randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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A certain vendor that I will be personally teasing at the SEMA show starting Tuesday night started a post on another board, asking for suggestions on what parts he should introduce/carry. I waited until this vendor was touring the Grand Canyon, away from the keyboard, and now I wanna flex the 4x4Wire Isuzu muscle. 
As you may recall, this board was instrumental in getting Tera t-case and differential gears made for Isuzus, an ARB locker made for 10-bolt Isuzu differentials, and a CALMINI rear bumper made for 2nd-gen Troopers. :p
Don't get sucked into 'reasonable' or 'do-able' on this thread -- brainstorm first, then do a reality-check later.
Randii
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Randy Burleson
4x4Wire Managing Editor Emeritus
Mongrel Isuzu Amigo
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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Isuzu-specific suggestions:
* slip-yoke to bolt flange conversion kit for 4x4 MUA5 tranny
* heat-treated upgrade CV assemblies
* stouter tie-rod adjuster assemblies
* front tube doors for Amigos, Pickups, Trooper RS, etc.
* rear tube doors for 4-door Troopers, Rodeos, etc.
* quick-release hinge-pin kits for the above
* pre-bent inside 'sport cage' for Amigos, Troopers, Rodeos, etc.
* belly skid connecting IFS crossmember and tranny crossmember
* high-wattage headlight upgrade harnesses (with Isuzu plugs)
* badge kits (Honda, Isuzu, Vauxhall, Holden, etc.) -- especially handy for 'honorary Isuzus' at Moab 'Zu Zoo events :p
Randii
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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On a more universal note:
* 'universal' snorkle kit
* 'universal' under-vehicle LED lighting kit
* weld-on 2" and 2.5" spring hangars, shackles, and shackle hangars
Randii
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OffRodEO
Rock Warrior
Reged: 09/23/03
Posts: 893
Loc: taylorsville, utah
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alternator relocating kit.
kevan
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93 rodeo,3.2 manual, limo tint, nice sound system,keyless entry and a killer alarm, drop in K&N, 3 inch DOR lift, 32-11.50 BFG MT's, warn hubs zutah.com wheeler
WELLS FARGO BANK WILL RIP YOU OFF!GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN
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Smiley
Trail Leader
Reged: 12/12/01
Posts: 5911
Loc: Back in BFE, WV
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Quote:
* alternator relocating kit.
* belly skid connecting IFS crossmember and tranny crossmember
Well, since my #1 and #2 choices have already been mentioned…
Moving right along:
* An easy(ish) to install Gas Tank Lift Kit 
Cheers! 
Smiley
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My CarDomain Garage
`97 Rodeo
`99 VX (sold)
`98 SLX
`95 Trooper
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94rodeo
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 07/12/00
Posts: 1783
Loc: Holladay, Utah
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fiberglass front fenders already made to fit bigger tires. isuzu to yota tranny stuff. coil sas kits. steering box relocation kits. steering gear boxes tapped for ram assists like rob g did.
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94 Rodeo
sas'd front dana 44(coil sprung), dual transfer cases (isuzu), tera lows, custom bumpers, winch, arb lockers[url] http://community.webshots.com/user/94rodeo
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I'll second the fender idea, but how about sets for those of us driving two doors?(we don't need the two piece version for the back)
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Ride Hard
Wheeler
Reged: 05/06/03
Posts: 182
Loc: Denver
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I would like to see some front end rodeo fenders as well.
How about some stong, rear dana 44 axle shafts.
Brake Lines that arent made by skyjacker, and arent 100 bucks.
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'93 Rodeo - Dana 60 FF Rear - Dana 44 Front - 35's
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BobDole
Mudrunner
Reged: 10/29/02
Posts: 320
Loc: Salt Lake City Ut
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- Jerry Can carrier to fit on spare tire carrier next to spare (pointed out), with optional CB antenna mount and hi-lift mount.
- carrier bearing crossmember replacement piece (to bridge the gap when you cut out to carrier bearing)
- Round headlight conversion for Rodeos (more power too!)
- ultra low profile safari rack, and an optional windscreen w/ recessed light brackets
- different light bulbs/gels to change instrumentation light color and button light color
- recessed fog light mounting brackets for front spoiler.
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97 Rodeo, Tint, Old Skool Stereo, Alarm, 3" DOR Lift (springz, spacers and shackelz) with 265/75/16 Destination MT's on steel, superwinch hubs, PIAA X-tra white headlights.
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4Play
Rock Warrior
Reged: 10/31/01
Posts: 789
Loc: San Jose, CA
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Quote:
Isuzu-specific suggestions:
* belly skid connecting IFS crossmember and tranny crossmember
Randii
-Better stronger skid plates.
-SS Brakelines at a lower cost would be great.
Ashby
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'00 Rodeo LSE 4WD, 3.2, Black, LSD, OME 919s w/ 2in Spacers, Superwinch Hubs, RS9KXLs, Indy4x steel braided brake lines, LT 265-75-16 MT/Rs, ShrockBars, DOR HD rear Lat. Bar, MagnaFlow.
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Bigpoppax2
Roll Me Over
Reged: 04/22/02
Posts: 2529
Loc: Bluefield, Virginia
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A lunchbox locker for the 12 bolt.
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A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
98 Passport 33's, Supercharged, Calmini Bumper, rockbars, diff drops, Teralows, 4.77's, Aussie and ARB lockers, Safari snorkel, Optima red top.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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A guy named CPOM wrote this on another board for a suggestion "One piece of this drop axle kit caught my eye. I bet you could make a SOA rear kit like this for short money and have some people interested. it would be great for people with no welding access, and it keeps the stock shock mounting intact."
ALSO for first gens leaf spring to coil conversion kits. 
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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Suzuki has no-weld SPOA lifts of a similar design... looks simple enough to me, especially of available with steel angle shims for fine-tuning the pinion angle.
I also need another sixpack of double-jointed midgets. Mine are lost again. 
Randii
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NotSoSimple
Rock Warrior
Reged: 06/08/04
Posts: 615
Loc: Portland, OR
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Pillar Gauges that we dont have to invent ourselves and make from scratch.
Drop in Speedo and Tach replacement for 1st Gen Troops.
All-Weather floor mats, really deep dished for 1st Gen Troops. Keeps mud/snow/water in and they are hoseable.
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'90 Trooper - 2.6L 5-Speed - 1" BL - Custom Roof Rack+2x55watt ProComp - Herculined Interior - Pace Setter Header - Dynomax Super Turbo - K&N - ProComp ES3000 Shocks - Optima Red - MSD 6A - 31" Kumho Mudders - Black Rock Crawlers
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ckimbrough18
Mudrunner
Reged: 01/10/03
Posts: 357
Loc: Mt. Crawford, VA
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I would love to see some cut out fender flares like the ones Bushwacker makes for Toyota Pickups. And also a complete kit of everything needed to weld in place a straight axle onto a Second Gen Trooper.
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Trooper has been sold!
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Iluvmud
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 03/17/03
Posts: 1010
Loc: Norfolk, Virginia
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-i will second the beefy cv shafts.
-a full, underbelly skid plate that covers everything back to the output shaft on t case.
-a arm relocaion kit so we can get more lift outta the IFS
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8 inches of lift, 33s, custom bumpers and rockbars, powertrax, T-maxx 9000, lots o lights, and some bass in the trunk
Lifted, locked, and ready to rock!!! 
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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How 'bout some way to make it pretty easy to remove doors, a pin or something like that. I wouldn't mind having a nice internal role cage. How about a rear bumper for 2nd gen troopers, maybe with a nice swing out spare tire carrier to get the heavy spare off the door. I know Calmini makes a bumper but lets not go there. I'd buy some beefed up CV's to add to my new drop brackets. I'd also love to see somekind of extended flares for the troopers, maybe even cut out flares like the jeepers have. Finally, how 'bout some 4.77s? We all keep our eyes out for sets, what if someone cuts some sets? Just thinking out loud.
Edited by TroopMac (10/31/04 08:25 PM)
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Pillar Gauges that we dont have to invent ourselves and make from scratch.
Drop in Speedo and Tach replacement for 1st Gen Troops.
