BOXY TRUCKS
A heavily modified open-top blue Scout II with a roll cage, winch and big mud tires crawling over boulders at Wolford Mountain Recreation Area, Colorado
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER SCOUT II · 1971–1980

International Scout II

SV-345 / SV-304 V8DANA 44 FRONT & REAR (1975 ON)DANA 20 · DANA 300 (1980)100-IN & 118-IN WHEELBASENISSAN SD33 DIESEL

“Built by a tractor company, designed to beat the Jeep, and rustier than a shipwreck. The Scout II is also a properly tough ladder-frame 4x4 with a 345 V8, Dana 44s and a parts and club scene that makes keeping one alive easier than it should be.”

PART 01

Overview

Where it came from, why it matters, and how it changed year to year.

The story

In April 1971 International Harvester replaced the Scout 800B with a truck it had been sitting on for years. A version nearly identical to the production Scout II was shown to IH management in December 1967. It kept the formula: a short ladder frame, leaf springs, solid axles and a removable top. What changed was everything you touched. It was longer, lower, roomier and much more civilized. Over the next decade it became the Scout most people picture, and the one most still on the trail.

REPLACING THE HORSE, TAKE TWO

The first Scout existed because IH engineering manager Mr. Reese told Ted Ornas to 'design something to replace the horse.' By 1964 IH was already planning its replacement, and the concept was approved for production in mid-1965. The Jeep CJ was still the target, but the market had moved. Ford's Bronco and Chevrolet's Blazer had shown that buyers wanted a 4x4 they could live with every day.

So the Scout II launched with a 196-cubic-inch four, a 232 AMC straight-six and IH's own 304 V8, then added the 258 six and the 345 V8. You could order the steel Traveltop, the half-cab Roadster top or a soft top. Early trucks had a Dana 30 front axle and drum brakes. Late in 1974 power front disc brakes became standard, and after 1974 every Scout II got Dana 44 axles at both ends.

LONGER, THEN DIESEL

In 1975 IH raised the Scout's gross weight rating to 6,200 pounds and badged it XLC, for Extra Load Capacity. That put it out of reach of stricter light-duty emissions rules, and Scouts didn't get catalytic converters until 1979. In 1976 the 118-inch Traveler and Terra arrived, 18 inches longer between the door and the rear wheel arch and topped in fiberglass. The Traveler replaced the truck-based Travelall, which ended in 1975, and it became a popular RV tow vehicle.

1976 also brought a 3.3-liter Nissan SD33 straight-six diesel. Jim Allen, author of the International Scout Encyclopedia, credits IH with the first domestically built diesel SUV. In late 1979 the turbocharged SD33T replaced it. Super Scout Specialists' figures give 10,182 diesel Scouts in all, more than half of them 1980 turbos.

BAJA, AND THE SUPER SCOUT

Privateer Jimmy Jones won his class in the 1972 Baja 1000 in a '72 Scout II. Five years later IH was sponsoring four desert racing teams and selling the SSII, a stripped-down Scout with soft doors, a plastic grille and a roll bar, aimed squarely at the CJ-7. It ranged from the barebones four-cylinder Rancher Special, on which even the passenger seat was a cost option, to the dressier Sport and Baja Cruiser.

In the 1977 Baja 1000, an SSII driven by Jerry Boone finished first among production 4x4s, almost two hours ahead of the next car, a CJ-7. Boone later said his team had a month to prepare a stock truck and only got IH sponsorship after the race. About 4,000 SSIIs were built between 1977 and 1979, and today they're the most valuable Scout IIs.

HOW IT ENDED

IH experimented with Scout-based minivans, station wagons, dune buggies, Hurst-built special editions and even a small motorhome, and it built a Scout III SSV concept prototype in 1979. The 1979–80 International Harvester strike and a lack of money ended all of it. The 1980 trucks got a one-piece plastic grille, the turbo diesel and, for one year only, a Dana 300 transfer case. Only 13,106 were built. The last Scout came off the Fort Wayne line on October 21, 1980.

Hagerty counts about 260,000 Scout IIs. Rust has taken many of them, and the survivors are now real money. Gen X buyers make up more than 46 percent of Scout buyers. Volkswagen Group now owns the name, and Scout Motors is reviving the Traveler and Terra badges for new electric and range-extended trucks.

SIDEBAR · THE SWISS SCOUT

Monteverdi Safari: a Scout in a dinner jacket

In 1976 Swiss sports-car maker Peter Monteverdi showed the Safari, a luxury SUV on Scout II underpinnings with a new body by Carrozzeria Fissore. It went into production in 1977, aimed straight at the Range Rover, and offered air conditioning, leather, electric windows and options up to a television and a refrigerator.

Engines were a Chrysler 5.2-liter V8, IH's own 5.7-liter 345 and, Monteverdi claimed, Chrysler's 7.2-liter 440. Unlike the Range Rover of the day it had an automatic and switchable four-wheel drive. A cheaper Sahara kept most of the Scout body, and an estimated 30 were made. Production ended in 1982, after the Scout itself.

