Isuzu Trooper

breakor

If you plan to drive in rally race mode then TOD is probably not for you. You don't want the torque split to kick in even a milli-second "too late" or by "surprise". The penalty you pay is in gas mileage those times when you don't need a 50/50 split. For most people that is probably 95+% of the time hence the advantage of a system like TOD that adapts to the condtions.

I too had the same concerns you expressed about the TOD being way too complicated. I figured it would not work properly and/or frequently breakdown. So far no problems here and many people like Paisan leave it on all the time.

mkaye

Mike;

I knew of the brake-driveshaft-throttle position sensors, but I wasn't sure of any 'weight' or, in essence, position sensors. I thought I read something related to it, but I couldn't remember where. It is so sad that the Ascender is such a step down from the Trooper! Maybe I'll save my pennies and eventually get a used Gelandewagen (even though I really don't like MB's overall, but wow, three locking differentials; who wouldn't like that).

Regarding Breakors comments, I agree the TOD may have a slight disadvantage in some situations, but the Jeep system would have disadvantages in other situations as well. There has to be some advangages to the variability in torque split.

As an former owner of a Selec-Trac Jeep, I can't tell you the amount of times I had to drive in reverse for 100 yards to get the 4wd to disconnect (shift-on-the-fly my tushie) or how long I had to wait for it to go into 4wd after pulling the (direct acting, not electronic) lever. Talk about being sensitive to even just tire pressure differences! Following standard maintenance, the trans-type fluid in the selec-trac case often came out black and smelling burnt. It is far more tempermental and not much less complicated than the TOD. I will say the Jeep worked 'well' for 120,000 miles and never cost me a lot in repairs, just some poor design and/or build issues. NOTHING like the new GM Triplets. The particular year Jeep I had used an ABS system that, if the ABS pump failed, you literally lost ALL braking. You would have to overcome 1,500lbs of -reverse force on the pedal, it literally became a coaster brake. Chrysler lost class-action court case where they have to cover any repairs to the ABS system on those Jeeps for life at no charge to the customer.

I'll take the Trooper any day. Looking at the new Liberty, it does have impressive angle of approach/departure though, the tires are right behind the bumpers. So, ya got that going for ya!

paisan

I'd take a TLC or G-wagen over my Trooper, but at roughly 2x and 3x the price I'm not sure it's worth the extra $. The Triplets are indeed a step down. For instance the auto-4wd mechanism isn't disengaging properly and people are getting slow-turn wheel bind on them. No one with TOD to my knowledge has ever had that happen.

I actually have toned down my TOD driving, in that I leave it in 2wd now unless I'm in moving traffic or around town. The Pirelli Scorpion ATs have helped me keep it in 2wd more than before.

-mike

g159

I was able to sit in a G-wagen at the local auto show. The amazing thing is that it is part mercedes luxury car, and part seriously out dated truck. The seats and steering wheel are good. The dash gauges are the same out of the bottom of the line mercedes. The ceiling was covered in the lowest quality course mesh material I saw at the auto show. The Windshield is plain flat and near your face, exactly like a Jeep Wrangler. The tires are way to sports oriented to work in any snow. So...the good is great seats, even heated seats in the back, the three locking diffs and doors that do swing and feel well engineered. The rest is outdated and way too expensive. The ML feels better, the trooper feels better. I laugh when I see the Gwagen on the street.

mkaye

All I said was three locking differentials, who couldn't want three locking differentials. If anyone asks, "Hey, what's that"? Just say, "It has three locking differentials." And it has neat switches on the dash that you can, what, lock each of the three locking differentials. oooohhhhhh! Like Homer Simpson and donuts!

paisan

The G-wagon is arguably the best off-road vehicle ever built. The tires on the US one are a crock. It wasn't built for luxury. If you notice it's boxy (like the trooper) for loading in gear and stuff. It will drive over just about anything I agree though the tires suck. I checked one out at the NY auto-show. Very Very well built and would take trail abuse like a champ. While at the auto-show I tested all the side steps on the trucks. Only the Trooper and G-wagen had side steps that didn't flex when I jumped up and down on them

