soon Dima, shoot me a PM & we can talk over some beers & look over mine.

Funny. I was just in concord last weekend moving rocks around for a buddy. Next time I am out that way, I will give you a call and swing by.

Thanks
dIma

This is just an idea. I have always liked the scout, and they are CHEAP to pick up... NOw why is that? I found a scout 80 for $250 complete the other day.


Because they are not a Jeep, they are not a Bronco and they are not a Blazer. And there is some misconception that you cannot get parts for them anymore. But if you're building a rig where 90% of the parts are going to be changed anyway and you'd rather build things then bolt on, they are perfect and cheap.

This is just an idea. I have always liked the scout, and they are CHEAP to pick up... NOw why is that? I found a scout 80 for $250 complete the other day.

On to why the 4.3? Ihave a vortech 4.3 that need a rebuild in my garage. This will be a LONG project, so I figure a year or 2 until I can even see a trail. I would not get stated until march or april (I gotta move out of my current house and into the new place).

I am not running fullwidth under this. To be honest, I am a little tired of the hardcore stuff. I just want to take my family out and do some camping. I wasa thinking 38's with Dana 44 front and MAYBE a 60 rear.

DIma

you call a year or two long? Ha ha ha :flipoff2:

you call a year or two long? Ha ha ha :flipoff2:

Yea Brandon, but we all know you move at a snails pace.... hahahahahah SEriously, I am tired of rushing all my projects. I want to get one done right the first time.

Dima

when is the last one you finished?