I have a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo 4wd and I am very interested in swapping out my 3.2 v6 for a diesel. I have heard that an Isuzu 4JG2 from a trooper will work but I am not sure how accurate that information is. I am aware that I will have to swap the tranny as well I am just wondering if anyone has heard of this being done. Thank you for any advice you can give.

Chris

not that this answers your question, but, what are you really looking to gain from such a project?

-Rob

I would imagine the low down torque of a diesel would be extremely nice in an off road environment. They may not be quicker, but a damn sight harder to slow down!

Well my reason is the fact that a diesel will provide more power as well as improve my gas mileage (which would be nice considering IÆm spending around $50 every week and a half to fill up). I also feel that a diesel is a more versatile motor and will end up providing more options fuel wise if the price of gas continues to go up.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Not trying to talk you out of it, as I think it would be a cool swap, but unless you're planning on keeping the truck some period of time and driving it quite a bit, I think the cost you're going to have in making the conversion happen is likely to overcome your fuel savings for quite a while, unless you happen to have a really cheap 4JG2 sitting around somewhere with all the trimmings.

The swap is doable, it's the old equation of swap = time + money + ability, where more or less of any of those will require adjustments in the others, but I really have my doubts that it's going to be a financial win any time soon for you. The diesel will have more power overall (10-15hp and a good bit of torque I'd say), but I don't know how much you'd notice it day to day.

I'm curious as to how you define a diesel as more versatile (not arguing, just want to know what angle you're approaching it from). Modifications aren't going to be all that much easier. You would potentially be a candidate for biodiesel, but you'll lose some of your power advantage that way.

Just thoughts to ponder.

James

ditto. which is why I asked that question. you're talking about taking a newer gas motor and replacing it with an older diesel. in terms of economy, if you look at the math, I'll bet it doesn't add up in this lifetime.

usually this type of swap is for the adventuresome who are willing to devote the time and money and seek enjoyment from the build process. This isn't the mod to go after trying to cut back your fuel bill. the 3.2DOHC that you have isn't bad on fuel mileage in terms of the isuzu motor family. if you're looking for a big savings, you're better off looking at trading vehicles.


-Rob

You will also need to check your states emmisions laws. This is probably not a leagal swap in most states.

The law usually states that you can do an engine swap so long as the engine going in is newer or the same year and has the same or better emmision rating.

Meaning you can't take a 2007 mustang and put a 427 side oiler in it.

Just one more thing to check if you were planning to drive it on the roads.

Joe

I do realize that the swap would not be easy. I am just trying to find out if there was anyone out there that had attemped anything like it on a rodeo before. I would like to try and find out what is involved mechanically with the swap. All I have been able to find is that the motor and tranny mounts are the same and I dont even know for sure if that is true. As far as the cost goes 4jg2 run around 3200-3800 with the tranny so it would not be a cheap swap unless I got lucky and found one in a junk yard. Basically i am trying to find out as much information about doing such a project that i can before I make the decision to do it or not. I do appriciate everyones input so please let me know anything that you can.

Thanks
Chris

I have been researching the very same swap. I haven't looked into mounts or anything because I just planned on having to fab new mounts anyway. I did learn that the tranny that comes behind those should swap out with a Toyota A340F or Jeep AW4 allowing for many more gear options. Keep us posted on what you find out.

Good Luck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Another thing to think about...

You didn't say whether or not you live in the US or not.

If you do and you swap out the motor with an import motor,
where you plan on buying service parts for it?
You can't buy them at a US dealer.