scout man previously posted:
"Alright, so I think I may have finally consolitated my thoughts on what to do with my scout, and I may be starting to have some money to start the project, but I am looking for some advice as to whether these are good ideas or not, and input from those who have done the project before.
The first thing that needs to happen is a lift. I am thinking I am going to do the SOA with at least 33 inch tires. Although, I am considering trying for 35s right away. To do this I would do a 2 inch body llift, which I am considering anyways due to later things, such as an exo-cage. Whether I need the lift or not, I feel I should do it before the exo so I do not have to redo the work down the road if I decide I need one. However, if I do the soa (about 6 inch lift) with my stock springs I can always swap out lift springs later (2.5 or 4 inch readily available) to clear the 35s. Might be safer than the body lift?? Also on the list in the near future is a good winch bumper and roll cage, although at this point I think the roll cage comes next due to my little problem of not being afraid of things that should scare me. I dont always know when to stop. After I have the lift, roll cage, and good bumpers my next step will be rock guards (that can later be incoorporated into the exo).
Next comes the big build, the exo. As I have mentioned before, I feel that I run a huge risk of rolling any time I go out, mostly because I love the thrill of difficult things and can quickly get myself into trouble. My goal with this is a cage that provides for the least amount of damage to the rig on a gentle roll over. I also do not want it to inhibit easy roof removal, and since I will have the interioir cage already, I do not worry much about the top, since those are somewhat replacable if it is every necessary. So I am thinking something along the lines of the photo below. (I did this in paint, so its rough, and I got lazy and stopped drawing curved pipes, so use your imagination to remove the sharp corners) It will protect the body, however, given the nature of the scout it is very hard to connect the rear corners without dissabling the rear door. for this reason I am going to get creative. I am thinking right behind the front seats I will run a pipe from the exo, to connect to the inner cage (yes, through the body... it all leaks anyways!). Unless of course those of you more experienced than I see this as a bad idea. Not sure whether the inside and outside need to be able to flex seperatelly or not. Also, I will run one more crossmember from exo to exo across the very rear, but once again running through the body to connect the two (wont interfere with doors this way.) I also may or may not include the bar running from behind the door to the top of the windshield. This was an after thought to reinforce things. Mainly connect the cage front to rear to prevent it "hinging" on the sliders, and also to reinforce the windshield bar so as to not crush if I roll on it. But if it is decided it doesnt need to be there or help to have it there, it will go away.
the only other project is a custom truck box for the rear cargo space. One that fills the entire area behind the back seat and up to bed wall level, which will have a large drawer for storage and will allow for a large flat area on top for mounting things (highlift, axe, shovel, gas?, spare tire?, cooler, etc).
If anyone has any suggestions for this list, or input as to the cost of the exo cage or truck box, or is up to the task of fabricating some of this please let me know. It will take a while to complete, but I am hoping to start the SOA very soon here."
All you gotta do is call me and we will start when ever your ready. The exo can be built in place and the lift is up to you when ever your ready.