| TresMon |
| (Wheeler) |
| 03/19/08 07:59 PM |
Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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So The tranny in my Montero blew last week. The tranny had been built 7 months ago. The motor has low power AND low MPG.
I'm not going to take a chance on another $1000 fix in 7 more months. I will have a new baby to provide for in three months, have started a new job too. I must get my transportation smoothed out!
So... Trooper questions:
Any issues to beware of ("glass" Tranny's???)
I only have about $3500 to spend so were talking onlder models.
Is it possible to get a diesel without importing?
WHat is the best motor?
What kind of mpg?
any power to pass?
Are lockers/ LSd's availible?
Thanks!!
Any insiders info would be very highly appreciated prior to my purchasing one!
Tres
| jezeric |
| (Isuzu Moderator) |
| 03/19/08 09:17 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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Welcome to the Isuzu side Tres. There's a lot of Trooper folks running around who can probably give you more complete feedback on their experiences, but I can offer some generalities.
For the money you're talking, you'll probably be looking at either a later first generation Trooper (89-91 or so) or an early second generation Troop (92-96ish) depending on location, mileage, and other good stuff like that.
With the first gens, you have either a 2.6L Isuzu-built I4, or a 2.8L GM V6. Generally, the two are pretty comparable in performance overall. The 2.6 has some power options, while the 2.8 is a favorite for a 3.4L transplant. With this, you either get a GM sourced autobox, or an Aisin manual. It's all in what flavor you like. Of course, you also get a brick on wheels, so the usual aerodynamic penalties of such a thing come into play (mpg, wind, etc.).
With the second gens (my personal suggestion), you're looking at basically the same transmission options, but the engine switches to an Isuzu 3.2L V6 in either SOHC or DOHC flavors. It's a decent powerplant, I have one in my Rodeo, but again you're dealing with the aerodynamics of a rounded brick, so mpg is still going to suffer. The second gens have a lot more going for them in terms of creature comforts and refinement, but they're still built really solidly. Of course, that comes with a weight penalty, so see the mpg commentary above.
Things to watch for:
-2.6L 4s are susceptible to blown head gaskets/warped heads if overheated. The bottom end is very, very tough, but it's something to keep in mind if you go for the older trucks.
-3.2L 6s can have some issues with small oil leaks in some years and lifter tap. Each are readily dealt with, but again worth keeping in mind. These engines are also known for being misdiagnosed with rod knock when it's really just the timing belt tensioner, which is a whole lot less severe an issue.
That's just a glancing shot, but hopefully it'll give you something to start with, and others will chime in soon, I'm sure.
James
| TrailMystic |
| (Body Damage is Cool) |
| 03/19/08 10:06 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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A lot is available for the Troopers. Check out Matt Brown's web site at Indy4X. I wouldn't mind adding a 1st gen Trooper to my collection of vehicles.
Pete
| BigSwede |
| (Roll Me Over) |
| 03/20/08 09:47 AM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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My answers are aimed toward 2nd gen (92+) Troopers, which I am most familiar with, but here are my thoughts:
Is it possible to get a diesel without importing?
The only US diesels were some mid 80 first gens. They are durable but low on horsepower (like...47
), not strong enough for going much over 60 mph. Probably not what you are looking for.WHat is the best motor?
2nd gen motors 92-97 are going to all be Isuzu 3.2L, either SOHC or DOHC, ranging from 175 to 190 hp. I wouldn't be afraid of either, they are almost the same engine. The SOHC can have hydraulic lifter tap that makes it sound like a diesel (This can be handy for negotiating a sale price downward
) but isn't harmful, just annoying.What kind of mpg?
Troopers are heavy trucks (probably like Monteros), with fully boxed frames, skid plates, etc. So mpg is not their strong suit. You are looking at mid teens city, upper teens highway. Also keep in mind that a 2nd gen Trooper has more cargo volume than a similar vintage Durango (90 cubic feet vs. 88).
any power to pass?
It is adequate...not a rocket but not bad at all.
Are lockers/ LSd's availible?
Many 2nd gen Trooper came with factory LSD rears, look for G80 code on the firewall option plate. Currently there are Aussie lockers available from Independent4x, and ARBs. That's it.
Regearing options are quite limited, a 92-97 Trooper will have 4.56 gears, 4.77s are available though somewhat scarce. There was a run of 5.38 aftermarket gears but front axle gears are rare as hen's teeth. Once in a while they come up for sale but go quickly. There are some rear 5.38 gears left.
The Isuzu running gear is pretty tough, I have been wheeling with basically stock axles (regeared) without issue for several years.
Upgrades to a daily driver for wheeling are pretty easy and cheap: install OME coils and adjust the front torsion bars, 265/75 or 285/75 tires, rocker protection and upgraded tie rods and you are good for a lot of fun.
