1997 Isuzu Trooper vs 1992 Mazda B2600i

The sohc engine are known for timing chain issues. The 00 does have less miles, but is lifted. As long as it doesn't look like it has been thrashed on terribly, I'd go that route. As much as I love explorers, I don't like seeing the sohc engines
 
The sohc engine are known for timing chain issues. The 00 does have less miles, but is lifted. As long as it doesn't look like it has been thrashed on terribly, I'd go that route. As much as I love explorers, I don't like seeing the sohc engines

The 00 has fog lights screwed into the hood, and the hood is latched, but doesn't close flush. I'm not a fan of it.

I am also looking at an 88 version of the Bronco 2 now. It's the closest one to me. I'm trying to decide what I really want/need.
The biggest need is more room in a vehicle if it snows than I have in the truck.
Being able to pull a trailer is a distant 2nd. Technically, my father has a truck and a trailer, so it isn't like a necessity to be able to do.
More or less, 4x4 or AWD in case it snows.
 
88 BII has a 2.9 in it that is a dang good engine, as long as you never overheat it. Wish I still had the 88 my parents had. Loved that thing. If it's a 5 speed jump on it, if it's an automatic, check the fluid and test drive it till it's at operating temperature. If it pulls good, jump on it.


Side note: 2.9's leak oil from the valve covers. If it ever stops, put more oil in it.
 
88 BII has a 2.9 in it that is a dang good engine, as long as you never overheat it. Wish I still had the 88 my parents had. Loved that thing. If it's a 5 speed jump on it, if it's an automatic, check the fluid and test drive it till it's at operating temperature. If it pulls good, jump on it.


Side note: 2.9's leak oil from the valve covers. If it ever stops, put more oil in it.

It is a 5 speed. I'm waiting on more pictures. I had been looking for a Rav4 or a CRV...
I've had a CRV

I just really wanted something that you can actually shift into and out of 4x4, and you can't with the CRV.
 
i love Bronco IIs. the explorer is the evolution of the B2. They are all in the RBV (ranger based vehicle) family and most parts are relatively easily swapped. The bronco IIs come with 7.5 rear and dana 28 front axles but the newer ranger stuff can be retrofitted into the older B2s. 8.8 and Dana 35 ttbs are nearly bolt in. So is the 4.0L.

for that matter a 5.0L 302 swap is fairly straight forward as well. If you wanna go solid axle, the jeep axles will go in with little fabrication and so will the early bronco (66-77) front axle.

There is a world of information out there on www.therangerstation.com its a group of wheelers from all over the country who come together much like this place and share knowledge, except over there they are all driving RBVs.

B2s are cheap and easy to find craigslist. there is a junkyard between asheboro and lexington that specialized in RBVs, back when i was into that thats where i got all my spare parts from.
 
My buddy put in a Dana 30 and a three link kit for an xj with hardly any fabrication on his b2 4.0 out of an explorer with a 8.8 rear end. It's only down fall is it so short it gets tippy
 
Coming down to the wire...it's looking like I'm down to an 88 Bronco 2 that is a 5 speed, everything works, and has 138k or a 2000 Explorer OHV, 4x4 automatic w/ 178k miles

I'm still leaning more towards the B2
It looks like there's less I'd need to do to it to get it how I would want it.
Any feedback/suggestions?
 
Coming down to the wire...it's looking like I'm down to an 88 Bronco 2 that is a 5 speed, everything works, and has 138k or a 2000 Explorer OHV, 4x4 automatic w/ 178k miles

I'm still leaning more towards the B2
It looks like there's less I'd need to do to it to get it how I would want it.
Any feedback/suggestions?

The 00, I have to lower the rear end back down, swap tires with the guy so I don't have to buy tires, and buy another hood and hood latch to make it like I would want it.

The B2? Maybe a seat cover and dash cover...
 
i love Bronco IIs. the explorer is the evolution of the B2. They are all in the RBV (ranger based vehicle) family and most parts are relatively easily swapped. The bronco IIs come with 7.5 rear and dana 28 front axles but the newer ranger stuff can be retrofitted into the older B2s. 8.8 and Dana 35 ttbs are nearly bolt in. So is the 4.0L.

for that matter a 5.0L 302 swap is fairly straight forward as well. If you wanna go solid axle, the jeep axles will go in with little fabrication and so will the early bronco (66-77) front axle.

There is a world of information out there on www.therangerstation.com its a group of wheelers from all over the country who come together much like this place and share knowledge, except over there they are all driving RBVs.

B2s are cheap and easy to find craigslist. there is a junkyard between asheboro and lexington that specialized in RBVs, back when i was into that thats where i got all my spare parts from.

What would cause the 2.9L engine have a miss?

Would it be something to be concerned with?
 
What would cause the 2.9L engine have a miss?

Would it be something to be concerned with?

The guy said the previous owner said it might be something with the bottom of the distributor, so the current owner replaced the distributor cap and rotary button.

Maybe the distributor itself needs replacing?
He said it runs fine other than the slight miss
 
replace the dizzy and get a tune up.

So you think it would be better to get the 88 Bronco 2 than the 00 Explorer?

I was looking at NADA an it looks like the Bronco 2 is more valuable than the newer Explorer.

I know the B2 is more unique.

If I get it, I'm thinking. Of Rhino Lining the whole exterior
 
it's all the same. the Explorer will have stronger axles i.e. Dana 35ttb, 8.8 rear. everything else is equal. 4.0Lin the explorer is gonna have more power.

beyond that its all the same stuff.
 
Now I have a 1995 Trooper 5speed offer. I wanted something under 96 and I preferred a 5 speed. This 5 speed was rebuilt 20k ago.

I'm waiting on details now.
 
Older than 95 only requires a safety inspection. 95 and newer requires OBDII inspection. If I was wanting a kick around cheap beater, I would look for something older than 95.
 
Older than 95 only requires a safety inspection. 95 and newer requires OBDII inspection. If I was wanting a kick around cheap beater, I would look for something older than 95.

96 and up needs the OBDII inspection...or did something change? I was looking for new as possible, but avoiding that line of needing that inspection.

Found it:

NCDOT: Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection

"Exemptions, the following vehicle types do not need an OBDEmissions Inspection:
  • Vehicles three years old and newer with fewer than 70,000 miles
  • Model 1995 vehicles, or older
  • Diesel-operated vehicles
  • Vehicles licensed under the farmer rate"

I think I'm good there.
 
Ok...details on the '95 Trooper:
5 speed...rebuilt tranny with about 40K
Engine is at 196k
I haven't found out yet if it is SOHC or DOHC.
I was told it uses about a quart of oil per month...

I'm torn between this and the 88 Bronco 2

Feedback my friends...

edit...
The engine is the SOHC
 
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