Planetisuzoo.com

[stusvend]

Alright. So basically, I have never properly introduced my trooper. I guess because for a while, I really hadn't done much with it.

Basically, I bought this truck because I was getting rid of my Nissan Pathfinder and I did not like the idea of being without some sort of SUV (the "U" always being more important than the "S" for my "V"s). I was selling the Nissan for a smaller, more cost effective DD for my daily commute to work so whatever I got to replace that would be a 3rd, less driven vehicle. Also, I did not have much of a budget. I started checking CL on a daily basis. Coincidentally, when I first started looking, there were quite a number of 1st gens listed (now hardly any). I found my trooper listed at $1200. I went to look at it. It looked pretty rough. I started it. It cranked right up! It idled smooth and even. I took it for a ride. Brakes seemed good. It drove nicely, shifted nicely. I thought, "Hmm.. this might get the job done." I looked underneath. Frame is solid. The underbody looks nice and clean (TN really isn't too hard on cars) But man, it looked ugly. The paint is cracked and faded on the hood. There is surface rust on the front bumper, the panel behind the bumper and on the wipers. There was a pretty ugly crunch where the front driver's side fender meets the door hinges. The door still opened and closed fine but man it looked crappy. There was a big tear in the driver's seat but hey! It had armrests! Cool. Also, the front grille was cracked. Basically, pretty good mechanically. Cosmetically? not so much. Anyways, I talked the guy down to $700 and took it home. I really had just planned on the thing being a beater work truck. Something to tow the boat sometimes and haul crap around with. Well, that's usually about when the bug bites. I found this forum and the rest is history. Thanks guys! ..I think

Here it is the day I brought it home (sorry, all phone pics):

you can see the body damage pretty good in this pic

still rockin' the bald-a--, dry-rotted 28"s and LS wheels


I took the 15"x7" alloys (very similar to snowflakes) off the pathfinder along with the 31"x10.50"s. This is really the only update that was made for a while.

Here is where the LS wheels ended up before being traded in.


Then, I did all the usual and maybe not as usual

-New plugs, plug-wires, hoses, filters, oil (switched to Rotella.. she seems to like it) and she ran better.

-I replaced some gaskets and really went to town cleaning the throttle body.

-Then I put on a new exhaust manifold (thanks to rollintroopers help) because mine was cracked. She definitely liked that and became a different truck almost instantly. Man, these things are really fickle about their airflow. MPG increased significantly too. I think because the O2 sensor was detecting too much oxygen because of the big a$$ crack in the exhaust and the ECU was pumping in more gas to compensate.

-I also swapped in a brand new driver's seat with no rips that a friend gave me. Sweet!

-Then I was lucky enough to come across a blue and silver 88' LS that was being parted out. So I scored a new door, fender and grille. (thanks muttonhead) I had been looking for this for a while and just had to pounce on it. Even though I am painting this truck in the future anyway, it was important to have a matching interior and it didn't hurt to have the exterior match for the meantime either.

Here are some more pics of the dents I had in the fender and door


Retardedly, I have no pics of the replacement parts, but they look the same.. just uhh.. without dents.

Then I got to looking at that rust. I had to do something.

I pulled everything off except for the bumper. One of the bolts holding the bumper on are on there so hard that I broke two socket extentions trying to get it off. That was after lots of heat and PB blaster too. I decided to go with plan B.

I primed and painted everything up there. I decided to pull off the wipers and did those too. I used rustoleum's testured black. I really like the way it came out. I plan on bedlining the lower half of the truck soon anyways so I think this will compliment that well.




before again


And here is the new and improved front. I pulled the bumper ends off too and I really think I am going to leave it like that for now. It's funny. I bought the LS but I'm trending towards a much more rugged look

Ahhh.. much better.

Next step is to do the same treatment to the rear of the truck. I've got a brand new OEM bumper propped up in the closet waiting on standby. I'm going to do the rear wiper blade as well.

I've got a set of 2.5" lift shackles waiting in the wings as well.

After that, I'll start cleaning up the interior and then will come the great tranformation. I have not yet decided whether or not I want to post my picture of the the "vision".

I will come back to this thread to update the progress.

Thanks to everyone on the planet for all their help and friendship. I'm no master mechanic by any means, but I know 100 times more now about my truck (and cars in general) because of this forum. You guys rock! Thanks.
_________________
Matt

88' Trooper LS 2.6L manual "Smokey" & 69' Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser "Sherman"

Smokey's story and build: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=304331#304331

my music: www.myspace.com/mattgreermusic

[btw1549]

I'm glad you have finally started a thread because I really am curious on progress. I can't wait to see more! Good job with the paint work too. It looks really good.
_________________
BtW - 1991 LS Trooper In Progress, Complete Restoration with 3.4L Swap! (The Tank)
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=33157
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028368&id=211501242&l=ee54b89a09
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028932&id=211501242&l=5df63efdaa
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030921&id=211501242&l=d0b01a4d37
RED DRAGONS!

