My Build Log - For my tracking and yours

[taylorRichie]

Got back from Moab, and need to get the lift installed.

Already had a pair of OME912s in the garage, but didn't bring them to Moab like I should have... I'm home now, and I'm ordering everything I need.

Have:
OME 912

Ordered:
Bilstein Shocks H2 front, H1 Rears
Energy Bumpstops, Low Pro Front, high Pro Rear.
Energy Sway Bar bushings (greasables) front and Rear
Energy Tie Rod / Ball Joint Boots
1" Coil Spacers

updated 5/20/08
Heavy Duty Tie Rods

Accessorized:
Truck Box in the back, fits perfect with rear seats in place. (having things loose in the back was bothering me)
Contents include - ARB Deflator kit, Ratcheting straps, towing supplies, cleaning supplies, jumper box, cables gloves tools etc. etc.

Installed:
Black 3M Tint all the way around.
50% Driver and passenger side door windows (utah law)
20% everywhere else. looks killer!

Wheels and tires ordered... 05/27/08
20X8.5 +10mm Offset 108mm Center Bore
33X12.5 Nitto Mud Grapplers

That's all you're getting :D Next update will be when they're on the vehicle ;)

I really wanted to try prothane for all my Urethane components, but Jegs said 7-10 days shipping on all prothane, and Energy are all in stock :( Just wanted to give them a try on everything so we could have some real world experience with both brands.

I also was having a hard time with shocks, Bilstein or Rancho adjustables. I've loved bilsteins on every car I've owned so that's really what won out for me. I was worried about the back being to stiff (and it still may be) but I figured the extra stiffness will be good to have when I'm towing (4 Wheelers, motorcycles, junkyard trips)

I'm really really really hoping everything comes this week so I can do an install over the weekend, but I doubt that'll happen :(

I'll keep you all posted!

5/30/08
VX - Lifted

There's still plenty to do, (flip Ball Joints, install Tie Rods, and front shocks)

But I don't have my tie rods or front sway bar bushings yet, so I'll wait till I have everything before tearing it down.

Wheels/Tires should be here June 5th or 6th :( They were shipped from California to Chicago, then Chicago to me.

XPEDITION RACK INSTALLED

6/4/08
Ordered Spider LED tail lights
Ordered Bi/Xenon Kit from XenonRider (Joseph)


6/6/08
Received Spider LED tail lights
Received Bi/Xenon Kit from XenonRider (Joseph)
Received Wheels/Tires

6/7/08
Finished up front (except for tierods which haven't arrived)
All bushings bumpstops were replaced, Ball Joints Flipped, Wheel wells trimmed, Sliders Trimmed, and Wheels/Tires installed :D :D

IMAGES BELOW


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/lifted07.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/lifted03.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/lifted01.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/lifted05.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/wheels01.jpg

6/12/08
Spider LEDs Installed
Xenon Lights installed (killer killer killer, and joseph rocks)
Ordered - Hella FF100 Foglights (to be HID)
Ordered - PowerVault 2 Muffler - and the following from an ex VX owner who still had this stuff in his garage
Interceptor Transmission Module
Vehicross Front and Rear license plate frames (brand new - 1 going up for bid on Moncha's Behalf)
Chrome Door Sill Plates with Vehicross etched (brand new)
Driver and Passenger's side Kick panels (my driver's side is brokey)

Should be here this weekend, unfortunately I'll be out of town until Sunday, But I think Midas will be open ;)

I really need to find a Supercharger... Hmm... so far my quest for discontinued parts has gone well... ;)

[kodiak]

The GA5s look tough, don’t forget the HD tie rods.:rolleyes:

[ZEUS]

The GA5s look tough, don’t forget the HD tie rods.:rolleyes:CORRECT on both counts! And don't forget to figure out a way to tie up the coils to the body so they don't fall out when wheeling. Consider ordering a set of CV boots now while you're at it and locate some heavy duty zip ties to use in case the bands slip off after lifting - which seemed to be a common problem this year. Also consider upgrading the brakes as soon as you can - the braided lines mixed with R1 rotors and OEM pads seem to be the hot ticket. I am not sure of the weight of the Zinik wheels but the Granites are pretty light weight (I eyed them myself for awhile). I have BBS Moda R7's but they are discontinued - the specs match the Granites though. The width and 0 offset require more trimming with 33's so be prepared to hack. And oh yeah, have fun!

