2000 Isuzu Trooper Build

[AlabamaOverland]

This is the start of my Trooper build. I will update with pictures as I add new stuff.

I am starting with a stock 2000 Green Isuzu Trooper S.

I have all new shocks to put on and rear Jeep coils for a 2" lift and a torsion bar crank.

Next is ordering tires. I am going with the Falken Wildpeak at3w's in either a 238/85r16 10 ply or a 265/75r16 4 ply. I am still determining which will be better for me.

I will also be building steel front and rear bumpers.

Here is a picture after the first trail run with old street tires. The trooper did well and seemed very capable. I am excited to make it look and function to its full potential.


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[rmerron]

Awesome


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[MA_Trooper]

Nice. I love my trooper. Please tell me you found one with a manual trans... lol

 

[TGF]

Building your own bumpers - I hope you'll document that for us. Should be an interesting fabrication process.

 

[AlabamaOverland]

I will document everything. The company I used to work for allows me to come and use their fabrication equipment and get some help by one of the fabricators.

Mine is an Automatic:/ But it has a new rebuilt transmission.

 

[MA_Trooper]

I have the auto too. Been rebuilt 3 times in the last 2 years. Watch out for the pumps. Had a hard time finding one that wouldn't fail. Not a good trans for this vehicle. I will be swapping in a manual when it goes out again.

 

[AlabamaOverland]

I hope I will have better luck than you! haha I know it is pretty weak though. I like the idea of a manual, but can't commit for my daily driver with traffic.

 

[MA_Trooper]

I hope I will have better luck than you! haha I know it is pretty weak though. I like the idea of a manual, but can't commit for my daily driver with traffic.

I hear that, I drive in Austin traffic everyday. It's a nightmare. But I just need a trans that doesn't cost me a grand to keep going every year.

 

[AlabamaOverland]

I hear that, I drive in Austin traffic everyday. It's a nightmare. But I just need a trans that doesn't cost me a grand to keep going every year.

Chris,

This might be a good option if you have more problems. They have options for 1 year warranty and 5 year for twice as much.

http://www.carmonkeys.com/2000-ISUZU-ISUZU-TROOPER-Transmission-Transaxle-Automatic-Transmission-4x4-5-Years-Warranty

Also, what does your Trooper look like? I haven't been able to find any pictures.

 

[ZuLander]

Building your own bumpers - I hope you'll document that for us. Should be an interesting fabrication process.

Made mine from 8" C channel. And it's proven itself with that winch in an emergency recovery!

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[ZuLander]

I hear that, I drive in Austin traffic everyday. It's a nightmare. But I just need a trans that doesn't cost me a grand to keep going every year.

I avoid that Austin traffic as much as I can! (San Marcos here) but I do love my manual '95 Trooper!


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[MA_Trooper]

I avoid that Austin traffic as much as I can! (San Marcos here) but I do love my manual '95 Trooper!


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Mike! You're here! haha. We still need to get the CTX Troopers together before I leave Austin.

 

[ZuLander]

Mike! You're here! haha. We still need to get the CTX Troopers together before I leave Austin.

Yessir!!! We've got a busy few weeks ahead with various stuff, but hoping for a meet n greet before my CO trip mid-June.


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[TGF]

Made mine from 8" C channel. And it's proven itself with that winch in an emergency recovery!

Looks good too!

 

[AlabamaOverland]

Gonna be changing the shocks and transmission sensors on the trooper tonight. Tires (265/75r16 Falken AT3W's) are in the mail. They will go on with a 2" lift. It might could use a cleaning too[emoji12]


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[UplandEric]

I'm following your build thread as hearing someone building a Trooper is close to my heart. My outdoor camping travels, now defined as overlanding, started in a 1986 trooper and then a 96'. I wish I would of had the ability to keep both of them. My 86' was mostly stock but I did do some mods to the 96 to make it more usable off road. It was kind of a sleeper as though it was taller, wider, and difflocked it didn't look it until I parked next too a normal one. One thing I would highly recommend is manual front hubs. My 96' was a shift on the fly which meant all the front drive was spinning all the time, just a blot plate under the decorative center cap. Installing manual hubs gave me 1 more mile per gal on the highway, seemed more nimble in 2wd, and didn't wear everything out so fast.

Anyway, keep the updates coming and thanks for sharing.

 

[AlabamaOverland]

Thanks man! Sweet troopers! Manual hubs are about to be ordered as well.


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[AlabamaOverland]

I got my mechanic friend to help me tonight. It shifts and rides 10 times better!


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[ZuLander]

Yup. Manual hubs are the way to go. That's the first thing I did on my 95 about 7 years ago.


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[AlabamaOverland]

Got my tires in a few days ago. They look really cool. I just have to get some manual hubs and I will get them on and lift it 2".

The other night when I got home, I lost my brakes. Looked and there is brake fluid on my passenger front tire. I think it is the wheel cylinder. Just one more thing to do... [emoji53]


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