Isuzu Trooper owners: opinions please

[3Deserts]

I need to replace my WJ quickly. There are several different vehicles that interest me, and I've posted in another section of these forums looking for more opinions. I've done a lot of reading too, and the Trooper keeps coming up over and over again as a really great candidate as a useable, very capable off road vehicle that can also function nicely as a daily driver.

I'm leaning towards these. I'm really taken with Sidekicks and Samurais too, but fear they're a little on the vulnerable side on the hwy, should the unthinkable happen and I end up in a wreck.

I should say straight away that I have a two and a half year old son, and he would be riding in this often.

I'm familiar with the virtues of both generations, and each has its advocates.

Are the first gens with the 4i motors truly gutless, or can you live happily with them? I'm VERY keen on the potential MPG of these. I definitely don't need things like power windows and locks. However, do I run the risk of these older ones being--relatively speaking--a little unsafe compared to later ones?

I'm open to considering second gens too, although I want to avoid the 3.5 if possible.

Either way, it MUST have a manual transmission.

Again, this will be my daily driver for the time being, but I do get off road fairly frequently; mostly southern and eastern California back roads and trails; no crawling though.

What else should I be thinking about with either one?

...

Finally, there's an '88 for sale nearby that is intriguing. 65,000 miles on the odo, and, according to the seller, 90% complete restoration, with pretty much all new consumable parts/fluids etc., windshield, weatherstripping, PS pump, water heater replaced; dyno tuned for maximum efficiency and power, never wheeled, no rust, clean interior, extra driving lights, new Rancho RS 4000s up front and RS 9000s in the rear, 5 new 31" BFG ATs, roof rack, and a few other things.

It sounds intriguing. I'm just not sure if it's right for me. And I am concerned about being able to safely and securely fasten the child seat.

Thoughts on all this?

 

[nfpgasmask]

Well, from what you just wrote, I suggest you get out and start test driving some. I'm sure you could find several for sale around to take for a ride. The second gens with the 3.2 V6 have enough power to keep you going good. The second gens have more creature comforts too, but manual trannies are harder to find in the 92-98 years.

As for the first gens, I think you would be fine with the 4 cylinder IF you keep it stock. Really the pain begins once you lift, add bigger tires, roof racks, etc. First gens have TONS of room, and tend to be almost 100% utilitarian with few creature comforts, and a "tin can" kind of feel. The 4 bangers are prone to blowing head gaskets too, from everything I have learned about them. My 91 is the V6 option, that came original with the GM 2.8. The 2.8 is quite gutless, but again, if you left the Trooper at stock height and did a little tuning, I think the 2.8 would be fine. Plus, the GM motor is really easy to work on and parts are plentiful AND you can upgrade to a 3.4 if you get sick of the 2.8. That's what I did.

Either way, both versions are quite dependable and rugged as long as you take care of them.

As for child seats, I don't see any problems there.

Being totally honest, the ONE thing I don't like about owning a Trooper is the almost 100% void of aftermarket support. Aside from Calmini and Independent4x, there is virtually NOTHING.

Bart

 

[3Deserts]

Bart, thanks very much.

I've actually located a 1993 3.2L Trooper with a manual tranny for sale not too far away from me. It's at a dealer, who maintain it's in very good condition; the photos seem to support that. It's been well maintained, and they're selling with a guarantee.

My concern is mileage, which is 175,000. On a miles-per-year basis, that's low, but it's still 175k. Should I worry about that?

To be honest, not many Troopers I'm seeing are much less than that. That's part of the draw of that first gen, although I was wrong about it being a manual; it's an automatic.

Asking price for the '93 is $3,495.

I suppose my ideal second gen Trooper would be a '95, but I'm not finding them with manuals, and I need something within a couple of weeks.

As far as aftermarket support goes, I'm not too worried. There's enough for what I need. I'm not looking to do anything radical. OME/ARB would have me covered on a lot of bases actually.

 

[chasespeed]

I had above 300k on my 93 when it disappeared...so....

I loved my Trooper, and I have been keeping my eyes out for another one.... and like you, it needs to be a stick...