A heavily modified open-top blue Scout II with a roll cage, winch and big mud tires crawling over boulders at Wolford Mountain Recreation Area, Colorado
MODIFIED SCOUT II · WOLFORD MOUNTAIN, COLORADO
A blue and white Scout II Traveltop on a desert dirt trail among cacti at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Arizona
SCOUT II · LAKE PLEASANT, ARIZONA
A black 1976 Scout II with roof rack and all-terrain tires parked on gravel beside a red farm building
1976 SCOUT II · FARMYARD, MINNESOTA

Year by year

What changed, model year by model year. Sweet spot Beware

  1. 1971Scout II replaces the 800B in April. 100-in wheelbase, Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear; launched with the 196 four, AMC 232 six and IH 304 V8, with the 258 six and 345 V8 added soon after (Hagerty). Some early trucks have 'Scout 810' glovebox badges. Three-bar grille with chrome headlight rings for 1971–72
  2. 1973New grille with 14 vertical bars. From September 30, 1972 the serial numbers switch to the CGD prefix
  3. 1974Power front disc brakes become standard late in the year (a rare option earlier in 1974)
  4. 1975Dana 44 front and rear become standard on all Scout IIs, which is the axle combination owners want. GVWR raised to 6,200 lb (XLC, 'Extra Load Capacity') to sidestep stricter light-duty emissions rulesSweet spot
  5. 1976118-in-wheelbase Traveler and Terra arrive. Nissan SD33 diesel option. Automatic shifter moves to the floor. Spirit of 76 and Patriot editions
  6. 1977Super Scout II (SSII) introduced in February: soft top, soft doors, roll bar and plastic grille, in Rancher Special, Brush Buster, Sport and Baja Cruiser versions. Built until 1979. New grille for 1977–79
  7. 1979Catalytic converters arrive on Scouts
  8. 1980Final year: one-piece ABS plastic grille, turbocharged SD33T diesel, and the Dana 300 transfer case (2.62:1 low range), fitted only in 1980. The last Scout was built on October 21, 1980Sweet spot
PART 02

Specs & capability

How it’s built, what it can do, and what fits under it.

How it’s built

The Scout II is a body-on-frame 4x4 with live axles on leaf springs at both ends. Most were four-wheel drive, with a manually shifted transfer case (2WD high, 4WD high and 4WD low) and free-wheeling front hubs. Engines were IH's own fours and V8s, AMC sixes and Nissan diesels, behind Borg-Warner manuals or a three-speed automatic. Factory line tickets record each truck's exact axles, ratios and options.

CHASSISLadder frame100-in wheelbase; 118 in for the 1976–80 Traveler and Terra
SUSPENSIONLeaf springs, live axlesFront and rear; the frame can crack at the steering box and spring hangers
AXLESDana 30 / 44 → Dana 44 / 44Dana 44 at both ends after 1974; Trac-Lok limited-slip optional
TRANSFER CASEDana 20 · Dana 300 (1980)Gear-driven, manually shifted; the Dana 300 was a one-year fit
ENGINESIH 304 & 345 V8 · 196 I4Plus AMC 232/258 sixes and Nissan SD33/SD33T diesels
BRAKESPower front discs from late 1974Drums all round before that; rear drums throughout

Variants & engines

YEARSPLATFORMENGINEOUTPUTWORTH KNOWING
1971–1975Scout II196 I4 · 232 then 258 I6 (AMC) · 304 / 345 V8—Launched with the 196, 232 and 304; the 258 six and 345 V8 came later. Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear; power front discs standard from late 1974.
1976–1980Traveler / TerraAs Scout II, plus diesel—118-in wheelbase, fiberglass full top (Traveler) or half-cab (Terra).
1976–1979Scout II dieselNissan SD33 3.3 I6 diesel95 PS (Nissan rating)Naturally aspirated; 4,222 built from 1976 to 1979 per Super Scout Specialists.
1977–1979SSII196 I4 · 304 / 345 V8345: 163 bhp / 292 lb-ft (1978 test)Soft top and doors, plastic grille, roll bar. Rancher Special, Brush Buster, Sport and Baja Cruiser.
1980Scout II / Traveler / TerraSD33T turbo-diesel · 304 / 345 V8 · 196 I4SD33T: 110 PS (Nissan rating)One-piece plastic grille, Dana 300 transfer case, T-19 manual with the turbo-diesel. 13,106 built.

Capability numbers

GVWR6,200 lb (2,812 kg)XLC rating from 1975–76 (Super Scout Specialists dates it to 1975; Wikipedia to 1976)
Fuel tank19 US gal (72 L)1972–80 rear tank, per replacement-tank listings
Curb weightabout 3,800 lb (1,724 kg)1979 Scout II Traveltop V8 automatic, per Hagerty
Wheelbase100 in (2,540 mm); 118 in (2,997 mm) Traveler and Terra

Wheels & tires

FACTORY TIRES
10-15LT on 15x7 chrome rally wheels (1976 Spirit of 76 line-ticket codes)
Bolt pattern5x139.7 (5x5.5")
LIFTBIGGEST TIREWHAT IT TAKES
Stock30–31 in (31s marginal)One 1977 owner reports 31s rubbing on stock springs. IH Parts America recommends a reverse-shackle kit and a 2.5-in spring lift to run 31s without rubbing.
2.5 in32x11.50R15One owner on a Rough Country 2.5-in spring lift with 10-in rims says they never hit on the street but definitely hit the back of the rear wheel wells off-road. 33s need more lift (body or spring) and longer bump stops.
Spring-over33x12.50R15Even with a spring-over, a 1-in body lift and minor trimming, 33x12.50s can still touch at full articulation. Stiffer springs or lower bump stops help.

Forum consensus, not a guarantee: wheel offset, tire brand and suspension wear all change clearance. Confirm before you buy.

Production & special editions

International built the Scout II in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from April 1971 until October 21, 1980, when strikes and IH's finances ended the line.

