Chris's 91 trooper build

[ctracy5]

Well here is the first of I hope many post about my trooper. Today I got bored and took a break from homework and pulled my front sway bar off. Took it for a spin and notice a very minimal increase in body roll but a very noticeable different in the smoothness of the ride, I have a very bad train crossing by my house and after I pull the bar out it was a much smoother ride. Can't wait to get it on the trails and see if I can get some more travel out of it!!

[Patrolman]

Not to mention less weight and hopefully more wheel travel. I am sure it will be a good mod!

[ctracy5]

Well I was hoping to one day have a quick disconnect but I have to take that skid off to get to it so no such luck. Got it up to 60 and nothing feels to bad, it does roll a tiny bit more then it did with it on but nothing that is scary.

[mattzj98]

I have no sway bars and coils on all 4 corners.. feels stable at tripple digit speeds, just takes some getting used to on turns I guess =) u r gonna love the extra wheel travel =)

[ctracy5]

Quick note I did put the skid back on afterwards.

[Michael4rnr]

Looks good.

[ctracy5]

Well I had a scare today with the trooper. I replace the thermostat because over the last week it has start to heat up if I let it sit and idle but as soon as I drove it would cool down, well I got the new thermostat in and seems to have fixed it, but that was not the scare. The scare was as I was putting everything back together the bolt that the wing nut from air box snapped, had a minor panic attack. Well so I ended up having to drill out the piece that was still in the hole and luckily the bolt still had enough threads on it to go back in, even though it is back together I will most likely be making a junkyard trip in the near future.

Here are some pics
26864

26865

This thing makes burping your coolant system beyond easy!
26866

[ctracy5]

Here are those pics

[WDoG]

Recently changed the thermo in the Rodeo, if you can believe it the hardest part was getting the old gasket off...almost sliced though my hand multiple times. Didn't though, thank God. Any mods planned for the Troop?

[ctracy5]

my new ASIAN manual hubs are on the way and when I get the money a complete independant4x 3in lift, 33 or 35 in tires, ARB air locker in the rear ,and an aussie locker in the front. So I have a ways to go. And when my motor goes I found a company and custom builds gm 3.4 v6's which uses the same block as my 2.8 but is reinforced to handle the larger cylinders so all I have to do is bolt it in and get around 200 HP. They are a ways out but I have a lot of plans for this trooper.

[Michael4rnr]

Sounds like a good plan and glad the bolt issue was an easy fix.

[ctracy5]

Sounds like a good plan and glad the bolt issue was an easy fix.

you have no idea, I need that thing to get me to work and school at the moment well I wait for the registration sticker on my scooter

[Brody]

When you fix the bolt/stud that holds the air cleaner on, you may want to do a couple of things:

First, use some LocTite to keep the stud from ever vibrating loose,

or

Replace the stud with a regular bolt down from the top through the air cleaner.

I had a stud vibrate loose on an 84 4Runner and it dropped down into the engine. I had just started a new job and was concerned about getting to work on time. I had stopped to grab some coffee and when I came back out to start my heap, it wouldn't start. I didn't think too much about it and was on a small hill, so I pushed the clutch in, coasted down the hill and dumped the clutch. The stud had manged to get sucked down onto the top of a piston and promptly punched a hole into the top of it. It started for sure, but it didn't run especially well.

I had just gotten the rig and hadn't spent too much time going through it like I usually do on a new to me rig. My bad...On all the rigs that I have had with a bolt on air cleaner (almost all have been carbed until recently), I have always done the LocTite or bolt tweak to keep this from happening. $500 worth of new used engine and a days work later, I finally started my new job.

Well I was hoping to one day have a quick disconnect but I have to take that skid off to get to it so no such luck.

Look in the Jeep Make and Model section for ideas on homebrew disconnects. I posted a lot of information there. You may also be able to modify the skid plate to allow for better access to the sway bars...

[Squshiee1]

You know my 3.2 is 190hp, and 190tq, would it bolt up the same?

[ctracy5]

don't know if it would mate up with the tranny, if it does that would be a good option.

[ctracy5]

New hubs are out for delivery should have them on and pics up by tonight!!

[glacierpaul]

Cool job so far!

[ctracy5]

New hubs on and working but gotta catch a movie pics to follow!!

[WDoG]

What movie? And excited to see the new hubs!

[ctracy5]

The Avengers at the drive in.

[ctracy5]

So it was a farly simple job, jack it up take of the tires remove the the old auto hubs and then "simply" bolt on my new ones. About the only thing that was unexpected was that I had to tade the front off of the new hubs to get the bolts in to mount it. Other then that and just fighting a couple c clips we were ready to run!!

[ctracy5]

Got bored waiting for the UPS guy so I painted my front skid

[Brody]

About the only thing that was unexpected was that I had to take the front off of the new hubs to get the bolts in to mount it. Other then that and just fighting a couple c clips we were ready to run!!

