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Isuzu Off Roading/Trail Reports
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Comments
-mike
If you're interested, check out thread on 4x4wire under Isuzu forum. Should be lots of fun with many of us just itching to try our newest mods.
-mike
-mike
-mike
-mike
Also, is anyone going to try a 2 1/2" or 3" square bar? Thanks.
-mike
-mike
-mike
-mike
I'm a pretty experienced off road driver (5th 4WD vehicle, plus thousands of off road miles in US Forest Service and State of Idaho vehicles) so I'm not that easily impressed. I can tell you though that Troopers are very competent (and confidence inspiring) off road. Can't wait to take it out again.
There was one not so great surprise though. When I had to back off a particularly steep part of the trail (tree across the road) I had to stay on the brakes pretty hard to keep it from running away. 4 lo reverse didn't seem to help either. It was a bit of a handful to keep it at a reasonable speed backing down the (long)trail. A little disconcerting with 1000 ft dropoffs ~: 0 I'm used to 4Lo reverse being the same as 4lo first gear so this was a bit of an upleasant surprise.
The highways we traveled on in Southeast B.C. were pretty steep, narrow, and windy. I noticed several times that the grade logic feature in the transmisssion kicked in when coasting down the grades. Some times it worked really well and kept the vehicle at a constant (appropriate) speed on the downgrades. The transmission would shift down and the RPMs would go up to around 2000 - 2500. Didn't have to ride the brakes to keep from going too fast.
At other times though it was just annoying. I'm not really used to it yet. At times when I didn't want it to shift down I just kept slight pressure on the gas pedal and that seemed to lock it out.
Driving those curvy mtn roads was also a reminder that I need to put some better shocks on this thing and maybe some tires with stiffer sidewalls.
All in all a great weekend and a good shakedown for the Trooper. Hard to believe these things can perform like they do off road, then deliver a plush highway ride when you get off the trail (just don't try to fling it around a corner like a sports car!)
I'll try to post some pictures later. Got some pretty spectacular shots of the Purcell and Kootney ranges in Southern B.C. The hot springs at Ainsworth were awesome after a day of driving!
-mike
-mike
http://isuzu-suvs.com
First of all, I should say what a fabulous time I had. My 99 Trooper performed magnificently, the scenery is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and the Isuzu enthusiasts who attended were extremely nice and helpful to a newcomer like me.
If you aren't familiar with Moab, check out moab-utah.com. It is just down the road from Arches National Park, and is a Mecca for all manner of off road activities including 4-wheeling, mountain biking, hiking, ATVs, etc.
The terrain is arid Western type, with no mud and few trees to scratch your finish. The bedrock is sandstone, aka "slickrock", which actually is not slick at all and provides amazing traction.
My 99 Trooper had a few mods, including OME shocks and rear coils, Pirelli LT265/75R16 tires, and an ECB nudge bar up front. I figure between the tires and coils I gained a couple of inches of clearance. BTW all of these mods are easy to do, and not very expensive by off-roading standards.
I ran 4 trails, one each day. I chose trails rated 3.5, to challenge myself hopefully without significant body damage. Looking back, I am pleased with that choice.
I know some of you are worried about damaging your new vehicles, so here is an inventory of the damages I sustained:
- Scraped the underside of the hitch receiver repeatedly, I was glad it was there!
- A tiny, almost unnoticeable ding in the end of the exhaust pipe (which would have taken a beating without the hitch).
- Some brush scratches, mainly from the Kane Creek Canyon trail, which winds through tamarisk trees for much of the trail. I don't know how they will look after a good wash.
- Scratches to the lower front corner of the fascia, from nosing into the dirt coming off of near-vertical descents on Fins 'n Things.
- A dent in the lower curve of the nudge bar tube on one side from going through a severe dip on the Kane Creek Canyon trail, at the bottom of which I was dragging both ends.
- Scrapes to the underside of the nudge bar bracket.
Most of the above doesn't bother me, after the first year I get a lot less anal about the finish. I might try to buff out the front plastic fascia scratches; if anybody knows of a good way to do that let me know, the scratches look white on my black bumper. Actually, when I look at these marks, it brings back good memories and I smile :-)
Most of the driving was in 4lo, which doesn't really involve the TOD, AFAIK. I think the transfer case is locked when in 4lo judging by the way the tires were scrubbing on the rocks during tight turns.
The climbing ability of my Trooper was awesome, even with only LSD rear and open front diff. I was walking up slopes that other more heavily modified vehicles were having trouble with. The automatic really helps also, you can easily maintain smooth power flow which aids in keeping traction on a climb.
I definitely recommend LT tires for all the rocks! Although there was another bone-stock 99 Trooper there that did not blow a tire, he didn't go on any of the 3.5-rated trails that I did, however.
Well, I am tired of typing now, but if I have left anything out, respond with questions and I will elaborate.
Steve
Yep, in 4lo T-case is locked; no TOD.
Long wheelbase does help walking up steep slopes.
Body scratches...you're lucky, trails in PA/NJ are full of brush BUT the more you off-road the less you care about scratches
I ran the Pirellis at about 20 psi. A lot of guys were running less than that, but I tried 20 and had next to no traction problems, so I stuck with it.
Results:
- Dent on transmission skid plate (no damage to the trans). Caused by climbing "Mean Hill" on 3D trail (3-rated). Had to drive up relatively fast due to loose ground, and underbody hit a rock at the top of the hill.
- Scraped underside of front bumper and hitch receiver. Caused by approaching and exiting steep hills on Fins-n-Things and 7 Mile Rim trails (3.5-rated). The hitch receiver prevented damage to the exhaust pipe.
- Left front side mudflap became somewhat loose from hitting rocks as the truck came down hills/steps. Both front and rear mudflaps were dragging/hitting rocks on 3.5 rated trails but did not break. They are actually quite flexible.
-Scratches on side body from trees and brushes.
By looking at sdc2's Trooper, suspension lift and larger tires would definatelly help to run these trails. I'd also remove both front and rear mudflaps before next year if there is a easy way to do it.
Overall, I am happy with how the stock Trooper performed. I've received many good advises and "spotting" from experienced drivers. I could not drive some sections without their helps.
...Eiji...
BTW thanks for your translation of the driving light installation diagram...my Japanese is kinda weak :-)
Regarding the mudflaps, I took the rears off at Moab...what I though would be a simple task turned into an hour long struggle! Don't try it unless you have to! I also tried to get the fronts off but the screws just turned without backing out, and there was no way to get to the backside to see what was going on...
I took a day trip to the TNF last weekend with some guys from the PNWIOR (Pacific Northwest Isuzu Off Road club), and have posted some pics on my site. http://63.105.28.12/trooper/
We had a great time, and people in other types of vehicles couldn't believe we were making it up the one super gnarly hill. Especially me, in my totally stock (except for the stereo), brand new, not-even-license-plated-yet, leather-seated, 2001 Trooper.
Sue
P.S. Yes, Mike, you may take any pics you want
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1704418&a=13093184&f=0
Stock '99 silver Trooper is mine.
...Eiji...
I also had a question for CWmoser, do you buy a beach driving permit when you go out to Nantucket or is there no charge for the 4x4s out there?
-mike
Example of how particular I am with my Trooper:
http://www.isuzu.8k.com/FloorMats.htm
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html
-mike