All-Weather floor mats, really deep dished for 1st Gen Troops. Keeps mud/snow/water in and they are hoseable.
YES! I have often thought of white faced gauges with orange needles and better lit backgrounds.
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Bansil
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 04/02/03
Posts: 1994
Loc: Under my wifes RODEO in EastTN
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I think all the ideas are good.......but how about big beefy
1st gen Amigo on steroids type of front fenders for the Rodeos????????????????
Lot's of repeat answers ...........
and Randii ----good call to put this here instead of just on the
Bansil
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98 Rodeo(hers)
00 Rodeo(his)
Lisa's Rodeo
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sweater
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 06/07/01
Posts: 1365
Loc: Erie, CO
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Drop-in switch/relay/whatever for TOD conversion to Full-Time 4wd.
Isuzu t-case pinion brake system (about to tackle this one on my own...) to deal with the SOA/extend your parking brake lines problem
AMEN! to the alternator relocation bracket
Front diff drop brackets for IFS to deal with increased CV angles
That's all I can think of for now...
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Still have the Rodeo | Have something else red to match
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strawmyers
Isuzu Moderator
Reged: 10/01/01
Posts: 4016
Loc: Lafayette, IN
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Quote:
Front diff drop brackets for IFS to deal with increased CV angles
 Got'em
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Sean Strawmyer
Back and ready to rock...... crawl.
From Indiana or surrounding states and interested in wheelin'? Check out www.mwior.com
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Sammy
Mudrunner
Reged: 04/27/04
Posts: 413
Loc: SoCal
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I'll second (or third) the vote for the 3.2 alternator reloction brackets -- if that's something that's even feasible. Not much room to play with under there.
The "smurfed" cv joints along with Joe's diff drop should take care of most of the weak IFS parts (yes, Travis Rankin is still around and making 'em). That said, it would still be nice to have something with a little more girth made of stronger materials.
And...How about tie rods? What happened to the Stinkyfabs?
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Sammy
95.5 Rodeo, automatic, 3.2 SOHC, D44 front and rear, 4.88's, 33" muds
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StinkBug
Roll Me Over
Reged: 07/24/00
Posts: 2984
Loc: Under my truck.
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Noticed someone lookin for quick release door hinges above. I'd love to make em for you and make some money, but the truth is you already have em on your rig, you just need to take the hinges off, cut/grind/drill out the stock hinge pins, drill the hinge halfs to 3/8". Bolt each half back to the truck/door, line em up and drop in some 3/8" clevis pins from home depot. Total cost under $10 and about 2 hours of time.
As for the Tie Rods, I've got the prototypes finished, but am still working with a couple vendors to get things rolling. There will be an official announcement when they are ready.
Dallas
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Crew Chief, RedBull RockCrawling Team
StinkyFab Custom Metal Creations
Project StinkBug
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jezeric
Isuzu Moderator
Reged: 05/24/02
Posts: 1541
Loc: NW Ohio
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A replacement tranny crossmember for the 0G Troopers that doesn't stick out past the frame into big-tire-land?
James
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Happiness is building a Lego catapult with your daughter to besiege the living room couch.
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sweater
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 06/07/01
Posts: 1365
Loc: Erie, CO
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Twinstick, dual transfer case adapter, or any transfer case adapter to get towards a more regearable/flexible transfer case. $750's good for a set of TeraLows, but give me a $50 junkyard pull of a Dana 300 or equiv. any day. (I know - the spline counts might not match, but I'm high on possibilities here)
Mass-produced (read: cheap) Isuzu tcase flange adapters for CV driveshafts. These normally run you $100 apiece, but probably could be cheaper.
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Still have the Rodeo | Have something else red to match
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4WDJOE
Rock Warrior
Reged: 09/03/03
Posts: 868
Loc: Portland, Oregon
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Outed ya Matt
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=295153
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97 Rodeo
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pplotz
Rock Warrior
Reged: 01/21/04
Posts: 906
Loc: Denver, CO
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Bigger Gas tank!!!
I'm sick of my (now) 14 gallon tank!
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slappy
Mudrunner
Reged: 09/26/02
Posts: 335
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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How about a tire rack swing gate for those of us with an underneath mounted spare?
And it could be tied into a rear bumper as well... 
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-john
99 Rodeo 3.2L 4WD
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Pyro4117
Rock Warrior
Reged: 05/03/02
Posts: 671
Loc: Shelton, WA
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Headers for the 2.8/3.1/3.4 V-6's that will fit Isuzu products.
Resurrect the ARB bumper for the first Gen Troopers.
Pre-made modified MUA-5 shifters to work with body lifts.
Body lifts in 1" increments.
Polyurethane replacement body mounts and suspension bushing kits.
Along with the 4.77 gears, how about the 5.13's supposedly available for the overseas diesel trucks.
Replacement speedometer gears to match axle gear changes (and or an electronic programmable unit).
Another vote for the fender flares.
Speaker mount kits that duplicate that factory above-the-rear-door mounts in some Troopers.
Jay
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1991 Trooper - DEAD! 2.8 V6, 5 spd, 4WD, HD clutch, 2.25" exhaust, EPROM Chip, KC/Hella, Aisin hubs, Rancho 9000X's, Panasonic/Infinity/Alpine
My Pics
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pplotz
Rock Warrior
Reged: 01/21/04
Posts: 906
Loc: Denver, CO
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Quote:
Along with the 4.77 gears, how about the 5.13's supposedly available for the overseas diesel trucks.
Replacement speedometer gears to match axle gear changes (and or an electronic programmable unit).
http://www.4x4mountainsport.com has 5.13's and a speedo gear that can adjust to many different tire sizes.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Bigger Gas tank!!!
I'm sick of my (now) 14 gallon tank!
I second that one. My '02 RS came stock with a 15.x gallon capacity. For whatever reason (suspension clearance?), this was reduced from previous years 17.9 gallon tank. If not a tank replacement, a bracket that would allow me to hold a 5 gallon Jerry can (or two) on the back spare tire mount would be nice.
Some smurf'd CV's and diff drop bracket's are high on my list when I decide to get more serious. I'd also like to see a solution for putting manual hubs on the '02 and newer Rodeo/Sport's.
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Pyro4117
Rock Warrior
Reged: 05/03/02
Posts: 671
Loc: Shelton, WA
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Quote:
http://www.4x4mountainsport.com has 5.13's and a speedo gear that can adjust to many different tire sizes.
When I pulled up that site, the Isuzu link just went to some pictures, the Accessories link listed tires, wheels and lights only...
Jay
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1991 Trooper - DEAD! 2.8 V6, 5 spd, 4WD, HD clutch, 2.25" exhaust, EPROM Chip, KC/Hella, Aisin hubs, Rancho 9000X's, Panasonic/Infinity/Alpine
My Pics
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pplotz
Rock Warrior
Reged: 01/21/04
Posts: 906
Loc: Denver, CO
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I think the best is to email them, their site has changed since I last ordered from them.
Peter
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89YellowAmigo
Wheeler
Reged: 03/05/04
Posts: 101
Loc: San Diego, CA
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a bell housing adapter to for an engine swap on a 1st gen amigo
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'89 Amigo, 2wd
2.3L
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bob large
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 04/04/02
Posts: 1156
Loc: Coeurdalene ID
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Quote:
alternator relocating kit
How about a relocation bracket for the alternator to move it up under the air intake on the right side, then turn the stock alternator position into a “York” style mount. And of course make it for the 3.2/3.5’s. I would imagine the same setup would work for all the 2nd gen troopers, 2nd gen rodeos, and V-cross.
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Steve C
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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How about someone take a field trip to iceland. And get a deal going with them to scare the POOPOO out of some of the HEEP guys. I me get the flares in stock state side, Get there gearing, get there SAS plans and make a kitwith steering figured out and easy to get the rest of the toys. Like the ALLpros for yota. Come on guys. I know mountain sports would love a few g's a month in business. OR heck steal there plans and molds and mas produce. OK I didn't say that last part.
Erick
Trooper on 35's is temp. Mommas DD. gotta love it.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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These are all well and good ideas people, but when it comes to actually laying down the cash for these items, if they aren't less than $100, the isuzu community doesn't have the best reputation for sustaining a niche market for isuzu products.