-mike

cwmoser

I saw this 1997 Isuzu Trooper on Ebay and was impressed with how the "BF Goodrich All Terrain TA" tires looked on this Trooper. Check out the photos of this Trooper:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1826400310&r=0&t=0

Anyone have an idea as to the tire size? How about comments on this tire for the Trooper? It's getting close for me to consider tires for my 1999 Trooper and I think they will look better than the Bridgestones.

beer47

Paris and Strasbourg, France. The only interesting suv was the Renault Kangoo. A little small but pretty cool looking. Puegeot (sp?) has come a long way with some very attractive wagons and sedans. I saw a Suburban in Paris, boy did it look big compared to everything else! Gas is sold/advertised by the litre, not gallon. Fuel prices are way high. Cheese and Kronenbourg were quite tasty though. Cheers to all!

bsmart1

whats the difference other than adjustability of the 9000S?? Anybody using a set of the 5000S model on a Trooper??

savvas_e

Hi Carl,

I have BFG's on my car, at the standard 245/70R16. They were installed at delivery instead of the standard Goodyear Wrangler AP tyres we get in Oz. (If you guys are complaining about Bridgestones, have a go at how bad the Gyears are offroad).

They BFG's handled fine, but provide a harsh ride and are a little noisy. This ride in the Oz Jackaroo is already firm as a result of the gas shocks that are used, but it is a re-assuring sort of ride. The BFG's made it a bit firmer due to the straighter 3 ply sidewalls. Handling is starting to deteriorate now with around 40,000km and tread depth down to about 30% of the original 15mm.The aggressive tread looks great though, especially when new with the side lugs all nice and sharp.

I will be looking for a slightly softer tyre by the time it gets to 50,000km. As the guys here seem to be raving about the Pirelli Scorpion A/T's, that is my likely new tyre. But the Michelin Synchrone will get a look in too.

savvas_e

Carl,

PS ... The tyre size is shown on that ebay link, you have to scroll down a fair bit though. They are LT285/75R16.

You would get around 1.6" extra ground clearance with these, as the diameter is 32.9" as opposed to the standard 29.6".

BFG A/T's go upto a LT315/75R16 which has a diameter of 34.7". This would give you a 2" lift in ground clearance.

paisan

hey guys. Here are the pics from the Pine Barrens Trip. LOTS OF WATER. The pathfinder took on water at one point and the amigo hydrolocked the engine, we needed to take the plugs out of the amigo and crank the engine in order to get the water out. All in all a good day, everyone drove out on their own power.

http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/pb-5-05-02/index.html

-mike

sbcooke

it looks like that pathfinder could have used a couple of paddles.

paisan

The Pathfinder dunked in. Had to drain it out by opening the doors! The Amigo later on hydrolocked and we had to pump out the cylinders. It was a very very wet/waterlogged day. I bogged down my trooper a few times due to wet ECU (underwater ECU actually) But the K&N kept the intake side dry.

I think SBcooke would have been parking his truck and riding along on this one.

-mike

sbcooke

without mask, flippers and snorkel you bet. How does the K&N protect you? Is it disconnected from the intake behind the blinker?

On another note...I am getting close to my big purchase. I am bringing the steering thing in next week. After that, new tires and springs. I keep going back and forth, maybe I will just try to fit new tires, save the springs? I don't tow, so if I could fit 275/70's without springs, maybe that it the best route? Anyway, in about 2 weeks I will be warming up the MC!

paisan

Sean let me know if you want to try out the 275-70s on your truck. I need to do a tire rotation so maybe we can meet-up and you can try em out on yourse to see if they hit or not.

-mike

paisan

They help for loading it up with "stuff" and also for off-roading give you just a bit of extra lift you might need.

-mike

sbcooke

That concerns me. an extra 1.5 inches may not seem like a lot, but...with wider tires and maybe doing the front sway bar bushings, those 2 things may counter act lifting the truck up further?

paisan

Sean, you've seen my driving. I have not felt any less stable than stock with the 275s and the OME lift. And I drive pretty expediently I'm upgrading the front torsion bars soon too.

