1981 Forest service Scrambler.

[masscj2a]

Figured I might as well start a thread on the new Forest service Scrambler. Bought out of Colorado and just had it delivered here yesterday in Mass.
Yes, this is the one that I stole money out of the Waltons LJ fund. But thats happening now !
Originally a Colorado Forest Service Jeep. No engine , tranny or TC, but did come with drive shafts. I was thinking about an LS swap, but now that I see it, I may just want to keep it simple and mostly Jeep parts. (let me know what you think about that) A couple of options are 304, T18, Dana 20. Or 307 SBC, a little built, 700R4, Dana 300. I have all the chevy driveline right now. I would need to track down a 304, which I have a lead on as we speak. This one is not going to be a rock crawling beast, but mostly street, dirt road, hunting, maybe sand dunes in Michigan Jeep. The tub never had any wheel flares in the rear and I wanted to keep it that way. My 83 Scrambler was also a base with steel wheels and no flares and I liked the look a lot with 33/1050-15 Mud Terrains KM3's. Oh and I have the new KM3's already and a set of chrome Scrambler rims (5) or a set of black spokers in stock and also steel rims that fit disc brakes. . Kind of like my 33/1050-15 Mud Terrains and they would be a good fit for this. I'm not sure which engine came in this one and I will get a few pictures of the engine frame mounts a little later, maybe you guys could help identify them. I don't have any pics on this new laptop, so they will be put on later, with some updated ones.

 

[masscj2a]

Pretty straight

 

[masscj2a]

More

 

[masscj2a]

What is this rubber pad on passenger front disc? And this is the first time I've seen what I think is a steering stabilizer mount on a spring mount.

 

[masscj2a]

Only rust I can find. Both rear roll bar mounts.

 

[masscj2a]

The bottom of the tub is very rust free.

 

[Kim Dawson]

My 4-cyl Scrambler came with a manual steering box. Four bangers came with a hydraulic clutch so maybe there is evidence of that on the firewall if yours was one. ID number will tell what it was, too.

 

[AJ2393]

Nice find. Any consideration for a diesel swap?

 

[93_Fummins]

What is this rubber pad on passenger front disc? And this is the first time I've seen what I think is a steering stabilizer mount on a spring mount.

Is it a sensor of some sort? Looks like there is a wire/cable coming out of the bottom...?

 

[masscj2a]

My 4-cyl Scrambler came with a manual steering box. Four bangers came with a hydraulic clutch so maybe there is evidence of that on the firewall if yours was one. ID number will tell what it was, too.

Kim there is no U in the serial number. There is a hydraulic clutch master on the firewall, but my 83 had that with the 258. Also, it has 373 gears, so that means something larger in the engine bay.

 

[masscj2a]

Nice find. Any consideration for a diesel swap?

I have thought about it, maybe a TDI or larger 4BT. But the 4BT is heavy. I also would consider a Cummins 2.8 if I had the money, but I don't. Of all the diesel possibilities, I like the 2.8 cummins.

 

[masscj2a]

Is it a sensor of some sort? Looks like there is a wire/cable coming out of the bottom...?

It just appears to be a rubber pad at the end facing the rotor. I was thinking some type of wiper, but its not directly on the rotor.

 

[masscj2a]

Kim there is no U in the serial number. There is a hydraulic clutch master on the firewall, but my 83 had that with the 258. Also, it has 373 gears, so that means something larger in the engine bay.

That might have been one of my YJ's that had the hydraulic throw out bearing. Not sure anymore. Too many to remember.

 

[sdsupilot]

My 81 also came from CO originally. It was a 4 cyl with a hydro clutch and 3.73 gears.

For diesel swaps I would put the R2.8 on top, then TDI. I'm not a fan of the 4BT. Too big, heavy, loud and too many vibrations.

If you already have the 307, a built 700r4 and the dana 300 I would lean that way. If you want an auto I would go with a GM flavored swap. If you want a manual you can really pick whichever engine you want.

 

[93_Fummins]

My '82 is from CO...and it had manual brakes, manual steering, 4cyl, hydraulic clutch, and 4.10s. What is it with mountain jeeps and manual accessories? Guess hikers have stronger arms/legs than flatlanders...

 

[masscj2a]

Does anyone recognizthe frame mounted engine mounts ? Are they all the same or did they use different ones for different engines?

And yes I agree, the 4bt is heavy. The cummins 2.8 would be my choice as well, if within my price range. The 307 is already built, with block hugger headers. The 700R4 is the manual OD and already adapted to the Dana 300 with low max gears. That is the easiest choice to make and the 307 is slightly built to around 225 HP. I'd like to put on EFI on it, but thats all it needs. Always liked the 307, even though I know its a bastard child in the family.

 

[Trevor Davidson]

The 4 cylinder 151 iron duke used different engine mounts from the the 258.

 

[Belizeit]

Very nice find. Those colors are going to look nice.

 

[mwqpd11]

Glad you got one. Sounds like your leaning toward the 307. Auto is nice. If you have a 304/T18 it’s still all Jeep and bolt in

 

[Chamba]

Go with an auto. That way Millenials can drive it and car jackers won't struggle driving it