I am looking at getting another Isuzu. I wanted a 2G Trooper, but at the moment, I am looking at the Rodeo. It has a 3.1L V6. Do these have any power? Can you tow with it? What are the pros and cons versus a 2G Troop?

Please hep!

3.1L is a GM motor. Good news is, parts availability out the wazooo! and i believe there is an article on the main page about power tricks for the GM 60* motor. On the bad side, this motor would be considered weaker than the 3.2 and 3.5L Isuzu engines that came in the later Rodeos. Also, since you got the GM motor, you get the rear GM 10-bolt... not quite as favorable as the D44 rear. But all said, its not a bad or stay away from motor i don't think.

towing? how much you talking about towing? you should be good for 4000lbs and under no problem.

-Rob

I have a 92 with the 3.1, so far its a great vehicle. So far it doesnt burn any oil, it has a little bit of go to it. Its faster than my friends jeep with the 2.5, that aint saying much though. BUt overall its reliable and goes. When I haul anything with it, it doesnt seem to bog down too much.

What type of steering does the rodeo have? Is it rack and pinion, ot recirculating ball? How difficult is it to lift and put big tires on?

recirculating ball... rack and pinions didn't happen on the Rodeo til the 2nd generation.

you put 33's even 35's on it without too much trouble. Beyond that is gonna be work, and the steering will be the least of your troubles.

-Rob

Thanks for the responses! I went and looked at a Rodeo yesterday. I was disappointed that I couldn't touch the accelerator without hitting the brake. Apparently my feet are too big for the rodeo. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Is the pedal spacing like this in all year models, or is this a 94 thing???

What size shoes doe you wear Tom? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I shove my size 11 work boots in my '94 all the time and haven't had any pedal clearance problems. I don't know if the spacing is different between manual and automatic though. Just my experience.

BTW, up top, you were talking about a Rodeo with a 3.1L, and now you're talking a '94. I take it these are two different trucks? Personally, I'd prefer the '94, but then I'm biased by having one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

James

The dealership has 2 of them. I started the 94 and it was a RAG! This thing was running on borrowed time. I made a hasty retreat!

I wear a 12 Wide. I was wearing my tennis shoes and could not press the accelerator without pressing the brake... It was a 5 speed.

Hmm....I wear a 12 also, and its fine in my 93, work boots, hiking boots, bball shoes, everything is fine for me

Also, I have a 91 2wd rodeo, and a 93 4wd.... Seems the 91 has lower gearing, as it will actually light them up pretty good off the line (one tire-fryer) and the 93 just sqeeks. NOW after the jump, my 93 BLOWS THE DOORS OFF of my 91, the 3.2 actually has very little in torque gain over the 3.1, I believe 10 ft/lbs or less diff. The 93 does have 55 horses on my 91, and its quite apparent.

My 91 towed my jet ski perfect, almost didnt know it was there. If I had the ski and multiple people in it you could feel it slow a bit, but was still very bearable.

Either way, I think you will be happy with a rodeo, personally I would shoot for a 93+ but, I also want a toilet made out of gold but its just not in the cards now is it....

NJ

I really enjoy the simplicity of the GM 3.1 engine, it is simple to work on and getting parts and advice for it also simple.

My 3.1 pickup has a 4.3 TB and full custom exhaust after the manifolds. I am pushing 33" MTRs with steel (heavy) wheels. Its a manual transmission and running 4.3 gear ratio.

Honeslty, power is the last thing I think about with my truck. It is probably a tad lighter than the Rodeo, but I still have NO problems pushing my 33's on the highway. It is actually pretty quick.


Ive thought about buying a 3.4 and doing that swap but like I said before, as of right now, power is not my biggest shortcoming.