🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Isuzu

Model:

KB TF

Year:

1998

Body Style:

Pickup Truck

Generation:

Third Generation (TF)

Chassis Code:

TF Series

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, automotive repair shops, Isuzu KB TF owners seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance information.

Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-quality repair information accessible to the end-user, enabling cost-effective maintenance and repair.

Authenticity:

Stated to be the same manual used by official dealers' workshops, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

User Friendliness:

Described as simple to use, despite its comprehensive nature.

Visual Aids:

Contains step-by-step diagrams, crucial for understanding complex procedures.

Scope:

Covers 'every part' of the vehicle, from basic maintenance to major component overhauls.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions Covered:

Global (common specifications likely apply to most markets where the KB TF was sold)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely extensive, typical for a factory service manual covering multiple variants (e.g., 800-1500+ pages, though not explicitly stated)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English (implied by product description)

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Diesel:

Comprehensive coverage including maintenance, diagnosis, repair, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, and lubrication for diesel variants.

Engine Petrol:

Comprehensive coverage including maintenance, diagnosis, repair, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, and lubrication for petrol variants.

Transmission:

Detailed information on repair, maintenance, and diagnosis for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Chassis Suspension:

Covers frame, suspension components, steering, and potentially drivetrain components.

Brakes:

Detailed information on brake system components, maintenance, repair, and diagnosis.

Body Electrical:

Extensive coverage of electrical systems including lighting, power accessories, wiring diagrams, and component diagnosis.

Bodywork Interior:

Includes information on body panels, bumpers, interior trim, and associated components.

HVAC:

Detailed procedures for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system maintenance and repair.

Accessories:

Coverage of various vehicle accessories and their associated systems.

Diagnosis:

Dedicated section for diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting common issues.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug (petrol) or glow plug (diesel) service, fluid level checks, belt inspections.

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly, assembly, internal component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder head service, timing belt/chain replacement.

Transmission Service:

Fluid changes, clutch replacement (manual), torque converter service (automatic), internal transmission component repair.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, circuit diagnosis, starter, alternator, battery system service.

Suspension Steering Maintenance:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock absorber/strut replacement, power steering system service.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump testing, injector cleaning/replacement, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank service.

Cooling System Service:

Radiator flushing, thermostat replacement, water pump replacement, coolant hose replacement.

Body Panel Repair:

Minor dent repair, panel alignment, bumper replacement.

Depth Level:

Factory-level comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds. Includes step-by-step diagrams, torque specifications, and special tool requirements.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if generated from digital source, offering efficient information retrieval.

Zoom Functionality:

Supported via Adobe PDF Reader, allowing for detailed examination of diagrams and text.

Compatibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac operating systems.

Extraction Requirements:

Requires WinZip or equivalent software for extraction if delivered in a compressed archive.

Printability:

Designed to be printable, allowing users to create physical copies of specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Common:

4JA1, 4JB1, 4JG2 (common diesel engines for this era of Isuzu pickups)

Engine Codes Common:

C22NE, G200Z (common petrol engines for this era of Isuzu pickups)

Diesel Displacement:

2.2L to 2.8L (typical for 4JA1/4JB1/4JG2)

Petrol Displacement:

2.0L to 2.2L (typical for C22NE/G200Z)

Horsepower Range Diesel:

Approximately 75-90 hp for 2.2L/2.4L diesel, up to 100+ hp for turbocharged variants (specifics vary by engine code).

Torque Range Diesel:

Approximately 120-160 lb-ft for 2.2L/2.4L diesel (specifics vary by engine code).

Horsepower Range Petrol:

Approximately 90-110 hp for 2.0L/2.2L petrol engines.

Torque Range Petrol:

Approximately 115-130 lb-ft for 2.0L/2.2L petrol engines.

Diesel Injection:

Indirect injection (IDI) or Direct Injection (DI) depending on engine. Common rail injection not typical for this era.

Petrol Injection:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

Oil Capacity Typical:

Approximately 4.5 - 6.0 liters (4.7 - 6.3 US quarts) for diesel, 4.0 - 4.5 liters (4.2 - 4.7 US quarts) for petrol, including filter (refer to manual for exact specifications).

Oil Viscosity Typical:

API CD/CE or CF for diesel, API SG or SH for petrol. Viscosity grades like 10W-30, 15W-40 commonly recommended (verify with manual).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission common across many variants.

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission likely available as an option.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, with optional 4-wheel drive (4WD) variants.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II/III or equivalent (verify with manual for exact specification).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (verify with manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Typical:

Approximately 2,800 mm to 3,000 mm (110 to 118 inches), depending on cab and bed configuration.

Overall Length:

Varies significantly with single cab, extended cab, and bed length configurations (e.g., 4,800 mm to 5,500 mm).

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 1,400 kg to 1,800 kg (3,086 lbs to 3,968 lbs), depending on engine, drivetrain, and body style.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically in the range of 2,200 kg to 2,800 kg (4,850 lbs to 6,173 lbs).

Bed Length Options:

Available in short bed and long bed configurations, varying by market and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Safety ratings from this era vary by region; specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for the 1998 model may be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. ABS likely optional or standard on higher trims/specific markets.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on most models, passenger airbag optional or standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Front three-point seatbelts, rear lap belts (or three-point in some configurations).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player, often with basic speaker systems. Aftermarket upgrades common.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many models and trims during this period.

Usb Aux Ports:

Not present in the original factory specification; requires aftermarket installation for modern connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles), or more frequently in dusty conditions.

Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:

Diesel: Every 30,000 - 50,000 km (18,000 - 30,000 miles). Petrol: Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (24,000 - 36,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Petrol:

Typically every 40,000 - 60,000 km (24,000 - 36,000 miles) for standard plugs, potentially longer for platinum/iridium plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

For engines with timing belts, typically 80,000 - 100,000 km (50,000 - 60,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Engines with timing chains generally do not require periodic replacement.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically green or orange) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio. Verify specific OAT/HOAT requirements if applicable.

Diesel Glow Plugs:

Glow plug failure can lead to hard starting in cold weather, a common issue in older diesel vehicles.

Rust Corrosion:

As with many trucks of this era, susceptibility to rust and corrosion, particularly in areas with harsh winters or coastal climates.

Suspension Wear:

Components like ball joints, bushings, and shock absorbers can experience wear over time due to load and mileage.

Interior Trim Wear:

Plastic interior components and seat upholstery may show wear and tear from use.

📚 Vehicle History

Isuzu Truck Legacy:

Isuzu has a long-standing reputation for building durable and reliable trucks and commercial vehicles.

Tf Generation Introduction:

The Isuzu TF platform was introduced in 1985 and underwent facelifts and revisions throughout its production life, with the 1998 model belonging to the third generation (launched in 1997).

Global Availability:

The Isuzu KB/TF was sold globally under various names, including Chevrolet S-10/Sonoma (in North America through a joint venture), Holden Rodeo (Australia), and Vauxhall/Opel Brava (Europe).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Awards:

While specific 'Truck of the Year' awards for the 1998 Isuzu KB TF are not widely documented as major accolades, the model was recognized for its durability and value in various markets and consumer surveys of its time.