1997 Isuzu Bighorn 3.1

[kees]

I have the chance to buy a Bighorn for about $1000 with what sounds like a bearing knock. I have had a look over the car and there seems no sign of rust and it seems to drive ok for an auto. The knocking is light when in neutral but gets really loud when under load. It has WOF (mot) till december and tax till october. It's done about 193 000km. I am technically minded so not to worried about removing the motor and stripping it. I was just wandering if there is anything else i should check for or watch out for, the car is currently being stored in my garage.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

[RatCav]

Make sure the 4wd engages. Throw the lever and make sure the light goes solid. If it stays flashing then it is most likely a vacuum leak.

Check all chassis points, body mounts, cross members (especially front and rear).

Open both rear doors. About midway up on side with the lock in there is a seam. They rot there.

Open the rear side doors (LWB only) and check the body in the bottom rear corner behind where the door sits. They rot there. In the UK it is an MOT failure as the rear seat belt mounts are near here.

Open all side doors and look at the plastic kick plates at the bottom of the opening. Again there are some seams under the plastic plates which trap water and can rust.

Good luck with the bearing knock. Sounds ominous.