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sweater
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 06/07/01
Posts: 1365
Loc: Erie, CO
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Quote:
...the isuzu community doesn't have the best reputation for sustaining a niche market for isuzu products.
Based on who's stats?
Go call TeraFlex. When I talked to them about their plans to discontinue the t-case gears, the guy assured me they weren't going to because of the demand.
Talk to Matt Brown or Joe Darlington, too.
Maybe it's a chicken-before-the-egg sort of thing. If there were more products for Isuzu's, more people would buy them for wheeling and modding. I know I got pretty pumped when I first saw Calmini's web site...
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Still have the Rodeo | Have something else red to match
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pplotz
Rock Warrior
Reged: 01/21/04
Posts: 906
Loc: Denver, CO
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Quote:
Based on who's stats?
I seem to recall dozens and dozens of emails going out to the OX guys, as far as I know, I am the only IFS isuzu with an Ox locker... interest fell apart after I got mine installed. I still swear by it though, I love it!
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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Quote:
I seem to recall dozens and dozens of emails going out to the OX guys, as far as I know, I am the only IFS isuzu with an Ox locker... interest fell apart after I got mine installed.
It becomes hard to suss out the true reason behind low market -- for instance, in this case, is it that Isuzu owners are cheap, or that other solutions exist that are more attractive? Tough to say -- and please don't hear that as a slam to Ox. I've met their staff at SEMA, and watched them handle a staffer's issues with his Ox in a straight-forward, above-board professional fashion -- IMHO, they handled some of the initial bugs that they had with a handful of lockers by responding well with support and improving the designe for ALL of their lockers (not just the few with problems).
Back to discussing what I'd like to see vendors produce... a hydraulic-assist kit (hoses, cooler, steering box, ram, and brackets) for an Isuzu would be quite nice, and would probably generalize nicely across most Isuzus with the standard center-link, with only minimal mods required to fit an SAS that uses the Isuzu steering box.
It would also be cool to come up with a somewhat affordable means of fitting locking hubs to late-model Rodeos that use the splined-and-nutted CV. This could get costly fast, tho.
Randii
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Randy Burleson
4x4Wire Managing Editor Emeritus
Mongrel Isuzu Amigo
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pplotz
Rock Warrior
Reged: 01/21/04
Posts: 906
Loc: Denver, CO
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Quote:
It becomes hard to suss out the true reason behind low market -- for instance, in this case, is it that Isuzu owners are cheap, or that other solutions exist that are more attractive? Tough to say -- and please don't hear that as a slam to Ox. I've met their staff at SEMA, and watched them handle a staffer's issues with his Ox in a straight-forward, above-board professional fashion -- IMHO, they handled some of the initial bugs that they had with a handful of lockers by responding well with support and improving the designe for ALL of their lockers (not just the few with problems).
Yes, thanks and oops for me not being more specific. I've never seen a company bend over (and over) backwards to help someone make their product fit, my truck was in their shop for a week while we worked out Isuzu specific bugs, while they explained to me how their locker had grown from an idea. As many of you have seen, I've put my locker (and drive train) through incredible hell and am very happy with my purchase, I think this one came down to the fact that most people just like to have on board air for the same price as a cable operated locker.
One think I think we definitely could use (new gen amigo and rodeo's) New steering options and/or a nice aftermarket "bolt on" droop snubber kit for the front. Our droop snubbers are very weak, mine I could move with two fingers after I blew up my second rack. I managed to weld in new supports, but some people I think would like to keep their ABS 
Peter
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Mr. Mojo
Mudrunner
Reged: 07/02/02
Posts: 351
Loc: Monument, Colorado
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I was considering going OX after seeing your rig at CoZuVI, I like the cable idea vs. compressed air, especially after seeing the trouble some people have getting them to lock in. And also was wondering about the compressor reliability. But I forgot to ask how you did it and what the cost was. Now after reading all this I am wondering if OX will even do another Isuzu, like say my Rodeo ?
Ok BOT:
1) Second the motion for a second gen Rodeo rear bumper with spare carrier and options for other attachments. I know - supply and demand will probably not make this feasible and I will have to go the custom route. Just gotta pay the premium price.
2)Beefier IFS parts and extensions.
3)Better and more skid plates.
Ummmmmm ...........................
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98 Rodeo
00 4Runner
--I swear its just over the next pass !!--
--"Courage is something you can't be afraid to have." - Frank Burns
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pplotz
Rock Warrior
Reged: 01/21/04
Posts: 906
Loc: Denver, CO
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I will message you on the side about the rodeo, but just so everyone knows, they did develop a 'kit' and documented it for out "special" D44 (sorry Randii, I know you get heart burn when I say that).
I also second, third and move for a motion on better IFS kits for us, I don't understand why we can'tr find support for monster IFS lifts like toyota, ford and others have... ( example )
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RobG
Roll Me Over
Reged: 09/23/00
Posts: 4277
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Quote:
a hydraulic-assist kit (hoses, cooler, steering box, ram, and brackets) for an Isuzu would be quite nice,
let me build on Randii's idea here... i would like to see a hydro assist kit for Isuzu that utilized a steering box that perhaps had better characteristics for that purpose than the stock box does.
In my dealings with Matt @ westtexasoffroad and the tapping of my stock isuzu box, he's done about all he can to have the box generate as much power as possible and not have the side effects which lead to unsafe steet driving (its really a delicate line to walk in this instance, and i applaud matt for what he has been able to do). But after running this setup for a while, and seeing other setups involving different steering boxes, i'll definitely say the limitations of the isuzu box leave much more to be desired when it comes to hydro assist.
-Rob
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OffRodEO
Rock Warrior
Reged: 09/23/03
Posts: 893
Loc: taylorsville, utah
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When UROC came into town, i had a chance to chat with Skyjacker. I asked him how hard it was to design a lift kit for a unknown truck. He said "it cost a little over $20,000 to design a lift, maybe more because its forign" I told him to keep an eye out for us Isuzu guys because we are a growing community. He said it will most likely not happen or even be a thought because they are no where close to to ford, chevy or jeep. As he said that i was thinking, "maybe you should cut you advertisement and start building" He was a way nice guy, trying to push his product on me more than anything, but hey, they just want to grow.
kevan
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93 rodeo,3.2 manual, limo tint, nice sound system,keyless entry and a killer alarm, drop in K&N, 3 inch DOR lift, 32-11.50 BFG MT's, warn hubs zutah.com wheeler
WELLS FARGO BANK WILL RIP YOU OFF!GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN
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TrooperJ
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 1203
Loc: 'bout 60 mi. NE of Atlanta GA
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i would like to see more body armor for 1st gen troops. Simple stuff but strong and cheap (possible?  )
Skid plating, bumpers, etc.
-J 
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Jordan Brown in Athens Georgia
The 2007 budget for the US Military covers Jack Bauer, two pistols and four billion rounds of ammunition.
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lttlbddy
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/17/00
Posts: 2437
Loc: Anaheim, CA, USA
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One skid plate that is bashed on every Isuzu that wheels is the gas tank skid plate. At least on any rear tanked versions.
How many of you have beat it back into shape with a sledge?
In conjunction with the gas tank lift, a better stronger gas tank skid would be a good thing.
For the gas tank lift and the skid plate, some sort of adjustible mounting system that would compensate for different lifts (1 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch etc.)
Steve G
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strawmyers
Isuzu Moderator
Reged: 10/01/01
Posts: 4016
Loc: Lafayette, IN
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Quote:
How many of you have beat it back into shape with a sledge?
Oh yeah 
Quote:
a better stronger gas tank skid would be a good thing.
Sort of like this:
You've been holding out on us, Steve
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Sean Strawmyer
Back and ready to rock...... crawl.
From Indiana or surrounding states and interested in wheelin'? Check out www.mwior.com
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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My drain plug nearly got killed by a rock cus of my weak gas skid plate!
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lttlbddy
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/17/00
Posts: 2437
Loc: Anaheim, CA, USA
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Quote:
You've been holding out on us, Steve
Just thinking of you guys. Mine works well, I've had the back end of the Amigo off the ground with a rock under the gas tank and only scratched the paint as I was dragged off.
