Florida Meet Recap

[Joe_Black]

Thanks to all who made the Ocala Forest Meet and joined in the off-road fun. Photos and vid-caps are up in the Gallery under Events. Or you could just click this LINK (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=543&thumb=1) .

Much fun was had in the sand and mud by seven VX's. Pat showed in the only Kaiser; Niv_D, Heraclid and Frank brought their Astrals; VX1 brought the only Ironman; -X- thumped in the dual-subbed Ebony; and I the Mud Dragon.

Although I camped Friday at Juniper Springs Campground and was paid a visit by Niv_D, the park staff wasn't too thrilled with the VX visitation the following Saturday. Much hassling was had on parking, gathering etc. Everyone eventually ponied up $4 for day passes and parked at the common area. After off-roading and subsequent washing we gathered round the spring-fed pool area for grilling and socializing. Then the rain came! After it let up we pretty much packed up and called it a wrap.

Back at the parking lot we attended to Heraclid's and VX1's rides which had the same symptoms as Frank's, who left early to make Ft. Lauderdale. Towards the end of the off-roading they were all experiencing battery indicators, plus VX1's A/C stopped working. After much tinkering in the parking lot and some jump starting VX1 and Heraclid headed off to AutoZone with Pat, Niv_D and -X- riding escort. Unfortunately, my "next generation" cell phone didn't work in the forest so I switched it off. After a message Sunday afternoon from Frank in which he stated it took him a day to get home I switched back on the cell. Messages from Heraclid were there. He was stranded in Ocala overnight with the same problem. A call to him and VX1 got voice mails, so let's hope they made it home. Frank said he had the anser to the problem, although we were pretty certain it was the voltage regulator. In any case, we'll be posting more info on this malady that struck three VX's almost simultaneously.

Hopefully we can chalk this one as a "thumbs up" for all involved. We'll be sure to post the outcome of our lost flock!

[Joe_Black]

Just spoke to Frank who used two batteries and an overnight stay at Winter Park to make it home. He's taking his VX to the dealer and will call with the results. As he doesn't have a PC I'll post his findings as soon I receive them. Still haven't heard back from Heraclid or VX1. Guys, if you see this, post up and let us know you made your journey!

[Jonnie]

I almost attended the event. Was up at 6:30am left by 7:30 (from N. Tampa). Reached rt 40 and rubber necked for quite a distance When I entered the limts of Lynn (?), it was 9:30 by then and I was really frustrated. I turned around and decided to give up (very easily, I know) and go home. I swear 3 VX's wizzed by the way I just came, but I figured I had already given up. No need to be wishy-washy.

Spend the most of today trying to back a bolt out to remove the starter in my integra with no luck. There's a lot more to it, but not for this forum. Bolt's stuck.

Jonathan

[Joe_Black]

Wow Jonnie, you just missed us! Just a few more miles and you would've been at the VX Mecca of Ocala, Jake's Place. LOL! VX1 even put his Ironman out front as a beacon for wayward VXers!

Sorry to hear 'bout your bolt situation. Just another sign you need to find a VX soon! Keep at it and watch the board for future events, we'll get ya in the fold soon enough!

[PBR]

Hello Joe, David and I didnt find the Autozone, we stopped at a parts place in Ocala and the tester said no output from alternator, he gave us directions to a Pep Boys, which is the only service faciltiy open on weekends, good thing to keep in mind for future, David went on so I never heard how it turned out. I think the ac probably runs direct off alternator output, so no alternator no ac.

[VX1]

I don’t know what you guys are talking about, I was at my cousin’s Bar Mitzvah this weekend. Offroading? I didn’t even know the VehiCross was a 4X4; the only offroading I do is when I pull into a parking lot.

Coincidently, I did have a slight electrical problem this weekend. I really am at a loss at what could have caused it.

(more to come after I get it back from the dealership tomorrow:) )

[-x-]

....hope everyone is as well and up to par as can be...

a little fyi type thing for you guys, in an attempt to cleanse my engine bay i was running a check engine light after hoseing down / cleanin up but after about 7 miles of driving or so its gone ;Dy;

so i guess i was the only one to make it out the pits unscathed ;py;

Cant wait till next time fellas hopefully not to long form now.....x

[Joe_Black]

Well I heard from Hearclid earlier today and he was still in Ocala getting a battery at PepBoys. I suggested to compare prices between them and the dealer for an alternator (V-reg is internal) and do what felt comfortable. Hoping to hear back soon that he's home and up and running.

