Cooling System: Radiator re-core, cooling fan gasket, heater core-bypassed when I bought the truck.
Steering: Blown hose (after four by-in), leaking reservoir.
Axles: Oh wow, have repeatedly shifted from position - bumped back into line with a big rock and a jack.
Brakes: Usual rotor replacement on front (conversion) and new rear wheel cylinders/drums.
Rear Pumpkin: Rebuild after broken teeth on the spider gears.
Suspension: Front springs sagging, broken center pin.
...Rust.
1978 Scout II
392 "pre-improved cooling" engine (1972)
1'' body+2'' suspension lift
4.56 gears.
Alright, heres the deal. If you are looking to get yourself a competent, tough as nails truck that:
a.) Is re-known for its four by four capabilities
b.) Was built by the innovators of heavy duty truck design
c.) Can be driven without the top
d.) Pulls you deep into the IH Cult
e.) Will not cost you a ridiculous amount of money (like some over hyped others out there)
f.) Is better out of the box than any Jeep or Ford
...then seriously consider these vehicles for your next purchase.
Yes, you will need a good set of wrenches or a trust worthy mechanic to compensate for the 25 years+ that have passed, so plan on spending some cash. Though do not be fooled into thinking that parts are hard to come by, just because they don't make the trucks anymore. There are MANY independent companies out there that continue to manufacture IH specific items for the Scout line of trucks, as well as the universal parts dealers like Dana/Spicer (axles), etc.
My Scout II has ROCKED HARD: on mountain passes during heavy snow, in thick mud pits, hauling tons of concrete to the gravel yard, cruisin topless on the beach, pulling out nasty stumps - these trucks do it all!
The IHC Pickups and Scouts were built from parts manufactured by many different companies. The problem now is finding people who have a first hand knowledge of IHC light duty vehicles.
Moreover, many parts from the heavier trucks will bolt onto the light duty models as a direct replacement. I have access to a IHC 1500 series dump truck. Point being is many of the parts will swap directly into the lighter models.
I know many Scout and pickup owners who are afraid they will be unable to find replacement parts at a reasonable price. I assure them that with just a few rare exceptions there are still an abundance of original parts available. It is a matter of knowing what you are looking for.
Unfortunately, I have read information on many so called International web sites and it seems they have not been there and done that when IHC was manufacturing the light duty machines.
Yes, International is a truck, not a play thing. They were made to work hard and come back day after day for the same hard work. Rarely will you find an International that has just quit unless it has been poorly maintained. Even then they will hang in for years when the other quit.
The greatest enemy of old vehicles is not rust, it is vanity.
Not meaning to sound like a wise ass, did the Scout get body filler applied on it at the factory? I find so many with old snowball filler at the same spots..
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