As I was pulled off of this rock by the TWO Land Cruisers, the gas tank skid took the whole weight of the Amigo.
BUT, mine doesn't have the flexibility of the mounting system that I mention. I might have done it first but someone else can do it better.
Little Buddy's Gas tank Skid Plate
Steve
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CPOM
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 10/19/02
Posts: 2285
Loc: Boston (roslindale)
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Quote:
I also second, third and move for a motion on better IFS kits for us, I don't understand why we can'tr find support for monster IFS lifts like toyota, ford and others have... ( example )
Any company that puts pics of this stuff on their site marketed as an "off road lift kit" loses all credibility in my opinion.
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CHRIS
98 Amigo, 92 Pup
need a pickup 1st gen fuel level sender
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Quote:
I also second, third and move for a motion on better IFS kits for us, I don't understand why we can'tr find support for monster IFS lifts like toyota, ford and others have... ( example )
Any company that puts pics of this stuff on their site marketed as an "off road lift kit" loses all credibility in my opinion.
Technically, it looks like an 'off-road' suspension to me. Off-road and on a trailer to a show that is  Bet that thing gets about a 6 on the articulation ramp 
Only suggestion I can add is inexpensive tubing benders and welders so we can learn to fab our own stuff!! Oh yeah, and some inexpensive engineering knowledge
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Xanatos
Getting the Wheeling Fever
Reged: 08/24/03
Posts: 77
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What, no calls for headers for 3.2 SOHC or DOHC engines? I thought that was one that was really sought after. Hell I know of at least two other people besides myself who are ready to drop $300-400 for a set. Ceramic coated of course.
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3.2L V6 SOHC 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. Flowmaster exhaust / K&N High Flow Intake / Kenwood headunit / Audiobahn Subs / Alphasonik/Kenwood/Sony Amps / 180 amp High-output alternator / Redtop Optima battery / Custom hood w/ scoop
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chasespeed
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 10/09/03
Posts: 1318
Loc: Monson, MA
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As soon as I get a cheap decent head( i know where I can get it, but shipping is gonna hurt), it willgo to pacesetter, adn the DOHC headers will follow, I have been working with Eric out there, adn he has been patient, thanx for reminding me, I will make that call tomorrow...
Chase
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Chase
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Iluvmud
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 03/17/03
Posts: 1010
Loc: Norfolk, Virginia
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Quote:
One skid plate that is bashed on every Isuzu that wheels is the gas tank skid plate
Yes, bashed is a good word...along with smashed and mutilated. Heck, i think i even lost about 8 gallons fuel capacity.
Quote:
adn the DOHC headers will follow
That stilla dose not cover the SOHC and there are alot more of us out there.
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8 inches of lift, 33s, custom bumpers and rockbars, powertrax, T-maxx 9000, lots o lights, and some bass in the trunk
Lifted, locked, and ready to rock!!!
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Ride Hard
Wheeler
Reged: 05/06/03
Posts: 182
Loc: Denver
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I would get some 3.2 SOHC Headers in an instant ...
I would drop up to 400 for them as well.
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'93 Rodeo - Dana 60 FF Rear - Dana 44 Front - 35's
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Xanatos
Getting the Wheeling Fever
Reged: 08/24/03
Posts: 77
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Hey Randi, have you ever done a tally as to how many here on this board alone are willing to plunk down money immediately on 3.2 SOHC headers? I'm sure some of us would even be willing to put down deposits. Just curious is all, real numbers would certainly make the headers more forthcoming I would think.
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3.2L V6 SOHC 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. Flowmaster exhaust / K&N High Flow Intake / Kenwood headunit / Audiobahn Subs / Alphasonik/Kenwood/Sony Amps / 180 amp High-output alternator / Redtop Optima battery / Custom hood w/ scoop
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94rodeo
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 07/12/00
Posts: 1783
Loc: Holladay, Utah
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my brother has some headers sor his 3.2 project rodeo. He bought them from joe darlington with an engine and a lot of other stuff. I think they are referred to as bob land headers. He may end up selling them and go with a different engine.
troy
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94 Rodeo
sas'd front dana 44(coil sprung), dual transfer cases (isuzu), tera lows, custom bumpers, winch, arb lockers[url] http://community.webshots.com/user/94rodeo
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CPOM
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 10/19/02
Posts: 2285
Loc: Boston (roslindale)
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Quote:
Hey Randi, have you ever done a tally as to how many here on this board alone are willing to plunk down money immediately on 3.2 SOHC headers?
not to talk for him, but he just runs the board, and I don't think he volunteered to spearhead any major manufacturing projects by starting this post, I think it was just to get people talking. But we could use some people to do the legwork and get some manufacturers interested, are you volunteering?
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CHRIS
98 Amigo, 92 Pup
need a pickup 1st gen fuel level sender
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ckimbrough18
Mudrunner
Reged: 01/10/03
Posts: 357
Loc: Mt. Crawford, VA
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I found this gas tank plate for 98+ Troopers.
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Trooper has been sold!
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Smiley
Trail Leader
Reged: 12/12/01
Posts: 5911
Loc: Back in BFE, WV
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I’ve only seen a JAOS skid plate once (a front one), and it didn’t stay on the vehicle for very long…
But in order to insure 100% accuracy (and have a first-hand account) - maybe it would be better if we got Angelo over here to tell us what happened with the one on his Monty.
Cheers!
Smiley
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My CarDomain Garage
`97 Rodeo
`99 VX (sold)
`98 SLX
`95 Trooper
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Bigpoppax2
Roll Me Over
Reged: 04/22/02
Posts: 2529
Loc: Bluefield, Virginia
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That Jaos Skid plate is awefully pretty, usually pretty doesn't relate well to strength. Usually if it's storng it's good and ugly.
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A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
98 Passport 33's, Supercharged, Calmini Bumper, rockbars, diff drops, Teralows, 4.77's, Aussie and ARB lockers, Safari snorkel, Optima red top.
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ProBMXer1313
Mudrunner
Reged: 11/04/04
Posts: 427
Loc: Santa Barbara, CA
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I would like to see this: Click Here IFS Lift available here in the US.
I also second these ideas:
- 3.2 alternator reloction brackets
- Polyurethane replacement body mounts and suspension bushing kits
- a full, underbelly skid plate that covers everything back to the output shaft on t case
- fiberglass front fenders already made to fit bigger tires
- beefy cv shafts
- high-wattage headlight upgrade harnesses
- An easy(ish) to install Gas Tank Lift Kit
In that order for the 2nd gen Rodeo/Passport of course
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1998 Honda Passport EXL V6 3.2L Auto SOTF 4WD
3" Calmini Lift w/ HD Track Bar, 32x11.5-16 Super Swamper SX, Aisins
http://www.CarDomain.com/ID/ProBMXer1313
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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Chris actually put it pretty well -- I've driven vendor requests before, and don't have the time or personal involvement to drive one now. I'll help -- that's one of the reasons I attend SEMA each year, but I can't*drive*. Part of my efforts at 4x4Wire are to provide a soapbox from which organized users can make their requests of vendors... and we've done really well in the past with ARB lockers, CALMINI bumpers, and Tera axle and transfer case gears...
Right now, looking in on this thread, I think the community is still in conception phase on future projects. The trick is to drive consensus, AND THEN target a vendor for development. One of the worst things to do, IMHO, is to launch a half-hearted campaign that can't back up the claims of interest. Were that to happen, instead of proving what a motivated community we have and getting a new part, we'd wind up impressing a vendor with how ill-organized we are... and the possible conclusion for them would be that they'd remember NOT to develop parts of Isuzoids. The only thing worse than not having products developed for our trucks is having a bunch of vendors who REFUSE to develop products ever again...
So how to move forward? Let's let a few of our folks get back from SEMA to weigh in on their ideas, and then pick out the top ideas, identify support, and THEN contact the vendors. I'd be willing to assist then, and help keep an interest thread updated and topped like we did for ARB, CALIMIN, Tera, etc.
There are some GREAT ideas above -- let's keep brainstorming a bit longer, then get organized and see where these ideas take us. With the committed vendors we have in this niche market, I think we'll see small but consistent continued improvements...
