Sasquatch- Isuzu Trooper build

[Vadim]

Hey everyone! My intention here is to try and document the transformation of my 1995 Trooper as I get into going off road and overlanding. My vehicle is a base model 1995 Isuzu Trooper with 93k miles on a SOHC 3.2 V6 and a 5sp transmission (relevant for those that have owned an auto and had it die). The previous owner didnt do any mods and kept it in pretty good condition. Here is how she was when I first go her:

 

[alaskan.lad]

Nice looking rig! I see in your sig picture is has come a long way from stock, looking forward to seeing the progress of the build when you get a chance to upload more information and pictures. I have always had a soft spot for these rigs, should be a great expedition rig base!

 

[Vadim]

Here she is after I got my OME springs on and torsion bars cranked. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! Before the car would feel like its tipping over in turns and if you brake too hard then the front would dive really hard. Now it feels more planted and in control. I also finally got around to replacing two broken front wheel studs as well. The impact screwdriver is a must and saved my butt big time. I also traded the stocks rims and tires for some MB Motoring 16x8 rims and got the windows tinted for some privacy.

 

[Vadim]

Nice looking rig! I see in your sig picture is has come a long way from stock, looking forward to seeing the progress of the build when you get a chance to upload more information and pictures. I have always had a soft spot for these rigs, should be a great expedition rig base!

Thanks O.B.A.K! Currently uploading all the progress pics that I have for it.

 

[Vadim]

Then it was onto my my roof rack. All in all it came out to $210 for the Surco mounts, crossbars and safari basket. Also had a chance to try the 4x4 in the snow. Snow was only about 4" of fresh pack so Sasqutch did pretty well.

 

[Vadim]

Next was getting some affordable MT tires and plasti dipping the wheels black. They have lasted for a year now without peeling off. Also did a little bit of wheelin this summer to see how much flex she has.

 

[Vadim]

After all those trips, I realized the car needed some suspension upgrades so I purchased ProComp shocks and HD ball joints to help improve the stability of the vehicle. I also purchased a LED headlight bulbs to increase visibility, CB Radio, heavy duty air compressor so I can air down the tires, recovery rope and shovel in case I ever get stuck.

 

[Vadim]

Finally the last update that I did this year was to use the Herculiner to protect the lower 3rd of the rig. Turned out looking really great but it was alot of prep work to ensure a long lasting finish.

 

[alaskan.lad]

This is killer. Subscribed!

 

[Vadim]

Well shes been officially badged!!

 

[k9sar]

Love your Trooper and now I really miss my '91 trooper even more...They are great trucks!

 

[Kirill Rudnev]

Nice truck[emoji106]. What size tires you running on?

 

[Kirill Rudnev]

Finally the last update that I did this year was to use the Herculiner to protect the lower 3rd of the rig. Turned out looking really great but it was alot of prep work to ensure a long lasting finish.

Love the black trim. Planing to do the same on mine.

 

[Vadim]

Nice truck[emoji106]. What size tires you running on?

Tires are a 285/75/16. So almost a 33”.

 

[Kirill Rudnev]

Nice, I was gonna go with 33s but deciding to go with 35s.

 

[Vadim]

Well I hope you can do something about the hearing. Mine has the 4.56 gears and I have the SOHC 3.2 v6 and it is a pig at times when on the freeway and trying to climb a hill. I couldn’t imagine 35s unless you can get better gears in the axles or get a substantial improvement in power.

 

[Vadim]

Decided to start my winch bumper build finally. Bought some 1/8" plate for the bumper, 1/4" thick harbor freight winch plate, 1/2" shackle mounts. Here is some of today's progress, definitely not as far as I would have hoped but running out of cutting discs and welding wire put a delay with a need to run to the store. I used the factory bumper mount rail and ended up boxing it in to give it some strength. I am still planning to add a square tube between the rails which will also bolt to the frame directly. I know a lot of the concepts for welding and have beginners experience but I made sure to do multiple passes on the areas that need extra strength. My welder is a Lincoln Electric 140hd and I am using .035 Flux Core wire.

 

[Smileyshaun]

Awesome rig , I've always liked the looks of the troopers and they seem to have a ton of interior room , can't wait to see where this thing takes you

 

[MA_Trooper]

Very nice. Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[Vadim]

Thanks alot for the support guys. I made some more progress this week with getting the overall shape of the bumper in place. The next step will be to box in the top section and start building the skid plate underneath. I decided to try and make it as slim as possible to allow for better approach angle.