89 Isuzu Trooper Expedition Build Suggestions

[HumaneSocietySteve]

Hello...I am new to this forum and am hoping for a little input. I originally posted this on the Trooper Trail Shots thread and thought that may not be the best thread for it so I am re posting it here...Sorry.

I have an 89 Isuzu Trooper that I am currently upgrading with a 3.4L GM High Performance Crate Engine. It will have pretty much all new parts under the hood. I am also upgrading the clutch to the Rodeo heavy duty clutch per Jerry Lemond recommendation. I am planning to do a lot of mods to interior, exterior, suspension and many other areas to build this into a solid off road/expedition vehicle.

I am hoping someone here can tell me where I can find info where others have turned their 1st Generation Troopers into capable expedition vehicles, what they did, how they did it and where they found the items/parts they added to their Troopers.

Now that the the engine upgrade is almost completed I would like to finish the other mechanical upgrades before I upgrade paint, interior, electronics etc.

For example: Is there a basic list of upgrades that the 1st Generation Troopers need mechanically, suspension, tires/wheels etc, to make the Trooper rock solid off road while still using it as a daily driver. For example: I have heard that the front suspension of the Trooper is really good but the rear suspension needs altering for optimum off road performance.

I do not plan to put the Trooper in serious off road situations such as rock crawling or going where no Trooper has gone before. I will use it for basic to moderate off roading on old logging roads here in the hills of East Tennessee to access remote camping areas in our local state parks. I just want a dependable and capable set up that I know it will get me back to civilization after I arrive at the back side of no where.

All suggestions welcome...Thanks!!! :wings:

 

[meathead]

Cool! Another 89 Trooper! If your not hitting crazy trails, the old Troopers don't need alot. The weak links I've found have been the carrier bearing in the driveshaft, the tie rods, and did loose an autohub trying to get out of a creek. Yeah, when you get to bouncing, things go POP! You can get by with the autohubs, just remember everytime you back up and try again, they are unlocking and locking. It sounds like you already know the basics, T-bar crank, longer shackles, etc. I think the best mods you can do are rocker guards and rear locker. Oh, and good tires. Up to 32" without lift should be ok. I ran 33x9.50 with no lift for awhile with few problems.
They realy are very utilitarian. Easy to work on. Build yourself a platform in back and your good. The only problem is finding parts. As you may have already found, local parts store have anything in stock.
Good luck with your Trooper. I'm sure that 3.4 will motor along way better than my sickly 2.6.

 

[HumaneSocietySteve]

Hello Meathead,

Thank you for the input. I am really flexible right now as to which direction I go with the Trooper. I am taking my time because I'm keeping it forever. That's why the new crate engine instead of a used Camaro engine.

I talk to Jerry Lemond at least 5 or 6 times a year and he gives a lot of sage advice. It was his suggestion I go with the heavier duty Rodeo clutch. Also plan on upgrading to the heavier duty Rodeo brakes as Jerry suggested.

1. I will put new carrier bearings on my list. Do they come in HD? Any suggestions on brand etc?

2. I already have the manual hubs so no worries there.

3. Don't know what a T-Bar Crank or Rocker Guards are can you enlighten?

4. I'm guessing the longer shackles are for lift/clearance to install taller tires? I'm looking at the lift kits available online for 89 Troopers with HP shocks, bushings, springs etc. I'm already looking at the taller skinnier expedition type tires. Mine are still in great shape (31x10.50) so be a little while til that upgrade.

5. I am already planning on the Aussie Lockers for front and rear. Any reason you only suggest lockers on the rear?


Thanks again for the help. I'm definitely not a "Motor Guy" so I'm in the dark about a lot of this stuff. Learning as I go.

 

[red87]

Front lockers are generally not good ideas on IFS vehicles. It puts undue stress on the CVs and makes them go pop. Autolockers are especially bad in the front as they make it almost impossible to turn. If you don't want to go rock crawling and just stick to moderate trails like you said, a front locker seems unnecessary.

 

[HumaneSocietySteve]

Thank You for the input red 87,

It seems you are saying I should only consider lockers on the rear of my Trooper for the reasons you list...Is that right? Or are you saying they are completely unnecessary for moderate trails?

Also not sure what an IFS Vehicle is...could you tell me???

 

[Czechsix]

Hey Steve, I've got a pair of CalMini torsion bars off of my old truck - higher rate, I ran them for a lift. If you could use them...LMK. Pay shipping, they're yours. I had them on an '86 Trooper II.....

I've refused to throw the darn things on a scrap pile, but Trooper owners are so rare now that I've never been able to pass them on to someone that can use them. Maybe you can, if not....in storage they will stay until that special day. (hmmm...I feel a song coming on....)

Oh, and also I've got a Trooper II that is heading to the boneyard, if there's anything you need.....LMK. Location is SoCal though, so shipping might be a killer. Same thing goes for any other trooper owners here too...LMK.

