Advice needed, 109 3.9 Isuzu?

[EGG]

Hi all, I've been browsing this site for a while but have just recently joined. I'm thinking of buying a 1982 series three 109 with the 3.9 Isuzu donk. It looks to be in very good condition with 60 000 on the clock. I would like any anvice or general opinions on this model as it's a four hour drive to where it is and if it's all ok I'll buy it. From what I understand the motors are very reliable and have a good reputation but i'm not to sure on gearbox, diff strength etc. I've always owned 4wd's but this will be my first landy. My old man had one when I was a kid and always had a soft spot. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Greg

[isuzutoo-eh]

Rear diff is plenty strong enough, gearbox plenty strong enough, front diff survives pretty well, as long as the chassis and bulkhead aren't rusty and it steers and stops well she'll be peachy! Stage 1 Isuzus are tough old trucks...

[EGG]

Thanks for the reply mate, thats what I like to hear! The owner said the chassis was galvanised and in good nick, but will just have to have a good look over it.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Thanks for the reply mate, thats what I like to hear! The owner said the chassis was galvanised and in good nick, but will just have to have a good look over it.The chassis on stage 1 aren't usually galvanised, so would be worth checking out properly, particularly check the chassis number is readable and matches the paperwork.

[123rover50]

Speedo reading does not sound right but does not really matter anyway. Just test drive.

[Dave_S]

Galvanised or not, check the chassis very carefully. Also have a very good look at the firewall and at the steel door frames. If it's a 5 door have a good look at the B pillar assembly too.

Remember that these things don't have power steering, so it will be heavy. Jack the front end up and make sure everything is smooth with minimal play and that the steering box and relay are in good nick.

If it's a good one you'll love it.

[isuzurover]

As mentioned, check everything over carefully, especially the B and C pillars and firewall/chassis for rust.

Does the speedo only go to 99 999 km on a SIII? At that age it should have a lot more than 60k km. However the engines should do 500k km between rebuilds, and even double that if looked after.

The weakest points in the diveline are the front diff/axles, and the t-case intermediate gear bearings. Upgrades for both of those are available.

[EGG]

Thanks for the replys guys. Yeah I was a bit suss about the km's but the owner says he has owned it since the mid 90's and just uses it to tow his boat around so who knows? Prob seen a fair bit of saltwater as well. The main thing that i'm a bit worried about is no power steering as it will be set up for some long trips. Don't know if i'm in a bit over my head with on older Landy but I really don't want another Patrol or Hilux! =). Do you think $5500 is reasonable if it's in good nick? Cheers, Greg

[EGG]

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[EGG]

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[JDNSW]

It looks pretty good, but as indicated, the major concerns would be rust.

In many respects, these are an ideal Landrover, leaf spring simplicity and the everlasting Isuzu. Downside is probably noise and vibration, but this is mainly at idling (although look for loose rivets - but these can be replaced easily). Except at parking speeds power steering will not be missed, especially if you stick to standard tyres (7.50x16).

Ride will be "firm" unless a significant load is carried.

John

[Dave_S]

I wouldn't worry about the lack of power steering on a long trip - at speed you won't notice it. It won't be the fastest vehicle on the road, but at least you'll see more :D

At $5,500 it would have to be in fantastic condition, especially as it is a 3 door and not a 5 door. These things are leaf sprung, with drum brakes and have no frills. There will be arguments for and against buying it at that price, but the vendor will struggle unless someone really, really wants it.

You will almost certainly have to do some work to it and you will find some rust somewhere. It is very hard to put a price on something without seeing it, but $3,500 - $4,000 would probably be reasonable if everything checks out. If you find major issues with rust, gearbox or engine it would be a lot less.

[isuzurover]

What Dave_S said. He should know - he used to own an almost identical Stage 1.


It is very simple to add a PAS pump to the isuzu, however adding a PAS box is harder. Banjo on here has a very good writeup of his conversion using a 60 series toyota PAS box.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

What Dave_S said. He should know - he used to own an almost identical Stage 1.


It is very simple to add a PAS pump to the isuzu, however adding a PAS box is harder. Banjo on here has a very good writeup of his conversion using a 60 series toyota PAS box.I would have thought adding a PAS box to a Stage 1 would be relatively straightforward. Just a matter of drilling and tubing the holes through the chassis and using a Defender or County PAS box, steering column and intermediate shaft.

Remember on the Stage 1, the front cross member has already been moved forward out of the way of the location for the box.

[isuzurover]

I would have thought adding a PAS box to a Stage 1 would be relatively straightforward. Just a matter of drilling and tubing the holes through the chassis and using a Defender or County PAS box, steering column and intermediate shaft.

Remember on the Stage 1, the front cross member has already been moved forward out of the way of the location for the box.

Good point, forgot that!

[Lotz-A-Landies]

On that PAS question, does anyone have a part number for a currently available PAS pump on the Isuzu 4BD1, my enquiries last week found the OEM pump used on the 6X6 Perentie is redundant.

Anyone replaced theirs lately.

[isuzurover]

On that PAS question, does anyone have a part number for a currently available PAS pump on the Isuzu 4BD1, my enquiries last week found the OEM pump used on the 6X6 Perentie is redundant.

Anyone replaced theirs lately.

Just buy one from a 6BD1 from a wrecker and rebuild if necessary.

Have a read here.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/111532-isuzu-power-steering-pump-seal-replacement.html
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/isuzu-landy-enthusiasts-section/109882-pas-pump.html

[slug_burner]

On that PAS question, does anyone have a part number for a currently available PAS pump on the Isuzu 4BD1, my enquiries last week found the OEM pump used on the 6X6 Perentie is redundant.

Anyone replaced theirs lately.

I didn't know the 6x6 had multiple pumps. Perhaps you mean obselete?

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I didn't know the 6x6 had multiple pumps. Perhaps you mean obselete?Power steering pump, water pump, engine oil pump.

As for they're being redundant to each other, they aint!

Perhaps it would have been better understood had I used obsolete! :D ;)

[isuzurover]

Power steering pump, water pump, engine oil pump.

As for they're being redundant to each other, they aint!

Perhaps it would have been better understood had I used obsolete! :D ;)

You forgot the Vac pump, fuel pump and injector pump. The "T" on some is also a pump ;)

[EGG]

Thanks again for the info guys. Does the stage one have front disks or drums all round? Cheers

[isuzutoo-eh]

Drums all around. Having said that it'll be nigh on 30 years old so could have been converted somehow.