So, out of seven VX's, three were all afflicted with the same electrical problem. I suspect moisture somehow got into what I hope is a typically sealed V-Reg and caused the problem. We'll know more after Frank and VX1 get theirs back from the dealer. Hopefully it'll be useful info for the rest of y'all.

[Tone]

Frank had called me when he got back and said something about deep mud? If so, make sure you spray the front AND back of the radiator very well with a hose (not a pressure washer as it could bend the fins).

You might also want to unbolt the bracket that holds the radiator to the core support and flush between the radiator and the AC condensor as that area is prone to blockage after immersion and will affect both AC and radiator cooling if allowed to dry and clog the fins.

Muddin’ is fun but the cleanup and potential damage are not!

[Joe_Black]

Thanks for the FYI Tone! We spent quite a bit of time at the car wash afterwards, but you can never get all that stuff out the first pass.

Spoke to Heraclid a bit earlier and he's home safe and sound after getting a monster battery. Made it 111 miles without having to switch to his re-charged original. Hopefully we'll have news soon from Frank and VX1 on their dealer visits to see what the exact culprit of the failures was.

Even with the problems encountered everyone has passed along with enthusiasm the good time had at the meet. I very much appreciate that and the efforts everyone put forth to attend. I really enjoyed making new friends and seeing the familiar faces again, and am certainly looking forward to the next event. Ya hear that ya Georgia/Tennessee boys!?!? It y'alls turn now!:bgwg:

[Heraclid]

Well, as Joe already knows, I'm back home safe and sound as of 6 pm today (Monday). The new battery got me all the way back without needing to swap it out and I experienced no other apparent related problems. My passenger window is binding real bad and I had to pull over and help it get up the last itwo inches or so manually before a storm hit. Other than raising the windows, I didn't run anything else that would add extra draw on the battery. I had a battery warning light the whole time but nothing more than that.

Funny thing is that the A/C came on very briefly at the car wash, and then went out again. Maybe I'd have been alright if I hadn't washed it out at the car wash. <shrug>

Despite everything afterward, I had a great time at the meet, which was my first time doing any real off-roading. By the way, that flash of lightning has to be the closest I've ever been to getting fried. :) The trails were a lot of fun and I particularly enjoyed watching niv_d in front of me hitting that high berm and driving forward while sideways. Just looked really neat. Joe had an interesting mud experience and PBR caught some air off a nasty bump. VX1 and -x- were wild men - a lot of fun to watch. Frank was a lot of fun to be around and we were all concerned about him making that long trip back and glad he got back alright. I know I hit some things a little off proper speed and thought I might get stuck a few times but the VX just didn't quit and pulled right through. I love the thing all the more now and have a lot of respect for what these things can do.

It was great meeting everybody and a special thanks to Joe for all the work he did to pull this off and throwing a great meet, and for being so considerate and concerned about everyone getting back home.

Well I'll take it easy now and enjoy some good ol' rest and relaxation and then clean the VX up real good tomorrow after work and get it to a dealer. Hopefully Frank and Scott will have some info soon and I can go to the dealer prepared.

[Heraclid]

Well looks like ya beat me to the punch Joe. :) Thanks for keeping everybody updated - much appreciated.

[niv_d]

Well, I’ve been waiting for this event for a long time and thanks to Joe’s dedication it finally came to fruition. Meeting fellow VX’rs is always fun and you guys are a great bunch. I haven’t had too many opportunities to go off-roading with my VX and am happy for every opportunity to do so (and sometime to watch others.. ;-) Sooooo, When’s the Next off-roading meet???? I guess we should wait a while to see what’s with Frank, VX1 and Heraclid…Anyway, I have 2 short (so I’ll be able to e-mail them) video clips of VX1 and X . PM me if you want a copy as I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to post them here.
Again great job and many thanks to Joe for setting it all up and next time maybe we can all meet at the mud hole next to I-drive …

[VX1]

I picked 'er up from the dealership this evening. It was after 5, so no mechanics were there, only the cashier. Altenator was replaced under warranty, but I had to pay a $55 charge to have it overnighted...not complaining.

Within two miles down the road it overheated, had to let it cool and drive it back to the dealership. I can only suppose they didn't hook something back right with the water pump. The radiator's clean, and I didn't have this problem before. (Used to it, always have to go back once or twice to get them to do it right- last time, they forgot a bolt and didn't fill the transmission back with fluid.)