[pbkid]

i dig the granite alloys, those are way better looking rims...
the ziniks are a little too sports car for a VX in my opinion...

gonna have a nice rig by next time we all see ya :bgwo:

[LittleBeast]

I really can't get over how great the 20" wheel with 33" aggressive tire combo looks(ie. littleBeast). But the expense... I can't find a 20" wheel/tire combo for under $2500, I could get a full set of 18" wheel/tires including a matching spare for less than that.

My wheel/tire combo = $2480 (everything including shipping)

You just have to keep looking and looking and looking. Jordan Tire did $1155 shipped for the Nitto Mud Grapplers for me, I found them on eBay. JD wheels did the 20"s shipped for me for $1325.

[LittleBeast]

My tires were Nitto Mud Grapplers found cheapest here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-NEW-33-12-50-20-NITTO-MUD-GRAPPLER-TIRES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el12 62QQcategoryZ66478QQihZ016QQitemZ260241322903

My rims were Zinik Z26 found cheapest here:
http://www.jdwheels.com/

[taylorRichie]

Very awesome! Thanks Little Beast!

I'm in contact with JDwheels right now, figuring out my options there.

Still undecided, $2500 for 20"s is still $1,000 more than 18"s wrapped in BFG tires.

We'll see what happens, Lift components all shipped today, including Heavy Duty tie rods.

[LittleBeast]

Still undecided, $2500 for 20"s is still $1,000 more than 18"s wrapped in BFG tires.


Go big or go home and wish you went big! LOL Can't wait to see what you decide on, please take lots of pics. Kim at JDWheels was great to work with she even called me on her day off to make sure everything worked out. Tell her Ryan from Houston referred you, lol. Really can't wait for some photos good luck with the lift and decisions.

[taylorRichie]

Updated Original Post... Wheels ordered, most everything has arrived. Unfortunately some key components haven't arrived for me to start the install :( Shocks, Coil spacer. If those would get here I could get the back done, and then The front cranked while I waited for the new tie rods, and other components.

Going to be a busy couple days when the rest of the components get here... I just hope my wheels and tires don't beat the lift, cause it'll be very very tough to have them sitting here while waiting for the lift.

[Spyder]

I bought a set of roh zs wheels from jdwheels.
Can't wait to see the pics



Spyder aka Mark Miller

[taylorRichie]

Original Post updated, and Image posted.

[taylorRichie]

updated Original

[taylorRichie]

Pictures Posted Check Out The First Post...
Very Excited!!

[LittleBeast]

Sweet man, nice job!

[JoFotoz]

Hey Richie.....


....Lookin' Good!!


jo

[Ldub]

VERRRRY NICE ! ! !

:dance:....:thumbup:....:thumbup:....:dance:

[taylorRichie]

Thanks guys, Off set is a little bit more than my "ideal" but these wheels aren't made in a +15 +20... I didn't realize 5mm more was going to be as dramatic as it is...

But I guess that's just extra body protection while off road ;)

[kodiak]

As kung fu panda would say, I was blinded by awesomeness!:eek: Good job!

[snowtrooper1966]

Very nice!
Now go get that thing dirty on the trails and let us know how much fun it was!!
You might also wanna take the tire stickers off and increase your traction;)
Best,

[tomdietrying]

Very kweel! Are you sure that's the same VX I saw you with in Moab? Keep up the good work.
Peace.
Tom
012009

[Spyder]

Very Good Looking!


I also like the before the wheels pic.

[taylorRichie]

Very nice!
Now go get that thing dirty on the trails and let us know how much fun it was!!
You might also wanna take the tire stickers off and increase your traction;)
Best,

Incase you didn't know stickers actually add horsepower ;)

Trails hopefully next sunday...


Very kweel! Are you sure that's the same VX I saw you with in Moab? Keep up the good work.

I know seriously... Wonder what the people at work are going to say... I've already been Harassed by several people and it's been about 36 hours. First a guy chased me down in a Full Size Dodge Ram Diesel. He wanted to know what the hell I was driving and where it came from. (about a 10 minute conversation)

Then Chased down by some Mormon missionaries, saying they've never seen one like that, and didn't they only make those for one year? (I let them know they were here for 3 years).

A dude ran over to me when I was at Britt's Parent's house, and He wanted to know what it was. He said he'd never seen or heard of them, and he's a mechanic at a tire shop, so he deals with all makes and models. He just sat and stared for a while shaking his head.

Went to Checker to pick up some paint... Ran in really quick, then went straight to the register with my paint. Waited... Waited... Looked outside, all of the employees were looking at the VX wondering who made it. They said it looks like a "Jurassic Park" vehicle. Then they kept asking question after question about wheels and tires, etc. etc.