Typical for a lot of hubs. Toyotas are like that, too.

Use two small screwdrivers for the axle clip. it makes it go ver fast on both the removal and re install.

[ctracy5]

yeah it was getting the clips off the old hubs that was a pain

[Java]

And when my motor goes I found a company and custom builds gm 3.4 v6's which uses the same block as my 2.8 but is reinforced to handle the larger cylinders so all I have to do is bolt it in and get around 200 HP. They are a ways out but I have a lot of plans for this trooper.

Is that the same 2.8 GM v6 that was in some early XJs? If it is, for a while you could buy a 3.4 v6 over the counter at any GM dealer with a warranty, it was made as a bolt in retrofit for the 2.8. They may still make them, I'm not sure.

[ctracy5]

I have seen the 3.4s there is a guy in Michigan I think that will custom build them for you, sort of. He has a list of cams and options that you pick and his then builds it for you.

[Popsgarage]

Like Paul said, the 3.1 and the 3.4 were direct bolt in replacements for the 2.8 gutless wonder that GM produced for way to long. You can usually find them in the junkyard for cheap. Just pull the heads, check for ridges on the top of the cylinders and make sure it spins freely. Tons of GM's with those engines ended up in the yards during the cash for clunkers program.

[ctracy5]

yup when cash allows, but I think a lift will happen first

[ctracy5]

had a scare at school today, got out of class turn the key and click, notice only one click and then nothing not multiple like a dead battery trying to start. This had me worried so I climbed under and had the wife hit it a few times, notice the solenoid on top moving every time she tried to start it. So I was able to get it started by holding the solenoid in place well she turned it over and got it home, after fighting to get my starter out for a while I got it off and found the problem. One of the two bolts holding the cap to the solenoid had fallen out and the other one was half out. Luckily I am a hardware hoarder and had a bolt that worked as a replacement. Tighten it all up and it fired right up, was really glad not to have to buy a new starter to get on the trail tomorrow.

[xaza]

:2thumbup:

[Cr33p3r]

That is nice when you find small parts like nuts and bolts and that is all that is wrong and so you do not have to replace whole units.

[ctracy5]

Got my new shocks from scout man (AKA Steve) today. Had to do some things when I got home so by the time I got done it was to dark for pics of the new shocks on will have pics soon. Took it around the block and notice a real difference really cleaned up the ride a lot less body roll and bouncing around corners. Thanks a ton Steve!

[The StRanger]

New shocks are a BIG improvement !!!

[glacierpaul]

Nice Chris!

[ctracy5]

Here are the new shocks. Forgot to mention I only replace the rear. Dumb question the shocks I took off had pressure always pushing them to be fully extended, unlike the new shocks which can move freely, is that the different between gas shocks and hydro?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PIq4ZmTQIMc/UPwkzhRfoOI/AAAAAAAAFaw/hePhG1nUk2A/w577-h769-p-k/2013-01-19%2B16.11.27.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_hCC0uSbqJ8/UPwkz0pB56I/AAAAAAAAFa4/_3KmxafpX1E/s665/2013-01-19+16.11.37.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EWozuwNEo2Y/UPwk0d3vRoI/AAAAAAAAFbA/jJBOq6xxQ3g/s887/2013-01-19+16.11.55.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-krIdBJXku4g/UPwk0jNFvgI/AAAAAAAAFbI/YB18IGj0cqA/s887/2013-01-19+16.12.11.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7KidhcDfUg/UPwk1YmMkbI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/saHV9sgDMnk/s665/2013-01-19+17.39.47.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npqEe2tqBm0/UPwk1nNl9fI/AAAAAAAAFbY/RDRB4M0-4_g/s665/2013-01-20+09.57.36.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LM2paP2FHrw/UPwk2NKp89I/AAAAAAAAFbg/8rNpmwtiywE/s887/2013-01-20+09.58.16.jpg

All the mess on the ground was about half a can of Freeze off to get the bolts off the top of the shocks. On the driver side it was so stuck that the flat part on top of the pin busted off, luckily they had the bodies over the shaft so I got a chain wrench grabbed the body and was able to get the nut off. Made for a much longer night then I wanted. I may be doing a conversion to eyelets on top when I do the lift and possible just move the shock placement. Something like this to get better articulation out of the axle.

https://www.independent4x.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?cPath=174&products_id=131

Quick question about this where now I have one shock facing forwards and one backwards are the shocks helping to prevent axle wrap (not that I have the power to twist my axles). Would moving the shocks on top of the axle and facing inwards decease my resistance to twist my axles?

[scout man]

Glad to see they worked out! If you go to eyelets on both ends, I have tons of those too. A lot better variety of lengths in those as well.

[Fordguy77]

Looking Good!

