2003 NPR

[Pool0202]

Hello,

I have read a bunch of threads on Fuso and NPR builds. Having trouble finding the exact thread to achieve my goals. I love the idea of the earth cruiser style but nowhere near affordable for me. I stumbled on this 03 npr crew cab with the box framed in steel and aluminum sheets. Purchased last week. It’s got the cab size for my family of 5. Due to cost I’m fine with keeping it as 4x2 but want the look of 4x4. This is a tight budget and limited fabrication skills. I’m a full time firefighter so this will be more of a weekend warrior with the occasional long trip thrown in. Midwest area.

Goals (suggestions and sourcing HELP please)
Small to Moderate lift with a smooth ride
Super singles (hard to find in USA) open to alloy or other options
Larger tires
Better top end highway speed (likes to sit at 60mph currently)
Paint (debating another raptor liner job) I know some hate this but I loved how my tundra and jeep turned out.
Replace or reupholster seats and cab carpet for heat, sound and comfort.
Easier access to cab tilt (hydraulic)
Roof rack on cab that can support storage and possible tent
Eventually trim out box for family of 5, bunks, solar, kitchen, bath and shower.


Any suggestions on lift and wheels is greatly appreciated

 

[SkiFreak]

Any suggestions on lift and wheels

The Fuso and Isuzu have the same stud pattern (6 stud wheels) but the offsets are a little different. Companies like ATW here in Australia do make super single for both vehicles, but I am guessing that the cost to get them to your side of the planet would not be cheap.
Given that this truck is not 4x4, I assume you will not be doing too much off road driving with it, so is there a real need to change to super singles?
Maybe just get some decent AT or MT tyres and you should be good for fire tracks and the like.

Again, ATW and Earthcruiser do parabolic springs for Isuzus, but that's probably not helpful.
Not an ideal setup for a 4x4 , but have you considered removing a few leafs and adding some airbags? That would likely give you a softer ride.
If you have small kids, a lift would make it more difficult to get into the cab and you might also need more steps to get into the camper.
I should add... a lift is not going to increase your ground clearance and will also raise your center of gravity, so I don't really understand why you would want to go down that route.

Nice looking truck by the way, and welcome to the forum.

 

[nic.lac]

For Super Singles I would try out these guys: https://www.ridgerockexpedition.com/4x4conversion

They specialize in 4x4 Isuzu conversions and make their own rims.
Now they do use a D60 axle in the front for the 4x4 conversion and I'm not sure yet exactly what the WMS is of the stock front axle compared to the rear axle you have on your truck so not sure you'll get 100% identical track width front and back. But this could be an option that is more local than ATW. I've been quoted 450$USD /wheel I believe.

That said, like SkiFreak mentioned, if you want to keep it 2x4, I would just invest in better tires and spend the money elsewhere.

Re-uplolstering: find someone local and bring them the old seats? this will likely be the cheapest solution.
I tried looking for aftermarket stuff, but besides 2k$ suspended driver seats I did not find much here in North America.

I don't think Crew cabs tilt, there is access through the passenger seat for regular maintenance, but anything major and the cab needs to be completely lifted from the truck.