scout questions please comment

[Jacob]

I am looking at a getting a 62 scout and I was wondering if people can tell me about them, pros and cons ect. I also would like to drive one befor I buy one so if somone is located in southern oregon or knows somone please let me know.

[scoutingitout]

I know the early scouts have a few things that don't interchange with the older scout 80s. Other than that they are pretty much the same as the later year scout 80s. The axles are known to be weak but work fine for a daily driver. If you are thinking of doing any major modifications (engine swaps or auto trans) There is a good amount of fabrication involved. If these are in your thoughts I would suggest a Scout 2. Easier to get parts for and they have more of the comforts i.e. power steering, disk brakes.. Not sure this is what your looking for but it is what came to mind.

[Jacob]

ok thanks how do you think the scout compares to the old first generation broncos

[71mtnscout]

Originally Posted by Jacob

ok thanks how do you think the scout compares to the old first generation broncos

With the longer wheelbase they are not as twitchy, and the Bronco has a better engine choice. The little 152 coupled to the 3spd was bad idea. A 4spd is a much better match for it and an overdrive makes them a great DD, even with the 3spd. Parts are cheaper for the IH vs the Bronco and you need to be a decent wrench.

[Jacob]

did they only put the 152 in them or did they also make them with a larger engine

[scoutingitout]

I think it was the 66 and later that had a v8 option. But nothing is stopping you from putting whatever you want in it. The undercarriage on scouts is very strong and can handle the stress of the extra weight and torque of most engines. My Scout is mostly stock and I have no complaints. I was never into going fast anyway. I prefer trails and exploring to popping wheelies

[Green-80]

I had a 1962 Scout 80 about 25 years ago and now own a 1980 Scout II. The Scout II is more powerful and easy to drive with the automatic and power steering, but for my use I liked the 62 better. As others have said the 62 is a very basic vehicle. It is noisier than later vehicles and slower than what most people are used to, but for easing down a fire lane or driving across a snow covered field it is fine.
I drove mine all over and it did everything I needed. I drove it to work and to the woods on a regular basis and it suited me fine. Because of the way it was geared I drove about 50 MPH on the highway and I would not have wanted to drive in heavy traffic for long.

[Jacob]

can you fit the V-8 in the scout 80's