Symptoms
Wandering 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 fix, step by step
- Remove 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 & part numbers
- Socket set
- drill and bits
- welder and grinder (if cracked)
- torque wrench
Where to buy the parts
CPT steering box reinforcement plate, 1971–80 Scout II / Terra / TravelerIH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗
CPT grade 8 steering box mounting bolt set, 1971–80 Scout IIIH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗
Straight Steer steering brace, Scout IIAnything Scout ↗Amazon ↗
Borgeson lower steering joint (replaces rag joint), 1971–80 Scout IIIH Parts America ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for International Scout II parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.