[jeremy_worden]

i have been waiting as well to see what was up.
_________________
1995.5 isuzu rodeo LSD and snowflakes
1988 isuzu trooperII []OlllllllllllllO[] 245-75-R16, yakima load warrior basket, custom rear bumper, and an AUSSIE locker, and AISIN hubs
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3388470

[shooter]

Looks dang good. I've never seen so many people come together towards helping one another; be it in the military or civilian world. This is just fantastic.

super job,
shooter
_________________
1989 Isuzu Trooper S/ 4WD / 2.6 Litre 4 Cyl 4ZE1 / 5-speed Manual (MUA5) / Warn Premium Hubs / Fancy Radio / Deluxe Intermittent Combination Wiper Switch / Applied Date: Jan. 89

I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints

Some people are like Slinkies; they are not good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

[Metal88]

SWEET i finally get to see your progress and write back. looking good that paint looks good
_________________

who needs fake wood on cars to make them look luxurious when you have aluminum diamond plate!
-BRUTAL WAGON's first run-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewQpxCItR2c

[stusvend]

^Thanks guys for taking a look. I really just wanted to document this thing somewhere and what better place than the planet? Everybody has been super awesome on this forum and really kind to newbies and novices such as myself. I joined a couple forums for my new FJ40 and I introduced myself in the new member sections. That was about a month ago and there hasn't been so much as a "hi there" yet. This place is different. We get the occasional butt-plug who comes through with their own agenda but we seem to sniff them out pretty quick (*ahem* retro grille.. *ahem* shooter, you know what I mean ) This really is the BEST resource for an isuzu truck owner. I mean, the available manuals and other resources out there pale in comparison to this place. It makes me kind of *sniff* misty Haha. I really love my truck and it's good to have a hobby and a project but honestly, I probably would have lost interest in it if it weren't for the planet keeping me engaged.

At any rate, back to Smokey. So, after much debate, I have decided to go ahead and reveal my vision as to what I basically want my trooper to end up looking like when I am done. Well, we're never really done but this sums it up pretty well. Some of the details will change and I'm not completely sold on all of the stencil style graphics on the side but it projects the theme. I made this with photoshop. You may recognize the roof rack and the bumper? They came from a picture of nfpgasmask's truck. I anticipate ending up with something that looks different than his but I needed to know what a HD cargo basket and custom bumper would look like. Also notice the placement of the rear view mirrors. Yep, I'm going retro Japanese style. I know engineering wise, it just doesn't make that much sense but screw it, I think it will be cool. Btw suggested I make them motorized and I think that's a pretty good idea. It depends on how the mirrors look though.

Anywho, what do you guys think?

Also, here is another pic that shows a really old easter egg/concept trooper thing (I believe for a different market) that has the forward placed rearview mirrors. Anyone know where I can find some mirrors kind of like that? Basically, I just like when they are on a post.. very rugged looking.

_________________
Matt

88' Trooper LS 2.6L manual "Smokey" & 69' Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser "Sherman"

Smokey's story and build: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=304331#304331

my music: www.myspace.com/mattgreermusic

[btw1549]

Well you already know my opinions, I like it!! Can't wait to see more progress!!
_________________
BtW - 1991 LS Trooper In Progress, Complete Restoration with 3.4L Swap! (The Tank)
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=33157
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028368&id=211501242&l=ee54b89a09
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028932&id=211501242&l=5df63efdaa
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030921&id=211501242&l=d0b01a4d37
RED DRAGONS!

[shooter]

Do it. It would be cool to see a trooper Air Force blue with the yellow lettering. Regarding the mirrors, there's several on ebay if you search against fender mirror. Here's one example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOTA-COROLLA-TE31-TE37-KE70-TE71-TE72-Fender-Mirrors_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27b0b7cbabQQitemZ170468559787QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
_________________
1989 Isuzu Trooper S/ 4WD / 2.6 Litre 4 Cyl 4ZE1 / 5-speed Manual (MUA5) / Warn Premium Hubs / Fancy Radio / Deluxe Intermittent Combination Wiper Switch / Applied Date: Jan. 89

I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints

Some people are like Slinkies; they are not good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

[stusvend]

^Wow, thanks for the link. I'm tempted to snag those up right now. Really good price too. I must excercise restraint though and remember this is a long term project. Those mirrors look awefully similar to the ones in the picture on the blue trooper. Speaking of that blue trooper, I have to believe they were going to build those to compete directly with the 1st gen 4runners with the removable top. The removable top is an attribute that is all but forgotten on SUV's and I think it's time to bring it back.