Great little rigs, with tons of room. VERY capable when set up right....



Chase

 

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, honestly, 175k isn't bad as long as the Trooper was maintained right from the start.

I guess my only concern with you buying one is your time frame. With older vehicles like this, when you want something specific, imo, you have to be patient, willing to travel if need be, and hold out for the "right" one. I searched for 7 months before I found mine.

Bart

 

[topofpalomar]

Troopers

Three Deserts,

I've owned 2 Troops in the past; a brand new 1987 and a brand new 1992. The 87 was a four cylinder manual. Loved it! The '92 had the V6 with automatic. Much more "civilized" than the old one. I always liked the 1st generation models. I had the 4-door, aftermarket roof rack, and cb radio. It was a great safari rig for taking the family out back in the late eighties: Mojave Road, Bradshaw Trail, etc. I'm envious when I see someone driving the older model. There was a guy here on Palomar Mountain that sold a two-door '87 awhile back; got $800.00 for it and it was in great shape. No, my wife wouldn't let me have it.
If you can find an older model in decent shape you'd be good to go (and I'd be jealous. I never felt vulnerable in it, nor did my wife, who drove it as a daily driver.
Good luck in your search. Also, as an aside, don't forget the Rodeos. They were pretty decent, too.

Cliff

 

[mmuthart]

I'd keep looking; wait for a manual tranny and less miles.

I got my first Trooper a year and a half ago - '93 Trooper S, manual tranny, manual windows, locks, etc. and incredibly low 63k miles. I paid $2700 from a private owner.

I actually bought it for my 16 year old; she couldn't handle the 5 speed. I quickly fell in love with the Trooper. It's become my daily driver, now with 75k miles. I'm thinking about selling my '84 CJ7 - the Trooper just rides and drives so much better. My '91 FJ80 sees only back country adventures these days.

For the money, I couldn't be happier with the Trooper. I put 1" spring spacers in the back, cranked the torsion bars a bit, and put 265/75 Goodyear Duratracs on it. It'll never be a rock crawler, but it's super reliable, has decent ground clearance and I wouldn't hesitate taking it in the back country. Gas mileage around town is 15. Power is sufficient.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Squatchout]

With a Trooper stick with a 5 speed and make sure there is no frame rust. Stick your fingers inside the frame at any hole you can find. Other than that you can't go wrong.

Yesterday in Va. 10 hours and 32 miles in 4lo.

 

[3Deserts]

Thanks everyone; very helpful.

Cliff, Mojave Road, Bradshaw, etc., are just the types of places this Trooper would spend most of its off road time. In fact, I was just in the Chuckwallas and Palen/McCoy wilderness a few weeks ago. The kind of travel you and mmuthart are talking about is more or less where I'd be with this. It definitely needs more than stock clearance, but I'm not looking to go crawling with it.

Regarding time frame: Bart, you're right. The problem is, I need a replacement for the WJ more or less now, although I've resigned myself to rearranging plans so that "now" is more like three or four weeks rather than this week--which is what I was looking at before.

The only DD I have at the moment is my truck, and although it's legal to take my son in it, I really want to leave that as a last resort. His mom and I have been shuffling the Subaru around to accommodate, but that can't last.

Anyway, I found another candidate in the bay area: '95 Trooper LS, manual, single owner since '96 with all maintenance records; 145k on the odo. Looks clean and well taken care of. If I could somehow qualify the vehicle before going, I'd fly up to inspect and buy it (I've done that before with other vehicles).

By the way, Bart, your Trooper resto is spectacular. I stumbled upon it via an Isuzu forum.

 

[nfpgasmask]

By the way, Bart, your Trooper resto is spectacular. I stumbled upon it via an Isuzu forum.

Thanks, man. Too bad she's disabled right now. I think I might have blown the head gasket, I found some coolant in the oil. Three cheers for more garage time!!! :victory:

Bart

 

[Squatchout]

Bart say it isn't so! OH well you know what to do with that.