[ctracy5]

Been a while since I've had time and money to do much. Well my next project is the drive shafts, got mine off and they are doing to Bill's on Monday. Oh yeah I found some Mossy Oak windshield wipers at Auto-zone and I couldn't leave without them lol. Hope they work as good as they look??

[ctracy5]

Got my new Shaft put on and it is awesome, can't wait for my longer shackles and shims to finish the lift.

Thanks a ton Bill this things is great!!!

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11608&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11617&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11616&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11615&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11614&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11613&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11619&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11618&t=1

[xaza]

Sweet! No pic of the new one?

[ctracy5]

Odd I had pics in there I will have to repost then we I get home

[ctracy5]

Here are the pics

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11608&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11617&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11616&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11615&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11614&t=1

[ctracy5]

Installed

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11613&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11619&t=1

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/download/file.php?id=11618&t=1

[ctracy5]

Just ordered my new CV, Cardone from rock auto and finally order new ball joints, after that one broke on my miata I am paranoid so I broke done any order all new moog joints, also I should be able to get my ailment right no wafer I finish my lift.

[Patrolman]

Still no pics?

Did you break a CV on your Miata? I have spares. :)

[Chris]

I should be able to get my ailment right no wafer I finish my lift.

Damn you auto-correct! :lmao:

[ctracy5]

Still no pics?

Did you break a CV on your Miata? I have spares. :)

The pics show up for me???? No I ripped a boot on the trooper passenger side and it is only $50 to just replace the entire half shaft so that is what I am doing vs. rebuilding mine. I had a ball joint fail on the miata and left me stranded in a parking lot and the trooper has about the same milage on it and I know the joints are worn out so I got paranoid and ordered new ones so I can drive up to Washington for Christmas.

[ctracy5]

Damn you auto-correct! :lmao:

got love posting from an IPad lol.

[ctracy5]

Well to tired to attempt anything tonight, plus I know I can finish until I get all my parts so no real motivation. But here are some in progress pics.

All my new parts I have so far!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EiY_LlScC40/Uminu9Jv_1I/AAAAAAAAGlE/a64Rq_ElTGc/w640-h480-no/1.jpg

The Shims??? lol which are now red enamel

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9VKdkJ8Cz4/UminwgCdYMI/AAAAAAAAGlM/2Ug_tAGLoFs/w640-h480-no/3.jpg

My new MOOG greaseable lower Ball joints with all new hardware, Also have matching uppers coming in the morning!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3JSbxCanRo8/UminzNwR0qI/AAAAAAAAGlg/lMuBlkXFg8M/w640-h480-no/4.jpg

How the rear was

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vpV6UmHj9GM/Umin4Hj_uRI/AAAAAAAAGmI/Owc0IHYT66M/w640-h480-no/S1.jpg

Stock height vs. Lift height shackles :thumb:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gOrlNw2aGUI/Umin67sXnOI/AAAAAAAAGmg/h3gx534Uanc/w409-h545-no/S1.1.jpg

The spring is sitting basically in its original position to get an idea of how much lift I will get!!!! :D

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vdCyTjH30-c/Umin7oij8lI/AAAAAAAAGmk/RoRKtg4U2Ps/w409-h545-no/S2.jpg

[Jim]

The recent pix are showing for me.

Good progress!

[The StRanger]

Will youre shock extend ?

[ctracy5]

The front will be fine because I can only go from bump stop to bump stop anyways so even with a lift you run stock shocks, and in the rear I already have some Trailmaster shocks that are apx. plus 1.5" so I should be good until I can save another $400 for my Old Man Emu Nitro Chargers Sports.

Even time I get under this things I want to just go crazy and do a full body of Restoration. Can't wait till I have the time and money, these first gen troopers are getting harder to find by the day. I want to keep this thing running as long as I do.

[ctracy5]

Alright The trooper is up and running I still need to get some finished measurements and a few more pics but I drove it to work last night and hit 75 on the free way and it did fine. It still has a vib but I figure anything lifted 3.5" most likely will so I am not super worried seeing how this is no longer my DD. It rides fine but it does feel a little more tippy, don't know if this is from the extra height or if the ball joints in the front allow it is roll easier, most likely a combo of the two. I am going to put my front Sway Bar back on and see if I like that better. The CV was nice and easy, removing the retaining clip from the inner joint, remove old, put new in, replace retaining clip and done. With a quick once over of the old CV I think I got to it before any damage happened so I may just rebuild it and keep it in the back as an extra or then install it on the other side, the boots on that side are not far behind this one from ripping.

Anyways I love the new height so far I am looking 3.5 - 4" over stock in the rear will see if it settles anymore. I haven't cranked my T-bars anymore yet but most likely only gonna be another .5 - 1" more so around 2.5 - 3" over stock in the front. Like I said I am planning on putting my sway bar back on but I got a few question to run by you guys, I am thinking that having the sway bar equipped may limited my articulation up front a little but I was wondering if it would lessen the abuse my ball joints, tie rods, and other such parts would feel well wheeling because the sway bar would take some of the stress and lessen the hard hits. Am I correct in this assumption or would it not help protect those other parts.

