How are troopers?

[coloradocarlisle]

I currently have a 2000 Landcruiser and need to get something less expensive and better on gas. We are just paying too much for the LC and the gas is getting crazy. I want the same type of vehicle as far as capability for medium duty off road. I want better gas mileage, the LC gets around 12. Throw in the kids, gear and head up the mountains and it can dip even further.
I would like it to be reliable, I hate to say this but I want foreign as they have proven much better as far as reliability.

Will occasionally tow several dirtbikes and maybee a small pop up.

The troopers keep popping up on my radar. I like the utilitarian expedition like looks and the prices are great compared to my LC
The only real mod I might do is a small lift for a bit bigger tires and then the rest would just be for being prepared.

How are the troopers?
Also I have seen some with rear diff locks, are these just on certain models? How can I find one with diff locks?
How are they on gas?
Any years to look for or watch out for?

Thanks

 

[double moo]

I have a 2nd gen - 1993 w/ manual transmission. I'm running slightly larger tires and get 15-16 around town - can do near 20 on the freeway if I keep it to 65 mph or less. It has a 5000 lb towing capacity - which I have used many times, it's a hard tow for a little 3.2l engine - though it towed my 3000lb trailer just fine on many outings.

None came with lockers - some had a rear LSD -option code G80. I installed an ARB air locker with compressor and tank to solve that problem. Swap out the rear springs for a set of OMEs and crank the torsion bars to get 2-1/2" of lift -cost of about $150. It'll fit 33s no problems.

I bought mine new in 93 and have enjoyed it ever since. It has been the best vehicle I have ever owned as far as low maintenance and reliability. There are many SUVs out there with better bells and whistles... but none that have matched the bottom line durability of the Trooper.

Downside is the lack of after market support. You will have no problems with basic maintenance issues - autozone, napa, etc... all carry the standard hoses, belts, alternators, pumps, and such. It's the off road accessories that are scarce - head over to Planetisuzoo.com and you will get a good grasp of the good and the bad. Low cost to get into and easy to maintain.

 

[shaneb]

I have a 98, With 1.25 of lift and 265/70
It is my daily driver, weekend adventure warrior.
Normally I average around 14 mpg in city, I get 16ish on the hwy.The 3.2 later changed to a 3.5, i believe in 1995. If I could get 20mpg I would love it more.
They are very cheap to lift an inch or two and they can fit 285/75 without modification.
If you plan to do any exploring with it, make sure it has G80 stamped on the firewall as that is the LSD option and after 95 they got a wider stance by a couple of inches. You can get a Aussie locker or ARB air locker for it. The below link is the only place who carries the Aussie for the Trooper.
The newer you find, the more "bells and whistles" it may have. The Limited versions came with leather heated seats, power fold mirrors, sunroofs and a exterior thermometer/barometer/altimeter/compass/map lights cluster.
OME makes great products for it suspension wise and www.independent4x.com has other products as well. To get an idea of pricing that is a good site as they are one of the few offering aftermarket support in the isuzu community. www.planetisuzoo.com has seemed to be the most active online forum for them, a lot of smart guys over there, worth checkin' out for indepth questions.
I love the Trooper and with normal maintenance which is not difficult, they will run a long time.
Here is a picture of mine currently:

And the flexibility:

 

[4Rescue]

I oersonaly think they're AWESOME and completely underrated/underappraciated trucks... Just STAY AWAY from the 1st Gen's witht he GM 2.8L V6... possibly one of the worst engines ever put in a truck. the two above are SWEET examples, and while I vastly prefer the Older body style (it was my first 4x4 - 91 V6 5spd) the newer gen trucks have better motors etc. I really liked the high cube-design and the capacity, plus the barn-doors etc...

Anyway, I really like the troopers alot...

BUT, I gotta say, aside from Milage, you've already got one of the best platofrms on the planet so it's a tough call. But I know the Milage is abysmal on the 80's (too bad we never got diesel's...)
Cheers

Dave

 

[AZ_Husker]

3.5L came in 1998. I just RELUCTANTLY let go of my white '93 5-speed yesterday after 9 years of ownership. Only mod was Old Man Emu medium springs and shocks all around. If they were still making them today with current motors, I'd buy one.

Likes:
Seating position. You sit high up off the floor. I wish Toyota would pay attention to this.

Tall cab. Park one next to a 4runner or Grand Cherokee, etc. Always made me say "damn those things are short!" Now I say that when parked next to my 2010 Tacoma...

Visibilty. Can't be beat by anything with four doors. I hate this "short greenhouse" that everyone has gone to. Fashion before function sucks. The trooper has tall windows, low window sill, high seating, low dash like a Land Rover Discovery. Oh, and very trim A and B-pillars. When sitting in the driver seat, I can just barely see the end of the hood. It slopes down out of the way. I can see everything around the vehicle.

