Keeping the Isuzu revoultion going...

[bootzilla]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to say hey. I just bought an '02 Trooper, and in looking for off-road info on them, I came across Scott's Trooper, and he made sure I checked out the forum.

http://s90427806.onlinehome.us/freelander/Trooper2.jpg

I can't wait to get started - I am going to do manual hubs, I am changing the radio, so I will swap out the CD Changer for a CB, and I am going to mod the center diff to make it electronically lockable in 4-Hi.

After that comes the wish list (in this order): Tires, Rock Sliders, OME lift, then when I win the lottery a front Air Locker (maybe a bumper too if I win big).

Two questions for everyone - is there a place where I could find a set of 5-spokes cheap for off-road tires?

The second - I saw a few threads talking about sliders - I am trying to find it, but at one point I saw someone who had designed a semi-bolt-on slider. He welded small mounting flanges on the frame, then had a slick-looking bar that bolted to the flanges, making them easy to remove/repair/replace. Not a true bolt-on, but there was a minimum of welding to the frame involved. Anyone know where to find plans for a design like that??

Thanks!

[datrupr]

Todd, welcome! :luxhello: Congrats on your purchase, you made a wise choice:clapsmile . With the '02 you should not have the oil usage issue, but the same great motor. As far as five spoke wheels I would try Ebay, I see OEM Isuzu 5 spokes on there all the time, and usually for a pretty good price. I just can't seem to find my particular wheels, bummer:( Get rid of the CD changer before it gives up on you, and you can sell it on Ebay for a decent amount of money. I think the sliders you are talking about are available at Shrockworks (http://www.shrockworks.com/isubars.htm) or Independant4x (http://independent4x.com/item.jhtml?UCIDs=839915%7C1271660&PRID=1415543), but I am not sure. Go to my thread (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178)and on there somewhere there is talk about sliders. It will be fun to watch you build your Trooper. Manual hubs are also coming up for my Trooper very soon. I need new tires first, then the OME expedition heavy suspension (http://www.rocky-road.com/trooper.html).

[BajaTaco]

Welcome to the forum Todd :beer:

Nice trooper! Your plans sound great.

Sorry I can't help with you questions.

[bootzilla]

Thanks guys :jumping:

I've got plenty of experience working on Troopers - my dad has owned nothing but Troopers for 20 years (an '86, a '94, and currently a '98) so hopefully I can be of help, too.

I do have a question about the OME - is there any on-street difference between the meduim duty, heavy duty and expedition duty kits? I would assume that the spring rates and the shocks are a bit more firm on the heavier-duty kits, but does it start to degrade the on-road ride with the heavier kits?

Thanks

[Scott Brady]

The OME 912 (medium) will give the best ride. Heavy is better for camping loads.

Go with the firm shocks regardless. Best overall ride and control :)

Glad to see you on the forum!

[CLynn85]

Welcome! Another mid-antlantic member as well!

[Zaphod]

Welcome to the nuthouse and the addiction! :jump: