Isuzu Modifications/Aftermarket/Accessories

99rodeoer

Anyone have any suggestions on replacing the stock speakers on my 99 Rodeo LS....how difficult is it to take the old speakers out....Looking for good mid priced speakers...any suggestions?

bama_luke

I'll be installing a new stereo in my 2000 Rodeo this week (hopefully it will be delivered before the weekend) and have one final question. I went ahead and downloaded the manual to make sure there wasn't anything unusual that I'd need to be aware of, and found 1 item that I don't believe will actually come into play, but because I don't know what the symbols in a couple of wiring diagrams mean, I wanted to check and see if anyone here could answer my questions.

I'll describe the diagrams the best I can. Basically, there is a note that says "If the speaker wiring in your car is as illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 below, DO NOT connect the unit using that original speaker wiring."

Fig. 1: Shows the stereo with a + and - line running to each speaker. The - lines to both speakers have a connecting wire running between them.

Fig. 2: Shows the stereo with a + and - line running to each speaker. The - lines to both speakers are broken. At the point where they are broken, there is a symbol that looks like a short horizontal line with three diagonal lines underneath.

Fig. 3: Shows the stereo with a + and - line running to each speaker with no additional symbols or wiring connections.

If this description isn't enough, I'll try to replicate the diagrams and post them later. Thanks for you help.

Luke

gpm5

Usually the speaker - line is the same as ground. The connections between the negative terminals on the speaker shows that. The +/- lines typically run separately to each speaker (the normal set-up). The symbol you are referring to sounds like it is illustrating the - terminal going to ground (i.e. the metal or frame of the vehicle). You can test for conductivity between ground and your negative terminals using a voltmeter (look for close to no resistance).

gpm5

I checked out a Kenwood, JVC, Alpine, and the Sony this weekend. The Sony CDX-4000X has the Kenwood beat in sound hands-down. The JVC and Alpine are maybe close in sound. I tested them on 6.5 in speakers that would be something like what would be in the trooper. The Sony is somewhat gawdy for my tastes, and I prefer the looks of the JVC or Alpine but the bass control (and 50 watts) on the Sony is a heck of a lot better. Do you think that opening the front of the Sony to load the CD will be good for long term use? Have you had any problem seeing the white LED display in bright sunlight. Thanks.

bama_luke

My guess was those symbols represented grounding points, but I really wasn't sure.

I
Not having a volt meter, and not really wanting to buy one (I will if I have to) do you have any idea if this test would answer my questions...By touching the + and - speaker wires to the + and - terminals of a 9 volt battery the speaker will make a popping sound. If the - line to the speaker is grounded, do you know if the speaker will still pop?

Luke

gpm5

The - terminal of the speaker is probably grounded either through the - wire back to the head unit, which should be grounded to metal, or through the speaker frame to metal on the car. So the bottom line is if something is grounded you should be okay. I don't see a need for the use of the battery and that may not be great for the voice coil of your speaker.

fourwd1

Reference your Fig.2 description, that is the symbol for chassis ground.'

The - (negative) side of a speaker should not be
confused with nor connected to chassis ground !!
This will fry the audio amp chip in most current
auto stereos (unless stereo's instructions say otherwise)

The Fig.1 description means the -sides are common and in Fig.3 they are not.

Fig.3 should be the right choice. To verify use an
ohmmeter to check for an open or very high resistance from each -side to another and to a chassis ground, with the wiring harness disconnected from the stereo.

Connecting a 9V battery will not be accurate, but will be helpful if you want new speakers!

bama_luke

I just finished duplicating the speaker wiring diagrams. Again, the radio manual gives explicit directions NOT to use the vehicle's factory speaker wiring if it matches Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. However, it says that Fig. 3 is what I need.

Does anyone know if the 2000 Rodeo speakers are wired according to Fig. 3, or will I have to test the wiring to find out?

(I'll try posting the pictures here, but I'll also post a link where the three diagrams can be viewed, just in case)

In case the pictures do not show up, check this web site:

http://www.geocities.com/bama_luke/diagrams.htm

Thanks again for your help.

Luke

gpm5

Fourwd1 is absolutely correct. Misread what you said in #203. If it says ground and the negative lead to the speaker should not be common then as described above check to make sure there is NO CONTINUITY between the ground and the - terminal of your speakers. i.e there should be high resistance. I was thinking about some units from years ago. Just do what it says and follow Figure 3.

Usually you can not go wrong if the wiring to all the speakers is run with a + and - lead from the unit. Then its a simple plug in--otherwise if you can not verify that you would need to run new speaker wires.

gpm5

Luke-

There are some cheap continuity testers. You might try Radio Shack. Also what unit was in your Rodeo?

deimos

Hi,

Do you know where to get one from?

