AnswerID: 14319 Submitted: Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 18:52
Matt M
replied:
As a Mechanic and a Mu owner I can confidently say they are one of the toughest little trucks around!!
The MU is the only way to go, the Amigo is the Yanks version and the Frontera (early 2 door version) is not even Isuzu, its a South American or South African built from templates, with no diesel engine.
The Wizzard is the 4 door version of the Mu and it great if you want 4 doors, has all the same spec and engines!
They are actually Jackaroo running gear, with the Rodeo SWB body and cabin is totally Rodeo!
Have replace and slightly raised mine with Rodeo rear springs and Jackaroo torsion bars and Shocks. Raising one is just the same as all torsion front, difficult but not impossible! The Calmini Kit you mentioned is available in Aust from an Importer from WA otherwise you have to arrange freight yourself! See: 4Wheel Drive USA Bayswater WA (08) 9370 3369. The full 3 inlift kit is worth about $2K whick includes camber adjustment, extended braklines, bumpstops etc EVERYTHING!!
Pretty close to getting half the job done here in Aust for the same money!
Accessories do fit but you have to test and adjust, before jumping in, like Rodeo
snorkel (AIRTEC) fits by either trimming out a little more guard or the bottom off the
snorkel droop. Easy and do-able!
If you want to Intercool it, then you source the intercooler from a 3.1 lJackeroo, or from NZ (Bighorn is a Jackaroo) who have soooo many more imports there and the scoop and intercooler nearly just bolt in!
The 3.1 is my choice of engine, not direct inject like the 2.8 but has heaps more torque and walks up mountains and now nearly ready to test after fitting the intercooler!!
All the filters are off the shelf but are not the same as the Rod or Jackaroo!
Look there is heaps to tell but not sure if I am just waffling, so ask away if interested and I will reply!
Matt.
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