-mike

sbcooke

Why the the front torsion bars? Are they longer? You aren't supporting any additional weight? Longer gives more travel, stronger supports more weight? Or is this pre-bull bar/winch work?

paisan

They are from SDC on here aka Big Swede over on the 4x4wire. He didn't like em so I'm picking em up relatively cheaply compared to new. Mostly want to get rid of as much body roll as possible and firm up the ride a bit in the front. I believe they are slightly longer as well. The other is cause eventually I'll be doing a bull bar so they'll help that too.

On the K&N filter So far i've found the K&N panel to really help prevent water from getting through the intake. I'm sure that if enough water rushed in, then it would swamp it out, but i've been lucky so far that i've been able to get lots of water into the box but none through the filter.

-mike

bstone3

Noticed the inquiry about anyone running with Ranco 5000 shocks - Well , I am. They are a tremendous improvement over the factory shock. Put them on at 10,000 miles on a 2001 TOD. They do a great job of eliminating the pronounced nose dive and greatly improve cornering. It flat adds composure to the vehicle. Also, I installed the the polyurethane bushing on both front and rear sway bars before I put on the Rancho's. That alone made an unexpected big improvement in cornering. The impression I get is that the 9000's give you additional flexiblity - especially if you off road a great deal.

That 97 4X4 on e-bay for $5300 is a buy - if I had the money I'd get it. 109K miles is nothing. For a 97 that suggests mostly highway miles anyway. I like the looks of those tires too.

paisan

Great looking truck. If I had the $ I'd buy it too.

-mike

wlbrown9

With the sleeves out, the bolts fit a little tight. First one was real tight, second one I lubricated with dish soap and it went right through. I used 3/4" socket on the rear and remember the lower front was 11/16". I think the upper front was 9/16". All of these fit exactly right with no slop. Not sure how these sizes approximate the metric, but the above fit exactly for me.

Still waiting on a response from Rancho, but after talking to a couple of folks around here, I think I'm okay. Agree there should be little difference between smooth bolt and sleeve througth the center... Only diff. is that pressing in sleeve compresses rubber gromet more, thus it might give a firmer ride. With just the bolt, rubber is not as compressed and may compress more when the shock moves. I might want to go a month or so and the drop one and see how they are holding up.

Love the ride...tested them out near the mall Saturday. There is a tight S curve with what seems to be 2"-3" washboard all the way through. Went through that without slowing down.... Handled it much better than I remember the stock shocks.

cwmoser

savvas_e, thanks for the comments on your experience with the BF Goodrich AT tires. I have 38,000 on my Bridgestones and they are a little noisy but probably due to me neglecting to rotate them in a timely manner. So, folks here like the Pirelli? The only Pirelli's I've ever had was on a van and they did not wear well at all. I've heard of problems with Pirelli's on Volvo's but maybe this SUV version of Pirelli's are better.

I read where there are folks who are getting 90,000 - 100,000 from some Michellins. If that is indeed true, then they should be worth the extra price that is if we keep our Troopers for the next 100k miles.

cwmoser

I noted that the Check Engine Light came on today. I immediately stopped and checked the oil - it was fine. and the engine looked like it was not hot and the temp gauge showed that it was normal temperature. But, to be sure, I drove my Trooper to the Isuzu dealer. They immediately said that it likely was a loose gas cap. Upon inspection, I had screwed the gas cap on with the plastic holder wound under the cap. Forsyth Isuzu reset the computer free for me - nice guys. They said the computer would reset itself automatically after about 20 restarts anyway.

The service tech said that the Check Engine light will come on for numerous reasons. I now know the computer has sensors that sense the pressure in the gas tank - so what are the other reasons that will cause the Check Engine light to come on?

cwmoser

The reason I was scanning Ebay for a Trooper is that my son will be driving in a couple of years and I was researching a vehicle for him. Not going to purchase anything right now but thought if we could find a Trooper at a great price that he could do some minor work on, he could learn about the vehicle and I could save a lot of money. Think a 1993 - 1997 Trooper with say 90k miles be a good first vehicle for a son? I don't expect he would be doing any off road driving and he and his friends consider the Trooper a "cool" vehicle. Seems SUV's are extremely popular with young folks.

paisan

If the CEL comes on solid it's some kind of emissions problem (mis-fire, gas-cap, bad cat, etc) and the car is drivable til you can get it fixed. A blinking CEL means there is truely a problem with the engine.

