How to modify a Jeep Wrangler Frame for a Scout Body

I love "old iron" for an off road rig, but I like them even more when you can drive em on the road every single day and then hit the trail and when Jeep created the JK that vehicle set the standard for a dual purpose vehicle.
So if you want to looks of a classic....and the amenities of a modern 4x4 what can you do? Easy, swap a Jeep JK frame under the classic body, best of both worlds....and here is how ya do it.
Where to get the goods:
Get Your building at: miracletruss.com/
Get This guy to build it: www.qualitybuilderstn.com/
Welders: esab.com/us/nam_en/
Plasma Table: www.fastcutcnc.com/
Fab Files: www.diyoffroad.com/
#fabrication #offroad #howto
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DISCLAIMER: Due to factors out of the control of the Big Tire Garage, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Big Tire Garage assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Big Tire Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Big Tire Garage

[@BigTireGarage]

Started this Scout build on my show FourWheeler, but like a lot of these projects I will be finishing them up here on my KZbin channel...hope you enjoy this JK Frame swap under the Scout

[@greasemonkey4god]

You are literally building my dream truck… well mine is a 62 scout. Thank you 🙏🏼 ❤

[@wooodrow99]

My first build that I gave up on was a 62 with the truck cap. Traded it to a friend for for my first FJ40 that was in way better shape. Still regret it. Hey Ian have you considered painting the frame with Steel It since you can weld to it?

[@jdenmark1287]

So glad you made it here. Been watching your shows forever at least back when you used to look a lot younger than now😮

[@Dressagehorsesqld]

Trying to find the link on the jk chassis stretch? Could you add it again please

[@ChrisWood-yh5jm]

Trying to find link for chassis stretch jk could you repost please

[@user-um2qe2ej6x]

Scouts are rare on build projects. So happy you have taken this project on.

[@aaronwhite979]

Used to watch your show all the time, but haven’t had TV in years. Glad I found this channel/build! I’ve been planing on doing a frame/drivetrain swap to an scout 80 that’s been in my family for 40+ years. Look forward to seeing it play out!

[@BigTireGarage]

Welcome aboard!

[@sidhucer00789]

Guy just started building my dream vehicle

[@juanbrito-nina2877]

You've combined my love for Jeeps and early Scouts! I need this...❤❤❤

[@paulday-lh5mx]

Love those old scouts when they are upgraded. They look so cool.

[@BigTireGarage]

Me too....such a cool body style

[@mikedimaio1237]

Car dolly makes a lot of sense, I like using scaffolding casters, they slide into tubing and double lock, price wise, not much more than heavy duty casters. Love the Scout, I'm going to be so jealous when it's done.

[@BigTireGarage]

Like that idea

[@02f4irider]

Ian, i always look forward to your videos. Its a slight bummer that there is so much time between them, but also a blessing because it builds up more excitement.

[@BigTireGarage]

I make what I can....when I can

[@02f4irider]

@@BigTireGarage completely understand that and fully appreciate it! We all have lives to deal with.

[@tslucam]

I need to get my hands on a 2.8. I need that in my MJ. Build idea...take a unibody something MJ/XJ/etc., drop it on a chassis (like a JK/JKU) and build er right.

[@Kevin_747]

Very cool project. I'm so old I remember the IH dealer in the small Kansas town I grew up in having two or three new Scouts sitting around for sale with IH tractors and other farm equipment. Carryalls too. Scout sightings are rare in my neck of the woods.

[@Grayhook1]

Strong City? I used to ride to school with the dealership owners son. The most bottom of the line Scout. Pretty cool considering we were thirteen years old!

[@srmrlr]

I remember the IH dealer in Wamego having trucks and Scouts...

[@Hillbillygarage1215]

Ian, you have always been one of favorite "car guys". I've watched your shows for years. You are one of the short list of people that inspired me to get back into working on my own stuff, and I started a KZbin channel to try and help pass on information/training to others. Hopefully inspire others to get to working on their stuff. It would be a real kick for me if you checked out Hillbilly Garage. You do a great job and I will keep watching.

[@BigTireGarage]

I will give it a look...

[@Mylnr]

We used to TiVo/DVR all of your show’s episodes when I was a kid, so glad I found your channel after all of these years! My dad and I drove 16hrs to Colorado Springs with a trailer to pick up an old Scout 800A for parts 15 years ago… and we still have that thing sitting 😂. Glad to see you’re back to working on one of the more unique classic 4x4s!

[@BigTireGarage]

I love all 4x4's but old iron is my fav!!!

