Hi all!
I've found many helpful and inspiring build threads on here so thought I'd go ahead and do my own. Since I've started following this forum, its really got me motivated to get some things done on my rig. So here it goes. Any suggestions or Do's/Don'ts are greatly appreciated. This is currently my daily driver and I'm hoping to make her more off road worthy as well. I intend to do all the work myself... we'll see how that goes.
What I started with:
1997 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2L V6 Automatic with 155k miles on it. All stock as far as I can tell.
-Had pretty small 225/65/R16 tires on it and the brush guard was slightly bent along with hood, grill, and driver side fender.
-4WD didn't work and AC didn't work.
What I've done so far:
-Replaced radiator that had a slow leak... probably due to whatever front end collision also did the body damage.
-Put new tires on it. 265/75/R16 Dean Back Country.
-Installed 2" trailer hitch
-Replaced a bad vacuum hose in the 4WD SOTF VSV system... that didn't get my 4WD working though.
-Got a VSV from pick-n-pull and cleaned and installed it... that did get my 4WD working, but its a bit intermittent. Thinking to test the vacuum system/repair if needed and do a more thorough cleaning of the VSV.
-Replaced the driver side power widow motor that died shortly after buying the vehicle.
-Replaced the passenger side window glass because someone broke into the rig and broke the window out to due so. Stole about $50 worth of wrenches and decorations my wife bought for our daughters 1st birthday. Not cool.
-Replaced driver side tail light cluster thanks to some idiot who clipped my rig while it was parked.
What I'd like to do:
-Replace leaking valve cover gasket and figure I'll do the intake manifold gaskets while I have her opened up. Anything else I should do while I have it opened up? Suggestions appreciated.
-Fix that annoying knock that seems to plague these rigs. The '97 has "self adjusting" valves according to my Haynes manual so not too sure what to do about that...Suggestions?
-Fix AC... already have new condenser and drier, just need to install. Waiting for that whole AC project to do it though.
-Get my 4WD SOTF fully functional... Hoping this is just the VSV or vacuum hoses.
-Do all high mileage maintenance. Differential fluids, Transfer case fluids, Transmission filter and fluids, fuel filter etc.
-Take care of all body damage... straiten out brush car and repaint it, grill, fender, hood. Front bumper is appears to be slightly pushed back/up so may replace that. Basically clean her up a bit.
-3" lift via torsion bar adjustment/shocks in the front and add a leaf/shackle and shocks in the rear. Have found helpful threads on this already but any input is appreciated.
-New stereo. Currently all stock. New deck, speakers and I have an old sub I'd like to put back into service... Any info on a good place to hide a 10" sub is appreciated.
-Tint the windows
-Clean up the interior... carpet and possibly seats. Get all interior lights working again.
Did I forget anything? probably... I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.
Here's some pics taken today of the current state of my rig:
I've got some things in the works and will be following up shortly with updates.
Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions!!
I've found many helpful and inspiring build threads on here so thought I'd go ahead and do my own. Since I've started following this forum, its really got me motivated to get some things done on my rig. So here it goes. Any suggestions or Do's/Don'ts are greatly appreciated. This is currently my daily driver and I'm hoping to make her more off road worthy as well. I intend to do all the work myself... we'll see how that goes.
What I started with:
1997 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2L V6 Automatic with 155k miles on it. All stock as far as I can tell.
-Had pretty small 225/65/R16 tires on it and the brush guard was slightly bent along with hood, grill, and driver side fender.
-4WD didn't work and AC didn't work.
What I've done so far:
-Replaced radiator that had a slow leak... probably due to whatever front end collision also did the body damage.
-Put new tires on it. 265/75/R16 Dean Back Country.
-Installed 2" trailer hitch
-Replaced a bad vacuum hose in the 4WD SOTF VSV system... that didn't get my 4WD working though.
-Got a VSV from pick-n-pull and cleaned and installed it... that did get my 4WD working, but its a bit intermittent. Thinking to test the vacuum system/repair if needed and do a more thorough cleaning of the VSV.
-Replaced the driver side power widow motor that died shortly after buying the vehicle.
-Replaced the passenger side window glass because someone broke into the rig and broke the window out to due so. Stole about $50 worth of wrenches and decorations my wife bought for our daughters 1st birthday. Not cool.
-Replaced driver side tail light cluster thanks to some idiot who clipped my rig while it was parked.
What I'd like to do:
-Replace leaking valve cover gasket and figure I'll do the intake manifold gaskets while I have her opened up. Anything else I should do while I have it opened up? Suggestions appreciated.
-Fix that annoying knock that seems to plague these rigs. The '97 has "self adjusting" valves according to my Haynes manual so not too sure what to do about that...Suggestions?
-Fix AC... already have new condenser and drier, just need to install. Waiting for that whole AC project to do it though.
-Get my 4WD SOTF fully functional... Hoping this is just the VSV or vacuum hoses.
-Do all high mileage maintenance. Differential fluids, Transfer case fluids, Transmission filter and fluids, fuel filter etc.
-Take care of all body damage... straiten out brush car and repaint it, grill, fender, hood. Front bumper is appears to be slightly pushed back/up so may replace that. Basically clean her up a bit.
-3" lift via torsion bar adjustment/shocks in the front and add a leaf/shackle and shocks in the rear. Have found helpful threads on this already but any input is appreciated.
-New stereo. Currently all stock. New deck, speakers and I have an old sub I'd like to put back into service... Any info on a good place to hide a 10" sub is appreciated.
-Tint the windows
-Clean up the interior... carpet and possibly seats. Get all interior lights working again.
Did I forget anything? probably... I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.
Here's some pics taken today of the current state of my rig:
I've got some things in the works and will be following up shortly with updates.
Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions!!