Any more questions? Let us know...
| sassee |
| (Need a Spot) |
| 03/20/08 03:09 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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For the $$$ you want to spend, you could find a decent 1st or 2 gen trooper, although they will probably have a lot of miles on them. Neither shine in the MPG Category (although my 1st gen with a 2.6 and automatic gets about 23 on my daily commute). The 2nd gens with a 3.2 have better performance. (My 2.6 has to get a head-start to pass someone) If you are looking to buy a vehicle AND do some mods for $3500, go find a 1st gen! You can usually pick them up for $1500 or so. 31" or 32" tires/wheels/lift-kit/shocks for another $1000 and you still have some change left-over.
I'm surprised you're having trouble with the Monty. My daughters 97 has 161,000 miles on it and runs as strong now as it ever has. Only issue with it is the blasted "o" rings in back of the heads and it needs valve-stem seals. That is a Saturday project coming up real soon.
| Chad Hunter |
| (Body Damage is Cool) |
| 03/20/08 07:43 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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my 2 cents.
Yes get a trooper!
Don't even think about a first gen trooper.
The second gen troopers are better on every point.
'92 troopers are about 3" wider than first gens, in mid '95 they gained another 3". I would look for a '92 and up trooper, if you can find a '95+ that has the fender flairs, thats how you know its the wider track, pick it up.
The wider track width is all done with wider a-arms and that translates into more wheel travel, and a 3" t-bar crank puts less angle on the steering and cv's.
| BigSwede |
| (Roll Me Over) |
| 03/20/08 07:48 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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True...or by replacing 4 easy parts you can retrofit a 92-94 Trooper with the wider stance, like I did...
| Chad Hunter |
| (Body Damage is Cool) |
| 03/21/08 04:21 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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Quote:
True...or by replacing 4 easy parts you can retrofit a 92-94 Trooper with the wider stance, like I did...
It seems like you would need 2 lower ball joints, 2 upper a-arms, two tie rods, 2 half shafts, and an entire rear axle.
I agree entirely, though. Add lower a-arms to these same parts pluse some minor fabrication will allow you to do this on the first gen troopers and rodeos as well.
My desert car, based on a '89 trooper runs the late model front end including the longer t-bars. It makes an amazing difference in wheel travel, and quality of travel.
| TresMon |
| (Wheeler) |
| 03/21/08 06:59 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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Thanks for the info Guys! I'll be looking for a GenII.
(My old gen I monty has recurrent problems, yes the newer unaffordable ones are nice)
Tresb
| TresMon |
| (Wheeler) |
| 03/21/08 08:05 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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Ive checked E-bay And Autotrader.com - anyone else know a place to shop for a trooper?
| Van |
| (Mudrunner) |
| 03/21/08 08:55 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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There are a couple of Troopers here.... http://knoxville.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=isuzu
Check out the other cities listed for Tenn. or NC, SC, GA if you don't mind driving the miles to get one.
HTH
Van
| BigSwede |
| (Roll Me Over) |
| 03/22/08 05:36 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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Quote:Quote:
True...or by replacing 4 easy parts you can retrofit a 92-94 Trooper with the wider stance, like I did...
It seems like you would need 2 lower ball joints, 2 upper a-arms, two tie rods, 2 half shafts, and an entire rear axle.
Yup...or use wheel spacers on the rear like I have. Well worth it IMHO...
| Wareagle |
| (Body Damage is Cool) |
| 03/22/08 09:29 PM |
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Re: Should I get a Trooper? Newbie urgent questions...
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Quote:
Ive checked E-bay And Autotrader.com - anyone else know a place to shop for a trooper?
Mine is for sale and I live in Knoxville. Its a '95 Trooper LS with 5spd (fairly rare on an LS) with about 120k miles.
It has alot of mods:
ARB front bumper
OneBadTrooper heavy duty rear bumper
Warn m8000 winch
Old Man Emu 912 springs
2.5" daystar spacers
Rancho 9000 shocks
Indy tierods
Indy sway disconnects
CO2 tank / on board air
Silverstar headlamps
in dash midland CB w/ firestick
Alpine CD player
upgraded speakers
bazooka tube subwoofer
HD steel sleeping/storage platform
1" body lift
Indy poly sways sliders
aisin hubs
3.07 teralow transfer case gears
4.56 gears
front lockright
rear LSD
five 33" Destination MTs
Surco safari rack
yakima rack and fairing
new clutch
new high flow cat and muffler
K&N drop in filter
receiver hitch
Tons of spare parts, factory manuals, factory training videos, etc.
Throwing in about 17 years worth of Trooper collecting.
Exterior is in nice condition. Interior is very good. $5000 obo.
I'm planning to sell to buy a boat.
Click my sig for pics.