AssemblyFort Wayne, Indiana
Total Scouts built532,674 across all Scouts from 1960 to 1980, including the 80 and 800 series
Drivetrain mixMore than 90% of Scouts sold had 4WD and a V8 (Hagerty)
Spirit of 761976Bicentennial edition: blue soft top, red/blue applique, blue interior and chrome rally wheels. IH data shows 384 built.
Patriot1976Hardtop version of the Bicentennial look for the Scout II, Terra and Traveler. Recorded builds: 1 Terra, 7 Travelers and 50-plus Scout IIs, plus an unknown number applied without line-ticket codes.
Super Scout II (SSII)1977–1979Stripped Jeep CJ rival in Rancher Special, Brush Buster, Sport and Baja Cruiser versions. An SSII driven by Jerry Boone won the 4x4 production class in the 1977 Baja 1000.
Selective Edition1978–1979Factory package 10992: gold stripes, gold-spoke wheels, SSII black grille insert
Midas Edition1977–1980Luxury conversions by Midas Van Conversion Co. of Elkhart, Indiana (Family Cruiser, Street Machine, Off-Road Vehicle)
Special Limited Edition RS1980Traveler only, in Tahitian Red metallic with a russet velour interior
844 and 434 Gold Star1980The 844 had a 345 V8 and T428 four-speed; the 434 had the 196 four and T332 three-speed
ShawneeHurstDressed-up black SSII with tomahawk-and-feather decals. Only three built.

Selective Edition colours were 1032 Dark Brown, 6027 Dark Blue, 001 Black and 5013 Green; the Spirit of 76 used 9219 Winter White.

PART 03

Buying one

What to pay, what to check, and how to tell a good one from a clone.

What they cost

The Scout II is the most-traded Scout, and prices keep rising. Rust-free stock 345 trucks bring strong money, but the top of the market belongs to LS-swapped restomods.

Project / needs work$7k–18k
Driver$18k–35k
Excellent / original$40k–65k (Hagerty #2 median $42,200)
Restomod (LS/Vortec)$28k–90k

Recent Bring a Trailer results (the 18 most recent Scout II sales, July–October 2026) ran from $10,500 to $87,500, with a median of about $25,000. Stock 345 trucks mostly sold for $17k–24k, with projects and survivors up to $59,000; the top result was a 4.8L Vortec-powered 1978 at $87,500. Hagerty's median condition #2 value for 1972–80 Scout IIs is $42,200, and $64,750 for SSIIs. Prices move; checked October 2026. See live listings below.

What to check before you buy

  1. 01
    Structural rust firstScouts were never fully galvanized. Corsetti Cruisers says to start with the rear spring mounts, the body mounts and the area under the doors. Structural rust around the rear crossmember or along the inner rockers can mean a full rebuild. Surface rust is manageable.
  2. 02
    Look under bedliners and fresh paintIn one Scout II rebuild reported on the 4WD Mechanix forum, a previous owner's bedliner reportedly hid so much floor rust that the repair ran past budget. Front fenders, door sills and the tailgate area hold moisture and can hide filler.
  3. 03
    Frame cracks at the steering boxThe frame is prone to fatigue cracks where the steering box bolts on, behind the front spring hangers and at the body mounts. Pull the box (three bolts) or at least inspect the welds, especially on a truck with big tires.
  4. 04
    Panel gaps aren't always crash damageScouts were hand-assembled with wide, uneven gaps even when new. Very uneven panels, doors that won't close properly or messy welds can still point to a bent frame or a poor repair.
  5. 05
    VIN tags, title and line ticketCheck for a clean title and matching VIN tags on the chassis and body. The line ticket (the factory build sheet) lists the engine, transmission, axles, gear ratio, paint and options. On 1971–76 trucks it's under the hood on the cowl; on 1977–80 trucks it's inside the glove box door. Replacements can be ordered.
  6. 06
    Which front axle?Dana 44 axles became standard on all Scout IIs after 1974. Compare the covers: if the front cover is smaller and rounder than the rear, it's a Dana 30. The line ticket also shows the axle, the ratio and whether there's a Trac-Lok rear.
  7. 07
    Engine swaps and wiringMany Scouts now have LS or other swaps. Check the wiring, cooling and driveline geometry; Corsetti warns that amateur conversions cause endless electrical and mechanical trouble. Look under the dash and around the firewall for brittle, patched factory wiring.
  8. 08
    Diesels and small partsThe SD33 diesels are rare and interesting. IH Parts America still lists filters, water pumps and seals for them. Dash pads, gauge clusters and original seat frames are hard to find for any Scout II, so price those in.

Spotting the real thing

Scout IIs have been re-powered, re-axled and re-bodied for decades. The serial number and the factory line ticket tell you what the truck started as.

  1. ID
    Serial prefix = year1971–72 Scout IIs use G-prefix serials (G425128 onward). From late 1972 the prefix carries a year letter: CGD = 1973, DGD = 1974, EGD = 1975, FGD = 1976, GGD = 1977, HGD = 1978, JGD = 1979, KGD = 1980 (Super Scout Specialists' catalogue ranges).
  2. ID
    Line ticket location1971–76 Scout IIs carry a copy of the line ticket under the hood on the cowl cover panel; 1977–80 trucks have it inside the glovebox door. Lost tickets can be reordered from Scout specialists. Use the ticket to confirm engine, transmission, axles, gear ratio, Trac-Lok limited slip and paint.
  3. ID
    Codes worth knowingLine-ticket engine codes include 12211 (Nissan SD33 diesel, '76–'79) and 12212 (SD33T turbo-diesel, '79–'80). Transfer-case code 13146 is the Dana 300, which was only fitted in 1980. Front-axle code 02044 is the Dana 44 with disc brakes. The 1978–79 Selective Edition package is code 10992.
  4. ID
    Wheelbase and bodyThe standard Scout II is on a 100-in wheelbase. The Traveler (full fibreglass top with a liftgate) and Terra (half-cab pickup) are 18 in longer between the door and the rear wheel well, on a 118-in wheelbase. Super Scout IIs (SSII) have soft doors, a roll bar and a unique plastic grille.
  5. ID
    Grille dates the nose1971–72: three horizontal bars. 1973: 14 vertical bars split in the middle. 1974–75: a vertical-bar overlay. 1976 only: a chrome 15-bar three-section grille. 1977–79: two horizontal and three vertical bars. 1980: a one-piece ABS grille in black or silver. Noses get swapped, so check against the serial.
The one you’ll own someday

