Buying a rodeo
 

I came across a 4x4 5speed v6 rodeo, not sure of the year, but it goes 4wd on the fly, but has a lever 4 wheel drive shifter, not a push button. So it must be a 96 or 97, right? The motor is spotless and it shifts well and I'm buying it for 250 cause the body is beat all to hell. I found a 97 with a knocking engine I think I can probably get for 5 or 6 hundred. I would like to know if the ticking (in the seemingly good engine) is a big deal (almost every isuzu I've ever seen does it), and if it requires a valve adjustment to remedy. I'm also fairly sure it is not the timing tensioner.
Thanks
Cornbeef

I look forward to learning alot from you guys. I always join forums for the vehicles I buy, and I've never been steered wrong when you get a bunch of guys who know the ins and outs to help you out. I'm located in the mountains of northeast tn, so I'll get a lot of use out of an isuzu. If anyone near me has a rodeo w/no or blown engine, I am interested, pm me please!

I also join sights/forums dealing with vehicles that I purchase. It helps, even if you just lurk and read up. This site is not moderated very well, so I am going to post a link to another forum that I like.

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/