LUVTruck.com

Hi, I am a newbie. Just got a 1982 Chevy LUV diesel 4x4 a few days ago, and I know nothing about it. I drove it 65 miles home going 45 mph because thats as fast as it would go. I am hoping to find friends and mentors here to improve the truck's performance and to keep it running for a long time.

Welcome to the site. Where are you?

Do you have a priority list as far as repairs/maintenance yet? I guess the performance it near the top of the list, but there are some pretty serious preventive-maintenance items that you should also take care of.

Jack

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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

I'm doing well. I hope everyone is too. I am trying to acquire a maintenance or service manual.
The truck seems to run fine. I need someone to tell me where to fill the transmission oil.
A picture would be nice too. Have a great weekend.

How about HERE?
If it's running fine, I don't know why you had to drive 45. I'd change the fuel filter. Then come back here and ask us why it won't start, or won't stay running. That's common after a fuel filter change.

Sorry, I don't have a photo--but the fill plug is a bolt on the passenger's side of the transmission, about half-way up. Fill to that level. The drain plug is a bolt on the bottom, in the tail section. The transfer case uses the same oil supply as the transmission. It uses motor oil, in the same viscosity as for your engine.

Some owners prefer to fill it via the shifter hole. Just put it in neutral and remove the two bolts holding the shifter in. Be careful with the rubber boot, it's probably brittle with age.

Jack

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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

Thanks Jack! I’ll get to it ASAP. The reason I Ran 45 is that the engine RPM was high, but it would not go any faster.
Does it go any faster? Excuse my ignorance.
I did not want to damage the motor, so I played safe.

Your RPMs should be safe as high as 60 mph, provided your clutch isn't slipping. They're loud, but there should be no clatter or really scary noise at that speed. If you're having an unusual amount of noise, something could be wrong. It should top out around 70 mph, but I would not cruise at that speed. Now, a 5-speed 2wd will cruise at 75 mph all day long, if it's running right--and still get over 30 mpg.

If you don't know when the timing belt was changed, it's a good idea to change it. If it breaks, you're looking at some broken rocker arms and bent pushrods. It's a DIY job if you want to tackle it. Otherwise, it might cost around $300-$400 at a shop.

Jack

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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

Wow! I had my pedal to the metal but still getting low speeds. It's a 4 speed 4x4 tho.
By the way, I'm in Athens Georgia. If you can recommend someone from around here who knows more than I do ( which is minimal ), please send me the contact information.
I appreciate all that you do.

You're 41 minutes away from the Yoda of all things Isuzu (and your LUV is an Isuzu). He live in Dacula, just up US 29 from you. I'll PM you his contact info. Actually, it may take you longer than 41 minutes, at 45 mph!

Jack

_________________
'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

One more thing. There's an Isuzu P'up meet planned in Cayce, SC on Saturday, October 12. You're easily within driving range. I'm tentatively planning to drive over from Memphis for it.

Jack

_________________
'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com