Hey all,
I have a friend who is really looking into getting a ZU. He asked me and I know more about Troopers then the Rodeo's. Could you guys give me some info on the years and engines to stay away from, and the strenghts and weaknesses on the Rodeo?

Uhhh... basically its a trooper with a Dana44 instead of a 12bolt. Roughly the same wheelbase assuming we are 92+ trooper same trannies... more or less the exact same engines.... Don't bother with the 4cyl generally 93+ is wise because they don't have the gm 3.1 v6... beyond that what is there to say... a little less boxy and a little less cargo room than a trooper. Leaf sprung until 97 after which the coils are different. Look for a g80 code in the engine bay it indicates a limited slip. Beyond that you are looking at more or less the same drivetrains with a different body.

Of course they are all good years and motors :D

We worship everything that is ISUZU :smokin:





Early Rodeos had durable, but somewhat under powered GM 3.1 v6s, upgradable to GM 3.4. Later ones are Isuzu powered, some have ticking noises. I am no expert on Isuzu motors. Seems to be cured with recommended oil, thinner than you'd think. Always change the timing belts and tensioner. If it is unknown when if ever it was done. Dunno 5sds seem good enough. ATs are GM 4l30es, not all that many vehicles use them. If the ATs are serviced regularly and never overheated they seem to last.

Rodeos and Troopers are the about same lenght overall. Troopers have more room, truck like seating. Rodeos are lower roofed, carlike seating.

91-92 had 3.1 gm v6 and gm 10 bolt rear. 93+ have 3.2 sohc with aforementioned ticking, and a standard d44. In 95.5, the dash was upgraded, everything else is the same. 96-97 have the new suspension up front. Longer a-arms and more travel. Can crank up the front more and have less cv angle. Also have an improved ignition system providing 190 hp vs 175.

98 started the new body style. Same front suspension, but in the rear coils suspend a wacky isuzu 44. Rack and pinion steering. I think they got dohc then?

I would recommend a 96 or 97. 225/75/15s mean 4.10s, 245/70/16s mean 4.30s. I'm a diehard stick fan, but if auto floats your boat, I would put a cooler and a gauge on it.