I've got a thread going on in the general discussion section about opening up the entire roof on the trooper, but that's really a down the road project but I like having my ducks in a row.
_________________
Matt

88' Trooper LS 2.6L manual "Smokey" & 69' Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser "Sherman"

Smokey's story and build: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=304331#304331

my music: www.myspace.com/mattgreermusic

[shooter]

I think you'll be fine on mirrors. Looks like they're easy to run across (famous last words) Just thought I'd nudge you in the right direction. Went to a Pull-A-Part today down in Birmingham to snag you an 86 grille and all else. They had an 85 and 86. The 86 had been hit pretty good in the front and all that stuff was gone. Someone had carefully removed all those items from the 85. Keep my eyes peeled if you want.
_________________
1989 Isuzu Trooper S/ 4WD / 2.6 Litre 4 Cyl 4ZE1 / 5-speed Manual (MUA5) / Warn Premium Hubs / Fancy Radio / Deluxe Intermittent Combination Wiper Switch / Applied Date: Jan. 89

I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints

Some people are like Slinkies; they are not good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

[stusvend]

[nfpgasmask]

I say do it!! It looks like you shrinked down the roof rack a little, eh? The thing is huge. I'm gonna put it back up on top of mine tonight with the help fo my 6'3" brother. Even with me and him it is still brutal to get it up there.

Anyway, yeah, the more custom the better. I'll tell you what, most people don't even recognize my Trooper as a Trooper any more. I've been asked if it is a Jeep ( ) and if is an International. Go figure.

I wonder if you could find actual Japanese Trooper mirrors on one of the Japanese auction sites? Or maybe if JLEMOND could order something like that? No clue, but it would be awesome.

Keep posting your progress. I love build threads.

Bart
_________________
http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/myvx.htm

http://notajeep.blogspot.com/

[stusvend]

Just wanted add a picture of the new fender and door.

the before:


the after:


Much better.

I also went to town cleaning the EGR valve and it idles smoother now. The opening was almost entirely blocked by carbon. Yikes
_________________
Matt

88' Trooper LS 2.6L manual "Smokey" & 69' Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser "Sherman"

Smokey's story and build: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=304331#304331

my music: www.myspace.com/mattgreermusic

[Metal88]

oh you got one of the same color? looks good!
_________________

who needs fake wood on cars to make them look luxurious when you have aluminum diamond plate!
-BRUTAL WAGON's first run-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewQpxCItR2c

[stusvend]

[nfpgasmask]

Awesome. It always feels good to get stuff like that done.

Bart
_________________
http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/myvx.htm

http://notajeep.blogspot.com/

[stusvend]

Okay, this is probably not very interesting to most but it was an epiphany for me. I really only post this for other's information because I have seen other threads posted about a pulsing idle before and this might help you too.


Alright, I "fixed" or ummm.. rigged something up that finally took care of a problem that I have been dealing with since I got this truck. I have long been dealing with the intermittent issue of a "pulsing" idle. It seemed to do it whenever it felt like and completely at random. I would drive along, take my foot off the gas to down shift or slow down to a stop and the idle would "pulse" like 400-500 RPMs. Just, "wwwWUUURrrr.. wwwWUUURrrr.. wwwWUUURrrr.." until I got to a complete stop and then often times it would still idle higher than it should. In addition to this my idle would be inconsistent, and quite honestly, just sit wherever it wanted to. I checked all 10 miles of stupid tiny vacuum hose. I cleaned the EGR system, I went to town cleaning my throttle body. I went nuts on the fuel system/delivery too. Each time, it would be gone for a while but at random would come back. Don't get me wrong, the car was running more even and sounded like it was breathing better after each tuning, but it did not kill my gremlin.

After each repair, fix and adjustment I made, it seemed to instinctively not do it for a while. That must have been oddly timed coincidence though because I finally figured it out and it was beyond simple. I feel like a dunce and a more experienced mechanic probably would know this first but I'm learning as I go. Anyways, I've been driving this thing like crazy lately and it has not even tried to do it at all.

