Expedition Portal - Expedition Vehicles: Other http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/ Isuzu, Suzuki, Cross-over Vehicles, etc. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:41:08 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png Expedition Portal - Expedition Vehicles: Other http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/ LET ME SEE YOUR WAR RIG!!! http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112343-LET-ME-SEE-YOUR-WAR-RIG!!!?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:36:00 GMT Think this may make a cool sticky, and I know we have a lot of veterans on here..including the founder. Keep OPSEC in mind.
This was the last MRAP that I was signed for. To be honest, this wasn't a great rig but the armor (note the doors) at this point in the war was impressive to say the least.

]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other REMOTEPLACES http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112343-LET-ME-SEE-YOUR-WAR-RIG!!! amigo build/restore http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112336-amigo-build-restore?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:21:02 GMT Gonna start on my 94 amigo today, she's really been neglected. First off, time up, oil change , sensors and catalytic converter. Then chasing down all the other neglected maint issues, eventually use like to lift it two inches, lock the rear, and I work inna fabrication shop,so I'll make bumpers and sliders , so far that's the plan, a small expo rig for me and my five ur old ]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other Gregz http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112336-amigo-build-restore $500 amigo http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112311-500-amigo?goto=newpost Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:28:20 GMT Just got a 94 amigo with 140k onnit for 500 poor things been beat, but it handles and rides like it should , the fwd works Just got a 94 amigo with 140k onnit for 500 poor things been beat, but it handles and rides like it should , the fwd works ]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other Gregz http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112311-500-amigo <![CDATA[LJinLA's '94 Expedition Trooper]]> http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112306-LJinLA-s-94-Expedition-Trooper?goto=newpost Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:08:17 GMT I bought this 5-spd 94 Trooper with 202K miles a couple of days ago for $1,500. Here are a few pictures I took yesterday: Attachment 166997 (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=166997)Attachment 166998... I bought this 5-spd 94 Trooper with 202K miles a couple of days ago for $1,500. Here are a few pictures I took yesterday:

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The truck appears to have been well maintained mechanically and starts and drives strong. It is also completely rust-free, having been a California truck all its life. I plan to use this Trooper mainly for expedition-like travel, camping, etc. There will probably be some mild off-roading when traveling to reach campsites through poorly maintained paths/roads, but I do not intend to do any off-roading for its own sake at this point. I'll build a light wooden storage/sleeping platform which will add a bit (not in a major way) to the truck's weight.

I'd much appreciate all the advice I can get on the following:

1) Tires don't have a whole lot of meat left and will have to be replaced soon. Initially I was thinking of going for 33x10.5x15s, but that's probably not a very good choice because I need to keep fuel consumption down since I'll be driving over long distances. If you look at the pictures, the truck right now has 16" American Racing wheels (I have no idea as to what width/backspacing) with 235/75s in front and 245/75s on the rear axle.
What would a good value tire for my purposes be? I would like to keep the truck as stock as possible. It handles really well as is, so perhaps it would be a good idea to keep the suspension as is (I think it is stock, but I'm not sure whether the truck has been slightly lifted, probably not). Should I go for 265/75s (31.5x10.5s) - which would improve off roading a bit - or would that hurt mileage noticeably making 245/75s (30.5x9.5s) or even 235/75s (30x9.25) a better choice for maintaining a good mpg value? To me mileage economy is more important than off road performance/looks, but if 265/75s won't hurt mileage that much, they might be the way to go. I think that a taller tire that is not necessarily wider or substantially heavier than a shorter one might actually help fuel economy. I need to get some input in this sense from your practical experience of it.
Also there is the question of tire price and durability (I'm on a pretty tight budget for now), so I'd really welcome some good advice here as to what brand/size you think it would be best, all considered, for my purposes.

2) The paint on the hood and on the top of the truck looks pretty bad (much worse than viewable in the pictures), baked by the California sun. I am thinking of painting all truck with Rustoleum (it can be done with a brush). I've seen a few vehicles painted this way and they don't look bad at all, plus the paint can be retouched very easily to fix scratches as needed..besides being a very low-cost solution. Does anyone here have any experience with using Rustoleum to paint their vehicles? This will be the very first vehicle I attempt to paint, so again some good advice would be great.

3) The driver's seat has a large hole in it and needs to be repaired (if at all possible) or replaced. If you know of any information available on doing this, please let me know. I have absolutely no experience in doing this sort of thing, either.

4) Maintenance procedures. I'll be doing all maintenance for this truck myself and I wonder if there are good maintenance resources online for the 2nd gen Troopers? I'll eventually get the repair manual for my truck (I've seen it sells for $160 new), but I'd rather wait for the chance of buying it used. I've seen them pop up on CL from time to time.

5) Stuff that is advisable I start getting for the truck, useful tools/stuff specific to this model but also general stuff and anything you feel suggesting here that comes to mind.