Inner CV joint housing

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-90Wu8tQFRtA/UmyKFPVaidI/AAAAAAAAGn8/cTjMGnbe4OU/w508-h677-no/01cd300fd534f092273328abcc75f37538e0a9f37d.jpg

New CV going in

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vOEkMnQVyXE/UmyKHMEabdI/AAAAAAAAGoE/hpP1uI9yC3g/w508-h677-no/01f0b01d2279de519bc1ae69281ad8d0ceb3aaa268.jpg

Sway bar painted and ready to go back in

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GzTIgm2KbzI/UmyKKLL7GCI/AAAAAAAAGoM/dAonTv-XdQc/w508-h677-no/0103646974e0d4e92691f4844a32c304133a13cff1.jpg

Side note I replaced the shocks on my wife's 99 Tacoma went with Rancho 5000s. Her truck was one of the bounciest things I had ever driven and it was to the point you could feel what the truck was doing under you so I took advantge of Shocktober and got some new was for her. The truck rides great, it feels like a truck again. The only thing I didn't like was that the "one size fits all" boots didn't really fit the tiny front shocks, and getting them up through the lower Arm was a major pita because the shock mounts in the middle of the coils.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_Ifp9JEEP0U/UmyKLxGzaNI/AAAAAAAAGn0/9_0JTatkGHY/w903-h677-no/01a5ba1cfb46eb9917bad3f53050266206c44591f5.jpg

[ctracy5]

Best of both worlds

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-unhWQM2bcDM/UmyT3wOTdzI/AAAAAAAAGr8/gijEu6ENRH8/w903-h677-no/01140afc9c02e9e6f685a96420e01d6d9db55f49d4.jpg

[The StRanger]

Sweet !

[Popsgarage]

It will lessen the rigs ability to flex in the front and it will, to a degree. soften the shock to the front end. In the end, it's going to be a compromise on flex and longevity. You could always figure out a way to make some swaybar disconnect's if you think you need 'em on the highway.

[ctracy5]

It will lessen the rigs ability to flex in the front and it will, to a degree. soften the shock to the front end. In the end, it's going to be a compromise on flex and longevity. You could always figure out a way to make some swaybar disconnect's if you think you need 'em on the highway.

That may be want happens, also my front shocks are most likely dead and need replacing but that is out of the budget at the moment. I have some new hardware from Indy 4x that came with my original lift I got, new mounts, poly bushing, and longer end links. I will throw it on there and see if I can get to Sevenmile and see what happens, don't know if I can get there from 14 or not may have to take the long way around through Red Feather. I will look into modifiying my new end links to be a quick disconnect.

Heres a pic of them. I believe the side with the lock nut is the side that connects to the sway bar.

https://www.independent4x.com/assets/images/Isuzuswaybarendlink.jpg

[Popsgarage]

If I remember correctly, the Isuzu's are very similar to the GM S-10 platform when it comes to many parts like the swaybar. Just need to figure out a way to make the disconnects simple. Some sort of pin and sleeve assembly.

[ctracy5]

I think once I get time I need to look at some other set ups and see I can mod mine in a similar fashion, no one makes a quick disconnect for these :frown:. Most guys just run with no sway bar like I have been doing.

[Popsgarage]

You should be able to figure out something. Sleeve the bolt and drill for a couple of pins or something.

[xaza]

Congrats getting back on the road. The sway bar does help quite a bit on road. I am putting mine back on my rig. You won't want the sway bar connected while wheeling, it really limits flex a lot. It is one bolt on each side to disconnect it which can be taken off easily in the time it takes to air down.

[ctracy5]

Yeah it doesn't sound to bad to come up with something, but I also will need to figure out something for safely holding the bar up and out of the way well its disconnected. So I got some tinkering and experimenting to do.

[Chris]

I'm also putting my front swaybar back on after running w/o it for the last couple years. I'll have to look in to disconnects but there's not a lot of options on 4Runners like mine. After a couple evasive maneuvers and towing a trailer I would rather have the stability than flex. That may change since I don't remember how limiting it was.

[dscowell]

http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?2755-JEEP-INFORMATION-AND-LINKS

post #12

i would assume they would work for your trooper or at least give you some ways to go about doing it

[ctracy5]

Thanks for all the help guys, well gotta run to church but here are a few pics of the links I have, I think they will work. They actually came with a sleeve for in between the bushings so if I understand this right all I need to do is cut the link in half, weld the sleeve to the lower part, and then drill the sleeve and upper link and use a replaceable pin to hold the two half together?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NXBDP3kmPio/Um1BAR-MPDI/AAAAAAAAGsk/Eek8imXrOTY/w508-h677-no/016cd59aadff69846d2e14aa5f5b9b81f1cade3c46.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3c0RchWyRrs/Um1BCFTfgeI/AAAAAAAAGss/ODz3fb2GBjE/w903-h677-no/0182196e4f35f2e26afaece91d2a7ab4f63b645b04.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qc2qtJS_UBE/Um1BDk2FZDI/AAAAAAAAGs0/A2wnU2dann8/w508-h677-no/017d23c6294ec4944e27671919d21c394416c32be9.jpg

[Popsgarage]

That was my thought. Might be a small pin, but it should work at least 'till you can think of something better. They sell all sizes of pins at most Ace Hardware stores.

