[Neonguy95]

First off very nice site, looks very informative.

Looking for some quick info. I am looking at a 1990 XS 6 cly. 5pd 220k miles. New tranny.

It has some body damage, but the main thing that worries me in the passenger side front wheel does not turn when locked in 4by. It was involved in a accident on that side that bent a aftermarket wheel. Could be just a hib problem?

Also where would be a good place to find a drivers side front angle side glass? Any great prices on the internet?

Thanks for any help,
Rusty

 

[Joe_Black]

The vent glass is flat so could be reproduced in Lexan or plexi by yourself or in glass from a shop.

The hub could be a broken ring gear in the hub. This is a known problem and the Isuzu replacement part is improved and stronger. I paid $150 for the repair a few years ago on my '88.

If you look in www.traderonline.com or eBay you'll find scores of Troopers. Look around and you'll easily find something in your price and mileage range in exceptional condition. Personally I wouldn't touch any of the early V6 Troopers and would much rather have the reliable and torquey 2.6 four-banger.

Just my $.02!

 

[Neonguy95]

Joe,

Thanks for the reply.

Couple of questions though. Why go with the 4 cyl? My dad owns a 89 and my brother has the 88 both have the I-4. This motor while a good motor has less power and a tendency to leak oil. It is also my under standing that the 2.8 V-6 used a GM drive-train allowing a person to mate a larger motor to the tranny. I was thinking along the lines of 3.1 - 3.4. The motor is still strong and just needs a good tune-up, but when the times comes I think a larger power plant will provide better torque and power. The wieght and size of the Trooper, over powering with one of these motors wouldn't be a problem.

I am not going after a show stopper. Just a decent truck, that can be made into a good/great truck with some wrench turning and a little money.

Thank you again on the info on the hub. I have purchased this truck will be picking up the title today. Time to get somemore busted knuckles.

 

[Ed Mc.]

Rusty, I have owned (2) '90 Troops with the 2.8 and was very happy with them. In fact, the 2nd one was specifically purchased with the 3.4 swap in mind, and I can tell you that a 3.4 in a Trooper Rocks!!!

So much more power than the stock 2.8 that it's nothing short of remarkable. If you're handy with tools the swap is a no-brainer, just a couple of holes to drill and tap in the 3.4 block for the starter mounting.

I got my 3.4 for $575 delivered, which is less than the price for a new head assy on a 2.6 from St. Charles Isuzu, or only a few bucks more than a head from www.aluminumheads.com

I'll grant you that the 4 is a good motor, but it does have the head gasket & head cracking issues, along with the common valve troubles due to lack of adjustment. Not to mention the eccentricities of the ITEC EFI system when it doesn't want to play! The V6 is smoother and quieter than a 4 also. And I'd prefer troubleshooting the GM-TBI EFI over the ITEC's any day.

The 2.8 is a reliable motor, by the '90's GM got most of the bugs worked out. Not that it's a powerhouse stock, but you certainly can make improvements short of an engine swap. Try getting 30 HP more out of a 2.6 and see how much it costs!

I like the fact that I can go to the local auto parts store or any wrecking yard, and find just about any part I want for the motor, and fairly inexpensively, too. Isuzu has very dear prices for all their 4-cyl stuff!!

Valve cover gaskets and distributor O-rings are cheap, just a bit of labor involved to replace when leaky.

I have a bunch of info about the 3.4 swap, if you ever decide to do that give me a holler and I'll forward it to you.

HTH and have fun with the new Troop............ed

 

[Joe_Black]

Well, this is the beauty of open forums such as this one. Different opinions and experiences! :wink:

I've had resoundingly good experience with the 2.6 I4 and found it had more power than the six without all the pervasive GM (Grossly Misengineered) problems. I've collectively put over 1 million miles on the ITEC system and have found it reliable and robust, especially in Florida's severe duty environment. Several local GM V6 Trooper owners couldn't get rid of theirs fast enough to go back to the 4. This was before the 3.2DOHC was available. In any case, go with what you're comfortable purchasing. From what you mentioned originally I still feel you could find a better deal. Oh, IIRC the drivetrain is identical on both the 4 and 6 so that shouldn't have any bearing on engine upgrade. If there is a difference I imagine it would just be the bellhousing. Also, remember halfway through 1988 the Trooper received an HD tranny upgrade. Something to keep in mind for an engine swap!

 

[Ed Mc.]

Like you said, to each his own! I'll stick with the V6.

From the postings I've seen on the ITOG and Outdoor Wire Isuzu forums, the problems with the ITEC 4's engine management system, problems with the later Isuzu-built V6's valvetrain, and oil consumption problems far outweigh any basic problems with the GM V6.

BTW, lots more than just a trans change to do a V6 swap into a 4-cylinder vehicle; you have to weld V6 motor mounts to the 4-cyl frame rails; if I recall, the tranny mount may be different; also the exhaust system; and last but not least, complete rewiring of the EFI system. Chad Hunter probably has the best info on the 4-to-6 swap, as he successfully completed installing '94 Rodeo drivetrain into his '87 Trooper.

If the intent is to go to a larger V6, better to start with a 2.8 rig as the swap is virtually a bolt-in.

 

[Joe_Black]

Thanks Ed Mc. for the clarification on the V6 swap, I was too focused on the tranny to include the engine mount etc. info :?