Then my Brother's Sister-In-Law said "I don't think I've ever seen these... Now these are Brand new right?"

I let her know it was 8 years old ;) And a 15 year old design :eek:



Then there are the people rubbernecking and the little kids Pointing.

Thanks for the kind words!! I've installed the LED tailights and the HID headlights. (one bum ballast... hopefully get here Wednesday :()

Too Fun... I need to chill out for a bit...

Wait I can't... My tie rods will be here tomorrow. :cool: Then install, and off to the alignment shop...

[snowtrooper1966]

Incase you didn't know stickers actually add horsepower ;)
Want to sell your stickers?;)
Really, as a new owner myself, I am ashamed of myself for not having a SC, lift and tires by now.
You are doing a great job, and it shows by the reactions you are getting!
Priceless, eh?
Best,

[taylorRichie]

Stickers are gone now :( Must have only been a temporary gain... not sure why the didn't last.

I've had my VX for 2 months (as of this last weekend) If it weren't for me going to Moab I'd have been a bit more conservative. But I had to go... and had to look at everyone else's ride... And get bit by the Moab bug... and now I need to go back...

I need to run out of things to do soon... but I keep finding so much ;)

[nfpgasmask]

Nice dude, it's so much fun, isn't it? Where did you get the heavy duty tie-rods. After Hell's Revenge I am thinking this wouldn't be a bad idea for me too...

Bart

[tomdietrying]

Acender, didn't you make your tie-rods? Are you interested in a little side business?
Peace.
Tom
012009

[taylorRichie]

They showed up today... I got them from Independent4X $200, and they're mean... Mine aren't Red like Ldubs, they came zinc/copper/brass lookin' (think it's zinc plating, like a grade 8 bolt)

They look EXTREMELY TOUGH... simple enough install too... Hopefully I'll get to them in the next few days.

Yes Bart... Extremely Fun... :D My pictures really don't do it justice... I need to go out in the "field" and take some shots..

My images make my wheels and tires look small ;)

[Ldub]

They showed up today... I got them from Independent4X $200, and they're mean... Mine aren't Red like Ldubs, they came zinc/copper/brass lookin' (think it's zinc plating, like a grade 8 bolt)

They look EXTREMELY TOUGH... simple enough install too... Hopefully I'll get to them in the next few days.

Yes Bart... Extremely Fun... :D My pictures really don't do it justice... I need to go out in the "field" and take some shots..

My images make my wheels and tires look small ;)

Pay attention to the orientation of the grease zerks when you install them.
Make sure they are pointing in a direction that's easily accessable for greasing.

Mine weren't red when I got them, just raw steel, (no shiny stuff) I painted them to resist corrosion...& the fact that I like a little red paint here & there.:smilewink
You might want to try Bulldog adhesion promoter (wal-mart) on the shiny bits.

Whatever you use, be prepared to hit it with touch up paint after the alignment guy gets done chowdering up your fresh paint job...:sighwgray

[Solitude]

can't say it any better then this

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WmFBOVZ6BLM

Jeff

[taylorRichie]

Ha... That's a great commercial...

Thanks for the tips Larry.

Painted the Thule... It's a bit darker than Kaiser, silly duplicolor the color of the lid isn't 100% accurate ;) You actually have to find your paint code... oh well... I'm happy either way... It stood out too much since my wheels are black having the lightest color on top looked odd to me...


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/rack03.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/rack03.jpg)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/rack01.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/rack01.jpg)

[Ldub]

Gettin' to be a pretty tough lookin' maCHEEN there Richie...:thumbup:

Now all's ya need is some trail badges to complete the look.:smilewink

[taylorRichie]

Thanks! :bgwb:

I have a tiny moab sticker on my driver's side.

I'm going to cut 2 trail stickers (Klondike Bluffs, and Dome Plateau) Then It's time for a moab trip for some real man's trails...

I'm sure those trails will be quite unnerving the first time though...

One of these days I'd like to cross the Golden Crack... (kind of a goal)

Does anyone know if a VX has ever done it?

Richie

[Ldub]

Thanks! :bgwb:

I have a tiny moab sticker on my driver's side.

I'm going to cut 2 trail stickers (Klondike Bluffs, and Dome Plateau) Then It's time for a moab trip for some real man's trails...

I'm sure those trails will be quite unnerving the first time though...

