IRS(not I.R.S.) in VX

[Bieredalsace]

I was wondering if there is any vehical of a compatible brand (like GM, Honda Passport, Axiom, etc) that has IRS which might (pipe dreams) fit in the VX. Even if it takes some creative adaptation I wondered if the VX could be fitted with IRS. Or is this a totally moronical goal?
I know many of you are super knowledgable on the subject of the VX.
Thank you very much for all input!

[TheGanzman]

In the car-building World, there's an age-old adage: "Speed is just a question of money - how fast do you want to go?"...:)

I've built 23 vehicles from the ground up; most of 'em were "restified" at minimum. Within that category, several were heavily modified - disc brake conversions, front/rear suspension changes, total driveline changes, etc. In answer to your query - not only is it POSSIBLE, but there are probably a dozen different avenues of approach that could be taken to apply IRS to the VX. Though I don't have a VX YET, the same modification has occurred to me too; though if I did it, I'd prolly go ahead and change out the driveline as well, upgrade the brakes, etc. Off the top of my head, the BEST move would be to find a single "donor vehicle" that could supply most/all of the above - wrecked Audi S8, or some other high-end, high-tech AWD-equipped vehicle, would be my thought...

Actually, the VX makes a good "argument" for JUST such a conversion, when ya' think about it! It's a limited manufacture/concept/halo vehicle that is ALREADY unique and reasonably high-end looking; it's an "orphan" (rapidly approaching "no warranty/no support" status); it's built "conventionally" (body-on-frame), which lends itself more readily to the aforementioned change(s); it's reasonably inexpensive as its own "donor car" to actually START such a project; finally, when it's DONE (assuming it was done to a high standard of construction) you'd really HAVE something - the sum total of which would conceivably be worth close to what you had in it to SOMEBODY.

It occurs to me from the heavy research I've invested in this vehicle so far (most of it right here on this fine Forum, I might add!) that most folks who are modding this platform (other than dealing with cosmetic and reliability foibles) are doing so to enhance the VX's 4X4 capabilities. Speaking strictly for MYSELF, I see the vehicle going in a different direction - I see it as a high-end, go-anywhere ALL WHEEL DRIVE high speed "coupe", if you will - on a par w/an AWD Porsche, Audi, or some of the other manufacturer's halo/concept vehicles. My inclination would be a total transplant as alluded to above - the result being a (slightly) lower, squattier, haunchier AWD pocket rocket! IRS would totally fit into that scenario, as would ESP, (of course!) full-time AWD, a 5-6 speed trannie w/paddle shifters, and 300-400 horsepower. Getting the right donor car is KEY, but this kind of thing is being done all the time by the "hot rod crowd". If I still lived back in Charlotte (near my friend Brent VanDervort w/Fatman Fabrications) I'd be ALL over this kind of conversion - ya' got my wheels turnin'!:smilewink

[Bieredalsace]

Yeah Man! Its a fantastic idea for such qa unique vehicle. But being on a restricted cash flow the idea of finding a wrecked Audi R8 or something of that class would cost more than my annual income. So if you come up with any more economical transplant that retains all VX stff in front of the rear axle Maybe I'll be able to do it. Thanks for all the enthusiastic support!

[TheGanzman]

Yeah Man! Its a fantastic idea for such qa unique vehicle. But being on a restricted cash flow the idea of finding a wrecked Audi R8 or something of that class would cost more than my annual income. So if you come up with any more economical transplant that retains all VX stff in front of the rear axle Maybe I'll be able to do it. Thanks for all the enthusiastic support!

