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Well I'm new to the Isuzu thing. I've had many different rigs; Jeeps, Dodges, Chevys, Fords, and Toyotas. They all got old due to the fact that everyone has them. The aftermarket for all of those brands is vast and it takes a lot of fab work out of build ups and the Isuzu brand is special. Those things are all over the world. I know, I've been all over the world, Europe, Middle East, South America, and Asia. People take them on long journeys through jungle trails, in the desert, and even in artic regions. Most of the time in small groups or by themselves without any support vechicles. How many Chevys, Toyotas, Fords, and Dodges you've seen out there doing the same? I think dependability is the most important factor than anything else. Who wants to spend most of the time performing repairs due to quaity issues? I have noticed a certain passion you people have for your beloved Isuzus when I ask about your rigs and that type of passion is earned not given. Sure the older Troopers and Isuzu style in general is unique, but unique for a reason. They are purpose built and rugged. With a few mods, these things are crazy and still reliable because the vechicle's base platform and basic equipment is rock solid. Same reason buildings fall or have complications due to foundation flaws. You can have the best bolt-ons, but if the platform isn't solid, well you know what happens. I found that out with Jeep's so called Rubicon. I lost count of the number of axles and wheel bearing units that failed. Supposed to be trail ready? What a joke and Dodges, well I haven't actually broke an axle, but I've replaced 7 ball joints, 3 CAD bushings, and 5 wheel bearing units. You see the pattern? This is not over years, but months people!! Chevys?! Haha, ever hear a back axle snap when you punch the gas? I have!! Two times and if its not an axle, its a rod bearing going out. I know Isuzu and Chevy sleep together, but doesn't chevy design the v6 motors for Isuzu? Might explain the oil problem? I know Isuzu's small motors and diesels are rock solid as long as you keep em cool and maintained properly. I've spent more time wrenching than wheeling with all three rigs and it's made me bitter towards them. Ford and toyota are actually pretty good, but they are too played out. Ford and Toyota I've noticed actually have pretty good quality, well at least from my stand point. I've beat the hell out of a 99, 94, 03 Ranger without breaking any of them and trust me I'm very rough with my rigs. As for toyota I worked over a 87 and 98 without failure too, but in 20 yrs they return to their natural state "ore"!!! Neither brand stated was running with a lift and big tires like the other 3 and I never ran a Ford or Toyota full size hard, but I'm looking for a good trail rig and lets face it, it's hell trying to navigate a full size truck through a winding trail. So after much research and all the videos of what these little Isuzus can endure, I'm looking forward to building an Isuzu and keeping the IFS. I've had both solid axle and IFS rigs, and I'd take a well built IFS any day over a solid axle. Well enough typing and I know I got off subject, but hey, it gives you guys somthing to read and express your thoughts, as well as, a little bit of my backround since I'm new. I like this forum better than the others, because it seems like there's more bragging than helping in the other forums so I didn't even bother registering with them.



I'm with you brother. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


97 Rodeo