I'll let ya'll know, when I know more.


By the way, anybody else get eaten up with bugs on this trip? I truly thought I might have chicken pox (again) earlier this week, but it looks like bug bites, especially around the ankles. It's either that or a allergic reation all the freakin' chemicals I used to try to get the mud off my car!

[Heraclid]

Yeah, no kidding. I remember thinking it was surprising how few mosquitoes were trying to have a go at me at the meet, but sure enough not long after I had itchy little bites all over. Not sure if it's from the meet or if I've got one in the house. Both, I think. I'm thinking something (?) besides mosquitoes got me at the meet. Hey, it was nice meeting you and thanks for the update. I'll try to get mine in to the dealer tomorrow. The guys in Ocala needed a day for the part and I didn't do it then because I absolutely had to get back to Jax.

[-x-]

.....arms and legs are shot ;eekr; , next meet off will be at hand!...x

[PBR]

VX those are red bugs or chiggers, cant seem them easily but they get into ankles, waist, and unfortunately crotch. Very bad during warm months along with ticks, particularly in the forest. Best to wear socks and shoes and spray all clothing before hand with Permathone (I did before meet and no bites), which will keep them all away. Once you have the bites it will take a week or so for them to heal, red bugs inject a venom that keeps them itching, so try not to scratch, keep it clean. All hunters no these lessons well.

[Joe_Black]

Thanks for the update! I've been playing phone tag with Frank and his last message said it was big $$$ for his. I'll post details once I get in touch. The man definitely needs to invest in an answering machine!

As for the bug bites, I've got the same welts on my ankles as well. Not mosquitoes but those yellow-flies and their evil black cousins that were flitting all over the place. I'll killed about 15 while setting up my tent on Friday and there were at least 5 or 10 in the VX at any one time while scouting that afternoon. Sneaky little creatures and hungry for the taste of human blood!

[Joe_Black]

Sorry PBR, didn't see your chigger post until after I posted. I saw a few red bugs crawling about as well, including one on my armrest! I'll add the permethone to my next outing checklist.

[Joe_Black]

Okay, just got off the phone with Frank and he also ended up replacing his alternator. Fortunately he had an extended warranty and was only popped $100 for the deductible. The dealer quoted the alternator replacement at $716. YIKE!!! They gave him a little grief about the mud as they said it wasn't the water that shorted the VReg but the build-up of clay. Knowing how VRegs are typically sealed, I'm not buying that. Water is conductive. Period. If the VReg has a crack in its case moisture's gonna kill it. It probably wasn't bad enough to fail in typical rain conditions but certainly couldn't handle the submerging and pressure of the mud holes we plowed through.

I've got my fingers crossed for ya David! Let us know how it turns out!

[AlaskaVX]

This is one reason I live in Alaska, only mosquito's, bears, moose, and wolves to worry about (nothing with poison except mosquito's). The mosquito's are big up here, most people consider them to be our state bird ;)

[Heraclid]

The dealer told me over the phone that "they're real proud of that thing", and right then I knew he meant it was super expensive. I was quoted about the same for the alternator as what Frank was told. I don't believe mine would be under the original warranty (it's a '99), and we'll see if they'll take the extended warranty I have from the used car folks I got it from.

Aren't most alternators pretty much the same? Some parts website I found referenced in the archives here last night appeared to be selling alternators from a Trooper model as a VehiCross replacement part. Gotta be a way to cut the cost here. I believe someone in the archived posts posted about fixing his for $125. (just labor under warranty?)

I agree about the clay versus water.

[Heraclid]

I can find no reference specifically to the alternator in my warranty booklet, but it looks like it falls under a 36 month/50,000 mile warranty. I am JUST over 50,000 miles, but I'm obviously beyond the 36 months which makes the mileage a moot point. Damn, wish I had the 2000/2001 VehiCross warranty. Isn't that 7 years?

Oh, that $125 was from centralforeign.com out of Denver. If you do an inquiry for the 99 Vehicross alternator, it tells you a match is the alternator for the 2000 Trooper II, 4DR, 3.5 V6

[niv_d]

I think you might have something there! I’d say that an alternator from either a Trooper or an Amigo has to fit and I bet that if you look hard enough you’ll probably find a refurbished one that would save you some $$$. That’s definitely worth checking!