Build quality/materials (at least for my '93)- My dash is tight, there's no cracks, the front seat finally tore where you drag your *** every time you enter or exit the truck. that took 17 years and 175,000 miles to happen. Pretty damn good if you ask me.

I like the rear cargo doors.

The spare tire is exactly where it OUGHT to be! Sure wish 4runners and LC's had their spares in a proper location...It already sucks that you have a flat. Now, I have to crawl under my truck!?

Good rear suspension articulation- you have to work at lifting a rear tire.

4.56 ring and pinion gearing for the 3.2L. 4.30's with the 3.5L after '97

Oh, and grab handles everywhere inside. They're just well thought out vehicles designed and built for the world market.


The Bad:

Hope you're not in a huge rush to get somewhere or pass someone, because the 175hp and 177lb/ft ain't good for passing! You'll be fine with the 3.5L though

Mine predated shift-on-the-fly. I believe that came in '95 along with new dash and door panels.

Little Aftermarket support

Low-range may or may not be low enough for you. 2:1 Now that I think about it, there's never really a reason to need lower unless you're doing lots of rock crawling but you probably wouldn't be buying a Trooper for that.

I could go on...I'm biased, but I think the 92-94 Troopers were the best body design possibly ever. Build them today with current 4runner powertrain/drivetrain. I'd buy one in a second. Time-travel me back to 1993, I'd buy a Trooper, if I couldn't afford a LC.

 

[3Deserts]

I hate this "short greenhouse" that everyone has gone to. Fashion before function sucks. The trooper has tall windows, low window sill, high seating, low dash like a Land Rover Discovery. Oh, and very trim A and B-pillars.

Man, it sure is nice to hear someone else recognizing how terrible so much contemporary vehicle design is when it comes to visibility. These high shoulders, high belt lines, slab sides and narrow little greenhouses are just awful. If we were to transport some of these cars back in time a few decades, people would think they were cartoon vehicles. Sadly, now they're on the road for real.

And hallelujah for slim A and especially B pillars. Nothing sucks so much as checking to change lanes and just seeing a big dark column.

Back to regularly scheduled praise of Troopers!

 

[Squatchout]

AZ husker did a fine job of covering the bases on a second gen. If you can find a 3.5 with a 5sp OMG they're fun! I bought one like that new in 2000.

On the 1st gen the above bashed 2.8 v6 is not my favorite but it makes it easy to swap to a later 3.4 Camaro block and have some get up and go. I prefer the 2.6 4 banger myself. Not fast but run forever. Like all vehicles they have their quirks. Later GM auto transmission have been known for problems. the 3.5s can burn oil. (see the VX thread) and the 2.6 4 cylinder will eat head gaskets occasionally and sometimes a head but it's a cheap easy repair. Except for 4 years I have driven a Trooper of some sort since I bought my 1st one new in '88. In the middle there have been several new "non Isuzu" trucks that were gone quick because of problems. I keep coming back to Troopers. After living with the 70/30 rear door you'll never allow your self to bash your head with a lift gate again. In general pretty user friendly trucks to service and mod. Aftermarket is not big but no problem getting the few things that you NEED! OEM parts are available. All Isuzu trucks have box frames and in the rust belt can rust from the inside out so be sure to check this on any potential truck. None of them get great fuel economy except maybe the underpowered 2.3 1st gens till '87. Most of them with different engines will deliver mid teens to 20+ mpg. They are all real trucks with body on frame. Like said above seat position and visibility are 2nd to none.

Read this:
http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/Isuzu_Trooper/index.html

 

[SRN]

Total thread jack here (many apologies), but that is an awesome tent! What is it?

 

[dippitydoo]

My buddy was an isuzu tech for 6 years. He talked me into getting one. I was looking at an older toyota but they were so god-awful expensive around here. Some of these were already mentioned.
I got a 2.4ltr 89 trooper. Jacked up, has a header, airbags suspension. Just added new 33's.

Downsides-
Guzzles gas. 15 or so freeway (this is due to the giant tires)
Smaller gastank (need jerrycans!)
Common weird issues- dome light goes out, gas gauge never works (I have to go by mileage)
Aftermarket parts will end up costing more than the trooper (because there are none)
Power- I named ours Pokey. She can get most places, she just gets there slow.:elkgrin:

Upsides
I can see everything. There is not a single blind spot.
Space- holy cow, you could fit another vehicle inside of it.
Easy to work on.
Goes just about anywhere.
Mine can crawl. Might be a first generation thing, but it almost feels like a tank. However, going up hills on the highway, it really sucks.
It's simple.
Everybody gives it a second glance I was getting her shoes put on last weekend and had a group of jeepers giving me compliments.

I love my trooper. I hope I can keep it forever :wings:

EDIT!! I can take out the back-seat (which is usually always out anyway) and easily sleep back there. My dad made me a sleep deck (unfinished ATM) but it has enough space to sleep 2 people comfortably (seats forward).

