Isuzu npr 4wd
- Thread starter gator70
- Start date
We have discussed many options. Each has a pros and cons. The thick cable is based on load, distance and heat build up.
About expedition vehicle platforms.
Opinions?
Cab over versus pickup truck layout with engine in front of driver.
Next
Longer wheelbase versus large overhang behind the rear axle.
Finally
Higher GVWR capacity versus trailer
Opinions on tire size?
37's versus 41's
Opinions on wheel type?
Steel versus Aluminum
Opinions?
Cab over versus pickup truck layout with engine in front of driver.
Next
Longer wheelbase versus large overhang behind the rear axle.
Finally
Higher GVWR capacity versus trailer
Opinions on tire size?
37's versus 41's
Opinions on wheel type?
Steel versus Aluminum
It's like a fun discussion - While I wait (a month to wait until the next steps)
SootyCamper
Active member
About expedition vehicle platforms.
Opinions?
Cab over versus pickup truck layout with engine in front of driver.
only pros to American trucks is power/speed
Next
Longer wheelbase versus large overhang behind the rear axle.
Both limit trail performance, keep as short as possible (COE wins again here)
Finally
Higher GVWR capacity versus trailer
Crossing borders with trailers is a significant pain in the plums.
Opinions on tire size?
Smaller tires are more available, try sourcing an MPT in Baja or outside major city centers.
37's versus 41's
37's
Opinions on wheel type?
Steel versus Aluminum
Steel are at least field/remote location repairable
Opinions?
Cab over versus pickup truck layout with engine in front of driver.
only pros to American trucks is power/speed
Next
Longer wheelbase versus large overhang behind the rear axle.
Both limit trail performance, keep as short as possible (COE wins again here)
Finally
Higher GVWR capacity versus trailer
Crossing borders with trailers is a significant pain in the plums.
Opinions on tire size?
Smaller tires are more available, try sourcing an MPT in Baja or outside major city centers.
37's versus 41's
37's
Opinions on wheel type?
Steel versus Aluminum
Steel are at least field/remote location repairable
When evaluating the truck to choose. I decided against anything with "air brakes"
I did not want the American pickup design "engine in front of driver"
I love diesels, but California hates them.
The engine and transmission should be SO COMMON, that parts can be found almost anywhere.
And HP should not be 150-200. I need something more.
58 mph top speed was too slow. So 68mph should be available with axle ratios for 4x4 driving.
Most important of all; How Super singles could be sourced and and how much money would that cost.
I did not want the American pickup design "engine in front of driver"
I love diesels, but California hates them.
The engine and transmission should be SO COMMON, that parts can be found almost anywhere.
And HP should not be 150-200. I need something more.
58 mph top speed was too slow. So 68mph should be available with axle ratios for 4x4 driving.
Most important of all; How Super singles could be sourced and and how much money would that cost.
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Spare tire decisions.
I have one spare mounted on a swing-a-way carrier.
(we have the tire mounting disk - will wait until I am in possession of the rim, before welding in place)
However I see some rigs with two spare tires.
What is the opinion?
Is there some compromise ?
(in progress pic below - boat winch will be mounted on top)
I have one spare mounted on a swing-a-way carrier.
(we have the tire mounting disk - will wait until I am in possession of the rim, before welding in place)
However I see some rigs with two spare tires.
What is the opinion?
Is there some compromise ?
(in progress pic below - boat winch will be mounted on top)
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Auxiliary fresh water water tank planned.
My water tanks are inside the habitat for a four season design.
The rear bumper mounting leaves a sizeable available opening, about truck frame width by 20 inches deep. due to space under the rear storage box.
I will hang a spare freshwater tank there, truck frame width, by 12 inches long, 18 inches deep.
Time to engineer a spring mounting bracket design.
My water tanks are inside the habitat for a four season design.
The rear bumper mounting leaves a sizeable available opening, about truck frame width by 20 inches deep. due to space under the rear storage box.
I will hang a spare freshwater tank there, truck frame width, by 12 inches long, 18 inches deep.
Time to engineer a spring mounting bracket design.
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I'm not not sure why I, this far into my build decided to look at this forum, but I did a 4wd isuzu and could give you some good recomendations on what to not do. I saw you were looking at 41 vs 37s. I have 40s, and am considering going down to 35. 40s are mostly mud, and are loud AF, and make it crazy high. Also, if you're in lets say mexico, good luck finding a 41 locally. As far as spare tire, make sure you have a good way to get it up there. I used a HF winch on mine and it works great.
For the 4wd conversion, I highly do not suggest doing what I did. Dana 60 front, 80 rear, a 5.38 ratio, and an atlas transfer case. Mine is the gas, which is the vortec v8 with a 4l90 transmission so it was pretty easy to mate, but still a huge pain. Oh, and I did 4 link with coilovers instead of the leaf springs. Also do not suggest. It's cool not but it's a huge pain to get set up correctly.
For the 4wd conversion, I highly do not suggest doing what I did. Dana 60 front, 80 rear, a 5.38 ratio, and an atlas transfer case. Mine is the gas, which is the vortec v8 with a 4l90 transmission so it was pretty easy to mate, but still a huge pain. Oh, and I did 4 link with coilovers instead of the leaf springs. Also do not suggest. It's cool not but it's a huge pain to get set up correctly.
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I'm not sure why you'd put the tanks on the inside, that is valuable space. Mine has 2 tanks, 35 gallons on each side and they're linked. They're insulated, and have heating pads to keep them from freezing. The other benefit to this is having a good balance, and the water keeps the center of gravity low. Having a ton of water sloshing around above the frame doesn't seem great. I put a valve between the tanks too, so in the summer, I can park where one side gets full sun and the other is in the shade. If I want a cold shower, I can just flip the valve to pull from the shade side. Want it hot, reverse it.
SootyCamper
Active member
Some folks like winter, and want to enjoy Alaska in the winter. Those heating pads won't keep up with 24hrs of -20 degrees. I agree though, that having the tanks inside is pretty significant design commitment.
I considered doing tanks in the back seat since it's empty but I'll never be in -20 on purpose