I just bought a 91 Isuzu Trooper and am absolutely in love with it. I'm going to have to be I guess because she is a little rough around the edges. I had a lot of trouble getting her through emissions, but after replacing the o2 sensor, an o ring on one of the injectors that was mysteriously missing, new cat, oil change, and a tune up she finally passed. I know i need to replace the speedo cable cause it doesn't work. My fuel gauge is also inoperative, and I dunno what to do about that. My oil pressure gauge seems to work fine but I'm unsure about the temp . . . any suggestions on how to fix these problems? Any other things I should keep an eye out for?

First, welcome. Which engine does your rig have?

The speedo cable swap is relatively simple. I would start by tracing the route of the current cable so that you can duplicate that. One end attaches to the tail of the transfer case and the other to the instrument cluster. You will need to remove the skid pans in order to run the cable.

The fuel gauge and the temperature gauge share a common ground. Start there.

Well this is where I'm gonna expose myself as an automotive dummy. I have no idea which engine is in it! How can I figure that out? I can't even tell which model trooper it is. . . Can you recommend any good Trooper resources?

There were only two stock engines - a 4-cylinder 2.6l engine and a 6-cylinder 2.8l engine.

They don't share a lot in common as the 2.8 is/was a Chevy engine.

The power plant is the v6. Looking like I'm gonna need a clutch. Was driving yesterday and it was real reluctant to go into gear. If i kept her moving and mostly just transitioned between 3rd 4th and 5th. I was alright. Gears grind if i forced it into reverse of first. Second was okay. Any suggestions? Might it be a linkage somewhere? If I do need a clutch, any recommended parts warehouses?

Is most likely Your hydrolic clutch slave or master cylinder leaking or low on brake fluid. They can be a real bear to bleed. I have found that most units are very reliable once the system is repaired and all the air removed.
Coolant temp gages tend to read on the cool side, a little below stright up. Make sure you have a stock Therostat. Should be around 196 I think.

Good luck

Jerry Lemond or St. Charles Isuzu. Jerry can be found on planetisuzoo.com and can google St. Charles Isuzu in Missouri. If dealing with St. Charles, ask for Merlin.

HTH

If your 2.8L v6 comes down to a clutch change the sweet deal is to order an Exedy 09-018 kit. It is a little biger because it was made for the 91 and 92 Rodeo with the 3.1 engine and mua 4x4 transmision. Bolts right up to our 2.8L flywheels and gives us a little more area to work with. You will need to have your flywheel resurfaced and it is a good time to replace the rear main seal while you are in there. If you search online you can usually find the 09-018 for under $230 with free shipping.
Rockauto is where I start shoping for items I cant find localy. Good place to get Part numbers and efectivity.
Jerry Lemond is the best for factory parts and information.

jlemond@bellsouth.net

I have over 100K miles on an Exedy 09-018 now. A Centerforce will cost you twice as much.

Good Luck