 

[HumaneSocietySteve]

Hey Subbins,

That is a very kind offer and I will take you up on it. I am planning to put on a heavy duty winch capable front bumper and I am told the torsion bars will help offset the extra weight.

I think I can go to UPS and prepay shipping costs for you to send the torsion bars to me. I will check Monday and let you know what I find out.

Do you have a good grill on your 86 Trooper? I am planning to use an old school grill with the round headlights. I like the look much better than the square lights my 89 has.

Thank You for the generosity.

 

[Bennyhana]

Just an FYI... the 86 torsion bars are different than an 89's...

 

[Czechsix]

Just an FYI... the 86 torsion bars are different than an 89's...

Well, hell.

I'll check the grill out and take a photo or two to give you a better idea, maybe you still want the torsion bars though, might be good trading material and they're not that heavy. I'm quite a few years out of my Trooper building days, so this stuff is just hanging around.....

I'll take the pics monday and get them out to you.

 

[Bennyhana]

I havn't donethat much to my trooper and it is pretty rock solid. I put some 1.5" lift shackles on the rear and adjusted the t-bars up enough to fit 31's. I installed a 2" body lift just so I could put some sliders on easier. In 87 Isuzu revamped the entire front ends on the troopers. Nothing is compatable on the front suspensions or axles between the 86's and from the late 87's on. I have a rear aussie locker and I've been able to take the trooper on some trails that were normally undoable before the locker.

 

[HumaneSocietySteve]

Thank You Benyhana & Czechsix,

I think I would still be interested in the bars. Like you say, you never know what may turn up in the future as far as barter. I will check UPS options tomorrow. Looking forward to the pics.

Let me know about the grill.

Benyhana...Nice looking Trooper. So, you would recommend the Aussie lockers for the rear? "Do they affect pavement driving at all? I've heard they don't work well in snow on pavement.

 

[Bennyhana]

It did take some getting used to but after it wears a little it's not very noticable. It did fine in the snow because the old 86 2.3 barely has enough power to get out of it's own way. Never had a problem while driving in the snow in 2wd. The only time I notice it now is in the parking lots, going slow and turning you'll hear it rachet a bit. And you have to be pretty vigilant in keeping the tires at the same psi..it does react to the slightest difference in tire size. ARB still makes a locker for the isuzu 12 bolt if you want a selectable. I think www.independent4x.com is taking more orders for the Aussie.

 

[robertdarin]

Front lockers are generally not good ideas on IFS vehicles. It puts undue stress on the CVs and makes them go pop. Autolockers are especially bad in the front as they make it almost impossible to turn. If you don't want to go rock crawling and just stick to moderate trails like you said, a front locker seems unnecessary.

lockers on ifs rigs are not always a bad idea. sometimes that one tire spinning too fast on a climb and coming to an abrupt halt makes things go pop, in that situation the locker could prevent breakage. it all depends on driver, the c.v. angels, and the specific obstacle (i.e whether all the stress will be shared between both sides as on a loose gravel climb or all the pressure being on one side if you are trying to rock crawl.)

i do agree with you, however, that with a locker in the front and pushing it incorrectly catastrophic failure can and will occur.

 

[bootzilla]

You still can run into problems turning with an autolocker on the front. With manual hubs you can always unlock one side to make turns if it wants to stay locked, but that can be a bit of a pain hopping in and out constantly. An ARB would be the perfect compromise being selectable, but a lot more $$.

So how's the build going, Steve? Any news, questions, etc?? We need to see some pics!

 

[Curtis in Texas]

You still can run into problems turning with an autolocker on the front. With manual hubs you can always unlock one side to make turns if it wants to stay locked, but that can be a bit of a pain hopping in and out constantly. An ARB would be the perfect compromise being selectable, but a lot more $$.

So how's the build going, Steve? Any news, questions, etc?? We need to see some pics!

I agree with the ARB in the front diff for the IFSs. You need to be able to turn it off when you don't need it. They are great. A lunch box or Aussie will be all you need for the back end.

I'm assuming you know about Matt Brown at Independant 4X4. He can hook you up with a lot of Isuzu parts. You might want to think about a transfer case reduction gear. While they last! With it, you can go real slow in tighter spots. The 3:07's ratio over the 2:28 Factory set is a perfect gear ratio for the Troopers.

I have been in Jim Pagets 3.4 powered Trooper with Tera Lows on Rose Garden Hill Trail and we were able to crawl up some places no one else to get up.

I know you aren't wanting a rig for Moab type rock crawling, but Uwharie has some tight climb that this gear will work well in. Ask Jerry, He goes every year with the Isuzu Group to Uhwarrie.

The Troopers are very overbuilt but have a few design weeknesses that you are familar with. Keep it within it's limits and it will serve you well. The 3.4 engine is a real smart move. Really wakes the truck up.
I'm a big fan of the 1st Gen Troopers. I have 4 at the moment.

Good luck with your build.


Curtis in Texas