I hear ya' on the "budget thang"! Seems like there's a few lower end SUV's that are IRS too, right? Pull some measurements off the VX (rear hub to hub is the BIG one that you'd wanna be close to) and then walk some salvage yards, tape measure in hand. Ideally, you would want to be able to "transplant" the entire RE assembly intact, without having to shorten the half shafts; hopefully the donor rear brakes would be relatively compatible too. That would leave you to weld the donor IRS up to the frame (perhaps using donor "bracketry") and then shorten/lengthen the driveshaft accordingly. Not sure what the electronic "implications" of that would be vis a vis the TOD unit though, given how sensitive that seems to be with respect to brake/torque changes already. It's entirely likely that the VX TOD would end up on the "killing floor", replaced by whatever donor equivalent is up under THERE. Oh, then there's the VX ECU and OBDII situation resulting from changing out the TOD...:(

How 'bout softer springs all around on that VX...;)

[kodiak]

The rear suspension axel combo on the VX is a masterpiece. There’s nothing I’ve ever seen that could give the kind of on road performance and off road strength and articulation that it can. Justin’s right it just seems wrong.:_huh:

[Scott Harness]

The rear suspension axel combo on the VX is a masterpiece. There’s nothing I’ve ever seen that could give the kind of on road performance and off road strength and articulation that it can. Justin’s right it just seems wrong.:_huh:

x3 You don't put graffiti on a Rembrandt:cool:

[TheGanzman]

Well, from where *I* sit, I've seen lots of mods done to VX's that I personally consider very VERY "wrong"...:rolleyes:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - so are "mods" based on intended/future "applications". For the application of an AWD over-the-road, go 'most anywhere (read: Anywhere there's SOME kind of road!) vehicle, a proper IRS assembly makes a GREAT deal of sense! Fact is, this is a VERY short-wheelbased, heavily sprung/shocked rig with pretty big wheels/tires - ya' feel every PEA you drive over on the road! IRS would most certainly improve the VX's "road manners". Now if you're using the VX for a "rockcrawler", not so much...





The rear suspension axel combo on the VX is a masterpiece. There’s nothing I’ve ever seen that could give the kind of on road performance and off road strength and articulation that it can. Justin’s right it just seems wrong.:_huh:

[kodiak]

I see what you’re saying. It just seem like the minimal amount of on road handling you would gain, if any would be over shadowed by the amount of off-road terrain handling versatility you would loss. It would turn the VX in to a BMW x6.

Example Vid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHK_33V2Mmg&feature=channel_page



Well, from where *I* sit, I've seen lots of mods done to VX's that I personally consider very VERY "wrong"...:rolleyes:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - so are "mods" based on intended/future "applications". For the application of an AWD over-the-road, go 'most anywhere (read: Anywhere there's SOME kind of road!) vehicle, a proper IRS assembly makes a GREAT deal of sense! Fact is, this is a VERY short-wheelbased, heavily sprung/shocked rig with pretty big wheels/tires - ya' feel every PEA you drive over on the road! IRS would most certainly improve the VX's "road manners". Now if you're using the VX for a "rockcrawler", not so much...

[Bieredalsace]

What do you think about "sliding" doors!!! That would be awesome! I should be able to figure that one out using van parts.
If we lived near each other we would update the VX to an awesome vehicle!

[TheGanzman]

What do you think about "sliding" doors!!! That would be awesome! I should be able to figure that one out using van parts.
If we lived near each other we would update the VX to an awesome vehicle!


NOW you're scarin' me!;)

[kodiak]

“Improve the road manners of the VX.” Ganzman, have you test driven a VX yet?:p


This is a kit that might work.:rolleyes:

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/irs/images/irsjig.jpg

[Bieredalsace]

Actually, stylistically, that BMW X6 looks really nice. But then I also thought that AM SX4 was cool lookin.
Of course there were alot of bastardisation of cars and 4WD underpinnings like that video of the History of the VX shows. But to do hardly noticable improvements that make a car a smooth custom vehicle including suspension stuff is really improving. Just look at all those Lowriders out in Cali. Certainly not for off road but cool none the less.

[Bieredalsace]

What about taking the front suspension from a donor VX switching it around and putting it in the rear? Now that should go really well. All VX parts!
I have 2 models VX. I think I'll try that front axle switch on the model and see how it fits!