So basically, I was letting it run and I started fooling with the throttle body, manually giving it gas to rev it up. Each time I revved it and let it go, the idle would sound different. I'd go around to look at the tachometer.. "Hmm.. 1200." Do it again.. "Ooookay, 850! WTF?!" Finally, I grabbed the side of the throttle and twisted the post as hard to the right as I could. The idle dropped and sounded even. AHA! The throttle body gates are not seating properly. There is no crud in there. I cleaned all that out. I checked the throttle return spring. It had plenty of tension. It may just be time for a new throttle body but the gates are sort of twisting on their hinge and not seating right so I rigged up another spring to pull the gates into the position I wanted them to stay.

all this time and it was a one dollar spring that fixed it.


I went down to the parts store to get the spring. I saw an ironman edition VX in the parking lot as I was about to leave and I took that as a sign of good fortune. It must have been cause it worked. It makes the pedal a little stiffer but I kind of like the feel it has now.

Also just for grins, a couple other pics of my truck NOT in the driveway.



Like I said, it's cheesy but it might help someone else having idleing issues.
_________________
Matt

88' Trooper LS 2.6L manual "Smokey" & 69' Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser "Sherman"

Smokey's story and build: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=304331#304331

my music: www.myspace.com/mattgreermusic

[Bob w/ a trooper]

Actually Matt, once I get my truck running again (however long that takes) this sounds like it may fix my problem.

Thanks!
_________________
--
Bob

'91 2.6l manual trooper

[btw1549]

The trucks I might be buying have this problem so it might be a fix among other issues! I was looking to see no roof in one of those pictures!!
_________________
BtW - 1991 LS Trooper In Progress, Complete Restoration with 3.4L Swap! (The Tank)
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=33157
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028368&id=211501242&l=ee54b89a09
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028932&id=211501242&l=5df63efdaa
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030921&id=211501242&l=d0b01a4d37
RED DRAGONS!

[stusvend]

ehhhh, its a cheesy trick but it might save somebody some money. i know a lot of folks use their trucks for a DD and might just need to keep it going and dont have the $ for a new throttle body.

oh, and I'm absolutely serious about the open roof but that is after several other projects first. plus I'm still tryin' to get my ducks in a row on that one. I've started working on the interior though. I'm trying to knock out things on the cheap right now. plus I just put a new brake booster on the land cruiser and I'm about to buy a power steering conversion for it as well. God these trucks keep my pockets lighter but i do love them so.
_________________
Matt

88' Trooper LS 2.6L manual "Smokey" & 69' Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser "Sherman"

Smokey's story and build: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=304331#304331

my music: www.myspace.com/mattgreermusic

[btw1549]

[Metal88]

its a good little trick that has to be kept in mind
_________________

who needs fake wood on cars to make them look luxurious when you have aluminum diamond plate!
-BRUTAL WAGON's first run-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewQpxCItR2c

[btw1549]

I popped open one of the hoods on one of the 4 cyl troopers I just bought and low and behold there was an extra spring already installed where you installed yours. He must not have liked the pedal either.

It's a shame though because if he had been more involved with oil changes and shutting off the truck when there was no oil pressure the truck might still be on the road!
_________________
BtW - 1991 LS Trooper In Progress, Complete Restoration with 3.4L Swap! (The Tank)
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=33157
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028368&id=211501242&l=ee54b89a09
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028932&id=211501242&l=5df63efdaa
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030921&id=211501242&l=d0b01a4d37
RED DRAGONS!

[stusvend]

[stusvend]

Went to pull-a-part this weekend. Had a good little time.. found some goodies

I yanked this out of an 86' LS they had in the yard (which had the rear split seats by the way.. tan interior.. very nice)


I know that 88' wasnt the year it won the award but I dont care. It looks cooler than a blank piece of plastic.

Here it is installed. You just pull the old panel off and this pops right back in the same spot.


There are a couple other goodies that I saw out in the parts yard that I am going back for. I needed more time and a few tools I didnt have with me.

I just brought a small little took kit cause this is the reason I went. I know I just replaced and painted my front grille but I've been wanting one of these since the get-go so for $30 bucks, who can argue? That included the grille, the lights, the brackets and all the necessary connectors (I got the male and female parts).


I haven't had time to install it yet. Hopefully i will be able to do that by this coming weekend but who knows..

Oh and this is stupid but look at the keychain I got. Hehe.. retarded I know, but "smokey" has to represent you know?

You can see that the dog is just beside himself with excitement
_________________
Matt

88' Trooper LS 2.6L manual "Smokey" & 69' Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser "Sherman"

Smokey's story and build: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=304331#304331

my music: www.myspace.com/mattgreermusic