1G vs 2G Trooper

[Rosco862003]

Hey guys I was wondering if there was a big difference in off road abilty between the !G Trooper and the 2G Trooper. I know the 2G can really stretch it's legs and is probably more comfortable. I am just wondering if its worth the difference in price. I constantly see 80's Troopers from 900-1200 and 90's models running from 1500-on up. I know the 3.2's and some of the 3.5's burn oil. I was wondering if theres any issues I should be aware of with the 2.6. Also what kind of mileage can I expect out of both models. I like the simplicity of the 1G but also like the comfort of the 2G. Any help and advice would be great guys thanks.

 

[timmy!!!!!!!]

I had a first gen trooper. It sucked and then I have had 3 different Land Rovers.

 

[jl8088]

My 2nd gen gets 15mpg and is very comfortable and cavernous. I bought mine a few years back for $4500 with 85K.

98+ troopers have longer front control arms for increased travel.

My engine does burn oil, 1 quart per 1500 miles.

 

[Van_Homan]

My 1st gen does really well off road, but gets uncomfortable on longer trips.

 

[Rosco862003]

My 1st gen does really well off road, but gets uncomfortable on longer trips.

What is particularly so uncomfortable about it? Is it the seating, suspension, weak motor. Im ok with seats or suspension being a drawback as those are easily addressed whereas a motor is a whole other issue completely. Suspension would most likely be the first issue I tackle, after baselining the vehicle of course. I took a 2G for a test drive today and found the suspension to be on the soft side, which is what I expected from what I've read on here so far. However, it is nice when flexing (nice thing about going on a test drive by yourself):bike_rider: I have not had the chance to hop in the pilot seat of a first genner though, but do love the utilitarian factor about it. There are several other vehicles on my list such as the first gen 4runner. My main criteria is that I am able to sleep in the back as I don't want to pay for hotels when Im trekking cross country or wherever. I know this isn't the Yota section but does anyone have any input on the 4runner perhaps in comparison to the Troopers? The reason I ask is because I dont want to be stuck in a vehicle I'm ultimately unhappy with and stuck making repairs on daily.

 

[jl8088]

i've slept in the back of my 2nd gen. As i said earlier....cavernous.

 

[justinhw]

Although I'm also new to Isuzu's, I'll chime in a bit.

I have a 1st gen, and I find the suspension being a bit on the soft side as well. As to the power, I don't mind driving 55-65 on the highway, but I can see how others would view it as underpowered. I couldn't tell you anything about its reliability yet, but I can tell you the design is well thought out and easy to work on. My rear seat folds down into a "bed" (split rear seat); but it's really short and only really covers from my head to thigh, not perfectly flat either.

Definitely check it out though! For the price and utility, I'm loving mine!

 

[Van_Homan]

What is particularly so uncomfortable about it? Is it the seating, suspension, weak motor. .

It's really a combination of the seat, the noise level, and the way it reacts to wind at high speeds.

The seat could be replaced. The noise can be helped with dynomat or similar sound deadening materials. The way the wind pushes the vehicle around could be helped a little with some suspension mods. I have a friend that added a sway bar from a newer Trooper and he claims it's made a big difference.
The under powered engine doesn't really bother me as much for the most part. I have the 2.6l, 5spd and run 32x11.50's and the vehicle has some axle wrap when taking off up hill. Climbing long hills is where the power becomes an issue. If I leave it (the Trooper) in 5th gear I'll slow from 75mph down to about 55mph.

Don't get me wrong I love my Trooper, but it has it's limitations. Due to the reasons mentioned above, I try to limit it's use to trips under 100 miles one way.

 

[upcruiser]

I owned a couple of first gen Troopers and loved them. The 2.6 was great and allowed me over 20mpg fully loaded for trips. Here is a shot from the White Rim Trail from 1996 with my little Trooper that could.

 

[SVS]

I owned a couple of first gen Troopers and loved them. The 2.6 was great and allowed me over 20mpg fully loaded for trips. Here is a shot from the White Rim Trail from 1996 with my little Trooper that could.

That is a cool picture. I own an 89 1st Gen and it's a keeper.

 

[Rosco862003]

Thanks guys all of this has been helpful and I am enjoying the pictures. Is it common to see figures over 20mpg with the first gen or is that after a rebuilt motor going downhill with a 50 mph wind pushing it? I know the later TRoopers are a bit thirstier so am curious on what numbers I'd be looking at. Also has anyone heard of swapping in a VW diesel like the Trackers?

 

[dragogt]

If it can be or has been done to an Isuzu, these guys will probably know...

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/

 

[nfpgasmask]

PlanetIsuzoo.com is a good spot for info. I'm a regular over there.

I own a 1991 Trooper. Personally, the only drawback it had, and I say had, because I fixed it, is the weak motor. Mine had the retched 2.8 V6. Last November I swapped in a 3.4 from a 95 Firebird and I am loving it. I have a 3" lift sitting on 33" mudders and a huge roof rack, so I just try not to think about gas mileage. I don't have a car payment so whatever.

I find the seats comfortable enough, and noise doesn't bother me.

Personally, I love my Trooper. Cavernous is a perfect word to describe how much crap you can stuff into it. When I go camping, I can't even begin to fill it up, especially with the roof rack.

Here she is:

Bart

 

[Rosco862003]

Here she is:

Bart[/QUOTE]

..I've always found your Trooper to be a work of art. I mist say it is very tasteful and would be about all I need. I used to have a cherokee and love the boxy shape and surprising out of the box dirt capabilities it had. The only problem was space. I am in no rush to buy so I am just test driving different rigs right now to see how I like them, nothing like a seat of the pants test. But I will go check out some more of planetisuzoo. Thanks

 

[nfpgasmask]

..I've always found your Trooper to be a work of art. I mist say it is very tasteful and would be about all I need. I used to have a cherokee and love the boxy shape and surprising out of the box dirt capabilities it had. The only problem was space. I am in no rush to buy so I am just test driving different rigs right now to see how I like them, nothing like a seat of the pants test. But I will go check out some more of planetisuzoo. Thanks

Aww dude, thanks. Yeah, I like both the 1st and 2nd gens. I just like the 1st gens more because they have that awesome old school boxy look, very military-ish. The amazing thing about my Trooper is that it has zero rust!! :victory: Nevada all the way!

Bart