Isuzu Overland Build 3.0 LS 4x4

[wessa1999]

Hi guys thought I share with you guys a list of upgrades I made for using my Isuzu over the next 8-10 years for overlanding into Africa. This was not an all in one build, I built up the Isuzu trip by trip, adding only what is necessary.

I've seen some amazing places thus far! The likes of Chobe, Mabua, Central Kalahari crossing, Kubu Island, Vic Falls, Lower Zambezi and the list goes on. Pictures of my isuzu can be found at the bottom.

I started my build with a set of All-terrains (BFG KO2s). I've learned that a smaller rim would be beneficial of over the 18s when offroading.

The next mod was a Bushtech Canopy, with insulation and a dust kit. A great addition. Organizing my gear was key. I opted for a drawer system and a pantry slide custom made to my liking to maximise storage space. I also incorporated a 60l water tank for showers. I have a storage box behind the fridge where I store 5l drinking bottles of water and spares. No fridge slide to save weight. A mistake was a custom solution, this caused some fixes along rough roads and late nights waiting for the guys to finish the job. I would stick to tried and tested products next time.

A roof rack was added, mainly to store my Oztent and second spare tyre. I added a Bigcountry Ostrich wing awning and a shower cube by Tentco. The awning was a great addition.

Next up was a complete victron dual battery set-up: DC to DC, AC to DC, solar, inverter and monitor.

All of this gear caused the Isuzu to sag a lot, consequently I upgraded the suspension to Ironman4x4 foamcell pro kit. A game changer.

Snorkel for cleaner air intake (Ironman 4x4)

Range of fuel was an issue so I added a 65l aux fuel tank.

I had a few close calls with live stock, so opted recently to add a bullbar and recovery points with some underbody protection. (Ironman 4x4)

Lastly was a Montana 700i for navigation and tele communication when out there.





What remains:
- Spotlights
- Seatcovers

What would you have done differently?

[Gav.S]

Sjoe, very nice!
Only things I would do is add a compressor somewhere convenient and possibly still go with a lighter leaf spring and add airbags for the trips. Keeps it comfy when not loaded.
Oh, and shorten the mudflaps. They tend to drag in cross axle moves.
I had a hamer rear bumper put on and it has 2 built in LED lights linked up to reverse. You don't realise how poor the stock single reverse light is until you have something decent.

[280iNyati]

I agree with the rear bumper and LED lights, as well as the mud flaps

The factory side steps is not going to last long, some rock sliders ?

A decent compressor as well as TPMS will help as well

Spotlights and seat covers and the correct floor mats for all the mud and sand

Seeing that you might spend a lot of time on the road, maybe a small upgrade on the speaker system and even a slim active subwoofer under the seat

I do have air helpers at the rear of my D-Teq and they do make a difference

[JPD]

Awesome rig you have there!
I think I saw your bakkie on Facebook and asked about the front recovery points. Are those the ARB ones?

I see the uneven wear of your front tyres. Do you know the cause of that?

[Koebelwagen]

Awesome rig you have there!
I think I saw your bakkie on Facebook and asked about the front recovery points. Are those the ARB ones?

I see the uneven wear of your front tyres. Do you know the cause of that?

Bump Steer.

[wessa1999]

Sjoe, very nice!
Only things I would do is add a compressor somewhere convenient and possibly still go with a lighter leaf spring and add airbags for the trips. Keeps it comfy when not loaded.
Oh, and shorten the mudflaps. They tend to drag in cross axle moves.
I had a hamer rear bumper put on and it has 2 built in LED lights linked up to reverse. You don't realise how poor the stock single reverse light is until you have something decent.

I agree, currently got a compressor but have to open the bonnet each time I want to pump the tyres up😂 Because I mainly use this car for overlanding, I'm happy with the suspension. The mud flaps are annoying!

I'm quite keen to get a rear bumper, the stock tow hitch doesn't allow for nice recoveries as well.

[wessa1999]

I agree with the rear bumper and LED lights, as well as the mud flaps

The factory side steps is not going to last long, some rock sliders ?

A decent compressor as well as TPMS will help as well

Spotlights and seat covers and the correct floor mats for all the mud and sand

Seeing that you might spend a lot of time on the road, maybe a small upgrade on the speaker system and even a slim active subwoofer under the seat

I do have air helpers at the rear of my D-Teq and they do make a difference

I mainly do overlanding trips, so at this stage I have not yet seen the need for rock sliders as the 4x4 trails are mainly sandy. They do look good though!

TPMS is very handy! I'm thinking about takla fully integrated seat covers and floor mats.

I might consider air helpers if I'm very heavily laiden. Suspension pack is doing its thing though.

[wessa1999]

Awesome rig you have there!
I think I saw your bakkie on Facebook and asked about the front recovery points. Are those the ARB ones?

I see the uneven wear of your front tyres. Do you know the cause of that?

I bought the recovery points when fitting the bumper. Their from Ironman4x4, rated to 5Ton each as far as I recall.

Inner tyre wear came from driving 1000s of km back home after overlanding in African countries e.g. wheel alignment were out. I try to align my wheels along the way but sometimes there is no time or it is a Sunday.
I do rotate, roadforce balance and align my tyres after every trip. Wasn't an issue until I did some very rough tracks and drive a long way back after the 4x4 trails.

[280iNyati]

I mainly do overlanding trips, so at this stage I have not yet seen the need for rock sliders as the 4x4 trails are mainly sandy. They do look good though!

TPMS is very handy! I'm thinking about takla fully integrated seat covers and floor mats.

I might consider air helpers if I'm very heavily laiden. Suspension pack is doing its thing though.

On my D-Teq I have the spare wheel carrier at the back and a 120L diesel tank, this means the rear suspension have to work harder, thus the fitment of the air helpers.

They also come in handy when towing heavy trailer/caravan and when you have to level the rear with RTT

Suspension setup is EFS front and rear, but its time for new shocks

Rock sliders because cresting dunes and not doing it correct has the potential to spoil the side steps, and there is a few weekend wild camping routes that will lead to damaged side steps

[A1ex]

Such a beast of a rig, well done!

Like you say, I would maybe go a smaller rim and maybe one size up on the tyres. See what's the smallest that will still fit around your brake callipers, 16" is ideal if it fits.

Also rocksliders even if you don't do hardcore stuff the factory side steps suck and don't last very well even with mild 4x4 tracks.
The standard mud guards are also not great but you can always wait for them to eventually break before spending the money on different ones.

Cheers to many safe adventurous kilo's in that awesome rig!

[bostoe]

I would suggest rock sliders and rear bumper.

Got great service from Dirt Customs, Pretoria for the sliders. (079 878nul nul85)

Bostoe