[Bieredalsace]

“Improve the road manners of the VX.” Ganzman, have you test driven a VX yet?:p


This is a kit that might work.:rolleyes:

http://www.factoryfive.com/table/irs/images/irsjig.jpg

Kodiac that is a brilliant setup. What is it a Corvette IRS?
You're so right. The last thing that the VX can be accused of is giving a comfortable ride.
Where can someone get a setup like that?

[VX1032]

That just requires some reverse cut gears.

[pbkid]

What do you think about "sliding" doors!!! That would be awesome! I should be able to figure that one out using van parts.
If we lived near each other we would update the VX to an awesome vehicle!

no offense, to each their own obviously...

but why transform a well designed vehicle into a van???? i dont know anyone that looks at a van and goes, "wow that thing is cool!!"

secondly, why take an SUV and try to make it perform like a car??? there's no utility in it...just to say you can???

i think the VX is a great vehicle and im sure you would enjoy it a lot if you get one eventually, and if you dont offroad then i could understand creating greater handling but why chop it up???

once again, not trying to offend but are you trying to turn a VX into a subaru??

[kodiak]

Take a look.;) Still not as cool as the stock VX rear. But to each his own.:rolleyes:

https://factoryfiveparts.com/product.php?productid=16246&cat=267&page=1



Kodiac that is a brilliant setup. What is it a Corvette IRS?
You're so right. The last thing that the VX can be accused of is giving a comfortable ride.
Where can someone get a setup like that?

[TheGanzman]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]“Improve the road manners of the VX.” Ganzman, have you test driven a VX yet?[/IMG]

Yes thanks - about 50 miles under quite a few (on-road) conditions. VERY impressed w/the steering response and turning radius; acceleration was good, braking was pretty good. I was able to dial in the seating to be pretty comfortable; visibility was adequate except out the rear window, but the ride was VERY "jittery"or "busy". I don't mind a "firm" ride; hell, I drive a Porsche and a Chrysler 300C SRT8! IMHO, the VX could greatly benefit (at least ON road) with more compliant springs/shocks at minimum; IRS would probably help some too, but is probably cost prohibitive. It pretty much is what it is. I can live with its foibles, but knowing me, I would certainly start messing with the spring rates (I'd likely have a set custom made in a "variable rate" configuration) and I'd try to talk Koni into making their FSD shocks for VX. Custom wound springs are not THAT much $ to have done, and changing out coils is relatively easy with a proper spring compressor...I'm up for the challenge!:)

[pbkid]

sorry about my last post, i didnt mean to be aggressive towards your idea i just dont understand it...

perhaps you would have an intelligent argument for doing it... in comparison to most of the people who lower suv's and trucks just because everyone else they know does it...

[Bieredalsace]

Do you think those silly Lamborghini doors look good on the VX?
I don't! I'm not suggesting sliding doors so it will look like a van. I am suggetsing them so they will be as unique as the rest of the VX. I saw them on the proposed Mini SUV and they looked awesome. Besides I'll bet 90 % of VX drivers have been caught parked sideways on an angle and trying to operate those heavy doors up against gravitys pull usually leaving a big gash in your leg as gravity takes over and closes the door for you before you get your leg fully in or out of the vehicle.
Now imagine the same off kilter operation with doors that slide open. Pretty cool Huh!? I ain't as krazy as you think.

[Bieredalsace]

Now as far as the IRS unit. I will be honest. I have never seen the rear suspension system of the VX. I only know how hard the vehicle rides. Many many SUV owners never see a bush or mud unless they live near the Cali coast like Malibu. So why not try and find a way to give a sophisticated imaginative unique vehicle a sophisticated ride? No, Rock crawling would be out of the question, but isn't that what chopped up Jeeps are for?
With all this talk about reverse cut pinion gears meshing with ring gears etc it would be easier, less confusing and probably the same cost as dropping in one of those units in Kodiak's note above.