Randii
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Randy Burleson
4x4Wire Managing Editor Emeritus
Mongrel Isuzu Amigo
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Xanatos
Getting the Wheeling Fever
Reged: 08/24/03
Posts: 77
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I would if: A. I actually new anything about cars. I'm still a novice. and B. If I knew anyone in the industry. I'm still feeling my way around.
I do live in Atlanta, so I don't know if there's any good resources here that I should check into. If anyone can give me suggestions as to where I should start prodding to find a manufacturer, I'd be more than happy to.
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3.2L V6 SOHC 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. Flowmaster exhaust / K&N High Flow Intake / Kenwood headunit / Audiobahn Subs / Alphasonik/Kenwood/Sony Amps / 180 amp High-output alternator / Redtop Optima battery / Custom hood w/ scoop
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CPOM
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 10/19/02
Posts: 2285
Loc: Boston (roslindale)
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I think the best bet would be to follow randy's advice and wait until we had a solid project in mind with a solid market and a solid manufacturer to sell it to.
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CHRIS
98 Amigo, 92 Pup
need a pickup 1st gen fuel level sender
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matthew
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/04/00
Posts: 1656
Loc: Richmond, VA
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Quote:
So how to move forward? Let's let a few of our folks get back from SEMA to weigh in on their ideas, and then pick out the top ideas, identify support, and THEN contact the vendors. I'd be willing to assist then, and help keep an interest thread updated and topped like we did for ARB, CALIMIN, Tera, etc.
There are some GREAT ideas above -- let's keep brainstorming a bit longer, then get organized and see where these ideas take us. With the committed vendors we have in this niche market, I think we'll see small but consistent continued improvements...
Randii
wow, Randii......little jealousy??
i'm back........and finally functional after catching up on sleep..(red-eye fron vegas to richmond....... )
i'll take some time to read over this more thouroughly this week.....and we will keep both threads going at 4x4wire & at Pirate4x4 (i know some folks cross over, but there are a bunch that don't)
in general, the thing that really makes products attractive to manufacturers is simply #'s. There is always the underlying issue of "volume" for the items that come to market. but, don't let that be the influence on your ideas...............as stated above "BRAINSTORM" then we can narrow.
I am interested in offering "special buys" etc to both groups as well as bringing several new items to the table for 2005.
over the past couple months i ahave been working hard on finalizing some new Isuzu products that should be ready very soon. At the SEMA show, i was working on making contacts for a few new products/concects that I think are good ideas
btw, Randii..............good times as always last week
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'93 RS 3.2L - DD/trail build
'97 7.3L Powerstroke - tow rig
'71 FJ40 - V-8, nv4500, atlas, D60, 14B - current build
Owner: http://www.INDEPENDENT4x.com
m-f 9am-6pm EST. 804-550-0480
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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Welcome back, Matt... as you can tell, we've been waiting for ya! 
Awesome week in Vegas... I know that I talked to some of the vendors mentioned in this thread at SEMA -- I'm certain Matt did, as well!
Whattayathink of the ideas above -- there's some good ones here and in that other thread, as well. Most folks do cross over, but the is certainly no harm to cross-polinate -- more the opposite, with a benefit to be offered. I posted over there, as well.. I'm confident that anyone who visits both will wind up here for Isuzu tech. Other sites certainly have their place as well, but I'll confidently and proudly claim that we have the best Isuzu Tech on the net!
Randii
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Randy Burleson
4x4Wire Managing Editor Emeritus
Mongrel Isuzu Amigo
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wiguy
Need a Spot
Reged: 04/26/04
Posts: 21
Loc: Wisconsin
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great ideas everyone! I liked the cutout flares idea for 2nd gen rodeos, amigo, rodeo sport. and the IFS lift idea would be awesome! If you guys had the shock hoops, coil overs and things that arent absolutly necessary as options, to keep inital purchase price down, It would fly in my opinion.
Still brainstorming- what about a portal that bolts to the upper and lower control arms of the ifs and maybe bullet proof ifs axle shafts http://www.bigelowgroup.com/half_shafts.cfm
thanks again for all the ideas
mike
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mike
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rheteric
Wheeler
Reged: 05/19/04
Posts: 228
Loc: PA, Philadelphia region
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Quote:
On a more universal note:
* 'universal' snorkle kit
* 'universal' under-vehicle LED lighting kit
* weld-on 2" and 2.5" spring hangars, shackles, and shackle hangars
Randii
Perhaps slightly overlooked, I just wanted to give another shout-out for the snorkle kit; why get an alternator relocating kit and not have a snorkle kit readily available..... Also, this is a great money-maker for vendors; it's DIY, ABS is relatively cheap and easy to work with, and teenage boys.... well, we were all teenagers at one point.
 (Get your head out of the gutter, that's not what I was implying)
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www.burnlounge.com/mp3me
'00 Rodeo LS 4x4; "K&N" cone filter; S/S Manik Front, Rear, & Nerf; 'Modest' sound system; 1.5" R'ooper lift, 265/70/16 Dunlop RVxt, Skyjacker Hydros, OEM LSD (sans G80 code)
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CPOM
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 10/19/02
Posts: 2285
Loc: Boston (roslindale)
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Quote:
and maybe bullet proof ifs axle shafts http://www.bigelowgroup.com/half_shafts.cfm
thanks again for all the ideas
mike
Not to change the subject, but what is that five-jointed shaft thingy on this site listed under the "military" section? It is shown on a H1 Hummer.
Here's a pic:
Ok, so I figure this thing is smaller than it looks and its purpose is to run some offset fan setup. But why?
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CHRIS
98 Amigo, 92 Pup
need a pickup 1st gen fuel level sender
Edited by CPOM (11/08/04 11:02 PM)
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DieselBob
Wheeler
Reged: 10/09/02
Posts: 201
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A set of 4.88 gears that fit the 2000+ Trooper 12 bolt rear/10 bolt IFS front to go with my 265/75/16 tires.
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Bob
"You can't expect to wield supreme executive power just 'cause some watery tart threw a sword at you."
02 Trooper S, TOD, Aisin Hubs, FJORD Blue, ARB 3444070 Winch Bar. Dueler A/T REVO LT265/75R16
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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^^I second that^^ 4.88's!
I just got my lift with my 33x12.5's and it made a big difference in power.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I'd like to see a window kit which would eliminate the smoker's windows on 1st Gen Troopers. This a popular mod with the VW Bug crowd. It comes with two new windows and weather stripping for the bottom, and anyone can do it.
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Madcat
Rock Warrior
Reged: 06/10/04
Posts: 576
Loc: Denham Springs, La.
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I second the window trick, Mine leak lika waterfall
Madcat
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1979 Pontiac Trans-Am - looking 4 a pontiac 455cid
1988 Trooper II - AMC head, .030 overbore, Calmini cam. Toga HV oil pump, Aisins, soon 2 b turbo
1989 Impulse Turbo - Fidanza flywheel, 270cc injectors, turbo-back exhaust, KYBs F/R
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kobyhud
Mudrunner
Reged: 06/30/03
Posts: 442
Loc: Provo, Utah
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I am going to make my vote for some sort of Toyota T-case adapter to 4l30e.
Along with mass produced Toy CV to isuzu T-case output flanges.
I personally should start with the Tera t-case gears and go from there, I can't talk until I try, but I also ain't got no money after my axle swap.
Also I think it shouldnt be hard to make up some sort of complete SAS kit with measurements and stuff so that the more average backyard DIY kinda guy can pull off an SAS. That is a lot of what has done it for all-pro measurements and good instructions have allowed a lot of SASes to be born. While you are at this you might as well see if you can't pull off a linked coil suspension kit as well.
I would like wider amigo front fenders. And roll cages would be cool. What about DIY exo/endo skeleton cages?
A cool exo makes it so you don't have to put on gay garden edging to pass inspection.
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95 Rodeo LS, Auto, SAS, , 60 front, 14 bolt rear. 5.13 r&p, Hydro-Assist, teras..
http://www.pieceofhud.com/gallery
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matthew
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/04/00
Posts: 1656
Loc: Richmond, VA
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sorry guys i have been very busy this week, so i have had little -no message board time..........i'm still reading and thinking about the suggestions. so keep them coming.