For sale now

1971–1980 · USScout II (all)
AutoTempest ↗Bring a Trailer ↗
1976–1980 · USScout II Traveler (118-in)
AutoTempest ↗Bring a Trailer ↗
1976–1980 · USScout II Terra pickup
AutoTempest ↗Bring a Trailer ↗
1977–1979 · USSuper Scout II (SSII)
AutoTempest ↗Bring a Trailer ↗
PART 04

Owning one

Baseline service, the repairs you’ll actually do, and where the manuals live.

Post-purchase baseline

After you buy it

Assume nothing has been done. Scout IIs are simple and almost everything is still available, but they're also 45-plus years old. Start by finding your line ticket, which tells you exactly which engine, axles, ratio and transmission you have. The IH V8s are flat-tappet engines, so choose oil with enough zinc.

Engine oil & filter7 qt with filter on Scout II 4x4s (IH Parts America tech moderator) · high-zinc (ZDDP) oil, e.g. 15W-40 or 20W-50 for a worn engineThen every 3,000–5,000 mi [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]

It reads one quart over on the dipstick. On Binder Planet, owners warn that modern low-zinc oils aren't right for the IH flat-tappet cam.

Parts
NAPA Gold spin-on oil filter, IH 152/196/266/304/345/392IH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Baldwin B2 spin-on oil filter, IH enginesIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Baldwin oil filter, 1976–80 Scout II Nissan dieselIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Air filterIH 196/266/304/345/392 element; separate elements for SD33 and SD33T dieselsInspect at every oil change

The 1980 turbo-diesel uses its own filter.

Parts
Air filter, IH 196/266/304/345/392IH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Air filter, 1980 Scout II SD33T turbo-dieselIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Spark plugs, cap and rotorChampion RJ12YC or NGK 3332 (IH Parts America fitment) · gap [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]At purchase, then per manual

Caps differ by distributor: Holley, Delco or Prestolite. Check yours before ordering.

Parts
NGK 3332 spark plugs, set of 8, IH V8IH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Champion RJ12YC spark plugs, set of 8, IH V8IH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Distributor cap, IH V8 with Prestolite distributorIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Coolant, thermostat & water-pump tube O-ringsCapacity [CONFIRM IN MANUAL] (AMSOIL's lookup lists about 20 qt for the 1980 5.0 L V8) · coolant type [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Flush at purchase, then every 2 years

The IH V8 water pump feeds through a separate tube sealed with O-rings. Replace them whenever the pump comes off; a complete IH V8 gasket set includes four.

Parts
Robertshaw thermostat, IH 152/196/266/304/345/392IH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Water pump tube O-ring, IH enginesIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
New water pump, IH 4-cyl and V8IH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Automatic transmission (Chrysler A727)ATF · capacity [CONFIRM IN MANUAL] (AMSOIL's lookup lists a 5 qt initial fill) · fluid type [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Drain, new filter and refill at purchase

Moses Ludel of 4WD Mechanix credits the A727's lack of overdrive with helping it survive. Do a pan drop and filter change, not a pressure flush.

Parts
RockAuto catalog, 1978 International Scout II (transmission filter kits)RockAuto ↗
Search automatic transmission (chrysler a727) for the International Scout IIAmazon ↗
Manual transmission (T-19 / T-18 / T-15 etc.)AMSOIL's Scout II listing gives engine-oil grades (10W-40 class) for the manual gearboxes · [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]Change at purchase

Factory boxes vary by year and engine. The line ticket tells you which one you have.

Parts
Super Scout Specialists — transmission parts searchSuper Scout Specialists ↗
Search manual transmission (t-19 / t-18 / t-15 etc.) for the International Scout IIAmazon ↗
Transfer case (Dana 20; Dana 300 in 1980)Capacity [CONFIRM IN MANUAL] (AMSOIL's lookup lists 3.4 pints for the two-speed case) · lubricant grade [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]. IH specialists on the IHPA forum recommend SAE 90 GL-1 or straight 50-weight motor oil in Dana 20s, not GL-5.Change at purchase; check for leaks at the output seals

The 1980 Dana 300 was a one-year fit. Gasket, seal and overhaul kits are still made for the Dana 20.

Parts
Dana 20 transfer case gasket & seal kit, Scout 800 / Scout IIIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Transfer case output shaft seal, Dana 18/20/300IH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Front & rear differentials (Dana 30 / Dana 44)GL-5 gear oil · grade and capacity [CONFIRM IN MANUAL] (AMSOIL's lookup lists 4.2 pt front, 3 pt rear) · add friction modifier for Trac-LokChange at purchase and after deep water

The line ticket or the axle tag shows the ratio (2.72 to 4.54) and whether there's a Trac-Lok.

