Finally getting my 4x4

[M1Accord]

So I am getting a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo this is perfect inside and out with a minor front bumper misaligned because of parking lot bump. I think my friend can figure out how to adjust it back since it is not bent, just one side is push in and the other side is pushed out.

This is my first 4x4 and has been in my family since day one. It has been dealer maintained like everything else I don't personally owned. That could mean one thing, certain things are not changed as it should.

It is a V6 and I shamefully don't know much about it. I know it is not that good on gas, getting about 17-20 mpg but it has a lot of power for a V6 and very capable off-road.

I am going to use 5W30 synthetic since it doesn't leak any oil. I don't know if it burns oil or not but 5W30 synthetic is a good start. I may go with Mobil 1 0W20 in the winter to ease cold start and get it warm up quicker.

The ride height is actually very reasonable unlike Jeep Liberty or many other 4x4 out there. Therefore, I am holding off lifting it since I am clueless as to how to go about it. Since it ride like new, I hate having to throw away perfectly good running parts when lifting. Is there such lift that doesn't require replacement of parts? What's benefit does suspension lift have over body lift and which looks better and cheaper?

Is there a place that sale bull bar, bumper guard, or 4x4 accessories for Isuzu Rodeo? Which GM vehicle share a similar engine as this one? I know the Honda Passport is the same as this but I don't see Honda Passport around and Rodeo wasn't selling that well either. I do know one Rodeo of 1996 model year reaching pass 300k miles with minimal maintenance so I have great hope that this one will to.

Currently there is a strange whining noise at low speed and idle. I am not familiar with Rodeo or other vehicle to know if this is a normal engine sound they make. Since this is still a family vehicle not yet in my possession, I can't just popped the hood and check the fluids. This lead to the following questions belows:

1) What fluids should I change or be mindful off beside motor oil and ATF?

2) What is Winter Drive and Power Drive modes in Isuzu? There is a 4x4 mode, which can be operated while driving unlike earlier 4x4. However, Winter Drive seems to be a mode used for light snow or wet roads in winter at very low speed. I notice the light goes away when I go faster than 15 mph.

3) At what snow or road conditions should I activate the 4x4? I know I loose traction very easily with rear wheel drive vehicle. I was able to do 180 spin turn at 5 mph at the cul-de-sac last night be tapping lightly on the brake and cut a sharp turn and giving a slight gas right away. The road was barely cover in snow since snow only fell for about 20 minutes. Without experience with 4x4, I don't want to ruin it by having it on when I am not suppose to. I heard that it shouldn't be on on clear road but in winter, sections of roads may be clear on a heavily snow highways.

4) Any V8 engine that can be fitted in this SUV?

Thanks.

 

[JHZR2]

1) All differentials, transfer case, AT, oil, PSF, coolant.

2)I would guess they are AT shift profiles. Learn your hubs and transfer case. Even if it is shift in on the fly, you may need to stop, back up or do something else to get out.

3) I generally like to exercise my 4wd system on smooth FLAT ground once in a while even when traction isnt limited, just to work the vacuum parts, ensure everything is working OK, etc. In general I dont engage 4wd (my 98 chevy is entirely shift in/out on the fly) until I foresee the need for it. The first key is to learn to drive ANY vehicle in snow and ice. Tires and understanding physics is more important than extra drive wheels a huge chunk of the time. There is a LOT that you can do with 2wd. Learn the vehicles handling first. 4wd will give you more confidence and smoother driving characteristics in many conditions, but there is no rule or best practice. Just beware that you should never have 4wd engaged on surfaces where there IS proper traction as the drivetrain can bind and be damaged. You need to be sure of consistent traction limited surfaces, and get out of 4wd in conditions where there ay be traction/road surface visible/etc.

4)why?!? If you want a V8 SUV, go find a jeep, an explorer, tahoe or expedition.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I hope you're setting aside plenty of extra cash to fix all the things that go wrong with them. There are lots of complaints on carsurvey.org, and even the long term Edmunds review complained of all the electrical problems that theirs had.

Don't you wonder why Isuzu sales were so dismal that they pulled out of the US market?

 

[Mr_Incredible]

I've had a 4wd since 1988 and never done any of the things of which you speak. That doesn't mean I never WANTED to do them, only that I didn't. Unless you are positively going to use the extra abilities you are thinking of adding, I'd say save your money and explore the abilities of what you bought first. Then, if you decide you really want to do these things, or are constantly getting yourself into trouble, maybe do one thing at a time.

Yes, there are lift kits that fit right in without permanent alterations. Yes, I'd go for suspension lifts over body lifts, but for really big tires you'd need some of both.

I've had great fun with all of mine, but things get expensive when they break and I've never felt much like paying for that kind of stuff. I have, but I didn't like it. Nowdays I just stick to the occasional trail and pulling people out of snow difficulties.

 

[Mr_Incredible]

In addition, change all of your fluids just to be sure. It'll give you peace of mind.

You'll only find out when to get into 4wd by trial and error. Go till you get stuck and see if you can get out w/4wd. Sandbags in the truck bed assist greatly with traction and keeps me from HAVING to go to 4wd for every little thing.

 

[JustinH]

Make sure that you 4x4 has a good set of tires on it. I have seen many people with big 4x4 trucks stuck with all 4 wheels spinning on ice/snow.

Sand bags are very helpful in pickup trucks, not sure how the weight is distributed in the isuzu suv, but some weight over the rear axle is always good. Home depot sells bags of sand here in the snowbelt.