Quote:
I am going to make my vote for some sort of Toyota T-case adapter to 4l30e........Along with mass produced Toy CV to isuzu T-case output flanges.
silly newby
i made the isuzu - toy t-case flange at least 4 years ago..............pic:
just busting your chops ....................but really i explored this as a solution and while it does work it also presents some issues. I won't bog down the thread with them, but i will say that one idea i have is to do a "modified" factory isuzu output that will accept a toy flange.
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'93 RS 3.2L - DD/trail build
'97 7.3L Powerstroke - tow rig
'71 FJ40 - V-8, nv4500, atlas, D60, 14B - current build
Owner: http://www.INDEPENDENT4x.com
m-f 9am-6pm EST. 804-550-0480
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Eric Upchurch
Rock Warrior
Reged: 02/05/02
Posts: 620
Loc: greenville, NC
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Matt do you have any more of the toyota adapters that you posted about above? did you sell these?
Thanks
Eric
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New rig: 89 trooper RS toyota axles with 5.29s, 35x15.5x15 swamper SXs
my Pics: http://community.webshots.com/album/124372714fTyMKI
Wrire up:http://personal.ecu.edu/emu0416/
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Another vote for headers on all generations Isuzu rodeos, amigos and troopers, especially the 3.1L(ceramic coated of course, I'll pay $200 - $500). Another vote for fender flares, large ones that can accomodate large tires (like the ones on Toyota 4Runners and Landcruisers). Rear bumper brush guards for all generations isuzus. Custom modified rear cargo doors that opens into two sections instead of letting down for better access to cargo area (like the ones on chevy SUV and newer model SUV - will probably end up modifying the spare tire holder).
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RobG
Roll Me Over
Reged: 09/23/00
Posts: 4277
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Quote:
Matt do you have any more of the toyota adapters that you posted about above? did you sell these?
Not to speak for matt, but IIRC, he only had a single one produced for his 1st SAS rig. I believe he retained the machining CAD drawings in the hopes of producing more at a later date.
-Rob
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matthew
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/04/00
Posts: 1656
Loc: Richmond, VA
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i had a local guy CAD, machine, drill, and tap that adapter for me to the tune of $250 or $300
the idea was to offer them an a 'semi-production" base.......like i would make 10 or so at a time.
long story short.............ths relationship broke down with the guy as he wasn't really looking to "work" w/ me even though the CAD was done, (meaning lower the $$$ for qty). Basically i felt it was cost prohibitive to persue this MFG.......in that the price point (after a mark-up) would be retarded for the customer.
matter of economy.....$250............or $200 ea. seems to be pretty SPENDY to me for this type of product.
IF THIS IS AN ITEM PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN..........it would be pretty easy for me to start "shopping" it again to find a better MFG.
Basically a part like this i would think, should end up around at $150 +/- to the customer on LOW end of the scale depending on my volume.
any interest?
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'93 RS 3.2L - DD/trail build
'97 7.3L Powerstroke - tow rig
'71 FJ40 - V-8, nv4500, atlas, D60, 14B - current build
Owner: http://www.INDEPENDENT4x.com
m-f 9am-6pm EST. 804-550-0480
Edited by matthew (11/15/04 12:57 PM)
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Chris Perosi
Isuzu Staffer Emeritus
Reged: 12/06/99
Posts: 2385
Loc: Little Falls, NJ
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Quote:
Only suggestion I can add is inexpensive tubing benders and welders so we can learn to fab our own stuff!! Oh yeah, and some inexpensive engineering knowledge
Inexpensive engineering knowledge? You got it. I think that's pretty much the definition of this board! Inexpensive tubing benders and welders, well, that's what friends are for.
-Chris
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Chris Perosi
Isuzu Editor Emeritus
OutdoorWire, Inc.
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Rodeo Guy
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 12/07/02
Posts: 1074
Loc: woodbridge, va
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I'd like to see some soft doors for rodeos/ amigii. Something I could take off and throw in the back when I want to go doorless, and quickly put back on if it looks like rain.
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Mike
"Damn the carnage! Full throttle ahead!"
95.5 rodeo, 37" Trxus MT, dana 44/9", coil-overs, lockers..... http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/550454
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Eric Upchurch
Rock Warrior
Reged: 02/05/02
Posts: 620
Loc: greenville, NC
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Thanks for the reply Matt, but yeah thats a little pricey. I was thinking that would be cheaper but thats more than (hopefully) i'll pay for my shafts.
If you could get them out in the $50-90 range i'd probably go for it because that way you can just run junkyard toyota shafts and tear those up instead of custom shafts.
Eric
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New rig: 89 trooper RS toyota axles with 5.29s, 35x15.5x15 swamper SXs
my Pics: http://community.webshots.com/album/124372714fTyMKI
Wrire up:http://personal.ecu.edu/emu0416/
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kobyhud
Mudrunner
Reged: 06/30/03
Posts: 442
Loc: Provo, Utah
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Its the bolt up isuzu tranny to toyota tcase thing that I like. Only possible with the divorced t-cases though. As for price, yes that is a pretty expensive adapter, but I think pretty reasonable. I might be a taker, it might be cheaper to buy a single 4.7:1 toy t-case with this adapter than it would be to put in a set of tera lows.
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95 Rodeo LS, Auto, SAS, , 60 front, 14 bolt rear. 5.13 r&p, Hydro-Assist, teras..
http://www.pieceofhud.com/gallery
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StinkBug
Roll Me Over
Reged: 07/24/00
Posts: 2984
Loc: Under my truck.
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There are 2 problems I have seen in my time both being a part of the isuzu wheeling community, and as a vendor. First is getting enough numbers to make mass production a viable option. There simply aren't enough vehicles out there and many fewer people that want the parts. Second problem is that people dont want to spend money. A few times in this thread i've seen people asking for ceramic coated headers in the $2-500 range. I just did a search for ceramic coated headers for the small block chevy v8 and didn't find any under $500. Simple economics tells me that its going to be hard to talk any company into building a small production run of headers for cheaper than they build ones for the most common motor on the planet. I'd love to see it, but I'm not holding my breath.
It takes a lot of time and money to develop new products, if a vendor cant make that money back in a reasonable amount of time it becomes hard to do buisiness. I'm definitely paying attention to this thread, and I've got my eyes and ears open for new product ideas, but get any vendor to build something this community is going to have to be willing to pony up the cash. Thats how we got the ARB, and the Tera gears, and the Calmini bumpers IIRC.
I really wish I had the ability to build some of the things that have been mentioned here, and will keep on the look out for ways to do so, but for now I'll continue to concentrate on the things I can do for you.
Dallas
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Crew Chief, RedBull RockCrawling Team
StinkyFab Custom Metal Creations
Project StinkBug
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Daniel_T
Rock Warrior
Reged: 06/05/02
Posts: 651
Loc: washington nc
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Well said
Later,
Daniel
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"Thanks for the joy that you gave to me"
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Bigpoppax2
Roll Me Over
Reged: 04/22/02
Posts: 2529
Loc: Bluefield, Virginia
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I'm not trying to start anything but you couldn't have looked very hard. Summit racings site has a truckload of chevy shorty or long tube headers for well under 500. www.summitracing.com
199.50 for the Summit Brand, ceramic coated headers for the SBC.
219.95 for a set of Flowtech ceramic coated full length for SBC.
Or if you wanted a better brand how about Dynomax WLK-86900 for 249.95 for ceramic coated SBC headers your choice shorty or long tube.
299 for Edlebrocks EDL-65022 shortys, ceramic coated for SBC.
To be honest I didn't find any that were over 500. Again I’m not trying to stir anything I just think you didn’t look very hard.
I realize it takes time and effort to make parts from scratch. I've done some fabrication; I've made rock bars, my shackles, and a few other things. But keep your prices attainable.
I know there was a big stink with some vendors when Sam's offroad lowballed everyone on the Tera stuff. I want to support the Isuzu vendors as much as the next guy but when there's a difference of a couple hundred dollars, I'm sorry I can't eat that much difference and not be sick afterwards.
