Common problems · 1961–71
International Scout 80 / 800 problems: 7 things to check
The problems owners and specialists flag most on the International Scout 80 / 800, the repairs they end up doing and what those cost, plus the years and recalls to watch. Sourced, not scraped.
International Scout 80 / 800 problems to check before you buy
- Rust is the whole storyAutotrader Classics says to check the rockers, the windshield and side-window frames, and the lower corners of the removable top. Silodrome adds the spring mounts, the insides of the fenders and the welds, and warns that rust starts on the inside and works out, so bubbling paint is a bad sign. The fact that IH Parts America sells front and rear floors, inner and outer rockers, and fuel-tank compartment panels tells you where else to look.
- Count the big panelsSmall steel parts are widely reproduced, but Autotrader Classics notes that no one makes large panels such as fenders. A truck that needs fenders is a much bigger job than one that only needs floors.
- Is it really a 4x4?Scouts were sold in two-wheel drive too. Autotrader's quick test: if the hub sticks out through the hub cap, it's a four-wheel-drive truck. Then look for the twin transfer-case levers.
- Confirm the year and the engineBinder Planet hosts Jim Allen's list of starting and ending serial numbers for the 80, 800, 800A and 800B, compiled from IHC records, so you can date the truck and confirm which model it is. On an IH V8, Super Scout Specialists says the displacement is stamped on a domino-sized flat spot on the right side of the block, toward the front and just below the head. Engine swaps are common.
- Listen to the drivelineAutotrader Classics advises checking the axles and transfer case for wear. A transfer case that pops out of gear needs to come out for a rebuild, according to an IH Parts America moderator. On the front axle, look for worn knuckle wipers and sloppy kingpins.
- Power options matterSilodrome says Scouts with both power steering and power brakes are the better buy, because without them steering and braking take real effort. Autotrader Classics calls the four-wheel drums archaic and says a four-cylinder probably won't reach 75 mph.
- Ask what's been changedSuspension and other modifications are common, so ask the seller for details. That includes lifts, shackle swaps, disc conversions and engine transplants. A good conversion can be a plus. An undocumented one is a list of questions.
The repairs International Scout 80 / 800 owners end up doing
| REPAIR | SYMPTOMS | DIFFICULTY | TIME | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor pan and rocker replacement | Soft or holed floors under the mats, rockers bubbling at the bottom of the doors, and daylight around the fuel-tank compartment. Silodrome warns that rust usually starts inside and works out. | 4 / 5 | Multi-weekend welding job | Parts plus labor |
| Swap the vacuum wipers for an electric kit (800 series) | The original vacuum wipers on an 800 are dead, sluggish or simply not worth rebuilding. | 2 / 5 | An afternoon | Kit plus a few hours |
| Front knuckle seals and kingpin bearings (closed-knuckle Dana) | Grease weeping from the knuckle balls, torn wipers, and play in the knuckle when you rock the wheel top to bottom. One IHPA forum owner described his 1968 800 this way: "the wipers for the knuckles are shot and the king pin bearings are worn out." | 3 / 5 | A weekend for both sides | $19.95 per IHPA seal kit (two per axle); kingpin bearings extra |
| Transfer case pops out of gear: Dana 20 rebuild | The transfer case jumps out of 2-High or won't fully engage 4-High. On a 1967 800, an IHPA forum member found the shift-cover opening was too small for the levers to travel fully, so check that before you strip the case. | 4 / 5 | A weekend | Overhaul kit plus labor, or buy a rebuilt case |
| Front disc brake conversion | Four-wheel drums that fade, pull or simply don't stop a V8 Scout on modern roads. | 3 / 5 | A weekend | Kit plus a day of labor |
| Springs, shackles and bushings (fix the sag and the ride) | A tired stance, clunks from worn spring eyes and shackles, and the choppy ride of forward-shackle front springs. | 3 / 5 | A weekend | Kit plus labor |
| Points to electronic ignition | Hard starting, a misfire that comes and goes, and points that keep closing up. Silodrome lists electronic ignition among the sensible upgrades. | 1 / 5 | ≈ 1 hour | Module or distributor plus an hour |
Each repair links to a step-by-step guide with tools, part numbers and where to buy the parts.
Take the printable International Scout 80 / 800 inspection checklist: every check on this page plus the model-specific ones, on one sheet. Get the checklist →
Sourced from owners, specialists and factory documents; full sources are on the International Scout 80 / 800 guide. Verify torque figures and procedures against the factory service manual (disclaimer).