3deserts many people like the 95's. Pre OBDII so that cuts down a lot on the extra wiring and BS that goes with that. It will have a slightly narrower track than a 98 +. You will also have the standard 12 bolt rear + 10 bolt front which will give you more options if you decide to upgrade with traction aids down the road. '98 + is more limited as they have the 12 bolt (modified).

I just reread your original post. I've owned 2 1st gens (300k on the 1st one bought new). and a late second gen(2000). Both have pros and cons. 2nd gens are a bit more refined but also way more complex as far as wiring ect.

Safety depends on what you call safe I guess. Both gens are body on a stout frame. That counts for a lot in my book. However there are no airbags on 1st gens and early 2nd gens. 1st gens were a bit ahead of their time in that they were one of the 1st SUVs to have rear shoulder belts ect. I was rear ended hard several years ago in my 1st Trooper an '88. I was stopped to turn left and was hit from behind by an escort at 35+ mph. It destroyed the Escort. My pintle hitch went through his engine. I actually towed the car that hit me out of the road for the cops!!! It bent my rear bumper and Confer hide-a-hitch, and the skid plate on the fuel tank slightly. I was fine. I know several that have had similar accidents with similar results. Crumple zones don't exist on these trucks.

As far as the 2.6 being gutless. That sorta depends on what you are used to and what kind of gas you can get. They aftermarket cam options are somewhat less than a while ago. My biggest issue these days is that we are forced to drive with E-10 fuel. That causes a power loss that you can feel. Still I pull a bass boat several states away on a regular basis. I gets the job done with a couple of minor mods. Yeah I'm in the slow lane in the mountains but running on the interstate at 70 isn't a problem. Just don't expect a bunch of acceleration at those speeds. The Plus side is other than an occasional head gasket failure or possibly a head every 100k or so maybe. It is a bombproof engine. 300k on the bottom end is pretty common without a rebuild. Just like the kids story it's the little engine that could. Off road in low range it shines like that sun! Torquey little beast. Easy to work on but want a valve adjustment and tune up every 15-20k. Simple to do. Cam belt every 60K. Also not a bad job and neither is the head gasket for that matter. I can't comment on the v6s because I have only owned the 3.5. Very powerful engine in these trucks. On a stock 1st gen 4 cyl expect about 17-23mpg. 18-20 is normal day in day out.

Normal load behind my 1st gen but it was built to tow. It's not fast but no prob rolling this at 65-70 until it gets steep.

 

[3Deserts]

Pre OBDII so that cuts down a lot on the extra wiring and BS that goes with that. It will have a slightly narrower track than a 98 +. You will also have the standard 12 bolt rear + 10 bolt front which will give you more options if you decide to upgrade with traction aids down the road.

Nice! Thanks for that. OBDII drives me nuts. I forgot about that aspect to all this.

Good to know about the axles too, as my long term plans would most likely include air lockers.

Which, last I checked on ARB's site, are available for mid-90s Troopers (fingers crossed this is still true!).

 

[nfpgasmask]

Bart say it isn't so! OH well you know what to do with that.

It is so. I think I might spring for the crate motor. Not sure what I am going to do at this point...

Bart

 

[Squatchout]

Nice! Thanks for that. OBDII drives me nuts. I forgot about that aspect to all this.

Good to know about the axles too, as my long term plans would most likely include air lockers.

Which, last I checked on ARB's site, are available for mid-90s Troopers (fingers crossed this is still true!).

You must have caught me mid update. Independant4x has Aussie lockers for these trucks and I think ARBs are still avail F+R for both. 4:77 gears from an '89 RS can be found but it takes some doing. the Isuzu v6's have cam belts as well.

 

[3Deserts]

Thanks Squatchout!

Most of you V6 Trooper drivers have no problems with 87 octane gas right? I'm hoping so.

And, if I want to carry a couple of 5 gallon cans of gas on the back, is there a relatively easy solution for that, or do you have to fab something up? I know I4x has a single can option; I'd like to be able to expand to two if possible.

EDIT: whoah! Missed your excellent, lengthy update. Thank you. Good stuff.