One of these days I'd like to cross the Golden Crack... (kind of a goal)

Does anyone know if a VX has ever done it?

Richie


Yer killin' me here Bro...:razzgray:

By trail badges, I meant the wrinkled sheet metal & gouged paint variety...:smilewink

The "crack" may oblige & provide said badges. I've read somewhere that you should have someone there to spot/strap you & also, at least one axle locked.

You might wanna pm Todd Adams before you do the crack.:naughty:

[taylorRichie]

Ha... My bad...

I got some Moab Pin stripes when we were down there, on an otherwise flawless paint job :( and I've got plenty of underbody scars... Dent in the gas tank, dent up front. dents on sliders etc. Not sure I'm really game for some sheet metal crunches... I'll do everything I can to prevent those.

As for the crack... I've watched just about every You Tube video of it. And read alot on it... Definitely need to be locked up front (from the looks of things)

And I'd definitely want Todd As my Spot, and a strap on all four corners ;)

[rickshaw]

This is a Great shot from "Swordy" Gallery, it's one of the pics in my screensaver.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/509/121goldencrack1.jpg
Quote from Swordy "A pic of what is likely the most well known obstacle in western, if not all of the USA. This one is so fun you just have to turn around and do it again!"

_____________
rickshaw
Original Owner
2001 Dragon #0467

[Triathlete]

If you do the crack make sure you've got something to protect your tail end. I watched Swordy cross it a few years ago and remember his hitch dragging big time (though it prevented his cladding from becoming a thing of the past).

[taylorRichie]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

That is AWESOME!!

Is he locked?

That is too cool.

I don't think I'll be doing the crack anytime soon... but maybe next year's get together.

I wish there was video.

[crager34]

Ha... My bad...


And I'd definitely want Todd As my Spot, and a strap on all four corners ;)


WHAT!! Todd is not the only seasoned wheeler out there who can spot people..:p

Rich!! When you coming down? I got the new tread on and am ready to go.... I see Poison Spider, Golden Spike, Gold Bar in our very near future.

Darrin

[taylorRichie]

Yeah yeah... And Darrin/Crager... I didn't mention you cause you'd take me up on it ;)

Really though you tell me when I should come down... When would work for you to hit up a couple trails. I can come down basically any weekend after the 21st (brother getting married)

I have a brother with a Hummer H3 that wants to come down too... So if you can spot us both on even the easiest of easy trails we'll come down. We need to learn how to spot/drive so we can go on our own on the trails around here. Send me a PM/Email with a date and I'll get it worked out... I really am Antsy to go.

[Triathlete]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

That is AWESOME!!

Is he locked?

That is too cool.

I don't think I'll be doing the crack anytime soon... but maybe next year's get together.

I wish there was video.

Swordy has ARB's front and rear.

[taylorRichie]

Yeah I've watched the youtube videos of near stock cherokees doing it... but having a SFA looks like it makes a HUGE difference for them...

Perhaps you can go first Zeus? If you make it I'll go second... (and by make it, I mean without major scrapeage, or damage :D)

[nfpgasmask]

I have a great hitch to scrape rocks with! :cool: I better get new tie rods before I try though - I am still rocking the trail repair tie rod! :laugho:

You need to get that fixed, son! :eek:

Bart

[Ldub]

You need to get that fixed, son! :eek:

Bart

Ya also need to make arrangements to get that "loaner" returned to it's dad...:naughty:

[taylorRichie]

Update.

[etlsport]

sweet, well done on finding those parts, i tried pming that guy to see buy the transmission interceptor.. he never responded to me :cryb: oh well cool for you.. got my PV installed.. check my "look what i found in my mailbox" thread for soundclips!;Db;

[nfpgasmask]

They showed up today... I got them from Independent4X $200, and they're mean... Mine aren't Red like Ldubs, they came zinc/copper/brass lookin' (think it's zinc plating, like a grade 8 bolt)


Hey Richie, I see on the Indy4x site they have long, medium and short. What length do we need for the VX?

Thanks - Bart

[taylorRichie]

Hey Bart,

Large is what we need for the vehicross...

I called them and that's what they said... and that's what I've got installed... So I hope it's right ;)

[nfpgasmask]

Hey Bart,

Large is what we need for the vehicross...

I called them and that's what they said... and that's what I've got installed... So I hope it's right ;)

OK, so I take it you mean "long", not "large"....:rolleyes:

:) Bart

[taylorRichie]

Yes... Long... not large :D My bad... I posted from my iphone... so I didn't proof it ;)