Zaphod's Mod Thread...

Zaphod

Adventurer
Roger that. I figure if I need to lift later I can always get OME springs and torsion bars and go to town. :)

BTW, are these the shocks you mean? Aside from the others I linked above, these are the only OME shocks I can find on their website.

If they aren't, could you throw me a link, please?
 
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bigreen505

Expedition Leader
There's only one shock, but each vehicle application is tweaked.

If you are running a completely stock suspension and don't plan to change the Rancho 9000x shocks are very nice and allow you to adjust the stiffness to suit changing loads and conditions. I never thought that was necessary, but I have to admit that I enjoy the ability, especially when travelling over washboard roads with an empty truck. Unfortunately if you are tweaking your suspension, either OME springs or the type of front suspension mods like the ExWest Trooper, there is no Rancho application -- the 99214 does not have enough extension and the 99136 does not have enough compression. The result in either case is blown seals. The OME and ProComps have the same compression as the short Rancho with the same extension of the tall Rancho, but it seems that the Pro Comp's may not be stiff enough, even though they seem too stiff on almost every vehicle. I guess it has something to do with the way the suspension works.

You might also look into Blistein 5100. There is an application that works for the Trooper, but that is all I know about them.
 

bigreen505

Expedition Leader
I should probably clarify my comment. There is at least a firm and medium, though at least one retailer sells a comfort version, but that might just be what they call the medium. I just meant that the OME Nitrocharger shocks are what you are looking for.
 

Zaphod

Adventurer
Okay, so we're looking at OME Nitrochargers in Firm.

What would I notice different on standard roads over the existing stock (and with 80K miles) shocks?

I assume I would have much less bounce off-road.

Sigh.... I'm never going to be done with this thing. :Mechanic:
 

Scott Brady

Founder
The truck will be transformed, both off-road and on.

Less pitch and sway and better handling overall. Best modification I have done to my trooper, period.
 

datrupr

Expedition Leader
bigreen505 said:
This is a silly question, but what exactly is stock height? I measure about 18.75" from the top of the stock Isuzu hub to the bottom of the fender flare with a reasonable load (gear, not people) with the 919 springs.


Bill, I do not know for sure what the stock height is, but the stock ground clearance (measuring from the ground to the lowest point under the truck, ususally the rear diff but in the Troopers case the bottom of the rear mud flap, though only about an 1/8" difference) is about 9.5" (to the bottom of the rear diff). When I added the 265/75's my clearance went up to about 10.75". I don't know if this helps you out at all though.
 

blupaddler

Conspirator
How do you like your Alpine? You can control the Ipod through the deck itself correct? I want one, you just don't know what to expect, since you can't "test" drive them in the stores.


I have been looking at this model lately. Or it might be the 9857 model. I think the price was around $199 or so.


BTW...Nice Trooper.
:rally_guys:
 

Zaphod

Adventurer
Thanks. :)

Yes, this unit controls the iPod directly from the head unit face plate. Previously, I had a model with the touch bar across the bottom. AVOID THAT FEATURE LIKE THE PLAGUE. It is UTTERLY UNUSEABLE, and controlling an iPod with it is COMPLETELY impossible while retaining your sanity. In fact, since it is SO user-unfriendly and annoying, it is extremely distracting and thus DANGEROUS. Modifying something as simple as bass level requires a GD bachelor's degree. :mad:

This model uses the volume knob much like the touch control of the iPod itself. MUCH better. The bass and treble controls are also easy to get to. Of course, I STILL do not understand ****** Alpine insists that the Mix mode be turned off before you can access any playlists on the iPod. :rolleyes:

Sure, the controls could be a bit more intuitive, but they are infinitely better than that other POS Alpine model I had. My only other gripe is that I can't change the button color from blue to green, or turn down the brightness enough.


ETA: BTW, anyone know where I can get a replacement Winter/Power switch? I just broke the plastic extension on the back of the Power button while trying to get the switch assembly out to replace a blown LED. Krazy glue sucks, and QuikSteel didn't help, either. I'm quite upset. :mad:
 
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datrupr

Expedition Leader
Zaphod said:
ETA: BTW, anyone know where I can get a replacement Winter/Power switch? I just broke the plastic extension on the back of the Power button while trying to get the switch assembly out to replace a blown LED. Krazy glue sucks, and QuikSteel didn't help, either. I'm quite upset. :mad:

Call St. Charles Isuzu. You can find contact information on Plantetisuzoo.com. They do give discounts for members of that forum, and if they don't have it, they will get it for you.
 

Zaphod

Adventurer
Some pics as promised:

The Calmini Cone Air Filter (I'll be getting one of those heat shields soon enough.):

IMG_0672.JPG


The engine compartment, showing the Optima Yellowtop Deep Cell:

IMG_0673.JPG


Detail of the battery, included to show that I had to drill a hole in the bracket holding the battery so I could secure it properly. The hole in question is the one on the terminal side of the battery (away from the camera), and in which you see the threaded rod coming oup and being held by the nut. The mount to the frame is stock, and the direction of the closest rod in the picture was adjusted to provide more strength. The mount is rock-solid. The battery isn't going anywhere:

IMG_0674.JPG


Since we were discussion dashboards, here is mine so far. Please excuse the super-sexy skin-shot on the left side. ;)

The empty slot is where the CB will go (I may very well buy that Cobra we were discussing and just sell the Midland I have.). The voltmeter (right) works fine, but I haven't hooked up the pressure line yet (because I don't know how, frankly). All in good time. The power port (blow the stock cigarette lighter port) works fine. I'll eventually be installing another one in the cargo bay. The Alpine speaks for itself:

IMG_0676.JPG


Here is a closeup of my Valentine 1 remote display. It required me to drill a hole in the back of the pocket to let the wire through, but after that the display fits perfectly with friction only. I should point out that, for me anyway, the arrow display is PRECISELY behind the damned steering wheel from my line of sight, so I have to tilt my head one way or the other to see it when it goes off. Annoying, but definitely a clean install. I'm running it as-is to see if I can get used to it or if I find a better place for it later. If I choose to move it, it will be interesting to see what I do with this otherwise USELESS little pocket.

The two empty slots to the right of the stock foglight switch will eventually hold factory foglight switches controlling the lights I will eventually install on the front bumper and cargo rack:

IMG_0677.JPG


Just for general interest, this shot shows the lock I purchased and installed for my spare tire. The tire is held on by three bolts driven backwards through the mount so I can just use lugnuts to hold it on. The lock has a back piece that threads through a hole that must have been meant specifically for this use, and the keyed front portion screws onto the back. With my oversize tires, installing the rear part is a bit of a pain, but getting the tire off (assuming you have the key, of course) is a snap. Highly recommended:

IMG_0678.JPG


Finally, this is how I mounted my fire extinguisher way back when. The mount came with the extinguisher, and it's held on with two toggle bolts driven through the plastic of the cabin. Rock-solid and, as datrupr said in his thread, a perfect space that would otherwise be wasted:

IMG_0680.JPG


Enjoy! :)
 
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