[pbkid]

ya i suppose it depends on your ultimate goal....

i just get really frusterated when i see lowered trucks or SUV's with body kits. the way i figure it, if you want low center of gravity with good handling buy a vehicle designed for that...

thus is why i have 2 vehicles (along with other owners).. one suv that is used for one thing and a sports car for going fast and throwing you left to right without a worry of rolling or having to seriously modify it...

i dunno, i can understand where you are coming from because i love to have a sporty vehicle...however, i think once you see the abilities of the vehicross you will be happier with the way it is than you think...

but ya driving the VX all the time lately has had me itching for something more sporty and wishing i had the money for an STI...

[VX1032]

Sounds like your issue with the VX ride can partailly be attributed to the short wheelbase of the vehicle, not the suspension. Remember, this thing is really short and you are hitting bumps very close together. A different shock package could help with that. How many miles were on the VX you test drove and were they still the original shocks?

[TheGanzman]

Sounds like your issue with the VX ride can partailly be attributed to the short wheelbase of the vehicle, not the suspension. Remember, this thing is really short and you are hitting bumps very close together. A different shock package could help with that. How many miles were on the VX you test drove and were they still the original shocks?

I drove a 16,500 mile pampered '99. Stock shocks and highway (non-aggressive tread pattern) tires. And yes, much of the "issue" with the ride on these IS the short wheelbase. It's also "oversprung/overshocked" for a (primarily freeway-driven) SUV. Ya' can't fix the wheelbase - ya' CAN set up the suspension to be more compliant for highway driving, which I would/will do. I've had really good luck w/variable rate springs on previous vehicles that I've owned; those, combined with some high-end "P" road tires and some good quality shocks will go a long way, IMHO. We're talking well under $2K total for virtually "the best of the best" of those three items...

[Scott Harness]

I'll take your stock shocks,when you throw them away.;)

[Bieredalsace]

Well like I said, to each his own and I don't disagree with your theory... yet still, creating an IRS from a collection of parts obtained from a donor vehicle doesn't seem practical... there is no way you are going to find something to match or work with a stock VX front end unless you keep VX parts in the mix. You mentioned using the front and rear ends from another vehicle and perhaps all drivetrain components. I could see this being more plausible... however, no offense to Bieredalsace... taking on a project like this whilst saying, "being on a restricted cash flow"... it is just not feasible. Also, it is very easy to ask the question, "could I do this?" but at the same time you have to ask, "should I do this?" If you are looking to improve the road manners of the VX, you have to ask yourself if you know suspension geometry enough to know how it is going to react to the road, is it safe, is it legal, is it viable. Now sliding doors... :rolleyes: haha!

Zeus...No offense taken... However if you look at my note I related my "restricted cash flow" directly to the cost of an Audi R8 ..what are they $$ well over $100K ?

[Bieredalsace]

ya i suppose it depends on your ultimate goal....

i just get really frusterated when i see lowered trucks or SUV's with body kits. the way i figure it, if you want low center of gravity with good handling buy a vehicle designed for that...

thus is why i have 2 vehicles (along with other owners).. one suv that is used for one thing and a sports car for going fast and throwing you left to right without a worry of rolling or having to seriously modify it...

i dunno, i can understand where you are coming from because i love to have a sporty vehicle...however, i think once you see the abilities of the vehicross you will be happier with the way it is than you think...

but ya driving the VX all the time lately has had me itching for something more sporty and wishing i had the money for an STI...

pbkid....I agree it would be more desirable to have dedicated vehicles for specific applications....I myself have the VX, a 1998 Ram Air Trans Am, a Cadillac, a new Suzuki Sx4 crossover (which is a really cool but underpowered unit) and I had a Mazda 323 GTX which was a real screaming 4x4. ..........so I guess I have a different vehicle for each driving application .........but the VX is so unique it is a thrill to drive it in the city and on the highway and get so much attention. I've even had people ask if it was a 2010 Isuzu model..and that feels great.
However if you feel the VX is more dedicated to off road operation then isn't it unnecessary overkill for members to add Superchargers? I assume the S/C is for street performance rather than rock crawling.
So the VX has universal applications. And to modify the suspension to give a more comfortable ride while still lookijng awesome gives it the best of almost all applications. IMHO

[nfpgasmask]

once again, not trying to offend but are you trying to turn a VX into a subaru??

