Frontera SWB 2.2i vs 2.8td

[Mycal]

Hi guys, I've been looking at purchasing a SWB Frontera but I'm undecided between 2 models.

The 2 models I am comparing are the Frontera B SWB with X22SE 2.2L petrol '99 year model and the Isuzu MU SWB 2.8td (here in AUS the frontera only came with the petrols, the deisel versions were badged as Isuzu).

To me each has their own bennefits.

The 2.2: newer, nicer looking (imo) slightly lower mileage, different suspension (I believe coils front and rear?) Although the few that are near me are basically standard and would need accessories added.

The 2.8: much older, 1991/1992, higher mileage close to 300,000km, leaf suspension front and rear but on the upside they are generally kitted out already with 31" AT tyres, bullbar, snorkel, spotties etc.

Bassically, the questions I need answering are:
is the accessories and suspension the same for the SWB 2.2 and LWB versions? ie can I get suspension upgrades for a 2002 V6 and install into the 99/00 2.2 petrol? Being an ecotec engine, does this engine have the same common faults that the X20XE and X20XEVs have such as timing belt failures etc?

The 2.8td are about the same price as the 2.2's but are around 9 years older, are they worth it? They seem to hold their value well, at least here in Aus.
Also I have heard that the leaf springs are not as good as coils for off roading as they are more prone to catching on rocks can anyone provide more info?

Anyone who has owned either, please feel free to comment. I have been searching alot of the forums for last 2 weeks straight but seem to be more undecided now than ever haha.

Cheer
Mick

[justdan]

I drive the 2.2 , there are plenty of common faults with the engine ! Change your head gasket as often as your oil !!!!!! Etc but I like my 2.2 and wouldn't change her ! But in all honesty 2.8 diesel is a tank , good for millions on miles , simple engine ! ( talking from what I read in here as Iv not owned the 2.8 )
Generally speaking I would go for a 2.8 over a 2.2 .........
Mods , easy to come by for both really !

[Retro Pedro]

Is the 2.8 an Isuzu Mu? Over here I'm pretty sure the 2.8 SWB A came as coilers, howbeit the first 'M' 1994 models would have been the first to roll off the production lines as coilers.
Re your choice, if your talking buying for an Off Road toy, I would go for the 2.8 SWB A - 35-40 year engine design with no ECU, sensors to give you pain in the neck fault codes - pure mechanical all the way. If the engine is good, just keep the oil changed at the frequent periods (3,000 miles I believe) and it will run forever. Plus you'll have the low end torque and no electrics to worry about getting wet (guess in Aus your be talking dust rather than wet).
For my money, there are to many horror stories with the 2.2 petrol blowing head gaskets and low end engine problems.
The newer body on the 2.2 is obviously a consideration factor - but if the 2.8 body and chassis is in a good rust free condition and there are no bulk head splits present then I'd still vote for the 2.8. Also, I reckon the older technology steering box on the 'A' series will stand up to more off road abuse than the rack and pinion steering on the 'B'.
Either way, best of luck with it.

[adyclemo]

Over here and would expect the same globally both are coil sprung rear with front on torsion bar. The 2.2i is a bit of a roque engine and believe the older y22se to be slightly better. Being a petrol you will have engine management systems, plugs, ht leads, coils etc to worry about getting wet. The 2.8 has none of these and provided the air intake is above water will keep on running. The B series has a snorkle kit that can brought of the shelf with air intake being on the left side. The Isuzu Mu I would assume to be the same as the Frontera A series with air intake on the right hand side meaning no snorkel available, however there is a guy on eBay selling a snorkel kit for the Isuzu Mu 2.8 in Australia and that bolts onto the left hand side and wants 300+ euros for them so im not sure. Both models your looking at are capable off roaders however my choice would be the 2.8 diesel over the 2.2 petrol simply because they are a far simpler engine with less to go wrong

[Fatbaz]

Vote for the 2.8, It's got grunt, simplicity and reliability where as the 2.2 hasn't!

Regards

Stuart

[rospicer]

The 2.8 MU is a far better Truck in my opinion. I have one at the moment and its the most reliable Frontera I've ever owned, I've also repaired loads of 2.2 HG's. Nothing major goes wrong on the 2.8 and its a simple old girl to work on

[Mycal]

cheers fellas, that's exactly the kind of experienced informative posts I was after.
I have always preferred to get the diesel, its just a shame there a none available over here any newer than 93.

Still reading about them, established that these Isuzu MU models have leaf rears and torsion front suspension. Basically a Frontera A on the inside. Other few differences such as fuel fill is on drivers side not passengers side, rear door opens from drivers side and pivots on the passenger side, hand brake is not a lever beside the seat but comes out of the dash. The removable roof also appears to have a sharper angle to it as well. Also the head lights and grill are different to the frontera and appear to be the same as our Holden Rodeo Ute of the early nineties. But that's all FIY anyway

We are going to have a look at one this weekend so I'm hoping its the kind of truck I'm expecting it to be.
I will be getting an inspection done at a mechanics before I buy, but is there anything in particular to look out for?
Because its based on the frontera a, I'd imagine I should check for the cracked bulk head, and like anything else of that age, worn suspension components, major oil leaks and the such.

[RatCav]

Just my tuppeny's worth.

The Mu and Wizard 2.8/3.1 were being produced far earlier than when GM got their hands on it and therefore ran with what was available ... leaf springs. When they fitted the 2.8 to the Frontera then GM used what was available which at that time was the coil suspension.

I have heard that spares for the 2.2 petrol can be a right nightmare to obtain in Australia as well. There was a guy on the Isuzu Troopers Owners Club a year or so ago who had major problems getting hold of parts for his 2.2 petrol without special ordering at extortionate prices. These were parts readily available here in Europe. It proved far cheaper to get club members to buy them and ship them over for him, than him sourcing there.

Personally the earlier trucks are far simpler and therefore less to go wrong. Engine wise there are 2.8's running with stupid miles on the clock. I would of thought anything getting close to 175,000 on a 2.2 is both unheard of and blessed.