Parts
RockAuto catalog, 1978 International Scout II (differential parts)RockAuto ↗
Dana 44 differential master install kitAnything Scout ↗ · Amazon ↗
Front wheel bearings, seals & locking hubsRepack with wheel-bearing grease · new inner sealsAt purchase, then per manual [CONFIRM IN MANUAL]

Pull the locking hubs and check them while you're in there. Rebuilt or replacement Warn hubs are available.

Parts
Wheel bearing kit, 1972–80 Scout IIIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Front wheel bearing hub seal, 1971–80 Scout IIIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Wheel bearing nut kit, Scout 80/800/IIIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Steering: power steering fluid, rag joint & box boltsPower steering fluid type [CONFIRM IN MANUAL] (AMSOIL's lookup lists an ATF-type fluid)Check at purchase

Check the rag joint for play and the steering-box frame mount for cracks. New grade 8 box bolts are cheap.

Parts
Steering rag joint, 1971–80 Scout IIIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
CPT grade 8 steering box bolt set, Scout IIIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Brake fluid & hosesDOT 3Flush at purchase, then every 2 years

Replace old rubber brake hoses. If the pedal is poor, check the master cylinder and booster too.

Parts
New brake master cylinder, 1974–80 Scout II / Terra / TravelerIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Braided brake hose kit, Scout IIAnything Scout ↗ · Amazon ↗
Fuel filter & rubber fuel linesInline 5/16-in filter on V8s; spin-on filter on SD33 dieselsAt purchase

Replace cracked rubber fuel hose. In-tank sender filters are also available.

Parts
Metal inline fuel filter, 5/16-inIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Baldwin spin-on fuel filter, Nissan SD33/SD33TIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Driveshaft U-joints & grease pointsChassis greaseAt purchase and every oil change

Greaseable ball joints (Moog) add zerks up front.

Parts
Driveshaft U-jointAnything Scout ↗ · Amazon ↗
Line ticket & factory manualBuild sheet for your VIN; licensed IH service manual reprintsOnce

The line ticket settles every 'which part do I need' question. Factory service manuals are split 1971–75, 1976–77 and 1978–80.

Parts
Line Set Ticket — factory build sheetIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Service manual set, 1978–80 Scout II / Terra / TravelerIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
Service manual, 1971–75 Scout IIIH Parts America ↗ · Amazon ↗
For the hands-on owner

Common repairs

The jobs owners actually end up doing, rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Always confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, and work safely — support the truck on stands, never just a jack. You do this work at your own risk; see the disclaimer. Some parts links are affiliate links.

