Project Yukon Cornelius - my 2002 Isuzu Trooper

[Andy G]

After a lot of looking for a second vehicle to replace our now gone minivan (which I sold for $1800), I managed to get lucky and found a 2002 Trooper w/154k on the clock. LOTS of work done to it by a certified mechanic (including the timing belt!)...anyhow, I brought it home for $1800. Of course, the very next day I had to leave for a week (booooo!) but when I get back it’ll be an oil and filter / transfer case / front and rear axle fluid change party. Also needs new tires, so will be looking for some new shoes for it. Will most likely jump up to 265/70R16’s to replace the 245’s on it now. After that...I’ve got a laundry list of things to start saving for and doing.

So happy I didn’t end up with another soccer-mom-minivan and duper stoked it’s not your typical Michigan Swiss-cheese-mobile, too!

Thus begins my official build thread...!

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[MA_Trooper]

YAAAAAAAASSSSSS. Another Trooper finds it's calling. You can fit some sizable tires in there without a lift, FYI. 256/75/R16 are the max I believe. I stuffed some 265/70 bfgs as my first upgrade before my ome lift. Welcome to the trooper club.

Change the trans fluid every 30k and pray the previous owner did so too.

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[Andy G]

YAAAAAAAASSSSSS. Another Trooper finds it's calling. You can fit some sizable tires in there without a lift, FYI. 256/75/R16 are the max I believe. I stuffed some 265/70 bfgs as my first upgrade before my ome lift. Welcome to the trooper club.

Change the trans fluid every 30k and pray the previous owner did so too.

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Thanks! I’m pricing out some 265’s.

Previous owner did change the tranny fluid and I’m gonna stick to the same schedule.


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[MA_Trooper]

Thanks! I’m pricing out some 265’s.

Previous owner did change the tranny fluid and I’m gonna stick to the same schedule.


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Also, wouldn't hurt to install a small auxillary trans cooler. I rebuilt my trans 3 times before I finally figured out heat was killing it. the radiator doesn't seem to cool it sufficiently on its own. Run from trans to aux cooler then into the radiator then back to trans (the radiator will insure that you reach operating temps in the winter).

 

[Andy G]

Also, wouldn't hurt to install a small auxillary trans cooler. I rebuilt my trans 3 times before I finally figured out heat was killing it. the radiator doesn't seem to cool it sufficiently on its own. Run from trans to aux cooler then into the radiator then back to trans (the radiator will insure that you reach operating temps in the winter).

Thanks for the suggestion- I’m definitely going to install a small cooler. Lemme know what other secrets you’ve got!


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[Corginator]

Nice. I just bought myself a 2002 Trooper with 105K miles on it. Question, what rook rack(rails) system are you using? I've been looking all around and cant seem to find a answer.

 

[Gregory Youngblood]

I used to have a trooper, loved that truck. Wouldn't mind another one.

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[Andy G]

Got new tires mounted up today and absolutely love them!!! Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 265/75R16 - and they are awesome!!!!
Tested out their “snowflake” rating badge right away in this awful snow we’ve been having and am wayyyy more impressed than I expected! Can’t wait to try them out off-road in about 5 months!

Before and after.

Thanks everyone for the size advice!


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