 

[jl8088]

You want to get rid of a 2000 Landcruiser for a Trooper?

If you also have a 1997 80-series LC, i don't see a dire need for a Trooper as it will be pretty redundant. But they're cheap enough where it wouldn't really set you back. They're also very cheap to do a moderate lift.

Even though you're going from a V8 to a V6, i don't think you'll see a drastic increase in mpg. I'm in the 14mpg range with a 50/50 mix of city/hwy.

 

[double moo]

Total thread jack here (many apologies), but that is an awesome tent! What is it?

Oz Tent RV-5 - with peaked side panels.

http://au.oztent.com/

There are a couple threads on here about them - do a search.

 

[agerb]

I have owned both a 90 trooper with the 4cyl 5speed, and two 2002 Trooper S 4x4 auto with the G80 LSD, and a 96 80 series LC with factory lockers. If I had to choose I would go with a later model Trooper, way nicer daily driver than the 80 and more than capable for most off road excursions. I took my 02 troopers many places, both in stock form and after a OME lift, BFG MT's and Independent4x front end treatment. The landcruiser is a tank, and its thirsty like one as well. But if you already have the 80 it is a tough call. Run the #'s, percentage wise and average of 11-13 (Landcruiser) vs 15-17 (Trooper) is not much, and the savings would not be huge. If your 80 is real nice you would bank some money after the swap, which is always nice.

 

[O2Bob]

After owning many different models of Land Cruisers and Toyota pickups over the past 20+ years, in 2003 I added a Dodge 2500 Quad-Cab short bed 6spd Cummins diesel. With 37" tires and good driving habits 17-19 here in Colorado is not too hard. (camper not included) Pile all your gear in the back under a nice cab hight topper put a big ski box or two on top and a small trailer you are at 16+mpg again here in the mountains.

As far as off road it depends on YOUR driving skills. I can get to any place a modified Trooper can and then some. If your driving skills aren't up to it ARB makes lockers for both front and rear. The Cummins will idle up, over and through just about anything you are comfortable doing. The key is ground clearance, approach angle and departure angles when it comes to trucks. Also remember a solid front axel is much better for offroad. With my setup I can adjust what I bring for the kind of excursion I am going on.

I love my Land Crusiers and my rockcrawler Toyota pickup but when it comes to taking everyone and all their gear capacity is always the problem, let alone the fuel milage. Sounds like you are really needing a truck built for offroad/back country. Best of both worlds...:sombrero:

My popup camper setup works very well for 30+ days in the back country, I can even manage 15mpg if driven right but if you need to wheel further in (read tree limbs & more extreme wheelin) I replace the popup camper with my truck topper and I can get just about anywhere I want with great mpg's.

Good Luck!

Robert.

 

[chasespeed]

After owning many different models of Land Cruisers and Toyota pickups over the past 20+ years, in 2003 I added a Dodge 2500 Quad-Cab short bed 6spd Cummins diesel. With 37" tires and good driving habits 17-19 here in Colorado is not too hard. (camper not included) Pile all your gear in the back under a nice cab hight topper put a big ski box or two on top and a small trailer you are at 16+mpg again here in the mountains.

As far as off road it depends on YOUR driving skills. I can get to any place a modified Trooper can and then some. If your driving skills aren't up to it ARB makes lockers for both front and rear. The Cummins will idle up, over and through just about anything you are comfortable doing. The key is ground clearance, approach angle and departure angles when it comes to trucks. Also remember a solid front axel is much better for offroad. With my setup I can adjust what I bring for the kind of excursion I am going on.

I love my Land Crusiers and my rockcrawler Toyota pickup but when it comes to taking everyone and all their gear capacity is always the problem, let alone the fuel milage. Sounds like you are really needing a truck built for offroad/back country. Best of both worlds...:sombrero:

My popup camper setup works very well for 30+ days in the back country, I can even manage 15mpg if driven right but if you need to wheel further in (read tree limbs & more extreme wheelin) I replace the popup camper with my truck topper and I can get just about anywhere I want with great mpg's.

Good Luck!

Robert.

While I drive a cummins as well, pretty well set up... its no where near as ideal as my trooper was. In Colorado, Utah, etc, a full size is fine...

Out here on the east coast... My truck just plain wont fit in a lot of places... a full size is too wide. My driving skills arent in question there. In fact, I am not worried about hammering a fender or 2....

I went up to a full size for capacity, and I find, due to limited opportunities, I am looking for another Trooper.

ANY vehicle in the right hands can get you there, and if you do it right, get you home.

Chase

 

[Wareagle]

FYI, I've had 4 troopers (86, 95, 2001, & 95). I currently have a 2000 land cruiser. The land cruiser has always had better MPG than any of the troopers. I get about 17 MPGs with 285s. The others with 285/33s were about 15.

Also, the later model troopers burn up engines really bad.