Hello all -- I believe I've read most of the archived posts on this forum without finding anything terribly conclusive on this topic, so I'm hoping someone will be able to shed some light on this for me before I take the plunge and order an engine.

I've acquired an 88 4cyl. 5-spd. Trooper with a blown engine and excellent body as a diesel conversion candidate. I've got leads on both the Isuzu engines mentioned in the title (C223-T and 4JB1-T) complete with transmissions, which to the best of my knowledge are diesel-specific.

It's pretty well established that the C223-T drivetrain will bolt into the later chassis. I'd have to rig a clutch release mechanism, but other than that it seems straightforward enough with regard to the engine/trans. bolting onto the frame in the factory locations. Correct me if I'm mistaken, please..

As to the 4JB1-T, I've read that this engine came stock in the 88-91 Troopers. I'm guessing (without any sort of evidence) that it used a hydraulic clutch release, fits into the engine bay and would bolt to the factory mount locations if this is true. I've not heard of anyone having completed this conversion, so no hard facts.

I am going to be swapping in one of these two engine/transmission combinations, and would prefer to go with the 4JB1-T if it's about the same level of difficulty as the C223-T swap. Can anyone confirm whether the mount locations are compatible with the 1988 chassis? Or the clutch release design? How about driveshaft length issues?

Any advice appreciated. Once the project begins, I plan on keeping a website journal of the progress, and would like to stay in touch with members of this forum as it unfolds.

Thanks.