Floor, rocker and rear crossmember rust repair
DIFFICULTY · 4 / 5TIME · ≈ Several weekends, depending on how far it goesSHOP COST · Panels from about $89 (outer rocker) to $1,429.95 (complete aftermarket rear floor), plus welding
SYMPTOMSBubbling under the doors, soft or holed floors, a sagging door opening, water on the carpets, and rust at the rear spring mounts and rear crossmember.
THE FIXStrip the interior and probe everything with a pick or screwdriver. Support the door openings before cutting out any rocker or floor structure, then cut back to clean metal. Anything Scout advises leaving a 1–2 inch lip of the old floor for a new pan to rest on. Weld in the floor pans, rocker panels, door-post braces and, if needed, the rear floor sill crossmember. Seam-seal and coat the new metal. If the inner rockers and rear crossmember are badly gone, Corsetti Cruisers says a frame-off restoration is often the better long-term answer.
TOOLS & PARTSMIG welder · cut-off wheel · spot-weld drill · clamps and door-opening bracing · seam sealer and weld-through primer
WHERE TO BUY PARTSFloor pan, Scout II / Traveler / Terra (galvanized 16-ga) · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Outer rocker panel, Scout II · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Rear floor sill crossmember, 1971–80 Scout II / Terra / Traveler · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Front rocker corner door-post braces ('dog legs'), Scout II · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗
Reinforce a cracking steering-box frame mount
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ Half a day, more if cracks need weldingSHOP COST · Plate $16.95; Straight Steer brace about $164.95–199
SYMPTOMSWandering steering, a box that moves when someone turns the wheel with the engine running, or visible cracks in the frame rail around the three steering-box bolts. Big tires and front lockers make it worse.
THE FIXRemove the steering box (three bolts) and clean the frame. Drill the ends of any cracks, weld them, and grind the face smooth so a reinforcement plate sits flat against it. Fit a 3/16- or 1/4-inch plate (the CPT plate bolts straight on and can also be welded), and reinstall the box with new grade 8 bolts. While you're there, check behind the front spring hangers and the body mounts for cracks too. A Straight Steer-type brace ties the box to the opposite rail and is suggested for 33-inch or larger tires.
TOOLS & PARTSSocket set · drill and bits · welder and grinder (if cracked) · torque wrench
WHERE TO BUY PARTSCPT steering box reinforcement plate, 1971–80 Scout II / Terra / Traveler · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗CPT grade 8 steering box mounting bolt set, 1971–80 Scout II · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Straight Steer steering brace, Scout II · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Borgeson lower steering joint (replaces rag joint), 1971–80 Scout II · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗
Rear main seal on an IH V8
DIFFICULTY · 4 / 5TIME · ≈ A weekend (the transmission has to come out)SHOP COST · Seal $69.95 plus spacer; full V8 gasket set about $162
SYMPTOMSOil dripping from the bellhousing area and a wet oil pan rear lip. The engine-to-transmission joint is the giveaway, since valve-cover and pan-gasket leaks run down from higher up.
THE FIXOn Binder Planet, owners point out that the IH V8 uses a one-piece rear main seal, so the transmission has to come out to replace it properly. Remove the transmission (and clutch on manuals) and the flywheel or flexplate, then the old seal, and fit the new seal and spacer. Owners recommend a licensed reprint of the factory manual for the procedure. If you're chasing low oil pressure as well, check that oil reaches the rockers before replacing bearings: the SV V8's cam bearings feed the top end, and 5–10 psi at hot idle isn't unusual on these engines.
TOOLS & PARTSTransmission jack · flywheel holder · seal driver · factory service manual
WHERE TO BUY PARTSRear main seal, IH 152/196/266/304/345/392 · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Rear main seal spacer, IH 4-cyl and V8 · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Complete IH V8 engine gasket set (includes rear main seal) · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗
Points or tired electronic ignition → Pertronix
DIFFICULTY · 2 / 5TIME · ≈ 1–2 hoursSHOP COST · Module about $144.95–196; coil extra
SYMPTOMSHard starting, misfires, burnt points, or a failing stock electronic module that's hard to find.
THE FIXWork out what you have first. Anything Scout sells three versions for V8 Scout IIs: 1971–75 points distributors, the 1975–77 'gold box' electronic system and the 1978–80 Prestolite electronic distributor. The first two install under the distributor cap. The 1978–80 Prestolite version needs the distributor removed, and Anything Scout says it must be used with a points-style coil, not the stock coil. Set the timing afterward. One Binder Planet owner's module and Flame-Thrower coil caught fire when a mechanic left the key on with the engine off for half an hour, so don't leave the ignition on.
TOOLS & PARTSTiming light · distributor wrench · test light
WHERE TO BUY PARTSPertronix ignition, Scout II 1971–75 V8 (points) · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Pertronix ignition, Scout II 1975–77 (gold box) · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Pertronix ignition, Scout II 1978–80 (Prestolite distributor) · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Pertronix Flame-Thrower ignition coil · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗
Front ball joints (Dana 30 / Dana 44)
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ A day for both sidesSHOP COST · About $157 per side (Spicer pair) or $49.95 per joint (Moog greaseable)
SYMPTOMSWandering, clunks over bumps, uneven tire wear, and play at the top and bottom of the tire with the front end jacked up.
THE FIXScout II Dana 30 and Dana 44 open-knuckle axles use the same ball joints: two upper and two lower per axle. They press into the knuckles, and the lowers have snap rings. Remove the wheel, caliper, locking hub, wheel bearings and spindle, then slide out the axle shaft. Unbolt the tie rod, separate the knuckle from the axle C, and press out the old joints with a ball-joint tool. Press in the new joints, reassemble, set the camber sleeve, and get the alignment checked. On the IH Parts America forum, one owner advises to buy good joints rather than doing the job twice.
TOOLS & PARTSBall-joint press (Dana 30/44 adapter) · spindle-nut socket · pickle fork · torque wrench
WHERE TO BUY PARTSDana Spicer ball joints, upper and lower (one side), Scout II · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Moog greaseable ball joints for Dana 30/44, Scout II · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Ball joint tool for Dana 30 and Dana 44 · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Ball joint camber eccentric for Dana 30 or Dana 44 · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗
Front disc brakes, wheel bearings and seals
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ A daySHOP COST · About $350 for a complete front disc kit; wheel bearing kit $74.95
SYMPTOMSPulling, a soft pedal, grinding, or play in the wheel. Even when new, the brakes were the weak point: Motor Sport's 1978 test said they tended to pull and twitch.
THE FIXJack and support the front, remove the wheels, calipers and locking hubs, and take off the hub and rotor. Clean out the old grease, replace the inner seal, and repack or replace the bearings. Fit new rotors, pads and calipers, adjust the bearing preload with the spindle nuts, and bleed the brakes. Anything Scout's front kit covers 1974–80 Scout IIs with a Dana 44, and it notes that excessive lateral wheel movement means you need new bearings and seals. Do the rear drums at the same time.
TOOLS & PARTSWheel-bearing (spindle nut) socket · bearing packer · seal driver · brake bleeder
WHERE TO BUY PARTSComplete front disc brake rebuild kit, 1974–80 Scout II (Dana 44) · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗Wheel bearing kit, 1972–80 Scout II / Terra / Traveler · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Front wheel bearing hub seal, 1971–80 Scout II · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Rear drum brake rebuild kit, 1974–80 Scout II · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗
Tired leaf springs and shackle bushings
DIFFICULTY · 3 / 5TIME · ≈ A weekendSHOP COST · Bushing kit $33.95; stock-height spring set $819.95; reverse-shackle kit $349.95
SYMPTOMSA truck that sits low or leans, clunks from the shackles, tires rubbing on 31s, and a harsh ride.
THE FIXSupport the frame, jack each axle in turn and unbolt the U-bolts, shackles and spring eyes. Swap worn bushings or whole springs, check the spring hangers for cracks, and torque everything with the truck's weight on the wheels. For 31-inch tires without rubbing, IH Parts America's owner recommends its CPT reverse-shackle kit with a 2.5-inch spring lift. Anything Scout says the Rough Country 2.5-inch kit fits up to a 32-inch tire safely.
TOOLS & PARTSFloor jack and stands · breaker bar · penetrating oil · bushing press or vise
WHERE TO BUY PARTSRough Country leaf spring / shackle bushing kit, 1971–80 Scout II · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Stock-height front & rear leaf spring set, 1971–80 Scout II · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗CPT reverse shackle kit, 1971–80 Scout II / Terra / Traveler · IH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗Stock shackles, set of 4, Scout II · Anything Scout ↗Amazon ↗

Manuals & documentation

Binder Books — Scout manuals ↗Original and licensed reprint IH manuals; now part of IH Parts AmericaSuper Scout Specialists — Scout service books and manuals ↗Reprint service, owner's and parts manualsIH Book Store ↗Scout owner's/operator's manuals, parts catalogues and service manualsSuper Scout Specialists — Chassis & line ticket code reference ↗Decodes line-ticket component codes and lists Scout II serial ranges by year (parts catalogue MT130)
Asked on every forum

International Scout II questions, answered

What's the biggest tire I can fit without a lift?

