Well, I finally have got around to getting some of those long planned mods to the old truck done. And I must say that I can't stop grinning. Yes the speedo is even more off than before but I am sporting some Goodyear MT/R 33x12.5x15's on the rodeo. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Some thanks are in order. First of all to Joe D. Without my DOR lift these tires would not even have been possible. Second to Keith, who in true Keith fashion, did not hesitate to crawl under my rig and help me with the lift. Also thanks to Jim P.'s kind offer to let me try his tires out for fit. It turns out that the Tire shop let me test fit, then I went back to my garage to do the trimming.

Between the lift and the 33's I believe that the truck has gained some serious attitude. Also, A few comments, the Ball joint flip and new snubbers for the upper control arms have made a world of difference in the way the truck handles. I now have to replace my idler arm, maybe add the spacer places in the UCA's and get it aligned.

I can also really tell the difference in the un-sprung weight of these tires...almost like a little gyro effect going on. It will take a little getting used to.

The other thing that amazes me is just how far I went with just Rancho 9000's and BFG 31's and no lift. I took the truck to places that I never would have thought possible....I can't wait to find out how far now.... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

Oh yeah, when daylight comes I will take & post pics....also I know that I am far from done with this truck...much more is planned.

Alright.. Let's try the picture thing
<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/installs/308000-308999/308120_1_full.jpg" alt=" - " />

Still grinning <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Matt

<small>[ February 18, 2003, 10:29 PM: Message edited by: MattGold ]</small>

Man I cant wait to see that thing... Its come a long way from last year at BC Zu Fest <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />
Heres one from the stock days. I'm still impressed at how you crawled up V rock with that thing(we'll just not mention the whole oil pan thingy <img border="0" alt="[Shiner]" title="" src="graemlins/shiner.gif" /> ) Also another example of what a good driver and good spotter can accomplish(yeah thats you Keith <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> )

<img src="http://members.shaw.ca/trooperii/pnwbcrun/Pictures/Picture%2040.jpg" alt=" - " />

Next the motor <img border="0" alt="[Satan]" title="" src="graemlins/satan.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Satan]" title="" src="graemlins/satan.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Satan]" title="" src="graemlins/satan.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Satan]" title="" src="graemlins/satan.gif" />

well its about dang time matt....cant wait to see that badboy on the trails.
i do have to say that i was utterly amazed at the places you took that truck though in stock form.

ps. i owe you a lunch/dinner next time we all go wheeling. i wont take no for an answer.

And it does look awesome! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> I am bigtime jealous. You all should see the trim job he did - it looks factory done. Just need those bumpers now to finish the look!

Matt-
You know, I never really thought that much of the spacers until I saw the difference they made on your rig. Both the handaling and increased tire space, is unbelievable for such a small modification. I'd highly encourage any IFS Isuzu 4x4'er who is sporting 33's to get a set of those. DOR impresses me once again. I'm already trying to convince Tammy to get them.

No problem, on the crawling and wrenching Matt. Thanks, for helping steady my intake manifold. I helped you and you helped me.

The trim job, was a very clean job. I must raise kudos to you here too.

Any stock Isuzu 4x4'er who doesn't think their Isuzu can wheel that much, needs to look at Matt and his rig for encouragement. Maybe, we can use video's and pics of Matt's stock Rodeo wheeling, to entice new PNWIOR members. HEHE

Joel-Thanks bud. :0) Matt's blind faith in his spotters directions, helped a bit too. Hmmm...I wonder how much blind faith he has?? HEHE

I almost went and bought a new wheeling suit, even better than the one in that above shot. Sears has CARHARTS at 50 percent off right now. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Oh, and regards to the engine mods coming. I am so jealous.

I wanted to add the pic that shows what I had to trim so here goes...I got a little excited with the sawzall and cut a notch that I don't really like, but when I get the new bumper...

I also had to take about an inch an a half from the back bottom corner of the quarter panel, closest to the door. Nothing like a body anvil, a hammer and a cutoff wheel.

<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/installs/308000-308999/308120_2_full.jpg" alt=" - " />

I am getting used to this...I think that 5th gear will be now only available when I go down hill.

looks real nice !!! do you have body and suspension lift on it????

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by MattGold:
<strong>I can't stop grinning. Matt</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">I can see why, your truck looks amazing! What off-set are those rims? That's about how far I would like my tires to stick out once I move to 33x12.50's. Now you have an excuse to go out and get some new action pics <img border="0" alt="[Pirate]" title="" src="graemlins/bppirate.gif" />

Nice trim job Matt.I took off a 1 1/2 on mine and then folded a new lip to it. Looks like we trimmed about the same amount. I had to cut back my DOR bumper as well. Ended up taking the cut off pieces and welding them back only on the opposite sides. It looks just like what Joe makes only a little shorter.
Only thing is I haven't taken time to put the splash gaurds back in.
Very nice looking Rodeo. I'd be proud of it too!

Gotta run,
Curtis J

Sean,

The offest is 3.5 In. I thought it worked out pretty well. I had orginally wanted the black rock crawlers for rims with 3.75" backspacing but was told they would have to be ordered. They test fitted the chromed ones and I was alright with them.

Jesus,

The truck is lifted with DOR parts...about 2 1/2 inches...there is no body lift. I have noticed some slight rubbing but have not yet confirmed where. I also have to fix the suspension....I have the Rancho 9000 9186 shocks on the back. These worked fine before I lifted. Now I need to go with the 9179's which are 2" longer.

I am going to switch to the Old Man Emus though.

For all of you, I just can't wait to try all this out on the trails. for the longest time the stereo was worth more than the truck <img border="0" alt="[Nerd]" title="" src="graemlins/nerd.gif" /> now that has changed.... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> . not that I mind, I sure love my music, but that is mostly for on-road travel.