[ctracy5]

Well It should work with a small change. I need to be able to bolt the lower part in place on the contorl arm so I will need to put some threads on it after I cut the bolt, then weld the sleeve to the upper portion and use that to bolt the upper portion to the sway bar. I will try and get a sketch here in the next few days. I may try to talk to a fab shop up here and see what they say.

[Popsgarage]

That's the hardest part about the oddball rigs like yours. Not to many options out there. You might be able to adapt a different swaybar to work, but with control arms as opposed to a solid axle, it makes it kinda tough. Let me know what you come up with. I've got an idea or two as well.

[ctracy5]

got the front leveled, all said and done the rear fenders are now at 35.5" and the front at 36.5", I wish I had measured from the center of the hub to the fender before the lifts, learning on my miata forums that it is a much more appropriate way to measure your ride height because then tires don't effect the measurement.

Look at my old build threads I was at 33.5" up front so I am at the max of 3" and 32.5" in the back so about 3" total as well.

Here is the tell comparision, stock to where it sits today

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKWYe_jv5vI/USkLRNSU-lI/AAAAAAAAFtY/mTjqjZk9VEo/s681/IMG_0069.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GzTIgm2KbzI/UmyKKLL7GCI/AAAAAAAAGoM/dAonTv-XdQc/w508-h677-no/0103646974e0d4e92691f4844a32c304133a13cff1.jpg

Well looking at it I measured from my hub to the bottom corners of my fenders and the smallest measurement I got was just under 18". When time and money for new tires come I think with wider offset wheels to clear for turning and minor trimming of the rear fender for flexing I may be able to fit 35". But if it only took a 1" body lift to fit them I would be willing to do that as well. Don't know if I would do the 3" body lift though, but 35" tires would tempt me to.

[dscowell]

Do you ever plan on going spring over?

[ctracy5]

I would have to either fab a custom front diff drop, not impossible but not easy on these, or go to a straight Axle to get equal lift out of the front. The other option that I don't really like is to go spring over and remove a bunch of the leaves from my leaf packs, have seen it done but don't really want to would rather stay under. If I was going to do it I would just do the straight axle, there is a kit for like $1500 that comes with basically everything but the donor 74-79 Wagoneer or similar Dana 44 front axle. Or if I had the time I could probably build it (with the help of others) myself for half that, but time is money and I like bolt on parts that have already been tested and proven to work.

[dscowell]

That's a lot more complicated then I thought it would be. Your system seems to work good for you I was just curious.

[Popsgarage]

The big stuff in an SAS is the easy part. The little things are the hard part. Like they say, "The Devils in the details"! I researched and collected parts for the wife's SAS S-10 Blazer for 2 to 3 years before I actually got around to the swap.

[ctracy5]

Yup so unless I some how end with to $2000 I don't need the lifting go the trooper is done. Besides if I did that I wouldn't always be on three wheels anymore for everyone else's enjoyment.

Now just maintaining and upgrading existing parts. The last major upgrade left is to lock the axles. Otherwise just things like stronger tie-rods ( most common failures with Isuzu ifs), front bumper and winch, and beefier torsion bars to support added weight of bumper and winch.

[Popsgarage]

I have right at $1700 into the wife's, but that does include the junkyard bumper and Harbor Freight winch.

[AustinT]

Well looking at it I measured from my hub to the bottom corners of my fenders and the smallest measurement I got was just under 18". When time and money for new tires come I think with wider offset wheels to clear for turning and minor trimming of the rear fender for flexing I may be able to fit 35". But if it only took a 1" body lift to fit them I would be willing to do that as well. Don't know if I would do the 3" body lift though, but 35" tires would tempt me to.


Before I did the SAS on my p'up I ran 35's. Had to trim fenders and cut away a good bit of the front bumper mount. You will rub a little on the rear frame rails but very doable.

You can see where it will rub a little in this pic. http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy49/austintheis/Old%20truck%20pics/n42106093_31092943_5907.jpg (http://s776.photobucket.com/user/austintheis/media/Old%20truck%20pics/n42106093_31092943_5907.jpg.html)

[ctracy5]

The concerns me the most is the front corner of the rear fenders right behind the doors, I have seen some troopers shred tires if they flex enough and hit that corner. I would want to really smooth out the metal there so if they did hit it would just rub not slice the tire. The front fenders appear to have plenty of room so I think getting the right wheels would eliminate "most" of the rubbing up front, a little rubbing at full lock is not a big deal. I am already planning on the Indy 4x bumper or something similar when cash allows and trimming the fender to match.