On the Isuzu site I can see this(for the new models), but my Canadian dealer has no idea

http://www.isuzu.com/rodeo_accessories_rearroofspoiler.htm

deimos

Hi,

Do you know where to get one from?

On the Isuzu site I can see this(for the new models), but my Canadian dealer has no idea

http://www.isuzu.com/rodeo_accessories_rearroofspoiler.htm

duktrooper

I've enjoyed all the great advice from these Isuzu forums-it has motivated me to spend more and more on my 99 Trooper. I'm interested if anyone has actually been able to compare the Edelbrock shocks with the Rancho 9000's? I bought the IAS's 6 months ago but haven't been too impressed with their slowness to react to cornering and potholes. I'm now thinking 9000's maybe a better way to go because of adjustability. I do a lot of off roading in the mud during duck season. Also, I'd appreciate a rec on best deal for OME rear springs. Lastly, I'm thinking of going with the ECB nudge bar but wanted to know what others thought of WAAG's or Manik's grill guard in terms of quality,installation, and fit.

islander21

>>Do you think that opening the front of the Sony to load the CD will be good for long term use?<<
More parts to break for sure, but well made with dampening door hinges and a smooth mechanism. I took the chance, if it breaks I hope it's within the year of warranty it has. Just don't let the kids use it as a french fry holder.

>>Have you had any problem seeing the white LED display in bright sunlight?<<
Not a problem. BTW, you can reduce the gaudy index by turning the display motion function to OFF. It will then display only the time, "CD" or the radio station you're on. No other fireworks.

I checked out the other units also at Best Buy, Sound Advice and Circuit City. Yep, the Alpines look really nice (did you see the one with the flowing dolphins color LCD?). But for my money the Sony couldn't be beat and the 3 position bass extender feature can't be found on the other players until you hit the $300 mark. Good luck.

Islander

paisan

Just an FYI, the group buy hasn't been finalized yet. I'm still waiting for ECB to get back to me Hopefully I'll hear this week, so anyone still interested can drop me an e-mail mike@iace.com.

If you check out my site http://www.iace.com/isuzu you can find a few places that sell the OME springs.

-mike

cheriw1

I bought a 1998 Rodeo used, and it's got 15x8 KMG custom wheels on it. They're beautiful, but because of the 8" depth, the tires stick off the side of the truck a couple of inches. Looks mean, but it's just not me. I'm looking for someone in Dallas who wants my nice custom wheels in trade for nice standard Rodeo wheels. I can be reached via email at cwebb@temmc.com.
Cheri

bama_luke

The stereo I'm removing is the factory cassette deck that came in the 2000 LS.

Luke

gpm5

I would think that your speaker wiring is set-up like Fig 3, i.e. the standard for units nowadays. I am going to switch my cassette-AM/FM in my trooper as well and assume its like that, but I will check with an ohm meter to be sure. Has anyone out there installed a replacement CD head unit into a rodeo? Also, there are wiring harnesses to adapt to new head units for certain vehicles. Islander described that in the Members section for the trooper.

dbreaux

I want to replace the pogo shocks on my 00. I have read hundreds of messages. I talked to 4wheel parts and they said Rancho does not make 9000s for it. I have looked at the OEM but am concerned about the overall ride. Eldebrock looks ok but have gotten mixed reviews. I dont want to get into that I need one more thing and it will be great mess. I would not mind a 1" lift but dont want to create another problem with a higher CG and stock torsion bars that may not give an even ride quality coupled with the OEM springs. Any help would be fantastic.

paisan

I'll try to track down the part #s for the Rancho 9000s. They do exist for the 98-2001 Troopers. (I know a # of people who actually have em)

-mike

pat_pending

Rancho catalog does not indicate that the shocks will fit the '98-01 Trooper, but they will. If you doubt it, check with your Isuzu dealer to see if the replacement shock varies for those years. (It does not.)
The correct Rancho RS9000 shocks are
part no.: 9214 for the front, and
part number 9215 for the rear.
I have put these on, and really, really like them. They are adjustable, so depending on your mood or load you can always find a setting that you like. Also, note that Rancho often runs a "buy 3, get one free" offer in the spring, so it should be on soon if they are repeating the offer. I paid about 60/ea for four, online.

As for the springs, the Old Man Emu springs will give about a 1" lift in the rear, and will really firm up the sway/lean/bounce in the Trooper, or so I have heard. I have opted to keep the stock height, and so ordered Valley Spring Works springs, which are progressive rate (25-45% firmer than stock, depending on load) but keep the same height. I have yet to install them.