[niv_d]

Oh and about the mosquitoes…I don’t know what you local boys are talking about…I didn’t have any bits at all…LOL ..Maybe the flies here just don’t like the international cuisine…;Do; ;Do; ;Do;

[VX1]

Mine won't be ready until Monday now. They say the thermostat is shot, and they have to tear the engine apart to get to the thing. Looking at the VX repair manual, I don't see why.

[Joe_Black]

David, if you bought extended warranty through the used dealer you should be okay. I believe that's the same thing Frank has since his was purchased used as well. If that doesn't pan out, I imagine the alternator is the same as on the 3.5 Troopers. Check your local AutoZone, DAP etc. for comparison. It's REALLY easy to change an alternator. Check a local starter shop to see what they'd charge for a rebuild, especially since it's just the VReg.

Scott, tear the engine apart for the thermo?!?! If I'm not mistaken it's right there front top and center. Just follow your upper coolant hose from the radiator to the engine and that's where it lives, right under the hose fitting to the engine. At least that's where it is on the 3.2 and the 3.5 is essentially the same mill. I'll double check mine tomorrow (after the shoot!) and post where I find it.

[Tone]

Thermo replacement requires removing the variable length intake runners - might as well bolt on the SC if you’re going that far.... ;)

[Heraclid]

Dealer is closed today for the holiday, but I will check with them tomorrow re: the warranty I have. Talked to them yesterday and the guy said fax it over and he'd let me know, but no fax here and didn't get a chance to run by there or to a Kinko's or something.

Re: bug bites, I wonder if that's why my back was really itching bad the other day. I scratched and then it turned into what looked like a nasty rash all over my back. It is fading now. Could it be chiggers or something? Don't know why it wouldn't be on more exposed areas and why it didn't happen faster, though, so I tend to think not. Could also be that I had a CT scan done on my throat, with contrast. With contrast means you get an IV and they put some chemical concoction in your bloodstream to make the pics clearer. They say drink lots of water afterward, and I did, but maybe I had some sort of an allergic reaction to that.

Or maybe heat rash or something from driving around in a VX with no A/C and the windows up (due to rain)? Makes sense then because my back would be up against the seat and couldn't "breathe". Don't think it's that either - should have had it happen more quickly after the fact, I'd think.

[VX1]

Chiggers. I had exactly the same symptoms; we were out there Saturday, and the 'rash' was most pronounced Tuesday & Wednesday. It's been a week, just as Pat said, they've cleared up. -Scott

[Heraclid]

Yep, that timeline coincides with what I experienced as well. Just weird that I didn't get it on my arms and legs (just some bites around the ankles).

Well, wish me luck - going to try to get this alternator thing fixed under a warranty purchased from the used car dealer tomorrow. Hopefully will only get hit up for the $100 deductible, same as Frank's was.

[VX1]

The thermostat and coolant was replaced, but again, I picked my VX up from the shop, and within two miles down the road, it was overheating. What really is odd, they put 60 miles on it since Thursday. You would think whoever took it HOME this weekend, would have noticed it overheating. The interior had a real strong burning coolant kind of smell.

As always, I let ya know if anything really gets fixed here.

-Scott

[PBR]

Could be the heater core if your smelling inside the cab. Have them flush the system with a cleaner.

[Joe_Black]

Scott, you weren't having any problems with temp at the meet were ya?

[Heraclid]

Well, mine is in the shop for alternator replacement and won't be ready for a while. They say Thurday, maybe Friday to until they get the part in, which seems a little ridiculous to me. I think Scott said he had his overnighted for $55 - my dealer said it would be within 48 hrs and wanted $91. I declined since I have a backup set of wheels available now. They (City Isuzu) did quote a slightly lower price for the part than Frank was told or than the Ocala dealer (Sullivan Isuzu) quoted me, but looks like this will get done under the extended warranty for the $100 deductible. Having them check the window issue out while it's there too.

Scott, I wish ya the best on resolving this temp problem. I noticed that after two good washings I still had mud in the fins and rinsed it a third time. I wonder if I will develop the same overheating problem or if I should have had it happen already. Maybe it is something somehow initiated only when the alternator has been fixed? Or they screwed something up working on it - anyone's guess is at least as good as mine.

[Joe_Black]

Glad to hear you were able to swing the warranty deal David!;Db;

A good way to get the mud from between the radiator and the condenser is to flip up the rubber strip just ahead of the radiator and spray down with a garden sprayer.