[ctracy5]

Well got the tires on.... When I took the tires in to get mounted the guys at the shop found some damage I miss on the bead of one of the tires so it was garbage, should have looked better before I paid lesson learned. Honestly I don't think the guy I got them from knew about it, they were his brothers tires and they looked perfect it was the only damage on any of the four tires. He even showed me his jeep and we talk for a while so I don't think he was a scammer, very cool old Levis edition that he was just about done restoring. But luckily a shop across town had some used one. I hate having one mismatch tire but it will do for now. But the good news was because of the damaged tire and discount taking awhile to get them done they didn't charge me for mounted the three they did, granted I have bought three sets of tires in that store in the last 4 or so years so they know I am coming back.

Anyways back to the tires, 315/75r16 Hankook ATMs and one Micky Thomson I believe the ATZ. They fit great will need to trim the front edge of the rear fender (already new that one) and the the front is trimming the plastic shroud in the fender and just the very bottom of the rear of the fender its self. At full lock the I still clear the frame and any metal parts so once the fender is cut I should have no rubbing up front :D!!!!

Old vs. New

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n3IpJLxAPak/UscMepo2kYI/AAAAAAAAG-8/Qd1NUdW8IYg/w929-h697-no/01328026995bd76c95bfd68a5fba0ab2438cb9c200.jpg

Got you use my hi-lift and figure that thing out

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-abz53fzmauA/UscMeERKakI/AAAAAAAAG-0/MNnLHq8fycw/w929-h697-no/01fa2d2dde78ad3e842219a6d2acb3334c13149c10.jpg

Found some nice useable jack points

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/K06QyuHx4XeDt_KQ-czuhU0MMwfAcTLw1NItLMClZuU=w929-h697-no

How it sits with the new tires

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UoVoyzxT1gU/UscMf8A1rwI/AAAAAAAAG_M/dDe8w2_t67Q/w929-h697-no/013ded46e5982514916238dcf30e66376659cab04f.jpg

Snug fit lol

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6qts_j7LhsI/UscMgQ-WD0I/AAAAAAAAG_Q/VWxsK1CjAfk/w523-h697-no/01dc7a963e00fc5b7cebde1d22ca2a01b0fdd0f3d8.jpg

[The StRanger]

How about Turning ??

[ctracy5]

It turns fine other then rubbing on the plastic fender lining right now, the outside corner of the tire barely rubs the edge of the fender and plastic even at full lock so some trimming is needed. I just drove it around my cul-de-sac (had to look up how to spell that :lmao:) and it drove and turned fine at low speeds but I want to get this trimming done and then test it again.

[Squshiee1]

One day ill be getting big boy tires for my rodeo!

It looks great with those big tires, I love the dynapros!

I want to sas my rodeo so bad now! :frown:

[ctracy5]

Yeah an SAS would be nice, but I think this Trooper is just about done, regear the T-case and lockers are about the last big things I have left on my wishlist. I want to find a short wheel base two door and put full width axles under it, and a 4.3 Vortec or 350 up front to make a monster crawler. This one I am going for more of an Overlander rig so I like the drive ability of the IFS.

[ctracy5]

P.S. I am in the market for one more wheel and tire, 16 x 10 with 4" backspacing steel D-window 6 on 5.5 with the larger center bore (Toyota size not the smaller Chevy bore). 4wheelparts has then new for $96 with free shipping so if anybody has one laying around let me know. Don't care what color or if the paint is bad going to be red anyways as long as it had no damage. I am looking to match the ATMs better then the MT ATZ and use that one as the spare, looking for a more tradition AT tire, or preferably another ATM. I will need something with like 40-60% tread left to match what I got. Let me know if anyone has something laying around.

[dscowell]

SWEET! Looks great man love the red rims with

[Popsgarage]

Let me know if anyone has something laying around.

Call me tomorrow and remind me to go look in the bed of the Comanche. I think I've got a D window wheel in there, just not sure on width. I am pretty sure it's a 15"er though. Jonathan 303-968-7156

[ctracy5]

After this I'm low on cash looking to be a few weeks out. Finding out this is not a very common size, at least in the used market so it would be great if you have one.

[Popsgarage]

Going to look in a few minutes.