There's no clean stock answer, because 31s are already marginal. One owner of a 1977 Scout II said his 31s rubbed. IH Parts America's owner recommends a reverse-shackle kit and a 2.5-inch spring lift to run 31s without rubbing, and at least a 1-inch body lift plus a steering upgrade for 33s. Anything Scout rates the Rough Country 2.5-inch kit for up to a 32-inch tire. Plan on stock-sized tires (around 30 inches) if you won't lift it.

SOURCE · IH PARTS AMERICA FORUM
Which engine should I look for?

The 345 V8 is the one most people want. Moses Ludel of 4WD Mechanix calls it 'one of the strongest and most durable gasoline V-8s ever built,' and Motor Sport's 1978 test of a 345 automatic gave 163 bhp and 292 lb-ft. The 304 is the same family. The 196 four is slow but simple, and the AMC sixes and Nissan diesels are rarer.

SOURCE · 4WD MECHANIX · MOTOR SPORT
Does mine have a Dana 30 or Dana 44 front axle?

Until 1974 the Dana 30 was standard at the front, with a Dana 44 as a special order in 1974. After 1974 every Scout II had Dana 44s at both ends. If the front cover is smaller and rounder than the rear one, it's a Dana 30. The line ticket confirms the axle and ratio.

SOURCE · SUPER SCOUT SPECIALISTS
How do I tell what year it is?

Look at the grille. 1971–72 trucks have three horizontal bars; 1973 has 14 vertical bars; 1974–75 adds a vertical-bar overlay, with square chrome-and-black headlight rings on 1975. 1976 has a one-year 15-bar grille in three sections, 1977–79 has two big horizontal bars, and 1980 has a one-piece plastic grille with square headlights.

SOURCE · SUPER SCOUT SPECIALISTS
What's a line ticket and where do I find it?

It's the factory build sheet for your VIN, showing the engine, transmission, axles, gear ratio, paint and options. On 1971–76 Scout IIs it's under the hood on the cowl; on 1977–80 trucks it's inside the glove box door. If yours is missing, you can order a replacement.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA · IH PARTS AMERICA
What oil should I run?

About 7 quarts with a filter, according to an IH Parts America tech moderator. The IH V8 has a flat-tappet cam, and Binder Planet members recommend a high-zinc oil such as a 15W-40 diesel oil (or 20W-50 in a worn engine) rather than a modern low-zinc synthetic.

SOURCE · IHPA FORUM · BINDER PLANET
How good is the fuel economy?

Not good with a V8. Motor Sport got 10 mpg on a fast motorway run in a 345 automatic and expected about 14 in gentler use. Super Scout Specialists claims 20 mpg in the city and up to 30 on the highway for the Nissan diesels.

SOURCE · MOTOR SPORT · SSS
Is the diesel worth hunting for?

If you want something rare, yes. Super Scout Specialists counts 10,182 diesel Scouts: 4,222 naturally aspirated SD33s from 1976 to 1979, then 571 SD33T turbos in 1979 and 5,389 in 1980. Filters, water pumps and seals are still listed, but it's a slow, specialist engine, so check that the seller has records.

SOURCE · SUPER SCOUT SPECIALISTS
Traveltop, Traveler, Terra or SSII: what's the difference?

The Scout II is the 100-inch-wheelbase truck with a steel Traveltop, half-cab Roadster top or soft top. The 1976–80 Traveler and Terra are 18 inches longer, with a fiberglass full top and hatch (Traveler) or a half-cab pickup (Terra). The 1977–79 SSII is the stripped soft-top off-roader with a plastic grille and roll bar.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA · OCTANE PRESS
Does it have lockers, and how does the 4WD work?

There were no factory lockers. Trac-Lok limited-slip differentials were optional. The transfer case is manually shifted, with 2WD high, 4WD high and 4WD low, and the front hubs are free-wheeling. For 33-inch tires, Jim Weed's Off-Road.com build list recommends a front locker, a Detroit or ARB at the rear, and 4.10 gears.

SOURCE · WIKIPEDIA · MOTOR SPORT · OFF-ROAD.COM
What are they worth?

Hagerty gives a median condition #2 value of $42,200 for 1972–80 Scout IIs. SSIIs are the most valuable at $64,750, while some configurations sit below $30,000. Values have levelled off or dipped slightly since 2022.

SOURCE · HAGERTY
How many were built?

Hagerty puts Scout II production at about 260,000. Super Scout Specialists' yearly figures run from 31,866 (1975) to 44,434 (1979), with only 13,106 in 1980. About 4,000 SSIIs were built from 1977 to 1979.

SOURCE · HAGERTY · SSS
PART 05

Building one

Who makes the good stuff, where owners gather, and who to watch.

