General vehicle thread

[Great-Kazoo]

Did the CV snap due to angle, or not having a skid plate under it? Looks like you need to step up to the next size or 2 suspension, since stock isn't cutting it.

[Irving]

It isn't really stock, but the only option from here is a solid axle swap, which I'm not sure I'd do on this truck. It wasn't the angle per say because the suspension wasn't really drooped out. I think that neither wheel could really spin much, so it was pretty tight, then I was trying to turn the steering wheel and everything bound up on me.

[Irving]

I take that back, the suspension is basically stock, it's just about 1.5-2" taller with larger wheels and tires. Can't really put a skid plate around the CV, nor is it necessary because nothing can get to it except maybe a stick or something.

[brutal]

Impressive.

I used to wheel my BroncoII like that (and jump it a bit) but thankfully never broke anything.

[hurley842002]

What year is your Trooper Stu? I just got rid of the Xterra in favor of a more gas friendly vehicle as a DD (Honda Accord), but the plan is to replace the Xterra with an older rig that I don't have to worry about beating up. I like the looks of the Trooper.

[Irving]

Mine is a '99. I like it, but I can't really recommend one unless you want to be off the map all the time for mods and support. There is one forum that I know of, and it gets slower every year. Also, the auto trannies are the garbage GM 4L30E. The vast majority of the Troopers in my model year ('98-'02) are autos. Also, they usually burn oil, usually a quart every 3k miles.

The '92-'97 Troopers in manual can be found more easily. You lose push button 4wd, which some people like, but the transfer case is integrated into the tranny housing. The rear axle isn't quite as strong, but has more gearing options, but like 2 or 3, compared to the ZERO gears for my year rear end. All the front ends of the Isuzu trucks are the same across all models from '88-'04 as far as the diff and shocks. Some are wider than others.

If you want to fabricate, or do something mild (like what I've done) them I think they are fine, as long as you know what you're getting into. They can certainly be had for cheap compared to the Toyotas. The Trooper has a 63" width (same as Toyota FJ80), and a 109" wheel base (FJ80 is 112") for an idea of the size.

[hurley842002]

Mine is a '99. I like it, but I can't really recommend one unless you want to be off the map all the time for mods and support. There is one forum that I know of, and it gets slower every year. Also, the auto trannies are the garbage GM 4L30E. The vast majority of the Troopers in my model year ('98-'02) are autos. Also, they usually burn oil, usually a quart every 3k miles.

The '92-'97 Troopers in manual can be found more easily. You lose push button 4wd, which some people like. The rear axle isn't quite as strong, but has more gearing options, but like 2 or 3, compared to the ZERO gears for my year rear end. All the front ends of the Isuzu trucks are the same across all models from '88-'04 as far as the diff and shocks. Some are wider than others.

Good info, thank you! I like the older ones as well, and would prefer non push button. The trails out here are a lot different than what I'm accustomed to in CO, and pretty much anything with decent clearance and 4x4 will get you around just fine.

[Irving]

'93-'97 are the same body as mine, but with the older front end and a 3" more narrow width measured at the WMS. Those are all 3.2 motors (both SOHC and DOHC available), where as mine is identical but DOHC 3.5. Both Date ranges are referred to as a 2nd gen, but mine is referred to as '98+.

[Irving]

Couple videos from Moab.

Hell's Revenge


7 Mile Rim


Devil's Bathtub


We attempted Potato Salad Hill, but none of us made it all the way up unassisted.

[Irving]

A 1992 Subaru Legacy (Tragon) doing Devil's Bathtub