After three sessions of underbody spraying I think I've finally got the majority of the mud off of the chassis and such. It was amazing how much crap came out of the gas tank shield!

I'd still do it again!;Db; ;Do; ;Db; ;Do;

[PBR]

vx I hate to suggest it but you may want to have them pressurize the cooling system overnight and look into cylinders and see if you blew a gasket, all it takes is a pin hole. I recently had this problem on another car, no taletell syptoms (smoke, oil in coolant, coolant in oil etc) but it would overheat now and then, I found moisture in #1 cylinder. I ended up getting a can of K&W block sealer, followed the directions exactly and cured the problem without the expense of a head gasket job. This stuff really works but you must follow directions to a tee.

[VX1]

Hello, Mr. Swett, this is Isuzu Service calling. We believe we have found the cause of your temperature problem, the radiator is completely compacted with clay....ya been offroading lately???

I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.
I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRAVERSE MUD DEEPER THAN THE AXLE.

Yep, the all-knowing Tone nailed that one. We spent all day Sunday (after the meet) pulling mud out of every part of my VX. If someone tells you that it will take weeks to get rid of the mud after offroading, don't believe them- you will NEVER BE RID OF THE MUD. My parking lights were packed full of mud, for God's sake. I thought I had actually gotten it all and took it down to the dealership, then I saw Tone's warning about the radiator.

But the dealership was great, they fixed it all under warranty. I'd like to thank -x- for all his help that night, he jump started us about every half mile, until we made it to a place that would replace the battery. I swear that guy was in alot more mud than us, without a problem, but 3 of us blow out our altenators, strange luck. And of course, a thank you to Joe (no sarcasm, we had a blast) for organizing the meet, we enjoyed meeting everyone.

So anyway, very important information to all offroad-bound VXers-
Lessons Learned:
Deep mud BAD!
Bugspray GOOOD!

-Scott

[VX1]

And by the way, what's it gonna take to get the pics and movies from you guys??? Mr. Swett is ready and waiting with his broadband in hand.

[-x-]

.....those bugs must of been the spawn of satan :evil: himself. So next trip ill have more bug spray than water!

Anyhow I am anxious for tha video as well, think it will give better insight as to why i seemed to have the most fun and not suffer many consecuences from it ;wtf; , beside the obvious repeated cleansing.

And it was my pleasure to be of any help scott,:thumbup: if ya ever stuck or lost in orlando you know who to call....x

b.t.w. anyonw got any good tips or products for baked on clay stuck under th vx???

[Joe_Black]

The DVD is done and will ship out Thursday. Got 'em all labeled last night and everyone's address together, so let me know what you think after you get them. WARNING: There's a bit of colorful language in the chapter titled "Joe Got Mud". I'm sure y'all know what segment I'm talking about! LOL!

-x-, you'll just have get under the VX and have at it with the garden sprayer and a toilet brush. I did that three times and it pretty much looks like it should now. Be sure to put PLENTY of water behind the skid plates, shields and the gas tank cover.

I'm already putting together another meet for maybe mid/late August and will post details once I get it together. Stay tuned!

[-x-]

i hear theres a good mud pit round sea world ;Db; ...x

[Heraclid]

Well, dealer said Thursday, maybe Friday before he got the alternator in, let alone has it installed. I was in the area so I dropped by today (it was good to see my baby LOL), and sure enough no alternator today and the same guy said "with any luck, tomorrow". <sigh> I can't believe it takes this friggin' long. You'd think they never had to change out an alternator before, and while the VX is rare, the 3.5L V6 Trooper one should work, and surely those are readily available, right? I'm starting to wonder if it is on a boat direct from Japan.

I'm expecting some grief when they finally get up under there and see the mud (thought I had it looking pretty good but saw it today dry and realized it STILL needs work) but for starters I will tell them if the v-reg were properly sealed it should have been a non-issue. Also having the window tracks looked at, but they said since that could be related to alternator failure they did not intend to do anything to them until the alternator goes in. I told them it was happening before that and would like this wrapped up as soon as possible, meaning I don't want to have to wait more for this after the alternator is in there and I want it done and back in my garage the day they get that part in. I don't care when they do the windows so long as it is fixed right and doesn't hold things up an extra day.

I have read all the posts about the windows binding and it sounds like just a little track lube may not fix this right. The guy at the dealership told me that should be all it needs despite my saying others have been down this regulators/lube route and it wasn't enough. So we'll see.

