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April 28, 2020

Isuzu Shows Off D-Max's Aftermarket Potential with One-Off GO2


When you think of accessorizing, the Isuzu D-Max rarely makes it on top of most project car lists. Though it’s been proven to look great with the Boondock Edition, most would consider other pickup trucks as their starting point. It’s for this reason that Isuzu UK has come up with this one-of-a-kind D-Max: to show the pickup’s aftermarket potential. Meet the Isuzu D-Max GO2.

Starting with a stock 4x4 in Splash White, the guys over at Isuzu UK dug through the genuine accessories catalog and even went to other aftermarket specialists for the conversion. Designed to go on some grueling off-road expedition (hence the GO2 moniker), consider this a more extroverted version of the D-Max AT35.



The front still features the stock bumper, but it’s been modified to fit an ARB Sahara bar. Not only does this heavy-duty steel bumper protect the D-Max GO2 during off-road expeditions, but it also serves to mount the Britpart Pulling Power Winch and its 4-ton-rated line. Oh, and since the fog lights had to go in this conversion, Isuzu opted to install a light bar on the roof instead. A Safari snorkel also increases the D-Max GO2’s water wading depth.

At the side, the side step boards have been replaced with heavy-duty ones. These side steps not only shield the D-Max from rocks and debris but are incredibly strong since they’re mounted to the chassis.


At the back, there’s another heavy-duty bumper, this time with a rear step tow bar. A fully lockable and retractable Mountain Top roller cover has been fitted to the load bed.  This has multiple positions and can be operated with a pull strap.

At each corner, the D-Max GO2 swaps its 18-inch alloys for 16-inch ones. Together with 33-inch mud terrain tires, they offer enhanced off-road grip. The brakes have been upgraded as well with a Pedders system. At the front are heavy-duty brakes with vented discs and part-ceramic pads, while the rear drum has been replaced with a Pedders drum and disc brake combination. This retains the advantage of having a drum handbrake, which is best for off-road environments, but upgrades the vehicle braking to vented disc brakes.



In terms of suspension, a Pedders TrakRyder eXtreme system has been added; consisting of two front adjustable coilovers and two rear leaf springs combined with adjustable shock absorbers.  A Pedders TrakRyder front upper wishbone has been installed for greater front suspension articulation and a Pedders rear anti-roll bar has been fitted to help control body roll.  Plus, the truck has been raised for additional ground clearance.

Oh, and while the D-Max is fitted with a underguard kit to project the engine, transmission, and fuel tank, the D-Max GO2 beefs it up to include the rear differential as well. Mechanically, a lockable rear differential has also been incorporated for increased off-road assistance.

Right now, Isuzu UK has no plans to sell the D-Max GO2 from the showroom, but it does show the adaptability of the D-Max as an aftermarket truck.

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