Well i got a few more things done on Freebie. The project has taken some unexpected turns since last update though. I have taken quite a few steps backward in order to move forward. I don't have a picture but took the steering column, gas pedal, brake pedal bracket, and e-brake pedal back out so i could install the new firewall insulation pad i decided to buy from IH Parts. Took some time but not a big deal. The major step was deciding to go with Chevy outer knuckles, spindles, brakes, and internal hubs for strength on the front axle. I found a cheap Chevy front Dana 44 on Craigs List and bought it. I was originally gonna just rob the outers off of it but then realized i would have rendered that axle pretty much useless. So i decided to shorten that axle and bolt it in and then try to sell my SOA converted Scout front 44. Same process I had to grind off the outer C's so i could shorten to Scout width and turn knuckles for caster. Here are some pics of that process.
In order to get the Chevy axle centered under the scout you have to leave the driver side center pin alone and move the passenger side in 1/2". i welded up the old hole and drilled a new one.
Also instead of cutting off the driver side perch I elected to keep it and use 6* shims from IH Parts. The weird part is the Chevy spring perch is too wide for the Scout springs so I cut the 4 corners off the perch and inverted them and welded them back in so the perch kept its strength and the U-bolts would be tight against the springs.
I then re installed the axle and used a big stick of allthread with some nuts and an 1 1/2 spacer welded to the bottom so i could locate my shock mounts.
I took the axle to work and painted it after all the welding was done. I purchased Ford hubs and rotors to convert it to 5 lug when i reassemble. I also bought a brake caliper rebuild kit and rebuilt those not too bad to do.
I found some chunks of metal inside the differential housing on the Chevy 44 and found that the gears were shot cause the spider gears were missing teeth. Bummer! Today i am taking both the front and rear axles to Colorado Axle and Gear to have 3.73 gears and Detroit Truetracs installed front and rear. This was a task i read a lot about and decided to just let a professional do it.