I got a CEL this past weekend for the gas cap as well. When you hit 1/2 a tank of gas it will automatically check itself and turn off the CEL if the cap has been re-tightened.

Luckily for my a friend had the palm pilot with the ODBII connector and software. It was pretty neat to see all the codes come up with "evaporative something or other problem" I went and tightened the gas cap and it immediately stopped

I'm thinking of buying one for myself

-mike

bawbcat

Thanks for the info on TOD etc. After considering pretty much every SUV out there, I just keep coming back to the Trooper. Now I just have to find the right one.

BTW, the format of this message board is pretty hard to read. Would be much nicer if it was threaded, had search capability, etc. Are there any other good Trooper message board out there?

paisan

Check out http://isuzu-suvs.com there are links to several other boards 4x4wire for example. Also if you are on Instant Messanger there is almost a 24x7 chat going on all the time with a bunch of isuzu-heads. Links on my page above also.

-mike

tidester

BTW, the format of this message board is pretty hard to read. Would be much nicer if it was threaded, had search capability, etc.

People seem generally to prefer the "converational" style of the message board rather than the "threaded" format. I find it helps a lot to use the "subscription" feature that lets you focus right in on the topics that interest you.

The lack of reliable search function is a deficiency and Edmunds is working on fixing it - release date TBA!

tidester
Host
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cwmoser

Paisan, how much is the ODBII connector? Might want one too.

BTW, is there a shop manual on the web for the Trooper?

cwmoser

Paisan - those pictures with your Trooper in the water -- it looked like you almost got the interior floor wet - any damage?

wlbrown9

Mine came on about April 27 or 28. At least 50-100 miles after fillup. Drove with it that way for a few days, until about the time the Rancho 9000s came in. Called about Wed., May 1, to try and schedule an appt for Saturday. The dealer confirmed that they would have someone there that could work on it...but if they had to tear it down and then order parts, I might have to do without a few days. After discussion and second thoughts, decided not to schedule the service. They did recommend checking the gas cap. I did check it the next morning on the way out of the drive (put the rear Ranchos on the previous evening). I had the trooper running, put in park, opened the fuel door, got out tried the cap and even though it felt secure, took it off and put it back on. Within a mile or two I looked down and the CEL was off. Only drawback is that tank of gas calculated 19.9 MPG over 331 miles, best ever and I did not notice any drop in performance. I think I caught a wiff of unburned fuel occasionally, but that could have been my imagination or another vehicle. Glad to not have to take it in for service.

paisan

Actually that was conway's truck I think. I don't have any pics of my own truck up.

We drove through water that came over the hood and was basically up to the door-handles at some points, no leaks, but I wasn't standing in the water. The pic there is of conways with the water just up to the lip of the door, no problems as it didn't come in the vehicle

After one water x-ing where I had the water up over the hood, the engine did almost stall. Not sure if it was electronics or the lack of air-intake that caused it. But it didn't stall and kept pulling me through. Didn't get stuck all day.

These trucks are tough!

-mike

keepontroopin

I have the BFG All-Terrain's on my 2000 Trooper. I have them in a 265/75-16 size and they are without a doubt the best tire I have ever had. The ride is definately a little rougher due to the 3 ply sidewall, but in my opinion the side puncture protection is worth it. There are pics of my trooper on Paisan's site under Terry's Isuzus (Paisan can you change it to KeeponTroopin's Isuzus?). If you have any other questions about the BFGs let me know and I will give you the answer. As far as road noise i don't notice the BFGs being any louder than the stock Duelers.

wlbrown9

Got a reply from Rancho. The sleeve should be 9/16" ID (14.3 mm) and the shock should be stamped RS9215. I'm pretty sure I looked at it and that was what was stamped on it. I measured the sleeve and it was about 1/2" id. I will verify that tonight when I get home, so maybe they let some get out of the plant with the wrong sleeve in them? Will post an update later.

savvas_e

Wow! ODBII for palm? I would really like that! If anyone has information on where to get it and how much, let me know.

Also, I have been after a workshop manual for a couple of years now. The only ones available in Australia are the ones that Holden supplies to their dealer network. And they are something like $400 per volume. I suppose that is to discourage "Do-it-yourself-ers". And guess what? It's very discouraging.

