Hi guys/gals:

I have a 1999 rodeo 3.2L 4wd (had it for years), always been interested in getting off the road with it, but the once or twice I tried anything beyond very improved trails I ended up being hamstrung by my low ground clearance. So my basic questions are:

1) Can anyone recommend a the best cure for the ground clearance problem? II want something I can do myself. I am no mechanic but I'm very handy and have pretty much all basic tools, but likely will be missing specialty items. I have no air tools, though I could find them if needed.

2) what other DIY mods would you recommend to make this car a decent offroad rig? It's in very good mechanical condition, so far as I can tell.

Thanks for the tips!

I would start with a mild lift and maybe a bit larger tires and go from there...it is pretty simple to raise a Rodeo an inch or two. Best option IMO is to install some OME rear coils and adjust the front ride height to match (the front IFS is adjustable by "cranking" the torsion bars).

I suggest you call Independent4x at 804-550-0480 and consult with them as to which OME spring is best for your needs, they know Isuzus and are your best aftermarket resource. They can also advise you as to what tire size will fit a Rodeo (I don't know off the top of my head).

Later on if you want to get more serious you can look at rocker panel protection and traction enhancements such as diff lockers.

Hi, thanks. indy4x4 has a few "kits" that include other miscellaneous suspension parts as well as the springs. Would you recommend any of those, or just go with the springs to start?

Up to you really...you can start with the springs and add the other stuff ala carte if you want. The "kits" are really convenient groupings of useful stuff, so if you have the money they are worth considering. But if budget is tight you don't even have to have new shocks necessarily for this kind of lift, for example. You can always add those later.

Keep in mind if you lift 3" you will want new tires to fill out those wheel wells, so factor in that expense as well.

which leads to the next question... do you have a good recommendation for tires on a 3" lifted rodeo? These would hopefully be something that could tolerate a good bit of road use, and not the most expensive in the store either. Or, barring an actual tire recommendation, a size?

This also begs the question of wheels/hubs. for appearance's sake i'd love to replace the wheels but besides for that reason will I need to replace them to add the right tires?

Someone else will have to give you a definitive answer on that (Indy 4x could, BTW), I know Troopers better than Rodeo.

You should be able to keep your existing wheels, because I'm pretty sure your not going to go bigger than like 265/75/16 (31.6"). And you wouldn't want to go bigger than that anyway, because the bigger the tire the more power you lose due to the change in final drive ratio.

Are your stock tires 245/70s? If so they are about 29.5" tires, and to go to 265/75s is about a ~7% change in size. The powerless is noticeable at first but not bad and you get used to it quickly. And right there you gain 2.5" in ground clearance, plus they look good :grinpimp:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Thank you very much! I have plenty to get started on. Now I just have to find some good trails around here... (North Alabama)...

J

I think there are some good ones in Tennessee...

I think there are some good ones in Tennessee...

If southern tennessee that would be helpful. I'd like to get out and do some easy/moderate riding to see if this is a hobby I'd like to invest in.

My wife had a baby last week, sorry for the long time to reply...

J