I think someone said this in another thread speaking on about the same topic, "The Isuzu crown drives Isuzu’s because they are fairly cheap to buy and lift” That right there tells me we are for the most part a bunch of penny pinchers.
Not that that's a bad thing. If it took thousands of dollars to go four wheeling I'd not be doing it. I have a wife and two kids and a mortgage just like most of you, if you’re not in that boat then maybe you are in college, or have kids that are. So we all have other priorities that make spending money on our “hobby” less important.
Just keep up the good work on getting the Isuzu specific stuff out there, BUT be as gentle as possible on the pricing.
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A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
98 Passport 33's, Supercharged, Calmini Bumper, rockbars, diff drops, Teralows, 4.77's, Aussie and ARB lockers, Safari snorkel, Optima red top.
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kobyhud
Mudrunner
Reged: 06/30/03
Posts: 442
Loc: Provo, Utah
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I would also like to say that in general the reason that people are building Toyotas is because they are cheap to build. That is why more and more toys are hitting the markets. In my opinion it is a simple matter of economics, in general trucks get old ugly and cheap before people turn them into offroaders. People build CJs, cuz they are cheap now, people build toyotas trucks because they are cheap. Toy land cruisers get old and ugly and more people start building them. Samurais got old and cheap so peps build them. Isuzus are still pretty new to the cheap realm, old troopers are somewhat of an exeption but I am seeing more on the trail too. I beleive it is all just a matter of time. Eventually the demand for cheap products will grow. I think we are watching it right now. Shoot in the last couple of days three new SAS Isuzus have started up. Two on waggys one on a toy. Its all just a matter of time. The aftermarket grows with it.
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95 Rodeo LS, Auto, SAS, , 60 front, 14 bolt rear. 5.13 r&p, Hydro-Assist, teras..
http://www.pieceofhud.com/gallery
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smd94trooper
Mudrunner
Reged: 03/26/01
Posts: 436
Loc: Austin, Texas
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Ok, well I know its been said before but what about the alternator relocation for the 3.2? I'd definitely buy one of those if the price was right. Even though I haven't even looked into fabbing one up it seems to be pretty straight forward. I'm sure there'd be a number of people that would purchase one also.
-Penny pincher
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Stefan Doerr
'94 Trooper LS
6.5" lift, 33's, G80 and other stuff
http://community.webshots.com/user/smd94trooper
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ducktrooper
Rock Warrior
Reged: 03/28/01
Posts: 598
Loc: Memphis, TN
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That would go for me as well for the 3.5 l 3rd generation Trooper.
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'99 Trooper, ARBs, 4.77s, ARB bullbar, Warn M8000 w/Amsteel, OME 912s w/2.5" spacers, Rancho 9000xs, K&N/Magnaflow, 33" Kumho MT's, Aisins, boulder bars, Indy 4X brake lines, diff drop, Flexalite
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StinkBug
Roll Me Over
Reged: 07/24/00
Posts: 2984
Loc: Under my truck.
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Hmm thats funny, I went to summitracing.com and typed in ceramic coated headers. Admittedly I didn't go through all 20 pages of results, but all the chevy headers I saw were 500+. Either way my point is the same, small production runs are expensive and many companies wont even try it. I was just using the headers as an example, I dont build em and probably never will, but hopefully someone will decide to.
Dallas
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Crew Chief, RedBull RockCrawling Team
StinkyFab Custom Metal Creations
Project StinkBug
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Bigpoppax2
Roll Me Over
Reged: 04/22/02
Posts: 2529
Loc: Bluefield, Virginia
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Yeah, it seems Pacesetter is close to making a set of headers. I know Chasespeed is trying to get them a head to solve some of their prior fittment problems. He's one of the guys that's practically foaming at the mouth over a set.
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A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
98 Passport 33's, Supercharged, Calmini Bumper, rockbars, diff drops, Teralows, 4.77's, Aussie and ARB lockers, Safari snorkel, Optima red top.
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matthew
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/04/00
Posts: 1656
Loc: Richmond, VA
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i'll preface this with : I would LOVE to see the 3.2L headers on the market. I think they hit a very wide market sector....OF the isuzu ownership.
BUT, on the realistic side......don't hold your breath. i've spoken with them face-to-face 2 years in a row now at SEMA about those headers.
Pacesetter made Micheal Wood's prototype headers for his 3.2L Amigo ....what like 3-4 years ago? if guys were beating down the doors to buy them they would be on the market already.
No?
Bod Land Racing also had 3.2L headers......they used them on the Pike's peak winning Amigo.... i guess ...3 years ago. They too went by the wayside due to lack of interest.
it's a real shame..... really, if there is a repeated track record of MFG. dissapointment......it really "blacklists" Isuzu enthusiasts as a "weak" market sector and not worthy of your capitol and investment as a Manufacturer. We come right back to $$$. people have to realize it is just simple economics........if guys are dying to spend their $$$, companies will certianly give you something to spend it on.
bottom line is that companies put up a good chunk of their money just to bring a new product to the market.............and since they are not enthusiasts, rather "businessmen" .................investing in a product just to "shelf it" for a couple years while you sell 1's and 2's is really not a likely proposition for companies.
when companies start making good $$$ in a particular market sector, other companies take notice and try to jump in to get a "piece of the pie"
the isuzu aftermatket has "stumbled along" since 1986 when the trooper got 4 Wheel's "4x4 of the year award". there were a number of items that hit the market around that time:
Lockright for the rear 10 bolt
Auburn Limited slip for the 10 bolt
Thorley header for the 2.3L
Advance Adapters 2.3L/2.6L to 4.3L gm swap
Superwinch hubs
etc.
but, years later due to it never "taking off" lockright is gone and auburn is gone and Thorley is gone and Advance is gone.
i'm just playing advocate here and throwing out a little perspective on how important it is to buy and support the items that are on the market.
as a group, there have been some HUGE strides in aftermarket support. The Tera t-case and axle gears are a serious stride...as well as the ARB air locker for the front IFS
i can network and pitch product develomant to companies all day long...and tell them how this is a growing 4x4 market that they should think about.............. but in the end if I/they do not sell a good number of units.......well it's all just talk w/ nothing to back it up.
ok....................i could go on, but let's go back to more ideas.
off soapbox 
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'93 RS 3.2L - DD/trail build
'97 7.3L Powerstroke - tow rig
'71 FJ40 - V-8, nv4500, atlas, D60, 14B - current build
Owner: http://www.INDEPENDENT4x.com
m-f 9am-6pm EST. 804-550-0480
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matthew
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/04/00
Posts: 1656
Loc: Richmond, VA
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oh, damn...i got carried away and forgot an important point.
What has worked well in the past is the ORGANIZED BUY. organize ouselves, pool the money in a "pre-order" like the ARB's or Tera gears, or whatever and then take it to the manufacturer.
if I went toPacesetter header with an order of 50 or 75. this would be much, much closer to a reality. they would see a vendor in the market willing to put up $$$ because they believe it will sell.....or better yet, is already sold.
i could do this with Lockright............if there is a demand for the 10 bolt locker ( i have the ear of someone there, and have been told on qty. it can happen )
i could do it to get the Thorley headers for the 2.3L 4 cyl. (have the ear of someone and have been told they will "bring it back" )
you get the point 
BOTTOM LINE: put your $$$ where your mouth is. 
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'93 RS 3.2L - DD/trail build
'97 7.3L Powerstroke - tow rig
'71 FJ40 - V-8, nv4500, atlas, D60, 14B - current build
Owner: http://www.INDEPENDENT4x.com
m-f 9am-6pm EST. 804-550-0480
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Smiley
Trail Leader
Reged: 12/12/01
Posts: 5911
Loc: Back in BFE, WV
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[* After reading Matt’s last post, I had a funny thought, and I just couldn’t resist sharing it… ]
Welcome back to the Isuzu Improvement Telethon!
Before we get to the 4-wheeling footage that I promised, I have a very heartwarming story that I want you to hear…
Friends… I want to share a success story with you, so that you can see firsthand what we can accomplish when we all work together…
Just look at this beautifully decked-out first generation Trooper – Why only a few short months ago, it was 100% bone stock, and really showing its age… But thanks to the activism of your Isuzu aftermarket retailers, and your support of them, it has been completely reborn, and sports the traction enhancement devices that it needed to do some serious off-road romping!
