Izuzu Bighorn Pre purchase disscussion

penetrator · Post by **penetrator** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 5:44 pm

Hey guys a friend of mine is looking at buying a 4WD and i said id ask you buggers for some advice on what to look out for and possible modifications / performance etc.

He is looking at two Izuzu Bighorn's irmschers
1993
2 door medium wheel base
3.1l turbo diesel

1995
4 Door long wheel base
3.1l turbo diesel

Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks guys

mumad · Post by **mumad** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 6:01 pm

The 2 door ones are basically a mu but a bit upper class. They are both good trucks but are limited by the indipendant front. I would presonally go the shorty, but thats just me. They are generally a good motor, look for the usual leaks, cracks, etc especially around the turbo.

DaveM · Post by **DaveM** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:14 pm

I ran a 92 3.1 Bighorn (swb) for a couple of years, and found it suprisingly good off road. Was lifted 3" and ran 33's.
I personally would go for a swb, and being a coiled rear end, you'll get a heap of travel back there.

Get the motor checked (3.1td), as they can be time bombs if the previous owner hasnt looked after it. I would also get a 2 1/2" exhaust put on to help keep the engine temp down, as they do have a tendancy to crack the head (as I found out :roll:

).

Also the speedo's are electric, so a switch can be fitted to save on ruc's when off road (apparently).

Dave

Rotazuk · Post by **Rotazuk** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 9:43 pm

Be wary were you put the switch . Some guy I knew of in a far away land , ie not me , had an auto and pulled the plug off the speedo bit at the gearbox . The auto went straight into fault mode and seemed to work just fine with the light flashing on the dash . Well he can now tell you it will run for 20 km ( may be 60 , can't remeber ) and then cuts out , weather you are in the middle lane on the harbour bidge or not :oops:

penetrator · Post by **penetrator** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:02 pm

Hey guys thanks for the input, looks like he will probabally look at the shorter wheelbase one and will get the engine thoroughly tested and get a full pre purchase check just to be sure before he committs himself to it. Will let you know what he decides to do

Ratshit about your mate on the harbour bridge! I pulled the speedo plug out of an old rodeo ute a few years ago and just put my hunting GPS on the dash and used that as a speedo and managed to dodge a few diesel miles!!