I drove my S10 Blazer on many trails, and had a great time, but soon realized that I really needed something BIGGER, BADDER, and UGLIER.
I thought about a getting a jeep, but there are plenty of jeeps on the trail already. Besides, I couldn't imagine going out with less interior space than my blazer. I considered the usual suspects: old bronco, fullsize blazer, FJ40, maybe even a shortbed truck. Then, light shined down from heaven and illuminated this poor old scout sitting in a backyard, waiting for major engine work. $500 later and she was mine.
Since then I've rebuilt the stock 304 engine and the 727 tranny, and even threw a set of teraflex gears into the dana 20 transfer case. A new holley carb fuels the beast. I lost a bearing in the stock rear axle, and decided to ditch the stock d30/d44 pair for a d44/gm 14 bolt from a 3/4 ton chevy. I converted the front dana 44 to crossover steering w/ a custom draglink, and swapped in a set of warn premium hubs. The rear 14 bolt was dressed up with disc brakes to match the front, enhanced with a detroit locker, and custom spring perches were welded on.
The spring over axle meant conversion I needed big tires, right now they're a set of worn 36" swampers, I'm thinking that I'll replace them with 35's as soon as I get a few pennies saved up. I built a set of custom rock bars to protect the bottom of the doors from the tall rocks. A towbar kit up front allows me to tow the scout behind my truck when I want to. A custom roll bar protects me and Joanna on the trail, and even holds our canoe.
We've only begun to tackle tougher trails, the scout has proven extremely capable of going where she's pointed, I'm working to the point that she doesn't break on the way. Coyote lake was our introductory trail, and still one of our favorites. In the summer of 2004 we had the opportunity to visit the Rubicon. In the future, we're looking forward to Molina, Cleer Creek, SWamp Lake, and someday even Dusy.
One of my biggest joys of the scout is sharing my travels with my lovely wife Joanna, and our dog, Coby. I even let Joanna drive, sometimes, and to date she hasn't broken anything, I wish my record were as good. Our first coyote trip broke a motor mount, radiator hose, water pump, starter, and even bent a leaf spring. Since then I've taken out shock mounts, bent bumpers, and added a few dings. My crowning achievement was twisting the rear driveshaft in two on my first day at the Rubicon. I drove out to the beginning on my spare shaft, beaten in my first attempt, but I'm looking forward to the next time.
Part of this sport that I love is the camraderie and friendship developed. My first coyote lake trip would have been a disaster, if not for Randy Peterson, who drove me all the way back to fresno for spare parts, and was kind and gracious the entire way. Kathy Peterson was kind enough to keep Joanna company as Randy and I went on our mission. Since that time, I've managed to make it out without needing help, though I've certainly benefitted from a helping hand from time to time.
