I have a 1990 Isuzu Trooper II, 2.6L engine manual tranny. I like it because even with a small engine, it has great low end torque, comes with all three skid plates. both diffs are 4.5 ish and you can fit 31's very easily or bigger without having to lift suspension.

Downside:
Has IFS (independent Front suspension) and will be a limitation for flexing,

What you guys think???

I'll apreciate your opinions!

 

I had a 93 with v6/auto. Very tough little truck, my only reason for getting rid of was the high$ cost parts.

 

I wheeled with a guy with a trooper..stock height and 33s! rubbed a bit but still worked. They seem like awesome little vehicles if you can stand the short bus look of them.

 

I've seen a few with with a solid axle swapped into the front. Very nice looking and you can do it with leafs..

 

Tell me more!!!!!!

 

I'll have to dig for some pics.

But the few I've seen with the swap were done just like the Toy guys do.

Cut all the front suspension parts, weld in leaf hangers and shackle mount use a XJ rear leaf pack (off sets the axle forward). You end up with about 5" lift in the front and a VERY stout base to build on..

 

 

Thanks for the info, If you find any pics, please post them

 

Here's a pic of one I found while googleing..

I have to try and find the one I know of locally to get some pics of it.. But this should give you some idea.

 

And here's a build I found on Pirate4X4

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=225497

 

The isuzu trooper has a very decent rear axle (better than d44) with disk brakes.
There was also a DOHC 3.5L v-6 rated a little over 200 hp, the Isuzu trans/case and the late models have a Larger version of the rear axle called the Corp. 12 bolt.
This axle has 1.5" shafts and a ring gear roughly the size of a D60....and it is a 3rd member design.

 

My wife had a 1998 Trooper, and that thing was a slug up here in CO!! It had a constant lifter tick too, which bugged the living pee-pee out of me!! It seemed like a tough little SUV, but I was never impressed with the engine!! They are boxy as can be, but I think a lift, solid axle, and a set of 33s or 35s would make it look right.

 

94's and up are at the most good for mall crawling. really!

I'm talking about 89 thru 93. Now my idea to keep it on the low consumption side is a 2.8L Turbo Intercooler Diesel Engine. European versions came with it and will be just a simple swap and a new gas tank (and fuel lines of course!)

I dont want much speed, I love tons of torque, will make it a darn good rock crawler

 

here is a Isuzu forum I found alot of info on when I had my Trooper
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/
Lot of good folks there, like on this forum.

 

This is the engine im talking about