Introduction, with some questions!

Hello to everyone! :) I'm the new owner of an 02' Rodeo S 2x4 with 32K on it. Just wanted to introduce myself to everyone, as I will probably be checking in from time to time just to try and help and/or get help. I am pretty mechanically inclined, though mostly with older cars and mostly with Chevy's.
Few questions on the Rodeo:

1) How successful have you been at having the dealers fix the thumping slip yoke issue? (i'm going in next wed, and it's supposedly going to be covered under remaining warranty)

2) How often should I change the tranny fluid? I usually go 50K, but that's because I'm changing the filter as well. Just flushing I feel like I should go every 30K.

3) I've noticed some posts about wheel bearings. I think (by looking through the wheels) that I'm going to need new front brakes in about 5K but haven't inspected real well yet. When I do this, I will obviously be turning the rotors, and would like to repack the bearings. I've noticed some posts that say 2002 is different from previous years, and I imagine that the 4x2's are different than the 4x4's. Can anyone shed some light on this for me for the future?

4) How often do I need to change the spark plugs? And only use Denso?

5) I'm new to timing belts (i know, i know...). What is interference? How often do I need to change (I was thinking at either 60 or 80)? I've been told they're a pretty easy part to change as long as you make sure you line the gears back up correctly. Any info would be helpful!

Sorry for the long post!! Thanks in advance for any help, and I look forward to contributing.
Tom

Welcome to the family! I too was a long time chevy driver before purchasing my 2000 Amigo.

1. I have the thump too. I took it in with about 12k on it and was told it was normal. Whatever. Then at about 44k I took it in and had the deal repack it for 50 bucks. 2wks later, it was back. I recently replaced my shocks (at 53k) and it has helped bit to keep the nose down while taking off and keeping the the thump away. I would highly recomend replacing your OEM shocks: my write up here:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=261383&highlight=shock

2. I flush my every 25k-30k and I'm planning on replacing the tranny filter at about 80k.

3. I would be surprised if you need new brakes. Most Isuzu have been going about 60k-80k and my dealer told me this too. If you do replace the brakes make sure you OEM pads, non oem pads tend to squeal on the isuzu rotors. As for the bearing I guess the 2x4 are easier to repack then then 4x4, me dealer charged me 70 bucks for my 2x4, and they said that the 4x4 cost was 140. For 70 bucks I think it was worth it (I repacked at 52k).

4. I'm planning on replacing my plugs this fall, 50-60k is enuff for plugs in an aluminin block (I think). And yes stick with Denso.

5. Interference. You really don't have to worry about it, but what happens in an interference engine is when the timing belt snaps the pistons slam into the valves and bend them (about 2.5-3k to fix for a Honda). As for when the change, If you don't tow or offroad most folks have been going about 90-100k. And thoes who have done this say that the belt they took off still looked to be in good shape. I can't say that I have heard of any (well I can think of one offroader) who have snaped the tbelt.

You can find a ton more info and fixes and how to in the FAQ link below

-Ryan