The Super Trooper Budget Build.- 1999 Isuzu Trooper

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NC-Trooper

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Since I am stuck at work without a whole lot to do I figured I would type up a list of my plans for the Trooper for those of you interested. I am trying to get things that will be removable and universal so if/when Frank dies I am not totally lost.

I'd like to eventually if I have the money and another daily driver I would love to put a Chevy iron block LS drive-train in :sunglasses::sunglasses::sunglasses: and turn this into a real monster rig. My buddy who owns a shop did say he thinks he could do it and he's pretty competent. I'll wait till the tranny dies or something catastrophic though.

Like I have mentioned before it is a budget build so if you have any suggestions on where to find any of the parts or projects I am all ears... well eyes I guess technically since I will be reading it.

Exterior:
Off-road Bumper- real simple with a winch mount like the one in the image of the '95 I attached below.
Front LED Bar
Rear LED Lights
Snorkel
Sliders
Rear Mounted Jerry Cans
Delete the plastic mud guards with rubber flaps.
RTT- I have my little dinky DIY set-up but something more practical would be nice.
Rock Rack- the RTT is kind of dependent on this

Everything Else:
New Radio Headunit
2" Lift
Air Compressor
Camp kitchen setup- just a simple propane camp stove on a folding table
First aid kit- I am accident prone and married to a nurse so this is a must :sweatsmile:
Storage bins
2 Kayaks for me and the Mrs.
camp toilet
CB radio set-up


Eventually I'll need to find a way to get my Rhodesian Ridgeback into the RTT. He's a puppy now so it's not a problem but when he's 100 lbs I'll need a solution.

Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any suggestions on parts, resources, or anything really.
 

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MA_Trooper

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nice build. assuming you already know about indipendant4x.com and rocky-road.com
 

roamingram44

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I know you mentioned stoves and if your like me you like small things to keep you motivated i just picked up a coleman peak stove from walmart (jetboil style stove) and it works amazing and was only 15 bucks.

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NC-Trooper

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I know you mentioned stoves and if your like me you like small things to keep you motivated i just picked up a coleman peak stove from walmart (jetboil style stove) and it works amazing and was only 15 bucks.

Member #4113
I was just looking at I believe the other day. Is that the butane one?


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NC-Trooper

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No it defiantly will and quick i cooked a pound and a half of ground Turkey in 7 minutes on a medium low setting

Member #4113
Dang I definitely will be getting me one! Thanks for the feedback. I checked out your build btw, looks good!


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Updates on the Super Trooper:

It's been running really strong with the exception of a faulty gasket on my oil pan plug, super easy fix.

Here is how she stands this moment. Very dirty [emoji40]



I also am going out the Brown Mountain, NC this weekend to break it in! I am ready to see what this thing can do and what needs improvement. I originally was going to Uwharrie but the crowds of Jeep Jamboree deterred me.

New LED light bar was installed. Kind of a middle of the pack price wise off FleaBay, so we shall see how it holds up. My only complaint a week after install is the switch it came with is really low quality, I'll be switching it out very soon.





I took the time to run all the wiring behind the trim of the interior and it was worth it. If my high school self could see me now! Actually taking the time it do something right... who would've thought?


Huge shout out to my buddies Hunter & Joey at Reliable Automotive Care (shameless plug I know[emoji28]) for helping me out with my ever growing project.


I replaced the old, worn out, stock shocks with Pro-Comp ES3000's. The ride is so much better. It feels 10 years younger.

I am lifting the Trooper 2 inches this weeks so stay tuned for that. [emoji41]

With the lift going I needed to address the notorious CV joint issue Troopers and a lot of other IFS rigs have, so I installed locking hubs on the front. When the rigs is seeing daily driver duty the front will run free and this hopefully reduces if not eliminates wear on the drivetrain components upfront. I'll lock it up when I hit the dirt. I've heard of guys running lift son these 2nd generation Troopers and the CV joints going out after only 200 miles. Yikes.




Really simply to install. Took me about 20 minutes combined for both sides.

Bought some base camp gear. This little Coleman butane stove and some backpacking eating utensils.



Some other things not picturesd are my aluminum folding table, 6 Gallon BPA free water jug, collapsible toilet, tow straps, collapsible shovel and a trusty hatchet.

I got this tow ring on clearance at Walmart for $13. [emoji16] we shall see what it's made of soon enough.




Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment below if you have any feedback or questions. I'm always looking to learn so if you have any suggestion on equipment and gear I should look into let me know.







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NC-Trooper

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No it defiantly will and quick i cooked a pound and a half of ground Turkey in 7 minutes on a medium low setting

Member #4113
I went by and picked up one this weekend. Trying it out this coming weekend. Thanks for the recommendation!


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Since I don't have much going on while I'm waiting for my lift to come in the mail I thought I'd pay homage to my other ride as well as the Jeep that got me into off-roading and eventually over landing.

This is my 2009 Mini Cooper S Turbo. It's tuned with some go fast bits on it. It's quite possibly on the complete opposite side of spectrum from my Trooper.





Here's my old WJ. It was an Inline 6 4.0. I learned a lot from beating on this thing and then trying to fix it myself. The previous owner was not very consistent with maintenance and that eventually led to its demise according to the family mechanic at the time.



It's way prettier than the Trooper!



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Graeman

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Off-Road Ranger I

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Did you ever get that broken bolt out? If not, weld a bolt to the broken stud and then spray the entire area with PB Blaster to loosen the rust that has built up around the bolt. Get a torch to heat up the broken bolt and then put a wrench on to the welded bolt and it will come out.
 

NC-Trooper

US SouthEast Region Member Rep
Launch Member

Member III

3,278
Charlotte
First Name
John
Last Name
Holland
Member #

4197

Did you ever get that broken bolt out? If not, weld a bolt to the broken stud and then spray the entire area with PB Blaster to loosen the rust that has built up around the bolt. Get a torch to heat up the broken bolt and then put a wrench on to the welded bolt and it will come out.

I did actually, I had help from a buddy and he went to town on it with a torch. Thanks for the advice though!






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NC-Trooper

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Charlotte
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What lift did you get?
I misspoke, I technically didn't buy a lift kit. I am cranking the torsion keys to about 2 inches and I'm using 2 inch spacers in the rear. I replaced the stock shocks with Pro Como ES3000 that can accommodate up to a 2 inch lift.


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