Common modifications & who does them

SUSPENSION LIFTFresh springs and a mild lift undo decades of sag and clear 31–32-inch tires. Reverse shackles improve the ride and the clearance up front.
IH Parts America — CPT reverse shackle kit ↗Anything Scout — Rough Country 2.5-in lift kit ↗Crawler Proven Technology (CPT) ↗
STEERINGBigger tires overload the steering-box mount and the rag joint. A brace, a Borgeson joint and a rebuilt or hydro-assist box make the truck track straight.
Anything Scout — Straight Steer brace ↗IH Parts America — Borgeson lower steering joint ↗IH Parts America — PSC hydro-assist-ready steering box ↗
BRAKESEven new, the brakes were the weak link. A rebuilt front end, braided hoses and a bigger booster are the usual fixes.
Anything Scout — complete front disc rebuild kit ↗IH Parts America — 11-in booster with master cylinder ↗
LOCKERS, GEARS & HUBSThere were no factory lockers, and taller tires need lower gears. Dana 44 parts are shared with half the 4x4 world.
ARB (Air Locker) ↗IH Parts America — Warn premium locking hubs, 1972–80 Scout II ↗Anything Scout — Dana 44 master install kit ↗
IGNITION & FUELElectronic ignition is the cheapest reliability upgrade for an IH V8, and throttle-body EFI brackets are made for the Scout.
Anything Scout — Pertronix by year ↗IH Parts America — CPT fuel filter bracket (Holley Sniper) ↗
BODY & RUSTEvery Scout needs metal eventually. Floors, rockers, quarters and rear crossmembers are all reproduced.
IH Parts America — Scout II floors and supports ↗Anything Scout — rockers and floor pans ↗Super Scout Specialists — steel body parts ↗

Clubs & events

EVENT IH Scout & ALL Truck Nationals ↗Annual IH Scout and light-truck show, swap meet, tech talks and plant tours. The 35th event ran June 12–14, 2026 at the Navistar International truck assembly plant in Springfield, Ohio.
Resources

Channels, accounts & forums

All Scout resources →
YouTube channels
YTAnything ScoutSCOUT II PARTS & TECH TIPSYTSuper Scout SpecialistsSCOUT PARTS & RESTORATIONYTBinderPlanetIH SCOUT COMMUNITYYTJacks Custom Restoration1979 SCOUT II RESTORATION SERIESYTCars with NashSCOUT II PROJECT SERIESYTSilverbackCustomWorksSCOUT II RESTORATIONS
Instagram accounts
IG@anythingscoutSCOUT PARTS & BUILDSIG@superscoutpartsSCOUT PARTS & RESTORATIONS
Forums & message boards
Binder Planet — General IH Tech ↗The deepest Scout II tech archiveIH Parts America forums ↗Lift, tire and fitment answers from the parts supplier's staffBinder Planet — SSII ↗Super Scout II specificsBinder Planet — Diesel Tech ↗SD33 and SD33T diesel ScoutsBinder Planet — Restoration Purists ↗Correct-to-factory details
SourcesWikipedia — International ScoutSuper Scout Specialists — Frequently Asked Questions (production, axles, grilles, diesel figures)Octane Press — Jim Allen, The Top-Ten Most Influential Scout Models (2019)Hagerty — Love vintage Broncos? Scout this '70s alternativeMotor Sport — The International Harvester Scout SS II Goldstar Baja Cruiser (December 1978)Corsetti Cruisers — Buyer's Guide: International Scout II, top 5 things to look out for4WD Mechanix forum — 1974–1980 IH Scout II (Moses Ludel)4Low Magazine — Old school transfer case history (Dana 300)Off-Road.com — Scout II frame tipsOff-Road.com — Jim Weed, Serious off-road buildup tips for Scout IIs with 33-in tires (2006)IH Parts America forum — Suspension parts question (31-in tires)IH Parts America forum — Scout engine oil (7 qt)IH Parts America forum — Steering box frame issueIH Parts America forum — Ball joint question (Dana 30/44 share joints)IH Parts America forum — New wheels and tiresBinder Planet — Rear main seal problems (one-piece seal, zinc oil)Binder Planet — Pertronix Ignitor 1483 or 1483A (don't leave the ignition on)AMSOIL — 1980 International Scout II 5.0L V8 lubricant and capacity lookupAnything Scout — Pertronix, heater, ball joint, brake and lift kit product notesIH Parts America — parts catalog (fitment and prices)Wikipedia — Nissan SD engine (SD33, SD33T)Wikipedia — Monteverdi SafariWikipedia — List of International Harvester/Navistar enginesHagerty — Collectible Classic / 2020 Bull Market: 1971–80 International Harvester Scout (engines, 90% V8 4WD, 1979 test car specs)Wikipedia — International ScoutSuper Scout Specialists — IH Vehicle Chassis & Lineticket Code ReferenceHagerty — 2020 Bull Market selection: 1971–80 International Harvester ScoutCorsetti Cruisers — Buyer's guide: International Scout II, top 5 things to look out forGas Tank Depot — 1972–1980 International Scout II rear fuel tank, 19 gallonIH Parts America forums — Yes another tire size questionIH Parts America forums — How big of a tire can you put on a SOA Scout IIIH Parts America forums — 3 Rallye wheels chromeSuper Scout Specialists — Service Books and Manuals (Scout)Binder Books (IH Parts America) — Scout manualsIH Book Store — Scout owner's, service and parts manualsBring a Trailer — International Harvester Scout II auction resultsMidnitestar Productions — 35th Annual IH Scout & ALL Truck NationalsSuper Scout Specialists — FAQ (XLC 6,200 lb GVW in 1975, production by year, diesel counts)Hagerty — Love vintage Broncos? Scout this '70s alternative (engine line-up, values)IH Parts America forum — Suspension parts question (31-in tires)