Found a TD Isuzu Trooper F/S,can't buy

[dieseltrooper]

The owner has posted a f/s ad on: http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...45555&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31&fpart=1

Pics at:http://www.jesseparris.com/86Trooper/

Not only is a turbodiesel, it is a 4dr, which I've only heard of anecdotally. Very rare!

It also has a biodiesel setup!

It's in CT and I'm in no position to buy. Just drool....

 

[Kamelot]

If I may ask, why wernt the Isuzu TD Troopers released here in america? Id think they would be pretty darn popular.

My family personally has one 2002 TDI and a 2004 Duramax 6.6 TD, great things TDs are. I hope to purchase a newer Jetta TDI. I love my bug, but cant beat the mileage that a TD pulls off.

 

[dieseltrooper]

Well, back in the '80's, Isuzu, Mitsubishi,Jeep, and Toyota all had TD's for a tear or two, but gas was still under a dollar a gallon and people were still turned off by the wretched naturally aspirated V8 diesel that GM tried to pawn off on them. In a nutshell, market forces dictated the outcome then. Look how long it's taken to get past that.
I think VW has really taken the lead in marketing the TD here. Now that gas prices have escalated, market forces are shifting. I have driven big-rigs for years, so I'm biased already. Back in the '80's, all I had were 4cyl gas Toyota 4x4's. I wouldn't have been interested in a diesel then either.
The Liberty looks promising, but I may opt for a full-size Ford or Dodge TD, just for the capacity to tow or carry a camper.

 

[Kamelot]

Not a chevy man i gather

 

[dieseltrooper]

Nope... GM stands for Generic Motors. But then, I've always bucked the big three. No Camaro,Mustang or Mopar muscle for me. Javelin and AMX! Blazer, Bronco or Ramcharger? No! IH Scout. When other Jeepers were swapping in small-block chevy motors, I hopped up my 258 6cyl. .40 over, milled head, crane cam, offenhauser intake, holley 390cfm 4bbl, Clifford headers.

I love any oddball, one-year only, hard to find parts for machine....

I even took a virgin '67 type 1 and hacked it up to make a Baja before I knew about the 3" bodylift class 11 setup...

 

[Kamelot]

I love internationals. We have a couple ourselves. 1956 international S-160 Harvester 14 foot flatbed and a 1958 S-120 fleetside pickup, both have the straight 6 (not quite sure on block size)

And you hacked up a type one for baja thats not kewl, save the poor bugs!

 

[hobo]

dieseltrooper - have you driven a Liberty? We test drove one and it rode awful. Felt extremely top heavy and unruly. Diesel would be great in one, but it felt very unsafe to me. I was disappointed too, because it would have been a good Laredo replacement, without moving up to a JGC.

Seems I heard they were involved in higher than avg rollovers too. ?? not sure. That could be from teens bopping around in them though.

 

[dieseltrooper]

Remember, I'm driving the roll-o-matic Isuzu Trooper! I'm more excited that a TD will be available than I am the prospect of the Liberty itself. I've never sat in one, but I suspect it may be too small for my needs. Right now, a Ford F-250 crew cab 4x4 w/ PowerStroke TD is high on my wish list.

 

[hobo]

Right now, a Ford F-250 crew cab 4x4 w/ PowerStroke TD is high on my wish list.

lmao - your Ford truk sounds like a plan

Never drove an Isuzu, but I think the added height in the Liberty (to make you FEEL like you have a bigger vehicle b/c you sit higher) would be more dangerous than your Trooper. I love the older classic styles of early suv's too.

My next vehicle will be a 4 cyl beater for short runs around town

 

[dieseltrooper]

You make a interesting point.... I've never been in a Liberty, but at first glance, the visual impression is that it's smaller than the XJ Cherokee it replaced. Now what I've read is that there is more interior room in the Liberty than the Cherokee. Maybe that room is all vertical. That would also account for the "tippy" comparison you make vis-a-vis the Trooper. It's also one of the things I like about the Trooper. At 6'1", I appreciate the headroom, but it still lacks about 2" legroom to make it truly comfortable for road trips.
I need to find a spec sheet that details both interior and exterior dimiensions for the Cherokee and Liberty for comparison.