This fine vehicle now has ARB lockers, both front and rear – a set of Tera Lows… and a winch bumper to boot!
And most important of all, it wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement of people just like YOU! – Folks who banded together, so that their voices were heard, in order to make it all happen!
And if you pick-up that phone, right now, WE CAN DO IT AGAIN!
That’s right! – Just a simple phone call to one of your Isuzu aftermarket retailers, with your pledge of support, can get the ball rolling!
Your deposit could make all of the difference in the world! --- For just dollars a day (what you likely spend on a burger, or a fancy cup of coffee!) you could help insure the introduction of still more Isuzu aftermarket products!
Full Under-Belly Skid Plates? – IT CAN HAPPEN!
Custom Exhaust Headers? – IT CAN HAPPEN!
10-Bolt Limited Slips & Lunchbox Lockers? – THEY CAN BE RESURRECTED!
…And you have the power to make it happen!
Don’t delay… CALL RIGHT NOW! --- Your Isuzu will thank you!
Now, let’s see those phones light up before we go to the tote-board…
[* I am SO gonna catch for this! ]
(Claiming suspension + body lift, & Tera Low ownership as grounds for immunity from outright ridicule)
All kidding aside… I completely agree with Matt – If we want products, we have to be willing to prove it with our wallets.
Cheers!
Smiley
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My CarDomain Garage
`97 Rodeo
`99 VX (sold)
`98 SLX
`95 Trooper
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94rodeo
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 07/12/00
Posts: 1783
Loc: Holladay, Utah
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Quote:
i had a local guy CAD, machine, drill, and tap that adapter for me to the tune of $250 or $300
the idea was to offer them an a 'semi-production" base.......like i would make 10 or so at a time.
long story short.............ths relationship broke down with the guy as he wasn't really looking to "work" w/ me even though the CAD was done, (meaning lower the $$$ for qty). Basically i felt it was cost prohibitive to persue this MFG.......in that the price point (after a mark-up) would be retarded for the customer.
matter of economy.....$250............or $200 ea. seems to be pretty SPENDY to me for this type of product.
IF THIS IS AN ITEM PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN..........it would be pretty easy for me to start "shopping" it again to find a better MFG.
Basically a part like this i would think, should end up around at $150 +/- to the customer on LOW end of the scale depending on my volume.
any interest?
I had my stock flange drilled to the toy bolt pattern and a pilot washer machined into the flange for the toy cv all for around $45.
Troy
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94 Rodeo
sas'd front dana 44(coil sprung), dual transfer cases (isuzu), tera lows, custom bumpers, winch, arb lockers[url] http://community.webshots.com/user/94rodeo
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matthew
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/04/00
Posts: 1656
Loc: Richmond, VA
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Quote:
I had my stock flange drilled to the toy bolt pattern and a pilot washer machined into the flange for the toy cv all for around $45.
Troy
yep like i said.that "adapter is not really the "best" solution. I like the idea of modified stock flanges, or completely new casting that are exactly what you just described.
New (from scratch) flange broached on one side for the isuzu t-case output, on the other side toyota pattern. that is the best solution in my opinion.
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'93 RS 3.2L - DD/trail build
'97 7.3L Powerstroke - tow rig
'71 FJ40 - V-8, nv4500, atlas, D60, 14B - current build
Owner: http://www.INDEPENDENT4x.com
m-f 9am-6pm EST. 804-550-0480
Edited by matthew (11/18/04 04:31 PM)
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matthew
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 01/04/00
Posts: 1656
Loc: Richmond, VA
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Quote:
[* I am SO gonna catch for this! ]
Smiley
i was actually laughing to myself this morning thinking that my post was approaching "Smiley" status
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'93 RS 3.2L - DD/trail build
'97 7.3L Powerstroke - tow rig
'71 FJ40 - V-8, nv4500, atlas, D60, 14B - current build
Owner: http://www.INDEPENDENT4x.com
m-f 9am-6pm EST. 804-550-0480
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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Quote:
If you could get them out in the $50-90 range i'd probably go for it because that way you can just run junkyard toyota shafts and tear those up instead of custom shafts.
I admire the jukyard-budget intent, and have been running Toyota joints and shafts between Isuzu yokes since the mid-90's, but even so, you've still gotta shorten/lengthen the donor driveshaft to fit your Isuzu, right?
BTW, I like Matt's adaptor from a design-elegance perspective, and the alignment puck like RobG uses for simplicity's sake -- but the path of least resistance, IMHO, is to take 15-20 thousandths off the inside of each side of the Toyota yoke and just run the Isuzu joints and Isuzu flange-yokes.
I know this is a bit off-topic, but is an example of a requested product for which market definitely exists, where the market is at least partially-served by several work-arounds. Thus this request ends up further down in the list of priorities, for most manufacturers, who seek a market where clear demand exists without much competition (either with a workaround or with other vendors).
FWIW1: all bets are off if you have 1310-series joints... but then again, you have more choices on that side, as well. IIRC, there's a 1310-to-Toyota conversion cross available, tho, so you might be able to leverage the 'Zu/Toy similarity.
FWIW2: you can run a TH200 slip-joint from a late-70's Caddy luxo-barge in place of your Isuzu slip-yoke at the back of the transfer case and use the Caddy CV on the Caddy female-splined slip to mate to the Isuzu male-splined shaft and slip seal.
Options abound.
Randii
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Randy Burleson
4x4Wire Managing Editor Emeritus
Mongrel Isuzu Amigo
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randii
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
Reged: 08/02/99
Posts: 9030
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA USA
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Quoting a bunch...
Quote:
There simply aren't enough vehicles out there and many fewer people that want the parts. Second problem is that people dont want to spend money.
Dallas, I disagree with the former (there's plenty of Isuzus out there, especially internationally!), and grudgingly agree with the latter. Potential market upside is fine, but manufactures have to consider the actual likelihood of sales, especially when they factor in what can be SUBSTANTIAL R&D costs... before you even think about production tooling.
Quote:
I beleive it is all just a matter of time. Eventually the demand for cheap products will grow. I think we are watching it right now. ... The aftermarket grows with it.
Koby, I hope you are right, but there's also a 'critical mass' of enthusiasts which flirts chicken-and-egg around a 'critical mass' of cheap, available vehicles. It is tough to suss out whether the aftermarket leads the enthusiasts to the vehicles, or whether the cheap vehicles lead the enthusiasts to the aftermarket... or whether, as we hope with Isuzus, the enthusiasts can lead the vehicles to the aftermarket vendors. We've had isolated success (ARB, CALMINI, Tera), but were those flukes to be discounted, or perhaps the template of a process to be modeled and replicated?
As for Pacesetter, I'll join Matt and MichaelW in the hopeful-but-not-optimistic column. I believe the market certainly exists, but that's a tough part to productionalize, even after you get past proving out the R&D -- which IIRC was a bone of contention with the Bob Land Racing headers.
Quote:
when companies start making good $$$ in a particular market sector, other companies take notice and try to jump in to get a "piece of the pie"
As noted above, I do think there are opportunities for success in the Isuzu aftermarket, but they must be carefully chosen. Matt references the upside, but the converse is true, as well... It is bad for a vendor to fund the R&D but fail to see net sales, making it less likely that they'll consider releasing other Isuzu products, but it is still worse if word gets out that Isuzu enthusiasts won't buy what is made. Like it or not, the net results of our individual decisions weighs greatly upon how the aftermarket proceeds.
Aye, verily have I followed this tangent.
Back on track -- I'd like to see upholstered soft-doors, much like early Broncos or Scouts, inset into fiberglass inserts to cover the exposed doorframes. 'Glass is itchy and a PITA to work with, but is friendlier to low-volume runs than are headers, CVs, and such.
I've got a small bundle of seed money for the molds for a few sets of 'glass (or plastic?) Amigo front fenders, hood, door inserts, and even a tailgate... and sooner or later am willing to make my own, if nobody steps forward. I'd much rather pay to get these done, since my production schedule moves apace with molasses running uphill on a glacier in an ice age, downstream of a woolly mammoth squat.
Randii (long in wind)
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