Frontera 2002

Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: tasmania australia

hi all,
i am new to this site and to 4wd and i have just bought a frontera 2002 model and was wondering if anyone has any info for me about them how they go off road standard and towing as well as mods that can be done to them. Also what problems they have and what to look for. Its basicly brand new with only 20,000km on the clock black in color and is the standard model
any info will be appreciated
thanks
jason

Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Location: Nannup, Western Australia

Hi Jason and welcome,

There are some V6 Frontera owners (or former owners) here somewhere so I guess they may post up in time... From what Ive learned about the LWB Frontera's, they tend to be pretty hit and miss in terms of reliability and a couple of guys from the old Ozzuzu group had some regular problems with theirs. You can get an idea from this thread from the old SnakeRacing Isuzu forum (Scott MIB and Ozzuzu):

http://p199.ezboard.com/fsnakeracingforumboardfrm18.showMessage?topicID=7.topic

Not always the case though as plenty of others have been more than happy with theirs.

As far as mods go you can pretty much do the same mods as any of the other Isuzu vehicles: Front/rear lockers, suspension, gearing, barwork etc...

So what do you think of it so far Jason?

Noel

Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: tasmania australia

It seems to go well plenty of power on the road and the little off road i have done its pretty good feels like its a bit soft in the suspension but im used to driving a vx ss commadore so i dont know what they are supposed to feel like.
the clearance seems good going down and up but seens to drag a little in the centre because of the fuel tank i thing=k but over all a nice driving vehichle will know more when i tow the 1.64 ton boat behind it in a week or two.

Thanks guys for all your responses i appreciate your thoughts and help

Jason

Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Location: Traralgon Vic Aust.

The suspension benefits from lifted and higher rate coils and the OEM shockers fade very quickly. I had a 99 LWB and the shockers lasted about 20000kms. Great little truck but thirsty off road.

Also have lifted coils and F&R Rancho RS5000s off my old '99 if your interested. havn't done much work and didn't fit the new Jack!!!!

Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: tasmania australia

yes i am interested in the springs and the jack how much higher will it lift the truck?

thanks
jason

Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Location: Traralgon Vic Aust.

Got a couple of sets. One a Pedders set for a Frontera which I think was 35mm lift. And a set of Pedders for a Jackeroo which I had in my '99 Fterra which lifted it 50mm+. I know some people shy away from Pedders 4x4 springs but I found these performed very well. Want $50 a pair for each (+ freght). I think they were $120 trade and have only done about 20000km work.

The RS5000s are a great shocker, but just a bit hard riding for everyday use.

Joined: 16 May 2003

I have a 99 Frontera S with 115000km. Just had its first breakage over xmas when the exhaust pipe snapped at the manifold. Knew it was going but didmn't have the time to fix it.

Go for a 2" coil lift and crank the front bars to 40mm. I have found this to be pretty good and combined with Rancho RS9000 (9115) on the rear and some Old Man Emu on the front I have been to the Cape and just finished the Birdsville, Flinders Ranges trip without any problems. I am Secretary of a 4WD club and go camping and tow our camper about once a month without any troubles. The 31" MTR's and rear airlocker help also off road. The extra clearance of the 31' tyres is a real boost for off road performance.

The rear OEM coils are too soft and will be a real problem towing a boat. Are you aware that the tow ball weight limit is 90kg? Understandable with the standard coils but rediculous once good coils are installed.

The adjsutable shocks are great. Soft around town so you dont lose your fillings and screw them up for towing to stop wallow. I also soften them off road to avoid that thrown about sort of feeling. The OME front shocks have died after just over 100,000km so I'll replace them with Rancho 9000 soon.

David