 

[dieseltrooper]

Interior/Exterior spec comparo Cherokee vs. Liberty

<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="540"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">Wheelbase</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="137">104.3 (2649)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="138">104.3 (2649)</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="84">Track</td> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="168">Front</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="137">60.0 (1524)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="138">60.0 (1524)</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="168">Rear</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="137">59.7 (1516)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="138">59.7 (1516)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">Overall Length (to spare tire)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="137">174.4 (4430)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="138">174.4 (4430)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4">Overall Width</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="137">71.6 (1819)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="138">71.6 (1819)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">Overall Height</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="137">70.3 (1784.7)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="138">70.2 (1784.1)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4">Overall Height (to roof rack)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="137">71.9 (1822.9)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="138">71.1 (1822.2)</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#ecece4"> <td rowspan="3" width="84">Ground Clearance</td> <td width="168">Front axle (to skid plate)</td> <td align="center" width="137">N/A</td> <td align="center" width="138">6.4 (162.8)</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ecece4" width="168">Rear axle</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="137">8.0 (201)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="138">7.9 (200.4)</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ecece4" width="168">Running</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="137">9.5 (240.6)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="138">9.4 (239.3)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" height="17">Approach Angle</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" height="17" width="137">36.2</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" height="17" width="138">36</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">Departure Angle</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="137">31.5</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="138">31.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="3" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="84">Curb Weight</td> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="168">2.4-liter with manual</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="137">3648 (1655)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="138">3826 (1735)</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="168">3.7-liter with manual</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="137">3846 (1745)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="138">4044 (1834)</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="168">3.7-liter with automatic</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="137">3898 (1768)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="138">4115 (1867)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="253">Payload — includes occupants and cargo, (3.7-liter with automatic transmission)</td> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="276">

1150 (522)​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="253">Weight Distribution, F/R, (3.7-liter with automatic transmission)</td> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="276">

53/47​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="253">Frontal Area</td> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="276">

29.74 sq. ft. (2.76 sq. m)​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="253">Drag Coefficient</td> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="276">

0.421​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="253">Fuel Tank Capacity</td> <td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="276">19.5 gal. (74L)</td> </tr> <tr> <td rowspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="84">Cargo Volume</td> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="168">Rear seat up</td> <td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="276">29.0 cu. ft. (.821 cu. m)</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="168">Rear seat folded down</td> <td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="276">69.0 cu. ft. (1.95 cu. m)</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" bgcolor="#ecece4">(a) All dimensions measured with two passengers</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="540"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#336699"> <td colspan="2">Accomodations</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#336699" width="180">Front</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#336699" width="180">Rear</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">Seating Capacity</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

2​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

3​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="253">Head room</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

40.7 (1034)​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

42.1 (1069)​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">Leg room</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

40.8 (1036)​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

37.2 (945)​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4">Shoulder room</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

56.5 (1435)​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

56.5 (1435)​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">Hip room</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

57.0 (1448)​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

47.4 (1204)​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4">Knee clearance</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

-​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

1.4 (36)​

</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#ecece4"> <td colspan="2">Seat travel</td> <td align="center" width="180">

8.5 (216) horizontal, 1.5 (38) vertical w/optional power height adjuster​

</td> <td align="center" width="180">

-​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" height="17">Recliner range (degrees)</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" height="17" width="180">

53​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ccccc4" height="17" width="180">

-​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ecece4">SAE Volume</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

54.4 cu. ft. (1.54 cu. m)​

</td> <td align="center" bgcolor="#ecece4" width="180">

49.3 cu. ft. (1.4 cu. m)​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="253">Load Capacity</td> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

-​

</td> <td bgcolor="#ccccc4" width="180">

400 lbs. (181 kg)​

</td></tr></tbody> </table>
Interior Dimensions

<table border="2" cellpadding="2"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top">Headroom, Front/Rear</td> <td valign="top">37.8/38.0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Legroom, Front/Rear</td> <td valign="top">41.4/35.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Shoulder Room, Front/Rear</td> <td valign="top">55.3/55.8</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Hiproom, Front/Rear</td> <td valign="top">55.3/44.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Cargo Volume</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Rear Seat Up/Rear Seat Folded </dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">34.4/71.8</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Seating Capacity</td> <td>5</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Exterior Dimensions

<table border="2" cellpadding="2"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top">Length</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Wheelbase</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">101.4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Overall Length</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">166.9</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Overhang (to bumper)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Front/Rear</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">27.5/36.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Width</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Tread, Front/Rear</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">58.0/58.0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Overall Width</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">70.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Height</td> <td valign="bottom">64.0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Ground Clearance</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Angle of Approach </dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">37.6°</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Angle of Departure </dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">32.1°</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Breakover Angle</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">21.9°</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Minimum Running Ground Clearance</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">7.3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"><dl><dd>Equipped with Up-Country Suspension Group</dd></dl> </td> <td valign="bottom">8.6</td></tr></tbody> </table>
As if all that wasn't enough, here's the 1991 Trooper specs...
<table style="width: 100%;" class="tblueborder" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="6" class="theadtext">Interior Dimensions</td> </tr> <tr class="tblue"> <td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;">