[Hypoid]

Got you use my hi-lift and figure that thing out

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-abz53fzmauA/UscMeERKakI/AAAAAAAAG-0/MNnLHq8fycw/w929-h697-no/01fa2d2dde78ad3e842219a6d2acb3334c13149c10.jpg

Found some nice useable jack points

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/K06QyuHx4XeDt_KQ-czuhU0MMwfAcTLw1NItLMClZuU=w929-h697-no

How it sits with the new tires

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UoVoyzxT1gU/UscMf8A1rwI/AAAAAAAAG_M/dDe8w2_t67Q/w929-h697-no/013ded46e5982514916238dcf30e66376659cab04f.jpg

Snug fit lol

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6qts_j7LhsI/UscMgQ-WD0I/AAAAAAAAG_Q/VWxsK1CjAfk/w523-h697-no/01dc7a963e00fc5b7cebde1d22ca2a01b0fdd0f3d8.jpg

Hmmmmmmm, more flex shots. :D

Be careful with that farm jack, those things are dangerous!

Maybe you noticed on the rear: As the leaf springs flatten out, the tire will move toward the back. Unload the leafs, the tire will move toward the front. This is something to keep in mind when you start checking for clearance.

[Mozes]

Good looking Trooper! I am new on here, but I have had many a Trooper, including my SAS Mozes 88 Trooper. Need any ideas or help, let me know!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee443/jrtester/100_2378.jpg

[Funrover]

The beast is growing! Looks like you have some trimming in the future!

[sunk]

Looks cool. Do you think you will have to beef up your steering system to accommodate the larger tires?

[ctracy5]

Seemed alright going around my street, the only easy upgrade for it are the hd tie rods from Indy4x but most guys say they haven't done anything and wheel with no issues. I want to add a stabilizer.

[ctracy5]

Well did all the trimming I and banging I could but still rubs at full lock. It is rubbing on the bottom corner of the foot wells so I have order a 1" body lift hopefully saving me from having to cut into my foot wells, and potentially from any trimming in the rear!

This is wear the rubbing is happening

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/02ddfa5f-a2c4-4793-8712-338df65cb0c4_zpsdd45d5b2.jpg?t=1390290157

I have some clean up work left but I think it won't be to bad I am hoping to be able to put the plastic liner back to cover most of this up.

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/57a444fb-8e45-4a26-a603-24947b7dd05d_zpsd18a05be.jpg?t=1390290235

I'm gonna wait until after the BL and see if I need to trim the fender anymore, so it should be trail test time soon :D!

[ctracy5]

Finally some good luck. Just picked up 4 Dynapros with 80%left for $400 and got them and one of my old ATMs mounted for $45. So now I have a full set, a spare and two unmounted matching tires. Can't wait for the body lift to get here gonna hold off on anymore trimming until they is on.

[Funrover]

Looking at that red circle it looks like you can trim that lip off, am I seeing that wrong?

[ctracy5]

that lip in the red is my foot well so anything I cut out I would have to patch so I am hoping with the BL and more hammer work I can get them to clear.

[ctracy5]

I think I just ordered the last of my parts for upgrades, that's a good feeling. With my bigger brakes and cb parts coming and my body lift sitting on the floor in my office I think I just need to get everything put on and I should be ready to rock.....until I think of something else.

[ctracy5]

One more project done!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kjAVaZDEh4s/UvahuD3U3FI/AAAAAAAASFc/woKE8TVnkHQ/w929-h697-no/IMG_0920.JPG

[ctracy5]

All my boxes from rockauto.com showed up today so I am ready for a long weekend of wrenching :woot:. Upgrading my brakes to the bigger ones from a new trooper, replacing boots on two CVs (one for on the vehicle and one is an extra), installing my CB setup, and my body lift. If I get it all done then the only thing left will be to weld up the diff.

[xaza]

sweet, gonna be a fun weekend!

[ctracy5]

:D

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P595YQsL94M/UxZ4Pu1zImI/AAAAAAAASR0/e_EuxMxoC5I/w964-h723-no/01462d2a7b996a26e054d1bb31b273458ed076cec4.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Oig47Qhs4GA/UxZ4O7aoJLI/AAAAAAAASR8/2-qGpab2VNE/w964-h723-no/016e6d7042303ea6939f481c39129b7939b23f87cb.jpg

:steer:

[Rick]

:thumb: you may swap out that Spanish book for an Australian one though:D

[ctracy5]

to bad I don't have the time or energy to get it in before Saturday :oops:

[Rick]

to bad I don't have the time or energy to get it in before Saturdayyou'll be fine w/o it

[ctracy5]

Yeah china wall isn't to bad unless you want it to be, been two years since I was there last. It was my first trip with FR4x4.

[ctracy5]

Finally got my CB in, just need to get it tuned up. I also got some rubber grips on the sliders.

Firestik dome mount, firestik medium spring, firestik quick disconnect, 18' firewire, 4' firestick firefly, and a cobra CB.