Good luck.

-Ken

paisan

Ken, thanks for the quick info. I'm working on a FAQ page for my website http://iac.tzo.com/isuzu or http://www.iace.com/isuzu that info will definitely come in handy. You don't happen to have the part # for the VSW springs you bought? I'm toying with those or the OME springs.

-mike

bama_luke

I got the cassette receiver and CD changer installed last night in about 1.5 hours. Anyone else who decides to do this, make sure your comfortable doing this type of work and most importantly take your time. Be familiar with potential problems you could run into and things will go smoothly. I was able to talk with a professional installer yesterday afternoon and he said the factory speaker wiring should be ok. Since the head unit didn't explode on the way to work this morning, I assume everything is AOK.

I'll try to get some pictures to post of the installation soon.

Luke

pat_pending

Paisan-
I'm looking forward to your FAQs. It is comforting knowing that common concerns and solutions for the Trooper will be just a click away. I have some information that I have been compiling from the boards, and I will send the info to your email address on your web page. You probably have some or all of it, but whatever.

Unfortunately, I do not have the part numbers for the VSW springs; nor do I think they call them by part number. You just tell them what the application is, how tall you want them over stock, and how stiff you want them over stock. I think they just take the stock numbers and go from there.

I can tell you that they were about $215 (incl. shipping) for the pair; the person to deal with is named Bill, who seems to be the owner; and their numbers are 707-678-3944 and 800-287-2645.

-Ken

dbreaux

thank you veeeeeery much pat pending. I have done a lot of modifications in the past to my toy 4x4 but the trooper is new to me. I have 16000 miles and been to colorado twice. The KN filter made a nice improvement. I really like this truck, except for the shocks. I have had no rattles or any of the problems I have read about. Thanks again.

dbreaux

Hey Pat Pending. Where did you order you shocks online. 4Wheel is 75 each i think.

isuzukid

Does anyone know where i can purchase some clear corner lenses for a 99 rodeo? I heard they are out but i can't find any place that has them for sale. Does anybody know of any lift kits for the 2nd gen rodeos? i looking for a 3'' body lift.Insteasd of calmini's 3'' suspension lift which is too expensive.I have 2wd so i don't need a suspension lift. any input would be greatly appreiciated. thanks

paisan

You might want to try Outside Wire board for the lift and clear lenses Q. I've heard a 1st gen rodeo kit works on a 2nd gen but you leave off some of the parts. Check for a link to the OW web page on my page.

http://iac.tzo.com/isuzu/ or http://www.iace.com/isuzu

-mike

paisan

Hey all. I have a webpage setup to see who's ordering what. Please check it and make sure that you are on the list if you are interested in the buy. E-mail me if you aren't on the list or if you are on it and need to be taken off. I'm going to call them on Monday to get exact pricing and hopefully place the order early next week.

http://iac.tzo.com/isuzu/nudge.html

or

http://www.iace.com/isuzu/nudge.html

-mike

duktrooper

Can anyone pls tell me the part #'s for the front and rear sway bar bushings from JC WHitney? I know that they're listed as 3/4" and 1" but which bracket size do you order, small or large? Thx.

mtrionfo

DukTrooper - The JC Whitney part numbers for the 1 inch front and 3/4 inch rear anti-sway bars are shown below. (These part numbers are from the JCW website and are slightly different than in the catalog.) Order the bushing kit with the Type -A- (smaller) bracket.

Product: Bushings For 1" Diam. Sway Bars
Sku #: 88ZX7546P
Unit Price: $9.95

Product: Bushings For 3/4" Diam. Sway Bars
Sku #: 88ZX7540T
Unit Price: $9.95

I installed these on my 95 Trooper. A very easy and inexpensive upgrade. They reduce body roll a decent amount especially when combined with aftermarket shocks. I believe that Isuzu might have increased sway bar diameter in later model years, so suggest you double-check your own year before ordering.

Regards, Marty
95 Trooper LS

paisan

Pricing is now finalized

http://iac.tzo.com/isuzu/nudge.html

or

http://www.iace.com/isuzu/nudge.html

-mike

duktrooper

I'm going to attempt to put on as well.What tools do you need? thx in advance.

paisan

hotrod-offroad.com has em for $56/each currently!

-mike

mtrionfo

The only tool you need is a socket (14mm I think), a rachet and a 6-inch extension. The extension make it easier to reach the rear bolts. You should also purchase eight thick 5/16 inch washers since the brackets are a universal style and the washers will help seat the bolt heads squarely on the bracket. After you receive the kit you'll see what I mean.

An old piece of carpet would be useful too as you will be laying on the ground under the truck for a while!

