So I was looking at an '01 Trooper Limited today. Very nice. I realized that I know almost nothing about them. I have had 5 1st gen troops and I know them like the back of my hand, but nothing of the 2nd gens. Can someone please give me a quick tutorial on them, particularly this model year. I am mostly interested in manual hubs( are they a simple swap like the 1st gens?), lift coils(OME's?), engine reliability(it's a 3.5l), axle gears(auto trans), common problems etc. I will do a search, but any info would be much appreciated. Thanks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

- Manual hubs are no problem
- Lift coils such as OMEs are highly recommended, improving ride, load carrying, and ground clearance. Very easy to install.
- Engine reliability is sometimes an issue with the 3.5L, but it is possible an 01 has the improved ring design. IIRC if it has a screw-in PCV valve it also has the better rings. Otherwise the potential for oil burning can be controlled using diesel-rated oils such as Rotella, and by keeping the EGR system clean.
- Axle will be a 4.30, modified 12-bolt, probably LSD. Only rear locker option is ARB. The upcoming 12-bolt Aussie locker will not fit AFAIK. The 10-bolt Aussie locker will fit up front though, as will an ARB.

Thanks Swede, I was hoping you'd chime in. I have a set of hubs for it, actualy they're on my 87 that will be sold off. Which of the OME's do you recommend? I will need a couple inches of lift with a comfortable ride for the wife. I was also glad to see that it's still recirculating ball steering and not rack and pinion. I'll check on the pcv vavle to see if it threads in. Thanks again for the info.

OME 912s are designed for a "comfort" ride according to OME, but are still stiffer than stock, with a 30mm (~1.25") lift. I'm told the 919s are an inch or so taller than that, not sure what the spring rate is on those. Talk to Matt at Indy4x about the 919s, I've never tried them because I like the 912 ride a lot...I am running 912s with 2" spacers right now.

FYI, the 01 engine and tranny have had a few issues. The later 01 engines are said to have the screw in PCV, but I've never seen one. I had a late model 01 that had the push in. I've looked a a few dozen 01s and never found the updated design. Also,I believe 01 was the year that drive by wire was introduced. If so, the tranny gets a bit more of a workout from CPU using tranny to provide engine braking on descents. ALso, the rear springs are known to sag (many sat on bump stops from factory), so you will have a real reason to upgrade to the OMEs.