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-03/921A82CD-12A3-4CAB-81D3-EB56CD1D7C50_zpshqenscyk.jpg

In red of course

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-03/91A097DD-F9FC-4C2B-85A4-320335296F37_zpsuoyvoqgn.jpg

With the antenna off for driving around town

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-03/517D1542-2DEA-4EEE-A5AE-4D0C821E2E36_zpsslnsyudp.jpg

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-03/46D440AA-59C8-4E63-BA90-001F4C4FB2D2_zpsqunl0asy.jpg

[Rick]

like the grips,,where did you get em?

[ctracy5]

Walmart in the towing section, they are stair grips that I cut thinner to fit better.

[Rick]

looks Good!:thumb:

[glacierpaul]

Nice Chris! ,I Looked In To Those Lokkas, Look Forward To Hear How You Like Them!

[ctracy5]

Been a long time coming now lol. Locker is in, everything is in spec, and axle is ready to go back in, but this weekend I got to get the timing belt and other assorted maintenance on the Miata to get it ready for commuting

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-04/92030CB7-2689-4748-B8AC-4F56AF7CA2DD_zps6xyljfd7.jpg

[Java]

Nice! :thumb: Lockers change everything.

[ctracy5]

Got the axle back together and filled, so some night this week I will have a buddy over and lift it back up in there and 90% of the job is done!!! Sprayed it with a rubberized protectant and then the obvious choice of red.

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-04/814F7D57-A395-426A-BC55-88404CF816C2_zpsw7wgpchu.jpg?t=1398029183

[Brad]

Coming along nicely!

[ctracy5]

The trooper is up and running, and the locker seems to be working. I need to get into some dirt to really test it out. Very glad I did the front and not the rear. I would hate to have one of these under power all the time on dry pavement. Even with the "ratcheting" action it is still a bear to turn in 4wd. I will definitely spend the extra for the ARB air locker if I lock out the rear.

[The StRanger]

Yup. They like to go foward !

[ctracy5]

Got the Rear fenders cut and rolled today, I may need to find a way to put some rubber on it, I think if the tire still hit it now it has the slits to catch the tread. I will try to get some better pics once the paint is dry and I can get in there.

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/6BA0431C-CA45-4FA7-B8B9-9FB0C0D5BECF_zpsg5dadw2i.jpg

http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y359/Chrisstracy/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/6AAECE46-1F7D-4898-940C-1EBEF41F62D4_zps2li9fhc1.jpg

[Chris]

Very glad I did the front and not the rear.

Hmmm, a lunchbox locker in the front is going to give you some trouble, consider moving it to the rear. I ran one in the rear for years and was pretty happy with it. Wheeled with a guy who had one in the front and he ended up unlocking the hubs to maneuver on the rocks. Just my :2c:

[ctracy5]

My carriers are different from front to back so that would be a no go. I will know after moab if it was a good investment or not. I have only seen a few guys on PlanetIsuzoo that didn't love um.

[ctracy5]

Well I learned a lot out at Moab, had a great time but the trooper might be out for a little while. The front locker put to much stress on the steering and snapped two tie rod adjusters so until I can get some HD ones made I don't feel comfortable taking it on trails. I have a descent list of parts to get for this next year and can hopefully be back on the trails soon. I hope to be at GoneMoab again next year and the plan for that will be for this next year.

1. HD tie rods, with spares
2. Regear my T-case
3. rear ARB
4. Debating on removing my front locker and going back to open until I can get the ARB.

[xaza]

bummer to hear about the trooper. Seems to me you could replace them, carry spares and work on getting heavy duty ones while enjoying some easier trails. Just take measurements after getting alignment done. That way if one breaks on the trail you can set it close enough to get back home.

[Chris]

Debating on removing my front locker and going back to open until I can get the ARB.

That's the ticket, can't say i didn't warn you.

[ctracy5]

Yeah, well what the real plan at this point is an SAS, going to start to research out putting a Toyota axle up front. From looking around it doesn't seem any harder then any other SAS. But the biggest thing holding me back now is no place to do it even if I had the parts. I don't have a garage anymore so I am stuck to weekend jobs that can be done with hand tools.



Seems to me you could replace them, carry spares and work on getting heavy duty ones while enjoying some easier trails. Just take measurements after getting alignment done. That way if one breaks on the trail you can set it close enough to get back home.

Talking to Joe I think I can make some really nice ones using Heim joints and 3/4" or 1" DOM. Looking at stuff online I should be able to get a pair made up for around $130, about half of the HD ones from Indy 4x which still uses normal tie rod ends. Even with those I will be taking it easy just because I don't know where the next weak link will be, either the knuckle or the center-link.

[zukrider]

Before you chunk down on an ARB for the rear, find a cheap used rear third and drop it off. let me weld it up, and then try it out. you may not hate it as much as you think. will save you well over $1400. Just saying. Go here for any pics i got of you. Its funny, i have pics of you all the way up that last hill until i saw the first bounce, then nothing. pretty sure i was in awe! http://s270.photobucket.com/user/josephfrank/library/goneMOAB2014?src=pb

Slas had a layover on Hells Friday.