[@srmrlr]

Ah, man!!! As soon as I get my ZJ long arm lift done, I'm going to start looking for a totaled JK 2 door for 62 Scout 80. Had this vision for a couple years, then my buddy gave me the Scout since he was never going to have someplace to work on it. I got just the body, doors, windshield, fenders and grill, and the frame. NOTHING else. No top, drivetrain/powertrain. Going to but Jeep axles under it to move it around and get the body back on the frame so it LOOKS like a vehicle again...

[@BigTireGarage]

Awesome save the old iron

[@Crewsy]

The Scout is such an iconic vehicle from the past. Doing a chassis swap and power swap is a great way to keep it alive and vastly improve it. If the plans work out we’ll see a lot of Scouts on the road soon but with an electric drivetrain thanks to VW.

[@BigTireGarage]

Couldn't agree more!

[@lukeromeril2052]

super excited for this build, should be pretty sweet!

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah, can't wait to see the body once Jeremy is done with it!!!!

[@ryanbotiller9544]

Good afternoon Ian, I hope all is well with you, and this message finds you happy and healthy. I've been a big fan of yours going all the way back to power nation when you were working with the female fabricator, I forget her name, but she's pretty cool. Like the stuff you're doing with bleeping Jeep and Onyx off-road keep up the great work my friend.

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks

[@iddddaduncan]

You have impressive fab skills!

[@shaneherman8906]

Wish you still had a full show. Really like your work and video production. Been a fan a long time....

[@BigTireGarage]

Still have a show...watch on Motortrend

[@derekdean2614]

Have no clue you had your own you tube watched you for years now I’m a lifetime subscriber to this you tube

[@garrettlowell7637]

Cool project. You’ve inspired me for my next mission-thanks!

[@BigTireGarage]

Have fun!

[@12vgen15]

Looks good. I’m doing a 61 Willy’s pickup on JKU frame. LS swap, 14 inch coil overs, and 4 linked.

[@edciasiii3308]

Great episode! I'm looking forward to the rest of this build.

[@BigTireGarage]

More to come!

[@chrisbyers386]

Glad I found you on KZbin follow you one the tv great content Canadian to a Canadian long live the scout Canadians will never find a body that clean up here in the great white north

[@BigTireGarage]

True!!!!!

[@rockyp544]

Man this would be awesome as a kit to purchase.

[@donaldwilliams2270]

You are one amazing fabricator , mechanic , auto wiring , seems there's nothing you can't do.

[@BigTireGarage]

Thank you....stilll working on my body work skills

[@strykerentllc]

This is a cool series and the more the detail, the better! Missed seeing your lil' doggo in this episode, so hope she's doing well. Cheers!

[@BigTireGarage]

Zelda is doing great thanks for asking....she will be in a video soon

[@strykerentllc]

@@BigTireGarage Awesome! More lil' Zelda cameos equates to more clicks fo sho! Cheers!

[@1320Jason]

Just found your channel, I love four wheeler so I’ll binge watch these when I can!! 👍🏼

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for tuning in

[@1320Jason]

@@BigTireGarage ….thanks Ian

[@IHScout369]

As a Scout guy I am super into this build. I have wanted to do a JK frame swap for a while.

[@BigTireGarage]

It seems to fit so well

[@shanewright6958]

Another great video as always 👍👍

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for the visit

[@joshg8458]

Those old gas tank pockets would be a good location to relocate your batteries. Maybe an air compressor!

[@BigTireGarage]

That is what I was thinking......I might just put the battery there with some bulkhead connectors under the drivers seat

[@peaceoutvanlife]

I feel like you could mount some sort of step bar to the frame, for function, and to hide the exposed frame under the rocker... Just a thought. Love the channel!

[@BigTireGarage]

That is basically what will happen

[@BlueDually4x4]

I do like the KZbin content, feels a bit more like we are in the shop with you. As even as the bedliner under coat looks, they must have done it with the body off and upside down.

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah it was definitely done off the frame

[@carlosv393]

Super excited to follow the r2.8 aspect of the build! I want to do this swap one day.

[@BigTireGarage]

Its a great package for a rig like this

[@carlosv393]

@@BigTireGarage I have an first gen extended cab Frontier I want to swap this engine into. Curious what your thoughts are on using a modern bronco 7 spd manual transmission for this engine? Thanks in advance!

[@BigTireGarage]

That trans would be killer....Diesels love gears....the more the better

[@number1yota]

Looking forward to the R2.8 video. Looking to drop one in my 1st Gen Tacoma. If I was using a JK frame I'd be really tempted to drop in a Hemi. They swap in so easy (compared to other engine swaps.)

[@BigTireGarage]

True....and the Hemi is such a cool powerband motor....I LOVE it in my M715

[@timjorden8329]

Idea for a road trip you could take us on. You could take us to the garage of Grave Digger or some other monster jam truck. I’d like to hear you talk to the guys on the crew of a shop like that.

