Looking to buy - 1989 Bighorn

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:22 pm

Hey guys, just thought id sign up and hopefully get some advice from people who have owned this vehicle.

Just looking at maybe buying a 1989 bighorn, just wondering if there were any things to watch out for, or any problems these haves?

Any help would be great cheers guys.

niblik · Post by **niblik** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:38 pm

i've heard the 3.1d motors have weak heads in them...

mud_slinger · Post by **mud_slinger** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:39 pm

and the turbos cant be rebuilt and usually crap out bout 100'000kms go for the 2.8

billyvanboheman · Post by **billyvanboheman** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:51 pm

mud_slinger wrote:go for the 2.8

I agree with mud_slinger, our 2.8 TD 1989 Bighorn has given us a good run so far (touch wood). 270,000km and still going good. Having said that I've probably now jinxed it :roll:

Not too difficult to get a reasonable lift to fit 33's under. :twisted:

Common faults:
Power steer box top seal
Rear disc callipers can have issues

Can't think of anything else that we've had to do at the moment other than the usual wear & tear things.

Maddog · Post by **Maddog** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 7:12 pm

yeah the the 2.8 is all good, & they feel more like a ruggered 4wd. less shiney & all.

im going to be putting some 32"s on mine in a week or two.
it may just be mine, but the steering can feel a bit light & wandery,but i think its a by product of the lift.

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:22 pm

Hey, yeah its the 2.8 version, seems to be quite good, had a few things done to it, 155kms. only problem i got told was it had been through water, and to watch-out for electrics. What you guys reckon on this? cheers

billyvanboheman · Post by **billyvanboheman** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:24 pm

Depends on what they mean by "been through water" :?:

Mine has been through water as per the photos below and even a bit deeper, and I haven't had any problems, I plan on deeper fording when I finish the snorkel project after Xmas.

Do you mean the electrics could be affected by the through water comment :?:

I guess it all comes down to what you want it for.

Is it going to be your daily driver that gets used for a few weekend 4WD trips, or are you planning on it being for serious weekend regular trips.

If it's mainly a daily driver, make sure it all works.

If it's for mainly off road, it's going to get a hammering anyway so at least the price should be right.

Here's a photo of what mine looked like with a loan set of 33"s on it.

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 7:56 pm

It'll most likely be used as a daily driver, unless i keep my current car. its really to go down the river with the dog, and do some off roading, nothing serious. but yeah i was told to be wary of electrical problem if its been through water. the one im looking at alrady has a set of 33's on it, with a lift kit and snorkle.

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:01 pm

also what about water getting into the gearbox and diff? is this a common problem? sorry if these are stupid questions

niblik · Post by **niblik** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:05 pm

no stupid questions fella...

ya cant learn if ya dont ask.. :wink:

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:12 pm

cheers mate, how often do u guys go out on treks?

billyvanboheman · Post by **billyvanboheman** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:19 pm

niblik wrote:no stupid questions fella...

ya cant learn if ya dont ask..

Dead right Nibs, we all have to learn somehow, and I know I am allways learning.

Re Diffs getting water in them, The Isuzu's are good for extended diff breathers, seem to be a standard feature.

Mine has a good extension hose into the engine bay for the front one, all I did was straighten the hose, mine came all the way up to a bracket by the air cleaner housing, then looped in the bracket and went half way back down again.

I just straightened the rubber hose so it didn't go back down again.

The rear one has an extension hose leading to a breather cap mounted up under the body above the diff.

A lot of other brands just have a cap screwed into the top of the diffs which is why some extend them to a similar system to the Isuzu's.

As for gearbox and transfer breathers, I have yet to extend mine, but as the pics show I have been in the water without any problems so far.

If you plan on doing any offroading (even what seems like moderate stuff) the first thing to attend to is rated tow hooks :!:

Can't stress enough the importance of these :!:

Do a search on this forum and you will find heaps of advise on this, and some horror stories :shock:

Good luck if you go through with the buy.

I can do with all the Isuzu support I can get here :roll:

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:25 pm

yeah hopefully i do too, yeah it does have tow hooks too. its been all set up for offroading, thanks for the help tho, much appreciated. im pretty keen to get into it.

billyvanboheman · Post by **billyvanboheman** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:49 pm

Where ya located Mr MattG :?:

No location on your profile :!:

Maddog · Post by **Maddog** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:21 pm

if its that white one on trademe from rangiora ? its looks a good buy.

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:50 pm

yeah mate, the one white on on trade me in kaipoi. you reckon its a good buy?

MattG · Post by **MattG** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:51 pm

sorry im also located in chch, are most of u guys from here?

niblik · Post by **niblik** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:14 pm

we're from all over.. international even...

i'm in chch though.. :roll:

niblik · Post by **niblik** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:17 pm

billyvanboheman is a local.. chch..

isuzu owner too...

match made in heaven.. :wink:

Maddog · Post by **Maddog** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 5:45 pm

MattG wrote:sorry im also located in chch, are most of u guys from here?

Yep, I havent caught up with billy & the others yet, Still trying to get some things together, like recovery gear & stuff.

I reckon its a good buy, I payed more for mine in a similar set up condition, But slightly lower kms & only 1 previous owner etc & a solid maitinence history.
We could have a bighorn trip soon if things keep picking up. :wink:

mud_slinger · Post by **mud_slinger** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 5:53 pm

wit the breathers mine is a mu and its been sittin in a mud hole wit the water halfway up headlights and mine aint low thats for sure. had no water in gearbox or anythin. electrics seem good. only prob ive really had is alternator as its sittin low but new brushes and a clean your sweet. and a loose wire for indicaters which is seems fixed. 33s are good mine runnin 34s :twisted:

mud_slinger · Post by **mud_slinger** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 5:54 pm

hey maddog that bighorn was on trademe back in late sep early oct? i was thinkin of buyin it but brought the mu instead. i think it that one

Maddog · Post by **Maddog** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 8:41 pm

So did you buy the bighorn or what ?