I am looking into buying a Trooper, somewhere betweeen 1990 and 1995, depending on the price. I have about $2800 to spend on one. What motors should I look for? I don't care if its stick or automatic. Should I care? I'm just trying to figure out what makes a truck a good deal. How many miles do these usually go for? I'm going to try to find one with less than 150K miles on it.

Its not as important, as I'm just looking for a good DD, but how do they wheel, stock? The most mods it would see, since being a DD, is torsion bars and shackles for 1.5" of lift, and 31" tires. Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks for any suggestions.

I am looking into buying a Trooper, somewhere betweeen 1990 and 1995, depending on the price. I have about $2800 to spend on one. What motors should I look for? I don't care if its stick or automatic. Should I care? I'm just trying to figure out what makes a truck a good deal. How many miles do these usually go for? I'm going to try to find one with less than 150K miles on it.

Its not as important, as I'm just looking for a good DD, but how do they wheel, stock? The most mods it would see, since being a DD, is torsion bars and shackles for 1.5" of lift, and 31" tires. Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks for any suggestions.

The break in the "generations" or body styles came for the trooper in 1992. pre 92 they came with the GM 2.8v6 (maybe the 2.6 also, but not sure). Post 92 were equipped with an isuzu SOHC 3.2L, a lot more power and should be plenty reliable also.

I would go stick because the resale value is goign to be 20% lower which is cheaper for you. Check ebay for what they are going for in your area to get an idea of pricing.

They are simple trucks, overbuilt, bad resale value = cheap, and do well offroad in stock form. junkyard partts are kind of hard to find, but you can get them. good luck

For reference I bought a 93 Trooper RS for $3K, 109K miles last June. (CPOM actually test drove it for me) RS is the short wheel base option if that interests you, available in 93 only. It has the optional 190 hp DOHC 3.2L, more commonly you will see the 175 hp SOHC 3.2L in 92 - 95 Troopers.

For the 2nd gen 92+ Troopers just throw OME coils on for 1 - 2" lift, and 265/75 (32") tires and you are good to go. Also most have rear LSD (check for G80 code on option plate on the engine compartment firewall). Good luck!

Thanks guys! I appreciate this information. I am really glad I asked! I'll need the long wheelbase, I'm hoping for a 92-94 with the 3.2 in it. I'll keep an eye out for that G80 code. I'd love to have a LSD in the back, that would be great!

Oh, and if you hear the valves clatter some on the SOHC 3.2L, don't worry about it, the hydraulic lifters do that sometimes...just look worried about it and use it to negotiate the price down ;)

Its not as important, as I'm just looking for a good DD, but how do they wheel, stock? The most mods it would see, since being a DD, is torsion bars and shackles for 1.5" of lift, and 31" tires. Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks for any suggestions.

my '90 pup came w/ 31's stock, so you're good there.
when i buy used, i make sure the inspection is current before i test drive.

My 91 has 140k on it and the GM 2.8l and it's as gutless as a dog with no wallet. (balls). It runs though and roomy as hell.