[@wildman318]

That Scout body looks pretty straight and no body rot. Cool

[@BigTireGarage]

Its very rust free.....the bed liner saved it for sure...but man its not fun to work with

[@patrickroberts8209]

Nice work. Always enjoy your videos. Reminds me of the suburban gorilla you did back on extreme 4x4.

[@wildman318]

@@BigTireGarage keep up the good work… I enjoy all your videos

[@SpatialDragon]

Glad to see some videos and not just those shorts clips. I watch the long ones with commercials, I don't watch the clips. Just saying.

[@BigTireGarage]

Gotta post a mix of everything

[@jeppenordfosskristensen7319]

Cool video 👌🏻🏁

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks! 👍

[@tinahiheels]

ian the master fab

[@andrecontois8510]

2.8 manual gonna be kool

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah its a cool package for sure

[@frediefarmer]

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽 awesome job as always.

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@ThelifeofKingfish]

lol, I was just typing rock sliders, then you said it in the video. I should watch the whole video before commenting 😂

[@BigTireGarage]

Comment whenever you would like!!!

[@joeschlotthauer840]

You need to make this as a kit.

[@user-ji8ls9dr9f]

It would be rad to make access to the gas tank area from the interior to use as storage for recovery gear or something.

[@BigTireGarage]

Like that idea as well!!

[@davidgenthnerjr4995]

I like yourself enjoy a good cup of coffee as I am wrenching away in my yard. Where can I get the coffee you use at the beginning of the show?

[@BigTireGarage]

Just search Gearhead coffee..if you like strong coffee get the gear oil!!!

[@marshallanderson4609]

COOL!!!!!

[@scark00]

Ian, I love your videos. You do great work. Some constructive criticism though! You have to cut down on saying the “basically’s and actually’s”.

[@BigTireGarage]

But I basically get stuff done

[@myyoutube1707]

@@BigTireGaragelol

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

👌🏻 mint. 😌

[@michaeldriggers474]

Excellent work is always, what about the V8 swap Jeep you were going to do

[@BigTireGarage]

Its in the shop right now

[@willschluneger709]

Well Shit Ian, I impulse bought a 63 scout that’s awfully rusty, but a strong runner and this build may Inspire to spend a lot of time and money 😂

[@BigTireGarage]

Good Stuff

[@nightfallgrayrs1601]

Where did you find a Scout 80 with little to no rust? I have a 73 Scout II and it was mostly rust. Great video.

[@BigTireGarage]

This one was bed lined years ago and sat in an airplane hanger for the last 20 years

[@allenhorne7032]

Looking great, I can't wait to see the new motor and tranny in and how the raptor turns out as well. Are you raptor lining the whole rig or just under the hood?

[@BigTireGarage]

Just under the body, interior and engine bay

[@allenhorne7032]

@@BigTireGarage nice, what color are you painting the body?

[@BigTireGarage]

I am not sure of the color on this one....this is a build for a friend and I don't know if they choose a color yet

[@mattfreimark5248]

Now the question I have is, would it be feasible to remove the "frame" from a unibody ZJ and then fab up mounts to mount the body to a JK frame? I know it's possible just not sure if it's a good idea.

[@ryt2carry]

Will 160hp be enough for the bigger tires? I know the 2.8 has 310 lbs/ft of torque, but it looks like it would be down on power for highway use. Just wondering. Excited to see this thing come together.

[@BigTireGarage]

I can roll down the highway with my Willys wagon at 70 moh all day long

[@stevebagley8166]

800 A's have a strange tailgate rods. They have knotch that keeps the tailgate from falling all the way.down. you have to push tailgate strap forward

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for the tip...I couldn't figure thatbpart out...and all that weight from the spare tire wasn't helping

[@beadblaster9508]

Blueprint engines are going to release a 4 cylinder ls based engine that produces over 350 hp and 500 plus ft lbs of torque. Would be a killer engine for this project. Engine is supposedly going to be very reasonably priced.

[@BigTireGarage]

I have seen it....I am worried that all that HPnis high in the HP band

[@ambrosebrower8760]

Those numbers are for the boosted version of that motor. Completely doable but not the same as na. It actually produces less than 200hp na which makes sense when you compare it to any other 4 cylinder near that displacement. It’s still badass but they never should have advertised those hp numbers

[@cg7509]

Can you explain how you register this kind of thing as street legal? When you're done, will it be a older Scout or a newer JK? Thanks for the content

[@BigTireGarage]

This one is going to a state where the title follows the body

[@Vikter_zepeduh]

Im looking to do the same swap for my scout 800A. Where did you purchase your jk frame from?

