Bad Jeep Feedback
I've had just about enough of you jerk-offs flat-out dogging Scouts. Your wisecrack write-up on engines ("anything with International on the valve cover") was junk. Now with the Scout on the pavement-are you for real ("Jeep Parts Source Directory," Mar. '03)? Come on, you know that no Jeep can go where a Scout can. To prove it, you pick the time, place, whatever, and I'll bring a stock Scout and kick your panty-clad ass across the trail or mud bog-it doesn't matter. No, I will not race you across the parking lot.
A couple of points here. Who had 44s front and rear? Your weenie Heep can be ordered now, with front and rear 44s, over 20 years after the last Scout was produced, and they had a 345 V-8. Did Heep ever place anything near that powerful in their junk? Save your ode to Heep for Jp magazine. Seems you worms always choose IH to pick on. Could it be you wish Heep had built the Scout?
Sammy Beebe
1980 IH Scout II
In response to the disparaging photo and caption in your March Jeep Special, an idea for your next article. (You knew you had it coming.)The 10 mods every Scout needs:
1. Remove the top-OK, it's getting kind of rusty anyway.
2. Engine swap-Yeah, you probably already have a V-8, but you need one that has more low-end torque for 'crawling and still burns gas. But wait...there's not one!
3. Transmission swap-Maybe you should swap that four-speed that was also used in 1-ton trucks. Or maybe swap that auto that was strong enough for use in International's RVs...Nah, I guess we'll leave that too.
4. Slip-yoke eliminator-Wait, what's a slip yoke?
5. Spring-over suspension-OK, that's a good idea. Might even get a little caster in the front axle while we're at it.
6. Bolt-on engine upgrades-Well, it's got factory dual exhaust. Maybe a better air filter's a good idea. Wouldn't mess with the engine, though, not until it's due for a rebuild at 300,000 miles.
7. Rock-Trac 4:1 (for $1,600+?)-Well, maybe get a low gear kit for the venerable Dana 20 or a 4:1 for the Dana 300, if you think you need it.
8. Power steering-Your Scout doesn't have power steering? Well, you can bolt that on with no problems.
9. Stronger axles-A real 4x4 probably should have Dana 44s front and rear...but wait, those are Dana 44s...and looks like disc brakes in front too!
10. Knowledge-Notice the difference between this and the Jeep article?
Any questions?
Ron Brown
Raleigh, NC
We love to dog Scouts because their owners fall into two categories: On it or way off. Sammy baby, you're way off base, and it shows. Ron, you're right on top and we wouldn't mind wheeling with you at all, even with your Scout. Your letter shows professionalism and maturity we can respect, along with the humor you have instead of taking things so seriously.
Good Jeep Feedback
First off, I love your magazine. I read it from cover to cover. I am confused by one thing, though. In your Mar. '03 issue, the "Jeep Parts Source Directory" contains a few captions, one with a young lady in it ("Jeep, Not a Jeep"). You asked, "You really don't care which one is a Jeep, do you?" Yes I do! You see, my Jeep has a great smile (grille), and so does she. My Jeep wears a bikini top, and so does she. Finally, my Jeep has round headlights, and so does she. So, is she a Jeep or not? I know I have never seen that particular model at any Jeep dealership. Not that my lovely wife would let me purchase one anyway. I guess it is a Jeep thing; my wife wouldn't understand. Anyway, Jeep up the great work.
Derek Remillard
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Our annual Jeep source guide was a big success for advertisers and readers. About the only negative responses to the story were one guy reminding us about the diesel used in an XJ, and some Scout owners who took minor offense.