As a precaution I also noted the mileage when I was there today, since Scott reported his dealer put 60 miles on his VX. Wouldn't that beat all if they fixed it and then I had to wait while someone was joyriding?

[PBR]

Thanks to all who signed my petition reference rear differential whine, with that proof the dealer has agreed to rebuild or replace, taking it in on Monday, I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

[Joe_Black]

Good deal Pat! Keep us apprised of your progress!

[Heraclid]

Hey, no problem Pat. Way to go get 'em.

Got mine back today FINALLY. Everything looks just like I left it and no post-surgery complications yet. :-)

They got it done real fast once the part came off the boat from Japan or whatever it was (it was a 5 day wait). :-) This (alternator replacement) was covered under the extended warranty. While I'm not terribly impressed with the Isuzu dealer, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't hear so much as a tiny whisper about the mud.

I was pretty certain I wouldn't get it but I mentioned the CD changer while I was at it, and he had said it probably wouldn't be covered. I didn't get my hopes up but guess what - I was told today I am also getting a new CD changer under the warranty. :-) They said it'll be a week and they'll call when it comes in so they can do the swap. Ok, so it won't be the newer model, just a remanufactured version of what I have now, but for now I'll take it and see how much mileage I get out of that. Buys me time until I can get a nice Pioneer setup or something.

I will try lubricating the runners in the windows and see how that goes. If it gets worse I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, and with all the info about this on this board even a numbskull like me could probably handle it at no cost. If it ever comes to it, the service manager freely admitted they've seen a few of them before for the same problem and I don't think he'd give me any problem with it.

Anyway, I got a new CD changer and alternator for a $100 deductible - I'm happy. :-)

[Heraclid]

Hey Joe,

Thanks a bunch for the DVD! I've been so anxious that I went to the post office twice. LOL! This morning, about 11:00am, nothing there. Figured what the heck, I'd go check again tonight just in case. Besides, it's a good excuse to drive my VX and I'm always up for that. :-) After making some guests of my neighbor stare at my VX (didn't their parents teach them it's not polite to point and stare?), I got down to the post office and there it was! Woo hoo! You should've seen the grin on my face when I opened it up and saw the case with all the graphics - very cool! And then a big smiling Dragon on the disc, too. :-) Well done and THANKS.
Pardon me now - I have to go watch it RIGHT NOW. :-)

[Joe_Black]

LOL! Well I certainly hope you enjoy it and it reminds you of the fun you had discovering how capable the vX is! I'm very much a neophyte when it comes to editing video and making DVDs, so there several areas where the camera was just running. Then again, it's the forest scenery so you've got a low-tech screen saver. ;-)

[niv_d]

Hi Pat,
You know I was skeptical but you proved me wrong. I’m glad I could help and even happier to hear that it worked out for you! Just goes to show that if you’re right, you must never give up!

[-x-]

....just an F.Y.I. fellas I updated or uploaded :work: the pix that i took from tha meet and also rearanged my gallery seperating my pix from the first orlando meet ;Db;

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/204front_angle.jpg

And yes i got new tires after the meet go figure:confused: 285/75-16 wow...x

[Heraclid]

Tire Rack has some pretty affordable tires for the Vehicross (less than $100 per wheel). Looks like the Scorpion A/T is a good choice, but what about the Yokohamas? I always thought any Yokos were much pricier than that, and with the multiple superior ratings they have over the stock Duelers, Scorpions, and Kumhos, I'm thinking it's a no-brainer. But just in case, any suggestions anyone?

[niv_d]

I used to have Yoko’s (A/T+2) on my previous truck (full size Montero with a rear diff. Lock… ;Do; ) and found them pretty god with a good offroad manners too. I’m considering them for my VX now but would like first to lift my VX with the OME springs. Hey X, Do the 285’s rub? Did you do any trimming? :confused:

[-x-]

The techs at tha shop said it wouldnt fit but my bro tried them on anyway (he works there) and they went on w/out a problem ;eekb; yea it was pretty cool ....

... i did have to trim to avoid rubbin :rolleyes: when the wheel is max to the left or right. ;Db;

And i absolutely love 'em it just about comletely fills the wheel well and eliminates that gap i myself dispise. I have yet to go off-roadin but after speeding around and cuttin corners i dont see any problems ;pb; Id recommend the size....x ;pb;