Newbie questions - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

bberry007 · 07-10-2003, 07:48 PM

Hey, I am getting rid of my XJ and am likely going to get a Rodeo/Passport. The years that are in my price range are 1994-1997 so I had some questions for you who have knowledge of these babys. I want to get a V-6 with a 5 speed, but if I find a good auto, is it a good tranny? I won't be doing much wheeling with it at first, or at least no major stuff. Eventually I might consider doing a solid axle swap, but for now, just a good reliable rig for snow and the like. So, are there any years that are better than others for various reasons, anything to avoidc such as an auto tranny, V-6, etc. I would like to get a V-6 for the power gain and the Dana 44 rear, but if the 4 popper is more reliable than I would consider it. Any help is appreciated. If you want any XJ info I am willing to trade, but new to the Isuzu world.
Bryan

mepr · 07-10-2003, 08:28 PM

im perty shure (the new ones are like this), the only way to get the auto and the 4x4 is whith the v-6. From what i have seen the v-6 is just as good as the 4bangers, and the auto dosnt seem to have many problems. Finding a 5speed 4x4 is going to be hard as most come from the factory whith the auto, to find a stick whith the v-6 and 4x4 it might be easier to look at amigos/rodeo sports if the 4doors arent critical.

Belly Dragger · 07-10-2003, 09:24 PM

The auto is a GM 4L30E

The v6 is the only option to go for in the Rodeo for some performance.

70~K5 · 07-10-2003, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Belly Dragger
The auto is a GM 4L30E

The v6 is the only option to go for in the Rodeo for some performance.

It depends, with a 5 speed stick, the 2.6 4 cyl and the 2.8 V6 both have about the same performance just at different RPM bands. With the 4 banger you have to keep it wound up, where with the v6 you can lug it down.

jgalt · 07-11-2003, 05:29 AM

Rodeo/Passports are stout.

In the range you are looking at, I'd go 96-97; prior year models are slightly different.

The 96-97 has a 3.2L V6 which can suffer from valve "tick"; 5w-30 synth oil and regular changes usually take care of that.

Auto is GM and a good unit; 5-spd is MUA - also good. I like my five spd, but an auto is easier for wheelin'.

On the axle, look for 4.30 gears (as opposed to 4.10) and a G80 option code - that's the LSD.

bberry007 · 07-11-2003, 11:43 AM

Looking for that option code, where is it located? Will it be on the diff like the gear tag or is it on a badge in the engine bay or door sill or something? Thanks for all your help, it is much appreciated.

jgalt · 07-14-2003, 10:54 AM

The option codes would be located on a plate on the inside of the engine compartment, driver's side:

G80 = Limited Slip
S7C = 43/10 gear ratio

you won't find much on the axle.

07-10-2003, 07:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
bberry007 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7432 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 32	Newbie questions Hey, I am getting rid of my XJ and am likely going to get a Rodeo/Passport. The years that are in my price range are 1994-1997 so I had some questions for you who have knowledge of these babys. I want to get a V-6 with a 5 speed, but if I find a good auto, is it a good tranny? I won't be doing much wheeling with it at first, or at least no major stuff. Eventually I might consider doing a solid axle swap, but for now, just a good reliable rig for snow and the like. So, are there any years that are better than others for various reasons, anything to avoidc such as an auto tranny, V-6, etc. I would like to get a V-6 for the power gain and the Dana 44 rear, but if the 4 popper is more reliable than I would consider it. Any help is appreciated. If you want any XJ info I am willing to trade, but new to the Isuzu world. Bryan __________________ 96 Rodeo How much for one rib?

07-10-2003, 08:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
mepr Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Member # 15939 Location: McChord AFB, WA Posts: 500	im perty shure (the new ones are like this), the only way to get the auto and the 4x4 is whith the v-6. From what i have seen the v-6 is just as good as the 4bangers, and the auto dosnt seem to have many problems. Finding a 5speed 4x4 is going to be hard as most come from the factory whith the auto, to find a stick whith the v-6 and 4x4 it might be easier to look at amigos/rodeo sports if the 4doors arent critical. __________________ 1999 Stock poser TJ, DD 1973 Wagoneer, mall crawler project...

07-10-2003, 09:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Belly Dragger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3692 Location: Cartoon City, NV Posts: 3,508	The auto is a GM 4L30E The v6 is the only option to go for in the Rodeo for some performance. __________________ Moab Video = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VePPmRCIgKY

07-11-2003, 05:29 AM	#5 (permalink)
jgalt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20848 Location: Salt Lake City, UT USA Posts: 6	Rodeo/Passports are stout. In the range you are looking at, I'd go 96-97; prior year models are slightly different. The 96-97 has a 3.2L V6 which can suffer from valve "tick"; 5w-30 synth oil and regular changes usually take care of that. Auto is GM and a good unit; 5-spd is MUA - also good. I like my five spd, but an auto is easier for wheelin'. On the axle, look for 4.30 gears (as opposed to 4.10) and a G80 option code - that's the LSD. __________________ Jim Maxed IFS

07-11-2003, 11:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
bberry007 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Member # 7432 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 32	Looking for that option code, where is it located? Will it be on the diff like the gear tag or is it on a badge in the engine bay or door sill or something? Thanks for all your help, it is much appreciated. __________________ 96 Rodeo How much for one rib?

07-14-2003, 10:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
jgalt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20848 Location: Salt Lake City, UT USA Posts: 6	option codes The option codes would be located on a plate on the inside of the engine compartment, driver's side: G80 = Limited Slip S7C = 43/10 gear ratio you won't find much on the axle. __________________ Jim Maxed IFS

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode