Building a Budget Overland & Fly Fishing Rig | BLC: Project Isuzu | The Build

Welcome to BLC Project: Isuzu | The Build
We bought this 1991 Isuzu Trooper to modify into a budget off-road vehicle to take us to remote fly fishing destinations.
Tell us what you'd like to see us do with this Trooper! Where should we take it and what should the next upgrades be? Comment below!
Like the Isuzu project and want to see more? We made some gear featuring the Trooper! 100% of profits goes to producing future BLC Project: Isuzu films. www.bluelineflies.com/
Want a behind the scenes from this trip? Check out our Ramblin Fly Podcast: • Video
Find us on Instagram: bluelineco_?igs...

[@LeakyWaders]

As a fellow Isuzu fanboy. These things are awesome and a highly underrated brand. I have a rodeo and love it.

[@DavidNotSolomon]

Rodeos are great cars too.

[@pernellspratley6431]

I have a 1991 Isuzu Trooper with 340,000 miles on it. It has been trooper. Been flip flopping with doing a lift kit. Wathing you guys doing it on yours has tipped me over the edge to go ahead and get it done. Thanks for the inspiration. Oh yeah, SWEET!!!

[@hanselgretel8563]

Underrated vehicle. Overbuilt during its time.

[@DeanMagarry]

There's so much more fun building up a budget rig, also a sense of accomplishment at the other end

[@Michaelf4117]

I know you guys are fly fishing focused and I can hang but I’m here for the Isuzu/ future builds. I think the content space of using tools to get you to your hobbies has a lot of potential. Subscribed

[@BlueLineCo]

That's the plan! Thanks!

[@Shrubf4]

I needed to watch this, have an ‘89 that needed all the help, so it’s great to see that you can get them up and running well. Thanks y’all.

[@armando9293]

I have a 2.6l 1989, need a throttle body, hope I can find some new one in some aftermarket brand, could you help

[@neilcrescenti7520]

Damn you. Trooper II was my first vehicle and I’ve been thinking of getting one for my poor man’s fixer-upper. Now EVERYONES going to want one! Lol

[@BlueLineCo]

Haha! BLC just single handedly blew up the trooper market.

[@Utahlonghorn]

Possibly your best video yet. Loved the rebuilding of the suspension and CV's.

[@bryangibbons4429]

I liked the fabrication part. My favorite was the brush guard and roof rack.

[@t0mmydayo]

making me fall in love with the trooper even more, want one even more

[@philgriswold2133]

I live in western NC and have a 89 Trooper (Izzy) and it is a perfect rig for overland driving and camping as well as for getting into those great trout spots. I'm glad you guys found this rig for you build out. You well quickly learn to love it.

[@BlueLineCo]

We already do!!

[@kjkracing1]

Best part was you walking around the fabrication shop in flip flops!! Haha

[@BlueLineCo]

When in Rome.

[@robertmorris9998]

definitely love the roof rack and brush guard! I have a '97 I've been working on and thats one of the next things needing doing. That and a winch bumper...👍

[@boonekaeck5201]

Y’all kick ass. Keep it up. Definitely buying some patterns when I can. Would love to link up some day.

[@MonticelloMagic-yv1qu]

.. Favorite part Craigslist car Runner up the morning after found your project as I'm getting mine tmr 1995 4 Dr Auto 225 k miles hoping a 1998 with 3.5 L manual will fit the swap as the 1995 bodystyle looks stout and straight may get a turd vehicle also 1995 same dark forest green auto for spare parts planning VW Westfalia style Interior with full kitchen minus the pop up making a roof rack to haul 17 ft sailboard that's used as a kayak will be getting a hitch so can pull either 1999 InterState Honda Valkyrie or 25 ft swing keel McGregor Nice build good seeing you all [ more Utah locals ] putting up videos with the iTrooper revival Good show Well Done ...

[@tsummz1073]

Where did you guys order the OME stuff from?

[@gregoryeddowes2275]

awesome build

[@leewness]

In the middle of a GX470 rodbender build looking for Cheap rod holder ideas and gear ideas wader storage and fly box organizers

[@greatbg]

Love it. I built an '89 trooper. It's my daily driver and adventure rig.

[@BlueLineCo]

We love ours! I've actually been DD'ing it since the build has been completed!

[@mottavator]

I have heard that the 2.3l 4 cylinder can have a problem with crankshaft "walk" which is when it develops wear in the bearings and will shift backward and forward in the block. In 1991 the GM 2.8l V6 became available with a 5-speed standard transmission. That's when it got interesting because the 3.8l version of that GM V6 which was available in the Camaro starting in 1999 I believe, which according to what I know, will bolt in to replace a 2.8l V6. You may need to harvest the ECU and engine wiring harness to accomplish the swap.

[@miguelfroml.a.9310]

nice video guys i have an isuzu axiom 2002 and previos was isuzu amigo thos are horses nice work you are amazing mecanics....

[@D_A_D_]

I found a cheaper alternative to lock boxes for my rods recently that didn't look too bulky like a lot of rod holders do in my opinion. Locking snowboard clamps. Easy to install, and keeps honest men honest.

[@matthewstoops1330]

My favorite part of the build is the knowledge you shared. I now know it takes a minimum of 17 Coors to install a lift kit 😂

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Nice job!

[@fishertrowbridge]

cool to see you building an Isuzu. I see your face pretty often on the Wild Fly channel. Good luck with the build

[@davidsamples2598]

this is great !! my 1990 Trooper V6 with 388,0000 miles needs some work ...... hoping to do Alaska by the Summer of 2024 if not earlier

[@BlueLineCo]

Woah! Thats a big one!

[@TimberTramp]

Looks awesome! Good job…no, GREAT JOB!

[@BlueLineCo]

Haha! Thanks!

[@PaulAmschler-tl5um]

Hey Adam two questions. for you and the crew 1. When are you going to come out with shirts and stuff for us old mere mortal men of LARGE stature i.e. 5XL, 2. Are guys going to be coming out to Wash state or New Mexico?

[@fasafishr]

How about the jarbridge river in nevada?.... they supposedly have bull trout and redbands.

[@AW-zy1kw]

I linked your video on Planet Isuzu. I'm sure you guys are familiar with it but for any new Isuzu fans that is the place to get good info.

[@BlueLineCo]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@williamperri3437]

These are so hard to find in PA. Rodeos are a bit easier. Love the Trooper.

[@Thatlowdsg]

Could I ask how much the company charged for the roof rack and brush guard? It looks amazing and fits like a factory look.

[@BlueLineCo]

Was a custom build from this shop.

[@AW-zy1kw]

Need the Isuzu logo back up front on the grill. Outside that, fantastic. Still need to redo the CV boots and lift mine. Great video. Mind sharing how much the roof rack was? That thing is awesome!

[@BlueLineCo]

The front isuzu logo is all cracked and needs to be replaced. I need to find a new one.... Just haven't had time yet. Roof rack was ~$700. Local fab shop should be able to help with it. I couldn't find anything reasonable to buy. What I found was more expensive (before shipping) and looked like someone fabbed in their garage.

[@AW-zy1kw]

@@BlueLineCo Thanks. Glad I found your videos. I like fishing too!

[@scottnock5241]

Great job!!! I guess Steve had no skills to apply to this project!!!! Lol

[@Benchris-gc6uj]

I have my isuzu trooper here in the philippines a 2003 2nd generation with changed engine 4jb1 turbo but it needs transformation and awhole lot thing to restore.

[@BlueLineCo]

We need that motor! Haha. Maybe you can find the time to work on it

[@Mac58058]

Yo whats up on getting one of those roof racks for gen2!!????? Seriously needing one👀

[@getsducks727]

Have you guys set valve lash yet?

[@gadgetorian-rctechgadgetsm4566]

This build brought me to your channel. You stole that Trooper! I've been hunting for one and they're way overpriced and in a lot worse condition. Nice build!

[@BlueLineCo]

We did get lucky we feel like with this one!

[@AW-zy1kw]

@@BlueLineCo Did you really pay $500 for it? If so the guy gave it away. In that condition people are asking 4-5 grand. I paid $800 for a non runner with a straight body 1988 all intact. Had to rebuild the engine.

[@jayaicholtz]

Is that lift from independent4x?

[@steamy1225]

You think that frame rust was bad. You should see the one on my 86. I'm in MI. I don't think anything will come lose without breaking. And I do need new shocks. Do you have a parts list for the parts you got?

[@BlueLineCo]

Dang! Yes, parts list in the build video on our channel.

[@DavidNotSolomon]

My 1986 Trooper (here called a jackaroo) is much less rusty than this, even though kept by the beach for a long time.

[@MrBowNaxe]

Where in the world did you find a new IACV? I've searched for a long time and have yet to find a new one. Google has given up on me and basically tells me "We don't have one." Great build none the less. I have a '91 Trooper also and it's a mechanic passion to keep, but I love it. I sold my '88 years ago and recently got my dad's '91 and have been getting it road ready for the last year. Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to see what's next.

[@theflyslinger]

If I remember right, we ended up using an IACV from a Mercedes (can’t remember which model, but I’ll see if I can find it!)

[@MrBowNaxe]

@@theflyslinger that would be great, thanks!

[@peoplearecrazy6874]

just bought it last year and im impressed with the performance of this car, the only problem is its hard to find parts like the manual hub of the 4wd🤣

[@BlueLineCo]

Ya! Parts have been limited for sure. Ours did go down for about 3 weeks waiting on a part from Japan... but other than that it has been great haha

[@josiprados6905]

Does anyone know from what vehicles do shock absorbers fit front and back. There arent really any market support for troopers in my country

[@karlvanderhyde1840]

Have bighorn, in UK why have I have two battery's?

[@jeffjoyce1607]

Maintaince? :)

[@cuenk4]

where did you buy the parts or where can you order

[@dinomaniquis6439]

Could you post a link of vendors in relation to the parts used?

[@scottgrubaugh5361]

Agreed. Please post the name brand and site for parts especially the lift parts

[@jovanpantelic8536]

First thing that you need to do is take those horoble autolocking hubs off

[@jayaicholtz]

Where are you guys located? I'm planning an isuzu meet/ camping trip May 6th- 14 meeting in Winthrop wa

[@BlueLineCo]

SLC, sounds awesome!

[@landermatyus8958]

What brand is the gray drift boat?

[@blaynevanderham2546]

flycraft

[@brianfraizer7184]

I need a IACV where did you find one?

[@BlueLineCo]

The google machine. Had to order it in, couldn't find one local.

[@burls76]

yellow jacket lol...we call'm yellow bellies

[@shawnmack1782]

Where did you find the OME lift kit

[@BlueLineCo]

Internet search provided a few outlets to purchase! 🙌

[@shawnmack1782]

@@BlueLineCo perhaps I should have asked what company sold you the kit

[@gamer78full]

As an Isuzu enthusiast it really makes me happy to see what you’re doing with it. If you need any help with it or technical data feel free to contact me on my ig.

[@tomorrowcomestoday1621]

Hi, I need a throttle body for a 2.6 4 cylinder from 1989. It is a 2 door, manual transmission, Rs version with 215k

[@tomorrowcomestoday1621]

Which brand of oil do you recommend to put in my manual transmission and transfer case, taking in consideration the wear it has due the high mileage. I was thinking some 80w90 oil for manual gear box with mt-1 certification from mobile 1 it is a mineral oil I think but there's a synthetic option in mobil 1 75w90 mobil delvac I think.. My mechanic told me it is crazy to our 5w30 oil as recommended by isuzu in a 215k miles truck with wear on the trans and transfer case, what are your thoughts?

[@gamer78full]

@@tomorrowcomestoday1621 Isuzu transmissions and transfer cases take engine oil, 5w30 or 10w30. From experience Mobil 1 has given me the smoothest shifts. If you don’t believe you can check the drain and fill plugs on your Isuzu trans, they’ll say engine oil only :)