Good luck, Marty
95 Trooper LS

john303

OK, i installed some 245/70/60 Pirelli Scorpions. Using the stock springs , how much improvement to the suspension will there be on my 94 "S" if i install some KYB's?.

Also, are the OEM headlight bulbs replaceable without having to replace the lense assembly? And will the OEm wiring handle a 60L/100H watt hella bulb?

paisan

The 60/100s should be fine. I've been running 80/100s since June and no melting/burning problems as of yet on my 2000 Trooper LS.

-mike

troopermoe

Does anyone know how to get a catalog or phone number of BIGHORN ACCESSORIES of Japan? They have a lot of great stuff for Troopers but I can't order from their web site because I can't read Japanese.

sdc2

What is the standard wattage for the headlights?

paisan

They are 45/65 but the stock headlight bulbs suck!

-mike

ilikeike

The Japanese have all kinds of great accessories available - did you see the camping stuff? I'd love to have one of those sleeping platforms that levels the entire rear of the car.

From what I've read, Bighorn isn't the name of the accessories company, but is what the Trooper is called in Japan.

If anyone has heard of a way to order the Japanese accessories, please let us know!

paisan

Hey all, we have a nice healthy order for ECB. Just wanted to let people get a last shot on this order. In the future I'll be ordering them in groups of 3 minimum.

http://iac.tzo.com/isuzu/nudge.html

for the details and pricing. E-mail me if you want in. mike@iace.com

-mike

islander21

Today I purchased a set of Polk 602 speakers for the Trooper. I thought it would be an easy install and it is except for one issue: which wire is (+) and which is (-)? In all the cars I've had this becomes a none-issue since the connectors are a different size, wide for (+) and skinny for (-). In the Trooper they are the same width and the stock speakers have no identifying red or green dot for the (+) side either.

There are two wires in each connector: a green/blue pair in one and a gray/gray pair in the other. I no longer assume that gray or black = (-). So which one is the (+)??? Identifying which connector (left or right as viewed from the rear of the speaker) on the speaker itself is the (+) also gets you a prize.

Additionally I noticed that these Polks are about 1/2" deeper that the stock ones and rub against the plastic bracing strips on the rear of the speaker opening. I don't know how well the cover will snap on once I get those guys screwed in. Any feedback on this issue would be appreciated.

Islander

gpm5

two wires in each connector?? what connectors are you referring to?

islander21

Normally speaker wires have a single (-) and a single (+) wire, the type of wire that you buy in rolls and you just peel or split down the middle. My Trooper has two separate pairs of wires for each speaker, they just got crimped two to a connector and got snapped into the little white plastic plug that goes to the speaker. It looks very much like diagram 3 in post 209 after having 5 charged Piña Coladas. One wire pair is blue/green, the other is gray/gray. Which one is the (+) wire?

troopermoe

For all Trooper fans. Check out this web page www.isuzu.co.jp/98ubs/index.htm ,they have all kinds of great stuff.

If anyone knows how to get an order thru to this company please let us all know. Thanks.

islander21

Normally speaker wires have a single (-) and a single (+) wire, the type of wire that you buy in rolls and you just peel or split down the middle. My Trooper has two separate pairs of wires for each speaker, they just got crimped two to a connector and got snapped into the little white plastic plug that goes to the speaker. It looks very much like diagram 3 in post 209 after having 5 charged Piña Coladas. One wire pair is blue/green, the other is gray/gray. Which one is the (+) wire?

nighter50

sorry i don't have an answer and i just went through that about a month ago when i replaced my front speakers. I vaguely remember two sets of wires and i think i just tested which ones worked - not very professional but the speakers have worked great. My speakers were a little deeper than the stock too and they sit out a little more but the grill fits fine. I hope someone can help you better than I have. BTW - when you get the speakers in - your gonna love em...the stock speakers suck!

dbreaux

I put the rancho 9000 shocks on and man they are great. It will take a few miles to break them in but I have them set on 3 and the vehicle rides so nice and stable.

To find out the wiring for the speakers , take a 9 volt or any battery and a piece of wire. Split the wire and tape an end of the wire to opposite ends of the batter. Write down which wire coming from the radio went to which speaker spade. Disconnect the speaker and put the wires from each end of the battery on each speaker terminal until you see the speaker move out. When the speaker moves out note the side of the battery that is positive going to the coinciding terminal on the battery. Match that spade to the appropriate color that you wrote down with the wire from the positive side of the battery. That will be the positive wire coming from the radio. I hope this makes sense.

paisan

I have a buddy stationed in Japan in the Navy. Hopefully he'll be able to hook me up with some stuff from there. More details as they become available...

-mike