Hey Guys,

Thinking about going to pickup an '89 Trooper II tomorrow. I have been building SAS toyotas for years, but have no experience with the Isuzu products. The vehicle has a 2.6 4 banger and 5-speed. Could someone give me a quick schooling on these and the reliability? I don't want to buy any junk and want to use it as a DD. Are parts hard to come by? This one has 208k on the odometer and the guys asking $1700.00 Thanks!

I dunno, seems a little steep unless it is super clean. But they are tough little buggies. Engine (with a possible caveat about cracked heads if overheated, somebody who knows more about 2.6Ls will have to chime in if this applies to an 89), tranny, and axles are pretty tough. Aftermarket is limited compared to Toyotas; ARB and Aussie lockers are available but gearing options are pretty limited. Independent4x is your friend for aftermarket stuff.

Thanks! Hopefully someone will chime in as far as the reliability of the 2.6 engine.

the 2.6 is reliable as long as it is NEVER overheated. These heads will warp and crack easily. I think $1700 is way to much for one with that mileage. I would think 700 or so would be about right. Ask if the head gasket was ever replaced. look at the frame, they are prone to rotting. They are great trucks, lots of fun and you will do stuff that the stock jeeps cant!

i would agree that is way to much money. i just payed $100 for a really clean running 88, the only problem is it has a 2.8 v6 i would say the $700 range would be a pretty good deal.i am currently doin a dana 44 front on mine so if you have any questions let me know

also you can buy new castings of the heads for the 2.6 that are garenteed not to crack like the origonals i think the are around $400 though