 

[JTK]

M1, I'm very familiar with the the 1998-2004 Rodeo having owned a 2002 and maintained several in the family. The 3.2L is an excellent engine. It has a timing belt, but is non-interference. These engines can consume some oil, sometimes at an alarming rate, so keep an eye on the stick until you're 100% sure of it's patterns. Running low will cook the #1 rod bearing in very short order! EGR system issues are common, but it's easy to sort through and fix on this engine. Almost always is carbon plugging in the upper intake (easy to unplug). MAF sensors are sensitive on them, so try to stay away from oiled or "fancy" air filters. Luckily, the 1998 still has a cable actuated throttle, so you'll have no concerns on electronic throttle issues (2000+).

The 4L30E trans is an odd-duck with no dipstick and (what looks like) 2 drain plugs. The higher up one is the level check/fill plug. They are a royal PITA to change ATF on, but not impossible. Regular ATF changes are important on them.

The T-case and 4x4 system is old school and bullet proof. The electric shift on the fly actuator will rust/seize up on you if you don't exersize it regularly (like suggested above). IIRC, the T-case uses 5w30 motor oil and you *may* need limited slip additive for the rear-end if so equipped. There's a code that specifies if you have limited slip or not. It's a clutch style LSD. Other than the additive (if needed), it's just regular gear oil in the front and rear diff. 75w90.

On this 4L30E, "Winter" mode just starts you out in second gear. "Power" delays up-shifts.

Great vehicle! I miss mine.

Joel

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: JustinH
Make sure that you 4x4 has a good set of tires on it. I have seen many people with big 4x4 trucks stuck with all 4 wheels spinning on ice/snow.

Sand bags are very helpful in pickup trucks, not sure how the weight is distributed in the isuzu suv, but some weight over the rear axle is always good. Home depot sells bags of sand here in the snowbelt.


Ive had great luck with BFG A/T radials, as they have a snow tire rating on them and do really well.

 

[kelpie]

Originally Posted By: Mr_Incredible
In addition, change all of your fluids just to be sure. It'll give you peace of mind.

You'll only find out when to get into 4wd by trial and error. Go till you get stuck and see if you can get out w/4wd. Sandbags in the truck bed assist greatly with traction and keeps me from HAVING to go to 4wd for every little thing.


I don't agree with this. Having grown up in the mountains of WV, it is best use your 4WD as soon as you see snow on the roads. That's why you have it. Don't be afraid to use it. You will have better control, esp if you accelerate decelerate you have traction to both front and rear. You could prevent a spinout or accident this way.

 

[M1Accord]

I know the vehicle has been well cared for but it is one of those vehicle that is dealership maintained. Basically, it means it goes in when the schedule is up and serviced sold whether needed or not. I had no say in such thing because it wasn't mine. Things like keeping an eye on a dipstick is not something done in my family but all services are performed when they come up. This is probably the reason I don't trust cars with all paper record that much because some cars will run low on oil like my Corolla and needed to be topped off every 500 miles; it burns/leak about 1/4 quart at that rate and slow down a lot once it burns off 1 quart. I top it off every other time I pump gas and have a preset amount available.

This Rodeo has perfect tires because it is not driven a lot, only about 2-3 times a week for about 100 miles total.

Things I want is either a front bumper guard, which I will mount a used tire without rim to provide protection or a complete off-road bumper. I probably would still put a used tire on it to provide extra protection for parking lot things.

It does not have tow hitch because it never tow, which is good. I will put a tow hitch so I can have something to protect me from behind. I will probably park far from people to avoid door dings. People here are very inconsiderate and my 02 Accord has a lot of dings when my wife use it for school and work.

I am undecided on the lift and will probably do it last. Either way, I am fine with the current tire size so I won't need to change out unless I find a good set of tires/rims for cheap to use occasionally. Honestly, I try to keep gas mileage as good as possible. It doesn't get that good of a gas mileage anyway for a V6 but it is a tough V6 that thinks it's a V8. Isuzu makes tough engine.

I need to be careful of using 4x4 feature. I hate to break it from inexperience. I know some people keep their rig in 4x4 even once they reach clear road. I am new to this so I get nervous and put it in Neutral before taking it out of 4x4. I prefer to do it at the lights or at stop. It has Winter Drive and Power Drive modes but I don't know what they do. I notice much better traction when Winter Drive mode is activate but it is only available at very low speed. However, Winter Drive mode won't make it up my driveway unless I get some head start, even with light snow. Most FWD with no TCS will make it. My Honda has a hard time too because TCS keeps kicking in and applies brakes.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: M1Accord
It doesn't get that good of a gas mileage anyway for a V6 but it is a tough V6 that thinks it's a V8. Isuzu makes tough engine.


It is a neat engine with great power and a cool growl to it. Mostly very easy to service. IIRC, it's a 75deg "V". It is all aluminum. This is what the 1998 should look like. 2000+ have a full plastic cover and no throttle cable.

Originally Posted By: M1Accord
I need to be careful of using 4x4 feature. I hate to break it from inexperience.


It's a truck based, part-time 4x4 system. You'll know when you need to turn it off because you will feel binding when you turn and tires will squeal on turns if there's not enough slip.


Originally Posted By: M1Accord
It has Winter Drive and Power Drive modes but I don't know what they do.


Did you read the above post? Winter mode just starts you off in 2nd. "Power" gives a delay between shifts.


Joel

 

[Mr_Incredible]

Kelpie, you and I may know when to do put it in 4wd, but not every FNG would.

Somebody that's hot to trot with their 4wd stands a good chance of using it when not advisable and going "Whoopsie!" right after something expensive breaks.

I put weight in the back and when it starts to slip I really know it's time to use 4wd. But then, I don't live in the mountains.

At any rate, there's no substitute for experience with your individual machine. Go try everything, see what works, fix what doesn't.