92 Isuzu Rodeo Front Solid Axle Conversion

[ds1919]

Greetings! I have a 1992 Rodeo 4x with the V6 and 5 spd. I just did the 3" body lift and about a 3 1/2" susp lift and....I hate it!! I hate the way the front IFS is now. The whole idea of raising the ride height is geometrically wrong, and those who talked me into it are not seeing the "truth".

Well anyways, I want to put in a solid axle in the front. I read the posts about beefing up the Toyota front axle to specs beyond the D44. Cool!

What I need to know is who to know. Does anyone here know of a person or place that understands Isuzu solid axle conversions? I need to know what axle(s) are best suited for this swap, what spring packs, and what kits are available. I know Independent4x has many parts, are there more companies out there?

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!

thanks, ds1919

 

[Greg]

One of the members on the BBoard, Too Far, has some experience with SAS's on Isuzu Troopers. Also, there is Belly Dragger, but his buildup is just a bit more than a SAS!

So your plan is for a Toyota axle? I think a Toy axle is a very fitting choice!

 

[ds1919]

hey there. I wasnt for sure thinking of a Toy axle, but, they are readily available, and can be tweaked pretty far, and everyone knows them. But I do not have enough experience with SAS's to know what fits and what needs major mods. For instance, to shorten axles to match the rears, is that a major mod or a simple one done by an axle shop (once I give them my specs)?

Do I go Trooper 12 bolt, Toy, or D44/D60? I do want to keep it simple and cost effective. I Probably wont do any totally extreme rock crawling...well maybe some

Also, how do you figure out which spring pack to use? I mean, every vehicle has a different front end weight, and therefore the resulting heighth will be different for each vehicle. Has someone done the R&R already out there or would this be up to me? I hear waggy 5 and 7's, chevy packs, and other aftermarket packs going around. Which one? How do I know what will match the rear?

side note- I would like to use a Toy axle for the front. Seems to be the best for performance and price....

 

[Greg]

I don't think it would be too difficult, but i have never done a SAS on a Isuzu. If I were to do it, I think this is how it would be done.

-Toyota Front axle, if its the needed T-Cast output & Width.

-Build front spring hanger (1"x3"x1/4" Sq tube, cut to lenght)

-Run Shackle Bushing thru frame (Shackles in rear of spring pack, of course)

-Use 2.5" YJ SoftRide springs, or Rancho 44044's if you want lots of lift. (2.5" YJ's lift a Toyota about 1-1.5" higher than they lift a Jeep, 44044's lift about 6" total on a Toy)

-Highsteer. Thats the $$$ part. You could do crossover, but I think if I were doing it, i'd do it right the first time. AllPro sells their HighSteer kits for $599!!!!

You may be able to do it for less money, but SAS's usually cost quite a wad of $$$.

 

[EZRhino]

ds1919--

You need to get on the Isuzu list, I think it's based off of www.4x4wire.com. www.4x4wire.com
I sold my 93 Rodeo about a year ago, it had the Calmini 3" on it. I think I know what you mean about riding crappily. There are a few guys out there that have done SAS's on Rodeos; it really shouldn't be all that dissimilar that doing it on Toyotas. Luckily Rodeos have a steering box so you don't have to do that too (as opposed to having rack and peanut steering). Personally I would opt for the Dana 44 front end out of a waggy or chev, that way you get the 6 bolt pattern. Plan on not driving your Isuzu for a while when you do it; it will take some time to work out the bugs (as with any large project). For springs, I would suggest something similar to waggy springs or a mild lift spring for a YJ. While you're at it take off the body lift and spring over the rear, and get rid of the stupid carrier bearing and get a real driveline.

EZ

 

[94rodeo]

what ever happened to this project???

 

[BlackDog]

what ever happened to this project???

Ditto.

 

[94rodeo]

wow, talk about digging up the past.

 

[Spork]

I doubt we'll ever know...
Last Activity: 08-24-2002 02:33 PM