</td> <td class="tbtext" style="width: 75px;" valign="bottom">S</td> <td class="tbtext" style="width: 75px;" valign="bottom">S V6</td> <td class="tbtext" style="width: 75px;" valign="bottom">XS</td> <td class="tbtext" style="width: 75px;" valign="bottom">SE</td> <td class="tbtext" style="width: 75px;" valign="bottom">LS</td> </tr> <tr class="twhite"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Standard Seating</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">2</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">2</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">2</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">2</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">2</td> </tr> <tr class="tblue"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Optional Seating</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">5</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">5</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">5</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">5</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">5</td> </tr> <tr class="twhite"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Front Headroom (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">40.20</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">40.20</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">40.20</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">40.20</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">40.20</td> </tr> <tr class="tblue"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Rear Headroom (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.40</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.40</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.40</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.40</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.40</td> </tr> <tr class="twhite"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Front Legroom (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.90</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.90</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.90</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.90</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">39.90</td> </tr> <tr class="tblue"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Rear Legroom (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">36.10</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">36.10</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">36.10</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">36.10</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">36.10</td> </tr> <tr class="twhite"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Front Shoulder Room (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> </tr> <tr class="tblue"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Rear Shoulder Room (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> </tr> <tr class="twhite"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Front Hip Room (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.70</td> </tr> <tr class="tblue"> <td class="ttext" valign="top">Rear Hip Room (in.)</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td> <td class="ttext" valign="top">53.30</td></tr></tbody> </table>
It's an interesting comparison. .9" more leg room in the Lib vs. the Troop. .5" more headroom.

 

[hobo]

lol oh gawd my head hurts now! Looks like the Liberty is built on the Cherokee frame (I assume the specs were a JGC and not an older Laredo). They are identical except for weight? (JGC on the right chart?)

Best thing to do is go test drive one. There are alot of eager sales ppl out there (or really bored) and a quick test drive will help you see if the Liberty will fit you. I'm tall also, so I can relate to the criteria you need. I'm all legs too, which makes it extremely difficult to find any comfort in seats - period.

The '05 GCJ was widened and lengthened for stability, so I think the Liberty was a mid production model that will probably change also.

I heard the '05 Sequoia has a 5 sp trans and bigger engine!! That's one thing I don't like about my Toyota. I couldn't understand why they'd put a 4 sp trans in such a big vehicle. The new trans/engine gets about 3 more mpg too!

I'm still happy with our purchase though. First year production models scare me!

 

[Doc1]

More diesel prep stuff - lanterns

Dieseltrooper already knows the story of my wife's '86 Isuzu TD Trooper we picked up for $200 (in nearly mint condition), but I'll relate it hear for those who haven't heard: I placed an ad seeking a parts truck for my '83 Isuzu diesel P'up and only offered to pay, "Better than junkyard prices." A guy responded telling us he had this "old" Isuzu he'd let his Dad drive before they had to put him in the VA. "It's not the same truck," he said, "but maybe you can get some parts off of it." He then added, "It's been sitting for 5 years and I'm sure the motor's locked-up."
I went to the address given and discovered a gorgeous '86 Trooper sitting on four almost-flat tires and covered in dust. Just my kind of vehicle! I threw it in 5th gear, opened the hood and rocked it back and forth a little. The motor turned over fine. I couldn't write the check fast enough!!!
The truck needed a new battery, air in the tires and new fuel/filters. It drives like new and even the AC works. We just saw one - with higher miles - go on eBay for $8200.
Anyway, we weren't really interested in the SUV/4x4 aspect of the vehicle; we were just glad to have another economical diesel which gave us a lot of parts commonality with the P'up.
Lately, I've been buying and repairing kerosene pressure lanterns. These are much safer than white gas lanterns, are brighter and the fuel is cheaper. I've got a few Coleman 214 kero lanterns, but the ones I've really been "getting into," are the German Petromax multifuel models. The recommended fuel is K-1 kerosene, but they digest diesel just fine. This is something to consider as part of your preps, especially if you have concerns about gasoline availability or grid collapse.
BTW, the Petromax-labelled lanterns always sell for a premium, but - at least in the 500 candle power (CP) models, the Hipolito, Aida and Britelyt lanterns are identical. I picked up a working Aida for $18.50 on eBay because it wasn't listed under "Petromax." Incidentally, the newer Petromaxes aren't really pure German, anyway. They have labels reading, "Assembled from German and Chinese parts; MADE IN CHINA." If you find an old Aida Express 1500, you'll be getting a REAL German Petromax and all of the parts are easily available and very inexpensive. I've collected quite a few of these lanterns now and completely dissasembled and restored a few. I can tell you that the workmanship on the old German products IS noticeably better. The new ones are still fine lanterns, but you can just see and feel the better workmanship that went into the old originals.
Another thing to consider if you buy any pressure lantern is to sock in a very generous supply of mantles. You can repair almost anything on a Petromax, but if you don't have a mantle, you don't have a lantern!
Got diesel? Get a Petromax or two and you'll have light (and heat) as well.

Best regards
Doc