I have a '79 Scout II and would recommend it. Nothing against Broncos, but nice Scouts are a little cheaper. If you are not on the trails all the time, the Scout is hard to beat all around, and it makes a good trail rig with a few mods. There is plenty of room with the rear seat in, or remove it for extra space. It provides a much more stable tow platform, and the old V-8's are the best with forged cranks, rods, pistons from the factory. It is timed by gears, no "slacker" chain. T-19 full syncro 4-sp's are heavy duty and common. Dana 44's front and rear. Mine has the 345 V-8 with the T-19 (like a T-18 but with a synchro 1st) and 3.54 diffs. I even get decent mileage! Parts are not a problem, I can supply numerous parts vendors, although most drivetrain parts are available at any parts store. "Scouts lead the way."

Steve Mcqueen fan.