Thread: What to look for in a Isuzu 110/Stage 1?

Stage 1 Isuzus are quite rare. Panels are the same as Series 3 except for the bonnet and front panel which are the same as or interchangeable with 110/Defender. Look for the usual problems, the serious ones being rust in the bulkhead and chassis. Front axle parts unique to the Stage 1 will be hard to source and possibly expensive. Engine is unlikely to have problems, but the LT95 transmission may need attention. Price is very dependent on condition, but expect around $5000 - see note below.

110 Isuzu utes or cab/chassis are quite rare as well, but less so than Stage 1s, panels are mostly interchangeable with Defender and in some cases Series 3 panels will fit or can be modified. Again, the serious problem is rust in the chassis or bulkhead. If fitted with the five speed gearbox check the gearbox carefully as it does not stand up to the Isuzu as well as the LT95. You are likely to find 120" rather than 110" cab/chassis or traytop, and these are also rare. Also consider a 110 wagon with damaged rear end for conversion (you can use the cab off a Defender, or with a bit of work off a Series 2/2a/3 except for the roof). In this case you may well run across Isuzu conversions of wagons that were originally V8s. If looking at a wagon, most people prefer the ones without factory airconditioning as these do not have the front vents. Again, prices are very dependent on condition, but expect something around the same as for a Stage 1 Isuzu.

All Isuzu powered Landrovers, while taken overall are not really that rare, appear on the market only occasionally, as most owners tend to hang onto them. This means the market is very "thin", and prices vary widely depending on whether someone needs to sell NOW at any price or whether someone needs one NOW and will pay whatever is asked.

John

Thanks mate! So the 120" 110's are coil sprung though?

Which front axle parts are unique to a Stage 1?

Originally Posted by Dauntless

Thanks mate! So the 120" 110's are coil sprung though?

Which front axle parts are unique to a Stage 1?

120s are coil sprung.

IME isuzu stage 1s are pretty easy tyo come by.

The only stage1 specific parts are the hubs, swivel balls main casing and CVs. You can substitute other parts for all of these - and of all the above, only cvs are wearing parts.

AEU2522 (county) cvs and County rear hubs should swap straight in if you ever need to change cvs, or just the cvs and mogified drive flanges.

SIII swivel balls will fit with a bit of machining internally. SIII diff casings will fit if you relocate the mounts slightly.

OK thanks for that.

So what are the advantages/disadvantages of an Isuzu Stage One ute Vs an Isuzu 110/120 ute?

Originally Posted by Dauntless

OK thanks for that.

So what are the advantages/disadvantages of an Isuzu Stage One ute Vs an Isuzu 110/120 ute?

The only advantage of a stage1 is it is cheaper and slightly simpler to work on.

Originally Posted by Dauntless

OK thanks for that.

So what are the advantages/disadvantages of an Isuzu Stage One ute Vs an Isuzu 110/120 ute?

Real people drive leafers! I know I'm weird, but I like to drive a car that needs to be driven, bit of driver input, not just a steering wheel attendant!
I guess I'm lucky, I have a choice between my Stage1 deisel and my v8 county for my everyday work vehicle.
Coil springs and power steering are OK, but I do choose to drive my stage1 for my business [ contract gardener]. Something a little different that sets me apart. Also shows customers that I am very capaple of what I do, even if it's not so easy at times!

cheers
Evelyn

The advantage of the leaf sprung Stage 1 is that it has leaf springs, if you consider that an advantage. It also has most body parts the same as other Series 3 Landrovers, which means they are cheaper and easier to find than the 110/120 parts. Has removable door tops.

The disadvantage is that it has leaf springs, and as commented above has a few orphan parts - add half axles to isuzurover's list.

The advantage of the 120 is obviously the longer wheelbase, and both coil spring vehicles have a markedly better turning circle than any Series 3 lwb. The weight distribution is perhaps slightly better, with both front and rear axles further back, so more weight is on the front wheels. Although most probably did not have power steering it is easier to fit. All except the very earliest 120/110s had windup windows, but the door tops cannot be removed. Ride of the coilers is a lot better than the leaf sprung Stage 1, but parabolics would bring them close. The disc front brakes on the 110/120 are better than the drums on the Stage 1, and much lower in maintenance.

Disadvantages of the coilers are few, probably the main one is that a lot of parts will be more expensive, and some body trim hard to find. The pre-1997 doors with windup windows were not Landrover's best products, but the later doors are much thicker, so you lose significant room.

In summary, I would get a 120 for preference, but the Stage 1 would be quite acceptable, and from an enthusiast's point of view is more of a part of history.

Worth noting that almost all of both types will have been sold initially into commercial use, mostly in mining and agriculture, and will probably have led a pretty hard life compared to the typical wagon or even hardtop of similar age.

John

That's some good info there, it gives me a bit to think about.

Ideally I'd set it up to be a bit of fun offroad, but also to tow a car trailer. What sort of fuel economy can I expect? Do the Isuzu's have problems running on low sulphur diesel or biodiesel?

I'd most likely look at fitting 8.25x16 or 35x10.5x16 mud tyres, 4.10 diff conversion, a locker in the back and possibly a LSD or locker in the front. Is it possible to fit free wheeling hubs, and is this a bad idea?