Isuzu introduced the Rodeo SUV in 1990 as a 1991 model and continued selling it until phasing it out in 2004 and replacing it with the Ascender. Isuzu updated and revised the Rodeo several times during the vehicle's tenure, and the smaller, two-door Rodeo Sport was available from 1998 to 2003. The torque specs for the Rodeo's lug nuts varied from year to year, but in most years all trims shared the same lug-nut specs.
Torque is the amount of force applied to twist or turn an object at its center. Torque specs are usually given as foot-pounds or inch-pounds, with one foot-pound equaling the force of one pound applied at the end of a foot-long lever to turn an object. It is important to make sure that the threads of the bolt and the lug nut are clean before tightening the lug nuts, as an dirt or build-up on the threads can cause increased fiction and affect the amount of torque needed to properly tighten the bolts. It is common to lightly lubricate a bolt or lug nut with clean motor oil before tightening it. Most mechanics recommend using a torque wrench when tightening bolts, as it is nearly impossible to accurately gauge torque by hand.
For all trims of the 1991 to 1995 Isuzu Rodeo, except for those with aluminum wheels, tighten the lug nuts to 66 foot-pounds of torque. For those with aluminum wheels, tighten the lug nuts to 87 foot-pounds of torque.
The torque specs for the lug nuts were the same for all trims of the 1996 to 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. The lug nuts should be tightened to 66 foot-pounds of torque.
The torque specs were the same for all trims of the 1998 to 2004 Isuzu Rodeo and the 1998 to 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. The lug nuts should be tightened to 87 foot-pounds.