I look forward to learn a whole lot from your posts and to also contribute my own experience here in the hope that it will be useful to others.

Paul
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]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other LJinLA http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112306-LJinLA-s-94-Expedition-Trooper <![CDATA[Rear cargo area idea's...]]> http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112303-Rear-cargo-area-idea-s?goto=newpost Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:17:23 GMT Just a repository for now. :) Attachment 166984 (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=166984) Attachment 166985 (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=166985) Attachment 166986... Just a repository for now. :)

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]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other BIGdaddy http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112303-Rear-cargo-area-idea-s <![CDATA[Holden Jackaroo's (Aussie badged Troopers) come with 3rd row folding seats...]]> http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112285-Holden-Jackaroo-s-(Aussie-badged-Troopers)-come-with-3rd-row-folding-seats?goto=newpost Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:29:07 GMT Anyone looked into fitting them to an Isuzu trooper?

I LOVE the idea of my rig being able to haul 7 just like a landcruiser.

I'm aware that fitting them would possibly bring some liability as the trooper was never sold as a 7 seater here. That being said, if the chassis' are in fact the same I wonder if hiding under the carpet in the cargo area, there are some beautiful little mounting holes hiding...

stowed forward facing jump seat:
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Both sides stowed, with detail of floor catches. Looks like a robust assembly.
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]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other BIGdaddy http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112285-Holden-Jackaroo-s-(Aussie-badged-Troopers)-come-with-3rd-row-folding-seats 1984 w123 mercedes benz 300d expedition vehicle http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112149-1984-w123-mercedes-benz-300d-expedition-vehicle?goto=newpost Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:53:48 GMT Howdy, So I am beefing up my benz- prepping it for onroad/offroad missions long and short. eventually patagonia. Already hooning Attachment 166207 (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=166207) Attachment 166197... Howdy,

So I am beefing up my benz- prepping it for onroad/offroad missions long and short. eventually patagonia.

Already hooning photo 1-9.jpg 7A943F15-2283-4D0A-AE59-0F88AC86C5EA.jpegScreen Shot 2013-04-30 at 20.06.21.jpgtumblr_mnyt6eO9AN1rprwkso1_500.jpgtumblr_mo3sxsmMB11rprwkso1_500.jpgtumblr_mo3t0kKhqP1rprwkso1_500.jpgphoto-8.jpgphoto-7.jpg
offroad around california and mexico and have lifted it 3-4 inches, added a skidplate and it drives pretty damn nice. Could use some more lift and I want to change the wheels.

I'm looking for advice and parts.

In terms of parts-

-A limited slip differential. !!!

-15/16 inch steelies (mine are 14)- I can run hub adapters- so if anybody has chevy toyota/ jeep whatever wheels+tires, that would work too

-a radiator skid plate (might just fab this)

-Mercedes hubcentric wheel spacers w/bolts (secondhand priced? I'm broke!)

-some help with fabricating a 2 inch hitch receiver. (I want to take a montesa 315r on a hitch hauler around with me :-)

-Euro bumpers (particularly for the rear, so I can have the 2 inch receiver closer to the car and have less leverage working against me)

-a bullbar, maybe.

-Non-egr intake/exhaust.

-also, I have an inverter, and I'm thinking about adding a second battery to run it off and would love some help figuring out how to optimally daisy-chain the batteries.

More photos & videos coming soon! Thanks.

P.S. (Suspension work done by friend and amazing independent mercedes master, John in Altadena (jmr000 (at) gmail (dot) com )

Thanks thanks thanks

Excited to learn some stuff from you guys. I live in Santa Monica. If any independent/coil suspension gurus are in the hood, please let get in touch and let me buy you beers and ask you questions about suspension!!

(-8

P.P.S. I've done some other expedition stuff in the past, like riding a $500 motorcycle from London to Nigeria (here): http://cameronsmithphoto.blogspot.co...e-are.html?m=1
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]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other amockalypsenow http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/112149-1984-w123-mercedes-benz-300d-expedition-vehicle Crossover comparison test http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111914-Crossover-comparison-test?goto=newpost Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:26:33 GMT http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2013-toyota-rav4-xle-awd-vs-2014-subaru-forester-25i-touring-2014-mazda-cx-5-grand-touring-awd-comparison-test Car and Driver magazine recently compared three current compact crossovers with AWD. The 2014 Mazda CX-5 finished in first place, followed by... http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

Car and Driver magazine recently compared three current compact crossovers with AWD. The 2014 Mazda CX-5 finished in first place, followed by the 2014 Subaru Forester and 2014 Toyota RAV4. The CX-5 had the most powerful engine and fastest test results, was judged to be the most fun to drive, and returned the best mpg during the test.

