Sup guys, I'm new here... - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

TxsizeK5 · 08-07-2003, 10:41 AM

So, right now I have a K5, but me and my buddy are looking into getting a cheap 88Trooper.

Can anyone give me info, such as engine, drivetrain, etc.
We're looking to make this an offroad only vehicle- ie. cage, hacked roof, spooled or locker, etc.

Any info can be of great help... pics too! Thanks!

Independent4x · 08-07-2003, 01:03 PM

88'S HAVE THE 2.6l 4CYL.

look for an 89-91 ( same body style) w/ the GM V-6. those use the 2.8L chevy v-6 ...same as s-10, cherokee, etc of the similar vintage. same motor tech. applies...crossovers etc.

these are very good platforms to buld on.....boxed ladder frame, etc. Swap an axle and or motor in it and chop some sheetmetal and hit the trail.

the body is nice and narrow at around 60", making it a good size for the trail.

best of luck on your project.

TxsizeK5 · 08-07-2003, 01:22 PM

What are options for axle/engine swaps?

I might just keep the 4banger it has and go lower gearing if new axles are swapped in.

Planning to chop top and roll cage and gutt interior to save on some weight.

Grampa · 08-07-2003, 07:24 PM

IMO stay away from the 4 cyl... far far away. I've sunk over 3 G's into mine trying to wring out every ounce of power possible and keep it naturally asperated (no turbo or charger) and its still a dog, not to mention IIRC its actually a few pounds heavier than the 2.8 V6. For rear lockers, a Lincoln works great, or you can throw away your hard-earned cash on the only other one avail, the bling bling arb

Front wagoneer axles up to 79 are pretty much the same width as the rear axle and are pass side drop, and you can get up to 5:38 gearing for both.

A big misconception I've run into is that these rigs are light; not so. Mine with only myself and recovery gear are pushing the 4000lb mark. I'd say go the way of Matt and soon to be myself, with a SBC or 4.3....

Just a bit of info, HTH

Lil Uzi · 08-09-2003, 05:58 AM

If I am allowed to comment with respect to my elders....

IMHO, if your limiting to off road only, and you rock crawl only, you dont need the 4.3 6 or 8 cyls. They just break other stock shiazzz. Thats good thoughts on the 2.8, the parts are cheaper for sure. The 160 hp 3.4 is supposed to be a drop in

There are links to Olds and Caddy EFI DOHC V-8s swaps, if you are really into it. If you thirst for power, and your swapping axles, yeah, then the whole equation changes. If your gonna rip the engine and electronics out to swap in cast iron push-rod American, then get ANY year, or one with a blown motor..........
Look for an 87 with a cracked head......

08-07-2003, 10:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
TxsizeK5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Member # 21821 Location: Texas Posts: 3	Sup guys, I'm new here... So, right now I have a K5, but me and my buddy are looking into getting a cheap 88Trooper. Can anyone give me info, such as engine, drivetrain, etc. We're looking to make this an offroad only vehicle- ie. cage, hacked roof, spooled or locker, etc. Any info can be of great help... pics too! Thanks! __________________ C:\Dos C:\Dos Run Run\Dos\Run "Don't democrats cause cancer?" --Homer Simpson

08-07-2003, 01:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
Independent4x technical expert Join Date: Dec 2001 Member # 8755 Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 2,188	88'S HAVE THE 2.6l 4CYL. look for an 89-91 ( same body style) w/ the GM V-6. those use the 2.8L chevy v-6 ...same as s-10, cherokee, etc of the similar vintage. same motor tech. applies...crossovers etc. these are very good platforms to buld on.....boxed ladder frame, etc. Swap an axle and or motor in it and chop some sheetmetal and hit the trail. the body is nice and narrow at around 60", making it a good size for the trail. best of luck on your project. __________________ Matt, Owner: Independent4x www.independent4x.com 804-550-0480: 9am-6pm EST UFWDA Life Member - http://www.ufwda.org/ Full Service Fabrication Shop & Retail Store located in Richmond, Va. for all your OffRoad needs: featuring Sway-A-Way, WARN, ARB/OME, AEV, Advance Adapters, TeraFlex, Trailready, Currie, QA1, Beard Seats, Interco Tire, D.O.M. Tube to length, etc. - call or PM

08-07-2003, 01:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
TxsizeK5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Member # 21821 Location: Texas Posts: 3	hrm... What are options for axle/engine swaps? I might just keep the 4banger it has and go lower gearing if new axles are swapped in. Planning to chop top and roll cage and gutt interior to save on some weight. __________________ C:\Dos C:\Dos Run Run\Dos\Run "Don't democrats cause cancer?" --Homer Simpson

08-07-2003, 07:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Grampa Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20695 Location: BC Canada Posts: 188	IMO stay away from the 4 cyl... far far away. I've sunk over 3 G's into mine trying to wring out every ounce of power possible and keep it naturally asperated (no turbo or charger) and its still a dog, not to mention IIRC its actually a few pounds heavier than the 2.8 V6. For rear lockers, a Lincoln works great, or you can throw away your hard-earned cash on the only other one avail, the bling bling arb Front wagoneer axles up to 79 are pretty much the same width as the rear axle and are pass side drop, and you can get up to 5:38 gearing for both. A big misconception I've run into is that these rigs are light; not so. Mine with only myself and recovery gear are pushing the 4000lb mark. I'd say go the way of Matt and soon to be myself, with a SBC or 4.3.... Just a bit of info, HTH __________________ 89 Trooper Supercrew 283/SM465/np205 twinstick burning BBQ juice on 37"s

08-09-2003, 05:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
Lil Uzi Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6359 Location: Placer County, CA Where the Green Grass Grows Posts: 1,661	Engine Power If I am allowed to comment with respect to my elders.... IMHO, if your limiting to off road only, and you rock crawl only, you dont need the 4.3 6 or 8 cyls. They just break other stock shiazzz. Thats good thoughts on the 2.8, the parts are cheaper for sure. The 160 hp 3.4 is supposed to be a drop in There are links to Olds and Caddy EFI DOHC V-8s swaps, if you are really into it. If you thirst for power, and your swapping axles, yeah, then the whole equation changes. If your gonna rip the engine and electronics out to swap in cast iron push-rod American, then get ANY year, or one with a blown motor.......... Look for an 87 with a cracked head...... __________________ not surprized yer confused yer face was burried in the pillow pretty deep as gizim drunk as you were

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