[@BigTireGarage]

Bought a whole JK

[@burtonhenggeler6668]

Been combing through your videos and build’s, as well as others, looking for info on brakes and 3-4 link suspensions. Mostly looking at how others plumb in their brakes with long travel suspensions. Do most builders just use super long braided lines and hope they don’t get tangled up in the springs or anything else? I’m putting a 3 link up front and a double tri 4 link in the rear. Can I run hard lines down my upper links and in the case of the front passenger, use the pan hard bar. All of this using flexible lines at each joint. End result keeping the flexible lines as short and out of the way as possible. Also running air lines for my lockers along with these lines. Does anyone set up their brakes like this?

[@BigTireGarage]

Both are popular...I like to use full braided lines lines from the master to each axle...less joints

[@BillMulholland1]

🍻👍

[@ericwaters941]

Are you going to use the scout fuel tank location as possible built in tool bag locations?

[@BigTireGarage]

Possible battery storage and or air compressor

[@ericwaters941]

@BigTireGarage I was hoping you would utilize it for something. That is a large cavity to just let go to waste. Thank you the reply

[@chriscampbell9338]

What tires are on it?

[@Vikter_zepeduh]

Would you make it frame swap kit and put it out on the market?

[@BigTireGarage]

No its not what I do...

[@TheTwoll86]

Why not weld a jk core support across there so you can use the JK radiator and condenser

[@BigTireGarage]

Not a bad idea...but its getting the R2.8 and there is a better package for that from Quickdraw that fits the TJ/CJ that I am going to mock up and see if it fits

[@snrasguod4806]

@snrasguod4806 17 hours ago Almost thought/hoped you were going to say that you were going to put the ecoboost 3.5 in that. Do you have any plans for that engine combo yet?

[@BigTireGarage]

Yep...going into my Jeepster

[@snrasguod4806]

@@BigTireGarage sweet! Will be looking forward to the series

[@timnixon8815]

How do you come up with what project you do next? Are some of them fans or friends?

[@BigTireGarage]

Yes and yes.....I have tons of projects in my head yet to build

[@timnixon8815]

@@BigTireGarage well if you feel like doing a SAS on a 97 4Runner give me a holler. 🤣🤣

[@raystevens687]

Ian what engine are you to use.

[@BigTireGarage]

CUMMINS r2.8

[@scottgalyk8970]

Have you ever built a mega truck?

[@BigTireGarage]

Not really a mud guy

[@user-ro1ct9cc9p]

Restart what's your other show to watch others show two

[@BigTireGarage]

Fourwheeler on Motortrend/Discovery Plus and HBO Max Built for Off Road on Discovery

[@brianjordan6391]

Why would you want to swap out a Scout frame? I've own an 800A and a 1210 4 door, the frames are bomb proof.

[@BigTireGarage]

The scout frames are so narrow that swappin to modern axles withh better suspension you end up doing so much custom fab

[@Utubegofukurself]

"How too" than starts video half way through the job lol

[@BigTireGarage]

What did you want to see that I didn't show you? How to take the body off the original frame?

[@michaelbradley7529]

I don't think you are using enough hair product. 😉

[@BigTireGarage]

Seriously you took time out of your day to write that...

[@michaelbradley7529]

@@BigTireGarage The intent was to make you laugh but, I guess that only works with folks who don't take themselves too seriously. 🤦‍♂

[@BigTireGarage]

If you saw how many comments I get about "hair" you would understand.........

[@michaelbradley7529]

@@BigTireGarage Actually I wouldn't. I spent nearly all my adult life working in construction and we poked fun at each other all day every day. You couldn't survive the construction trades without a sense of humor and a thick skin. Now, I like the content your uploading, but I've got to wonder how much longer you can do this if a joke about hair product is going to upend your day (especially if it's a recurring theme). Listen, I have no ill will towards you, and I understand that there are good days and bad days when it comes to how you read a comment. There are days when I'm in a mood and will write a comment that is less than kind and regret it a few days later (however this was not one of them). I even took the time to throw an emoji in there to show I was being silly. You're showing yourself to millions of people on the internet and if you have anything that is atypical about you, people will notice and it will be criticized, complimented, or joked about. Life is too short to worry about the little things (at least that's what I told my wife right before we got divorced 😁).

[@lorenzoblackie1629]

@406Garage , what you need for your Scouts

[@raystevens687]

Ian are you going to use that gutless Jeep motor. I hope not. Hopping You can put a 5.7 Hemi or even a 5.3 chevy engine would be a good choice.

[@BigTireGarage]

Nope new motor going in

[@yourafatboyshadow]

Why would you do this??? The scout is about the uglist body ever made...

[@BigTireGarage]

What!!!! So wrong