Photos accompanying the article show that there was snow on the ground during part of the test. But no mention was made of slippery road performance, much less off-road. ]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other haven http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111914-Crossover-comparison-test For the Subaru Fans http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111887-For-the-Subaru-Fans?goto=newpost Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:19:34 GMT Interesting video comparison http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NPq4kv9k7E Interesting video comparison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NPq4kv9k7E ]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other WMDunkin http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111887-For-the-Subaru-Fans HONESTY, how bad are Trooper auto transmissions? http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111682-HONESTY-how-bad-are-Trooper-auto-transmissions?goto=newpost Thu, 30 May 2013 03:50:48 GMT I know they are the "weak" link, but are they truly that bad? SOMETHING has to be the weak link right? Looking from some first hand experience. ]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other Fenrir http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111682-HONESTY-how-bad-are-Trooper-auto-transmissions 1996 Lada Niva http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111549-1996-Lada-Niva?goto=newpost Tue, 28 May 2013 02:43:38 GMT This is my buddy's new bush truck.

1996 Lada Niva with only 86,000km's on it.

Got it for a bottle of wine.

We thought that a custom paint job would look good, plus we added some domestic stickers and graphics.

As we would be thrashing this little beast, we welded up a new front brush guard...not exactly an ARB, but very strong and functional.

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We decided to go "generic" on the star as it could either be a Russian or North Korean ride, then added a set of KM2's for a little added traction.

The little beast has been named...Dirka-Stan.
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]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other Canol 109 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111549-1996-Lada-Niva M416 Based Military Off-road Trailer Build - Desert Build with Lock-N-Roll hitch http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111473-M416-Based-Military-Off-road-Trailer-Build-Desert-Build-with-Lock-N-Roll-hitch?goto=newpost Sun, 26 May 2013 18:03:37 GMT M416 Off-road Trailer Build

I hope you enjoy this build thread on my trailer. It's still a work in progress but probably about 75% finished at this point. Feel free to comment or ask any questions. I have the original fenders, axle, wheels, tires and park brakes for sale. Most everything else is being used in the build or thrown away as it was worthless.

For quite a while after seeing these trailers being used for the Jeeper’s Jamboree on the Rubicon Trail to haul in supplies I’ve wanted one. These trailers impressed me with their design and features. I spent a significant amount of time surfing the web and looking at what people had built and modifications they made to them to make them better. This build borrows on many of the builds that I saw and modifications I liked and some of the things that I wanted to avoid such as doing a spring-over conversion. One major goal is to keep the center of gravity as low as possible while still having the same 35” tires as the Jeep. Here's a photo of our 2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ that will be pulling the trailer. The plan is to paint the trailer to match the Jeep.



I started my search for a nice clean M416 in about January. Good clean M416 trailers are very scarce and I missed out on a few great deals and passed on a few that were more expensive or rougher than what I had in mind. Ultimately, I placed a “looking for” ad in Craig’s List and got a call from a gentleman in the San Diego area. He emailed me photos and it looked good. We settled on $800.00 I also located an ad on Craig’s list for someone selling a new heavy axle with Jeep hubs , springs and hardware. He was planning a similar upgrade project but chose another route. I live in Las Vegas and both sellers lived only a few miles apart in San Diego.
I made the arrangements, scrounged up the cash and the following weekend and made the trip to buy my M416 and also the axle I needed. I didn’t want to tow the trailer home so I brought it home on my car trailer we use for the Jeep on the longer trips.
Here are photos of the trailer I purchased. It the tub and frame was in fairly good shape, there are a few rust holes that need to be patched and the lunette ring had been replaced with a standard type trailer hitch. I let the owner of the trailer keep the park brake control and cable as I didn’t need it. He didn’t have any ownership documents or a title. This ended up being a problem later with the DMV but I was able to work it out over time. I appreciate their assistance.
Here are photos of the trailer as I bought it.












The trailer had seven different colors of paint rust on the floor and frame and evidence that I had been used since it was built sometime in the 1960’s. I couldn’t find and sign of a serial number on the trailer.
I started to try to strip the paint myself but found it to be far more difficult than I expected. I was able to strip the floor of the trailer but later decided to have the tub bead blasted and I would recondition the frame myself. I did remove the major castings and brackets and sent them with the tub for bead blasting too.



While the tub was out I took the frame down to bare metal with a grinder, flap discs and wire wheels.



The first coat of paint was a rust converter and the final coats are Rustoleum texture black paint. This paint is a perfect match to the black powder coat on our Jeep. The ultimate plan is for the chassis to be black with red highlights such as the shocks and some trim.



The tub will be painted Sienna Pearl (Maroon) to match the Jeep and the fenders will be custom made by Moab Fab to look similar to the Metal Cloak fenders on the Jeep. The Tub will be lined with a black texture similar to Line-X

More to follow.. ]]> Expedition Vehicles: Other Bonofied Suiter http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/111473-M416-Based-Military-Off-road-Trailer-Build-Desert-Build-with-Lock-N-Roll-hitch