5.3L Vortec-Powered 1972 International Harvester Scout II 4x4

Make: International Harvester

Model: Scout

Type: Truck/SUV

Seller Type: Private

Build Sheet

VIN: A83880G508069
5.3-liter Vortec V8
PSI Conversions harness
4L60E four-speed automatic transmission
NP 241 dual-range transfer case
4-inch suspension lift
17-inch Method wheels
285/70 Nitto Recon Grappler A/T tires
Tan leather interior with diamond-stitched heated Corbeau seats
Metallic Green paint with gray stripes and black hardtop
X-Bull front winch, tubular bumpers, and swing-away tire carrier
Intellitronix digital instrument cluster and push-button ignition
Jensen touchscreen infotainment and custom center console

Wrench Report

By Chris Esparza

RestoMods Head Mechanic. 20 year classic car mechanic & builder.

International Harvester builds are having a major moment right now, and this '72 Scout II is a perfect example of why. It ditches the original, agricultural powertrain for a 5.3-liter Vortec and a 4L60E, turning a classic brick into a modern-driving SUV that can actually handle both modern roads and rough terrain. The metallic green paint and copper-finished roll bar give it a unique look that stands out. With heated Corbeau seats, a 4" lift, and spirited LS, it's a serious turn-key adventure rig that can cruise or crawl.

Description

This 1972 International Harvester Scout II was refurbished and modified in 2023 before being acquired on Bring a Trailer by the current owner in June 2025. The build included the installation of a 5.3-liter Vortec V8, a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission, and a replacement interior. Finished in metallic green with gray side stripes, the truck features a 4″ lift, 17″ Method wheels, and modern amenities including heated Corbeau seats and a touchscreen infotainment system. This modified Scout II is now offered by the private seller with a clean Washington title. The vehicle is located in San Diego, California.

The body is finished in metallic green with gray side stripes and a black hardtop. Exterior equipment includes tubular bumpers, an X-Bull front winch with a bull bar, and recovery shackles. The truck is fitted with black wheel arch extensions, step bars, LED headlights, smoked turn signal lenses, and a swing-away rear tire carrier with a full-size spare. Black-finished 17″ Method wheels are mounted with 285/70 Nitto Recon Grappler A/T tires.

The engine bay houses a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 installed in 2023. Technical features include a PSI Conversions wiring harness, a custom cold air intake, and an aluminum Wizard Cooling radiator. The electrical system utilizes an Optima battery and custom coil covers. Power is routed through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission and an NP 241 dual-range transfer case.

The frame was refinished in satin black during the refurbishment and fitted with replacement body mounts and bushings. The suspension features a 4″ lift kit utilizing replacement shocks and leaf springs at all four corners. Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums, while the steering system was updated with a replacement power steering box and steering stabilizer.

The cabin features Corbeau front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in tan upholstery with diamond-stitched inserts that extend to the door panels, rear side panels, and headliner. A copper-finished roll bar is installed behind the front seats. A custom center console houses the shifters, USB ports, and controls for the seat heaters. Additional equipment includes a Jensen touchscreen head unit, push-button ignition, and an Intellitronix digital instrument cluster. The five-digit odometer shows 60 miles, though total chassis mileage is unknown.