ISUZU trooper/bighorn lotus handling question.

Post by **Donald** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 11:01 am

I like the compass in that one, LLL.

Post by **lewd lude lover** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 12:03 pm

the navara engine has pages and pages of issues unfortunatly. Conrod bolts etc. Right in the age and price range i will be looking in as well. I cant take the risk.

otherwise it would be on the list.

@donald: yes, compas and level meters are a must for tarmac

I hope to find some clubs up north for sunday greenlaning and pub lunches. Another reason to get a center dif equiped vehicle

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 12:32 pm

What's the 4wd set up on the Surf, is it a locking centre diff with 1 or 2 ranges?

Post by **lewd lude lover** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 12:43 pm

apparently, so i understand right now...

center diff/lock. LSD on rear with hi and lo range. Selectable 4wd and the ability to 4wd on hard surfaces, which it would seem quite a lot of 4x4 cant do. I think when towing real 4x4 would be more stable? but to then select RWD for daily driving saves tyres if nothing else... The colorado is premanent 4x4 so you loose the saving on mechanics etc but the surf has a slightly longer verhang at the back so will be a 'little' less stable on the tow.....

6of 1 etc etc..

From the past week research the toyotas seem to come out with least rust and most reliability. given age etc. Also there will be more enthusiast vehicles about for sale. I will be joining the surf/colorado forums and watching the forsales. i like buying cars from people who love them...

If the new trooper engine was reliable I would jump on it but its got too much of a rep.

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 1:16 pm

Cool, so yeah the centre diff is what lets it 4wd on hard surfaces, as the diff lets the front and rear props spin at different rates. Good on tarmac but you'd end up with 1 wheel spinning if you got stuck off road. The centre diff lock sorts this, when this is engaged the front and rear props turn at the same speed and you always have at least 2 wheels spinning (same as a transfer case). The LSD locks up the back under iffy conditions so that's 3 wheels you can turn. The 2 ranges completes the set, so you have low ratio for when traction is really lacking

I think you're quite right it's always going to be a compromise - you can improve one characteristic but at the detriment of another. Sounds like the Surf is a good bet for you though - 2wd to increase fuel economy and reduce front drive train wear when driving unhitched on tarmac. 4wd with the diff unlocked for towing on tarmac. 4wd with the centre diff locked for off-roading.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:35 pm

Randomly came across this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Isuzu-Bighorn ... 259565b697

Absolutely no sense of scale or purpose from that listing - Where does it fit on the car, jj?

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:42 pm

It's behind the dash, in the air ducting. It heats air coming into the cabin until the diesel lump heats up enough.

Post by **Thebusofwoe** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:53 pm

Yea. Pissed off mine doesn't have it

'92 Si VTEC · Post by **jjmartin349571** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:55 pm

I think there was a fault with them on some models? They burned themselves out if afflicted, from memory. Maybe yours was removed because of this?

Post by **Thebusofwoe** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:02 pm

It was a recall on the connectors going high resistance and yes, burning out. No it was never fitted. I can fit it as the loom is the same fitted to all these 3.0. So can just plug just about every optional extra there is lol. I can fit it and just plug it in but trying to find a used one cheap is imposible lol.