If anyone is aware of a cheaper option, let me know!

BTW ... Where is the ODBII port on the Trooper?

zutrooper

My measurements on OEM shocks are:
14.5 ID top
19.5 ID bottom

breakor

Try helminc.com. IIRC the newer Trooper service manuals are $100 for the cd and $150 for the print versions. I don't know if they ship internationally.

dwinzen

I am looking for a roof rack to install on my 95 Trooper (no moonroof); I would like to have a rack that would like a factory installed type roof rack. I am not interested in the Q Tower Yakima-type where it locks in where my doors shut. Does anyone know of something like that?

I don't trust all of those generic roof racks that say they will fit all makes. Thanks.

mkaye

It's so funny to compare the Trooper forums with other forums here. The Trooper forums are based on practicality, durability, functionality, and quality of the vehicles. Some of the other forums have questions that seem to be solely based on either:
1. Problems, problems, and more problems;
2. What "color" the thing is going to be available in.
People seem to go out of their way to avoid discussion on any technical aspects of the vehicles (4wd vs. AWD, for example). Few forums would talk about taking a rather new vehicle and 'adapting' an ARB for the front axle as an example.

Long live the Trooper!

mkaye

Take a look at the Expedition rack through Overlander:

http://www.overlander.com/pages_misc/contents_fr.tpl?cart=31035535534420761

(if link doesn't work, it should all be on one line). The 'foot' they provide fits into the stock Trooper holes under the factory strips.

Look at the Trooper Mount Set:

SBTR100 Trooper Mount Set $39.00

You could certainly use the mounting feet and just add a couple of cross bars and make any type of rack you want if you don't want to use the aluminum Expedition racks.

bluedevils

what year is your Trooper? The U.S. factory workshop manuals from Helminc.com seem to drop in price as the vehicle gets a bit older. E.g. the 98 Trooper manual is now 90 bucks, while it started around 150, I think.

If Helm doesn't ship internationally, you might try having the manual shipped to one of us Americans and we could send it to Australia. I'd be willing to help with this transaction.

breakor

Someone has some 97 and 98 shop manuals on Ebay now for under $40.

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=dentstcr@aol.com

dwinzen

Thanks mkaye. Do you know of any rails that fit in the channel so you can have adjustable bars like in factory ones?

radman6

I have a Yakima rack - Q tower type and like to take it off when I'm not using it. If you don't want Q-towers I think you can get a bolt on version of the same rack. Would have to call Yakima to get the right parts (feet / brackets). I think they also sell a bolt on track with adjustable sliding feet. Thule probably has a similar product.

There are weld nuts under the vinyl trim on top of my 2000 Trooper to bolt to. Probably the same with a 95.

If you get Yakima or Thule cross bars you have access to an unlimited range of rack accessories for hauling everything imaginable. I haul ladders, kayaks, canoes, etc. This summer I may add a storage box.

I think that ARB also makes racks for the Trooper. I got a catalog today and they have a basket type rack. Could probably order the feet and put on any type of crossbars you like.

savvas_e

The CD at Helminc sounds perfect. (Thanks Bluedevils!) $100 for the 2000 Trooper and it includes both workshop manual and electrical troubleshooting diagrams.

They send international. For Oz that $67. Apply the conversion rate and we are talking $300 AUS.

Now ... talk to the bosslady!

savvas_e

I was looking for something else, and came across this website.

www.racetothesky.com

It is a major hill climb in NZ, based on Pikes Peak at Colorado Springs. Holden entered Bruce Garland's Jackaroo in it.

He came 7th in the Open 4WD class and 33rd overall out of a field of 82. But look at in context. Other than a monster Hilux (which won outright), the 'roo was the only traditional SUV that started and finished. And it was only beaten by some speed machines such as Mitsubishi Lancer EVO's, Subaru RS Legacy and WRX's. It also beat a large field of motorbikes, quads and other cars. All things considered, it's a good result for the 'roo!

If the track was a bit chopped up, it could have been a very different story.

And it didn't rollover!

bluedevils

I didn't follow post #4200 totally, but if it's significantly cheaper to have one of us buy it and send it to you, I'd be happy to help out.