Probably time to get my build thread started as I have done a absolute ton of work. Reposting my introduction post here to preserve the first post of the build thread as the Trooper sat stock and all build posts to follow with pics. Enjoy the ride right along with me as I convert this thing to formidable offroad and overlanding vehicle that can be daily driven.
Below from Nov 12, 2016:
Hello all,
I have been looking at Troopers for months. Some were better than others, but I'm very picky and already have a few cars so there wasn't a rush.
I finally pulled the trigger on a 1999 Acura SLX with the cleanest interior I have seen on a car with 151K miles on it. I got a good deal on a 19 year old vehicle that most everything works The folding mirrors still work for crying out loud. I have many many projects planned for the vehicle but for now, it replaces my 2012 Fiat 500 as a somewhat daily driver that I can bring the kids in. I have a built 2011 STI hatchback that is very loud and fun, but is way too nice to beat up daily.
I bought it yesterday, and it was already on my lift today. Things fixed were the dreaded range sensor (just cleaned really well and regreased thanks to the forums. Now 100% on shifts without slamming noise.), replaced EGR valve, went to pick and pull and replaced the idle control valve and the power drive/winter button that was stuck on power drive (negated my overdrive highway mileage), adjusted the front wheel bearings, remounted the wiring harness as morons previously left it cooking on the exhaust next to the tranny, and just generally adjusted and became more familiar with the suspension and engine. She's purring like a kitten today, and now literally everything works. Every button, every motor, everything... in an almost 20 year old vehicle, AWESOME.
It was fairly obvious the tranny has been replaced, but it seems the engine is original. I'm blown away by how beefy the stock rear axle and suspension are. They just don't build them like that anymore. Pull up next to a new 4x4 Toyota Tacoma, absolutely fantastic truck by any standards, sometime and compare rear suspension. Trooper is awesome. Anyhow, I digress.
I'm into Troopers due to my best friends Mom owning one in high school that we used to steal and off road when they were at dinner or out of town. I've done a fair bit of off roading and I was always impressed with the Trooper even bone stock (which mine will not remain for long). Here are some pics for anyone still reading:
Below from Nov 12, 2016:
Hello all,
I have been looking at Troopers for months. Some were better than others, but I'm very picky and already have a few cars so there wasn't a rush.
I finally pulled the trigger on a 1999 Acura SLX with the cleanest interior I have seen on a car with 151K miles on it. I got a good deal on a 19 year old vehicle that most everything works The folding mirrors still work for crying out loud. I have many many projects planned for the vehicle but for now, it replaces my 2012 Fiat 500 as a somewhat daily driver that I can bring the kids in. I have a built 2011 STI hatchback that is very loud and fun, but is way too nice to beat up daily.
I bought it yesterday, and it was already on my lift today. Things fixed were the dreaded range sensor (just cleaned really well and regreased thanks to the forums. Now 100% on shifts without slamming noise.), replaced EGR valve, went to pick and pull and replaced the idle control valve and the power drive/winter button that was stuck on power drive (negated my overdrive highway mileage), adjusted the front wheel bearings, remounted the wiring harness as morons previously left it cooking on the exhaust next to the tranny, and just generally adjusted and became more familiar with the suspension and engine. She's purring like a kitten today, and now literally everything works. Every button, every motor, everything... in an almost 20 year old vehicle, AWESOME.
It was fairly obvious the tranny has been replaced, but it seems the engine is original. I'm blown away by how beefy the stock rear axle and suspension are. They just don't build them like that anymore. Pull up next to a new 4x4 Toyota Tacoma, absolutely fantastic truck by any standards, sometime and compare rear suspension. Trooper is awesome. Anyhow, I digress.
I'm into Troopers due to my best friends Mom owning one in high school that we used to steal and off road when they were at dinner or out of town. I've done a fair bit of off roading and I was always impressed with the Trooper even bone stock (which mine will not remain for long). Here are some pics for anyone still reading: