Rodeos
From Planetisuzoo Wiki
Driveline
Unlike the path that many SUVs were taking, the Isuzu Rodeo maintained the full frame over the unibody construction. This gave the vehicle a solid construction but a more truck like ride.
Drivetrain
Isuzus in general were built to last. Examples include the strong axles that the Rodeo came standard with (the Dana 44 and the modified Dana 44). Limited slip differentials, four wheel disk brakes and ABS soon became standard equipment.
Timeline
1991–1992
First Generation Rodeo
The Rodeo made its debut in 1991. The mid-size SUV was available with either a 2.6 L 4-cylinder engine or a 120 hp (90 kW), 3.1 L V6 made by General Motors. An automatic transmission was available for the latter.
The vehicle was available with four-wheel drive with manually locking hubs on the S version and automatically locking hubs on the XS and top-of-the-line LS. Rear anti-lock brakes were standard feature, but not an option for all four wheels.
All models had a rear seat bottom which folded forward and rear seat back which folded down; this vastly extending the 35 cubic foot (1.0 m³) cargo area. The vehicle's lug wrench was stored under the seat bottom, concealed by a carpeted Velcro flap. The jack was located behind a plastic panel in the left-rear of the cargo area along with the rear-windshield-washer fluid reservoir if so-equipped.
The LS was available with privacy glass (tint), velour upholstery, and split-folding rear seats. The front door handles also had to be held aloft while closing the doors to lock.
A rear wheel drive, manual transmission model with a 21.9 U.S. gallon (83 L) tank was rated at 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in city driving, 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) on the highway. A four wheel drive model with the V6 and automatic transmission was rated at 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) city and 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) highway, though these ratings were disputed by auto reviewers from the beginning.[2]
A secret locking compartment was fitted in the depths of the center console below a removable cassette storage bin. Lack of cup holders was a common complaint of auto reviewers of the era.[3]
The vehicle was 176.4" long and weighed 3,490 to 3,820 lb (1,580 to 1,730 kg), depending on engine and options.
Base prices (USD)
S — $12,818 XS — $16,600 LS — $17,899 for automatic, $16,799 for manual Isuzu sold 24,612 Rodeos in 1991 and 45,257 Rodeos in 1992.[4]
1993
For 1993, Isuzu replaced the General Motors V6 engine with their own 24-valve OHC V6 which was rated at 175 hp (130 kW). Manually-locking hubs were eliminated, but the floor-mounted transfer case shifter remained. The 1993 Rodeo featured a recalibrated suspension system, softened spring rates and softened shock valving.
The Rodeo now weighed between 3,536 and 4,120 lb (1,604 to 1,869 kg). Base price was raised to $14,074, and the EPA rating was 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) city and 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) highway. In 1993, an Isuzu 3.2 L V6 engine became available, as well as a Family II 4-cylinder from Holden.
1995.5 The Rodeo under went interior redsign in the 95.5 models, it has the modern interior of the 96/97 models. 1995.5 was the first year the Rodeo got rear ABS.
1996
First Generation Rodeo
And in 1996 Isuzu bumped the horsepower of their 3.2L V6 up to around 195 hp (145 kW) and 193 ft·lbf (262 N·m) of torque for the 1996 and 1997 Rodeos. 1996 also was the year that the Rodeo got OBDII.
1998
Second Generation Rodeo
In 1998 Isuzu made the largest change to the Rodeo that there had been since the beginning. The frame was widened. The rear suspension went to coil springs and a four link setup with a track bar instead of the older leaf sprung rear, and the interior got a nice upgrade (useable cup holders).
The avaliable transmissions and front end were unchanged. The 1998 and up Rodeos got a new rear end as well. They came with the modified Dana 44. This is a stronger version of the Dana 44. The available gear ratios were: 4:10, 4:30, and in the 4 cylinder Amigos and some Rodeos you can find 4:77.
The oddities: the 1998 front end Isuzu (Er' should I say GM) decided to use a Dana sourced front ring and pinion. While these Dana carriers and ring and pinions are compatable with any of the Isuzu 10 bolt front ends, they are not useable with any of the lockers that are available. This front end was only used in the early production 1998's and through May of that same year. So an older 1998 should have the regular Isuzu 10 bolt front end.
Also the 1998 year change brought two new engines. Well kind of. One was still an Isuzu 3.2 but it is a slightly different version. It is the engine that Isuzu would use in all of it's lineup including the Trooper, Amigo, VX.... The heads and intake are different on the 1998 and newer 3.2 engines and they produced 205 HP and 215 ft-lbs of torque. A welcome upgrade. The other engine was the little 2.2L GM/Opel/Daewoo 130 HP four cylinder paired with a Borg-Warner T-5 five speed manual transmission. Used mostly in the Amigos.
Known issues with the 1998 Rodeos are few. One is the gas guage not working properly. It a 40 dollar part and can be changed by a shadetree or a do it yourselfer. The intake gaskets tend to crack and cause a CEL (check engine light) to show that you are running lean. This again is a pretty simple fix and the parts are about 40 bucks. Isuzu came out with an updated gasket to fix the problem.
2004
Second Generation Rodeo
In 2004, Isuzu dropped the 4-cylinder engine and added the optional 3.5L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection engine with 250 hp (186 kW) and 246 ft·lbf (334 N·m) of torque. Isuzu was the first to offer Gasoline Direct Injection in a vehicle priced under $100,000. Behind this engine is the stout Aisin transmission.
Powertrain
2.6L I4 - 4ZE1 Fuel Injection, Gasoline, ISUZU make
3.1L V6 - Throttle Body Injection, Gasoline, GM Make
3.2L SOHC V6 - 6VD1 Fuel Injection, Gasoline, ISUZU make.
3.2L DOHC V6 - Fuel Injection Gasoline Isuzu make
2.2L DOHC I4 -X22SE Fuel Injection, Gasoline Opel/GM make
Transmission Data
The 5-speed transmissions are often identified in literature and by parts stores as MUA or BW (for Borg Warner). The resident experts on the planetisuzoo.com forum have provided the following information taken from this thread on the forum.
- MUA Transmission
- 1993 and later with V6 engines, both 4WD and 2WD models.
- 1990-1992 with GM V6 engines
- BW (Borg Warner) Transmission
- All years with 2.6L 4CYL engines
- All years with 2.2L 4CYL GM/Opel/Daewoo engines.
- 1990-1992 with 4CYL engines
Trimlines
Modifications
As with any vehicle, enthusiasts find ways to make their vehicles do more and perform better. Sometimes for increased off road ability, other times for performance while others just prefer to stand out from the croud. Some have been know to be critical and label modified trucks as "bro Trucks" To each his own and the community on Planetisuzoo is not overly critical of any.
Unlike many companies, aftermarket parts for Isuzus are less plentiful. The old phrase "Necessity is the mother of invention" doesn't speak truer than in the Isuzu community. If the parts can't be had, they can be made. Fortunantly, many talented folks have begun producing aftermarket parts such as Matt Brown of Independent4x and Joe Darlington of Darlington offroad.
Modifications can be as mild as larger tires, an upgraded stereo or added navigation system. They can be as extreme as a completly modified suspension.
Parts avaliable for upgrades include:
Rear lockers (Aussie locker, ARB, No Slip, Lock right...)
Front lockers (Aussie locker, ARB)
Snorkels (Safari, TMJ)
Bumpers (Calmini, ARB, Darlington, Independent4x)
Lift kits (Independent4x, Calmini)
Various parts (independent4x)
Tire/Rim size
