Isuzu MU
Submitted: Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 00:03
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Suzuki Viagra
Mate of mine who was gonna buy a Rocsta has seen the light after ACTUALLY driving it - he's now looking at a ISUZU MU 2.8 Turbo diesel.
If it's really good after we take it bush and hammer it I might even buy one and sell the Viagra. At least if I can get one as cheap as he's looking at - 2 grand changeover to the Viagra - yummo!
Better get him a
snorkel on his turbo diesel before the first time he tries to keep up with the mighty Viagra on a
river crossing though..... don't think he's got an extra extra $5k for a new motor.
Anyone know where you can get
suspension lift for these? I know the diffs are supposed to be the same as Rodeo and thus ARB difflocks are availalble. I've seen on the internet Calmini and people claim to have bought OME lift kits - but ARB say springs for these are custom made (yeah right - just test which Frontera/Rodeo/Jackaroo spring will suit at each end)....
Depending on age and version specs vary quite significantly - so it cna be hard to give absolute answers I know.....
There's quite a few different versions of these - Frontera, MU, Wizard, Amigo, Honda Jazz etc and there's a lot of variation in them. Frontera is the official Aussie version - but no nice big chunky 2.8 and 3.1 Turbo Diesels in them though - or ute or soft-top back options. MU's can be had for about 1/2 the price of the Frontera - with turbo diesel and all the extras standard.
One of the very very few cars I'd definately buy a diesel in preference - if you've ever driven the Isuzu 2.8 Turbo Diesel and the 2.6 Petrol you'll know why....... The 2600 is a shocker!
Anyone know much more about these other than the above?
Reply By: David - Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 10:22
Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 10:22
The only thing I do know for sure is that Isuzu make the best diesels in the business!! Always have- they know their stuff!
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 11:40
Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 11:40
S V, A couple posted a query about Isuzu MU some weeks backs(either early Jan or late Feb), and don't think they got a reply. Chase them up, as think they owned one. Try King Springs, understand they have anything for everything, might be able to help you. Hooroo...
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Matt M - Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 19:52
Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 19:52
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.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Bruce and Anne - Sunday, Mar 09, 2003 at 16:32
Sunday, Mar 09, 2003 at 16:32
Hi Mat, Finally got your reply, our phone line was down all week.I'll have a look at the Airtec
snorkel,thanks. I have a friend with a 1992 Jack with the 3.1 and the engine bay on the MU is quite complicated little hoses running every where. The book on the Jack stated 84 kw & 260nm, I read some where the MU was 91kw & 260NM, is this correct? Here is my email babates@iinet.net.au any chance of your address, so we can chat more on moo's Bruce
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Reply By: Truckster - Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 22:28
Sunday, Mar 02, 2003 at 22:28
Theres been plenty of talk on these too..
but I would go with something you know you can get parts for..
Why does your mate want things that are either crap or imported?
Go with a HiLux, or Jackaroo or something you can walk into anywhere and go GIVE ME THIS PART...
There was another thread on does anyone have workshop manual as this blokes Autoelec was stumped on a problem.
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Reply By: Suzuki Viagra - Tuesday, Mar 04, 2003 at 21:14
Tuesday, Mar 04, 2003 at 21:14
Bits on it are all Rodeo and Jackeroo anyway. Just get a manual so you can quote part numbers to your Holden Dealer on Don Kyatt (ISUZU and 4wd specialist - either way should have the part!).
He's bought the MU. It's a hardtop ute with 2.6 petrol (dammit not 2.8 turbodiesel) - hence why it was a bit cheaper. Gonna be very thirsty with that 2.6 Petrol engine, but compared to a V12 Jag I'm sure he won't care.
I found it for him on the internet and I wanted the damn thing too - I shoulda got first dibs.
If he didn't buy it I definately would have.
Tough looking little truck and great fun. Can't wait to take it bush but I think he might leave my Vitara behind.
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