Rebuilding '86

[Savethesquirrels]

I'm going to rebuild a 1986 Trooper II. Anyone have some suggestions for motors, tranny combos, etc? I'm literally going to replace everything, suspension, brakes, exhaust, motor, etc. The body and frame are staying, thats it. What are people using for lift kits? Anyone have any good hook ups on new/rebuilt motors? Any advice/help is appreciated, I'm a complete newb at this.

Mike ([email protected])

[Trooperfreak]

www.4x4wire.com The most comprehensive place I know of for Isuzu mechanical advice.

Go to the Forums and do a search on "86 Trooper swap" or similar.

It depends on what you want to do...The most radical Trooper I've seen can be found here: www.independent4x.com 350 V-8 with Dana 60's or somesuch madness (That website also is a great start for ordering parts and upgrades)

I'm assuming you want to make your Trooper into a monster truck. That old Trooper is meant for light duty 4-wheelin' and you'll be spending some major bucks. The later models ('88 and newer) have upgraded axles and more locker options. Good luck!

If you decide to keep the 4 banger and IFS, let me know...I'll help you with the suspension lift, 2.3 to 2.6 swap, etc.

[Savethesquirrels]

This is far late coming (2 years in fact), but appreciate the info. I'm going to junk that truck soon unfortunately. The brakes finally went. It still runs but it has far too many issues, it's more like a complete rebuild. I found a really good deal on an 84 Chevy Blazer so I'll start with that and come back to Isuzu after I've learned a bit more.

The truck has ran all this time and went from CO to WY a few times.