Yeah, reading this thread just makes me sit here and wonder....if you want to change all this stuff about the VX, you probably should not buy one and get something else that meets those needs you are talking about. If you want a Caddy smooth ride, then the VX is certainly not the vehicle for you....

But then again, I do completely understand fantasizing about mods....after all, I want a mini-gun, automatic caltrops dispenser, smoke screen and a canon on my VX, so one might ask, why didn't I join the Army to be a tank driver?? :p

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

It's also "oversprung/overshocked" for a (primarily freeway-driven) SUV.

I think the above statement clearly points out the "friction" here in this thread. There are a group of people on here who have street VXes, and then there are the offroad VXes.

You all know what category I fall into, and I agree with The Paint Ball Kid. You want a street machine, drive a Subi or a Porsche, you want a compact, short wheel based, 4x4 that loves to be off the pavement but does just fine on the highway, drive a VX.

Again, just my 2 cents worth of opinion. :smilewink

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

...but, in addition to what I said above, I think this spells it out clearly:

THIS:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/BlazinB4/2006-Smart-Forfun2-Concept-Front-An.jpg

Makes about as much sense as THIS:
http://images.truckinweb.com/tech/suspension/0706tr_09_z+wheel_backspace_and_offset+lowered_pos tive_offset.jpg

But then again, as many have said, "to each his own".

:) Bart

[kodiak]

I think the above statement clearly points out the "friction" here in this thread. There are a group of people on here who have street VXes, and then there are the offroad VXes.


There’s a 3rd category that likes it just the way it is like me. But I do like to mess with the visuals and I do lean torrid the off road side a little.:rollo:

[nfpgasmask]

There’s a 3rd category that likes it just the way it is like me. But I do like to mess with the visuals and I do lean torrid the off road side a little.:rollo:

First off, there absolutely nothing wrong with a stock VX. But for me, I think from day one, I never saw the VehiCROSS as a "street machine". It's just like a Xterra or a 4Runner, I just don't understand these kind of vehicles as grocery getters....I mean, it's not a station wagon or minivan.

Again, not trying to argue or start anything, just discussing. :)

Bart

[4X4 UFO]

I owned a Jeep CJ-5 for a long time. I used it to haul firewood, and it was fun as a daily driver. I've always liked two seaters, and I owned a highly modified Fiero for a long time also. Obviously, I like the feel of a stiffly sprung, short wheelbase ride. The problem with any "sports car" is that I always want to drive it "enthusiastically". In order to enjoy the Fiero, I was collecting speeding tickets. Even at my advanced age, that eventually costs too much in insurance payments. However, I still want a vehicle that handles well at a pretty good clip on the road. I'm not off road a lot, but we get some snow and ice here. The VX is great because it will go anywhere, and it is an absolute blast to drive, even at speeds below 80 or 90. I would never soften up the suspension, because one thing I dislike most in a vehicle is the feeling that you're sitting on someone's couch while you're driving it! I like the VX because it does a lot of things very well. Just my two cents!

Randy

[kodiak]

And there’s the jeep intimidator category that ldub’s in all by him self.:laughing:

[pbkid]

pbkid....I agree it would be more desirable to have dedicated vehicles for specific applications....I myself have the VX, a 1998 Ram Air Trans Am, a Cadillac, a new Suzuki Sx4 crossover (which is a really cool but underpowered unit) and I had a Mazda 323 GTX which was a real screaming 4x4. ..........so I guess I have a different vehicle for each driving application .........but the VX is so unique it is a thrill to drive it in the city and on the highway and get so much attention. I've even had people ask if it was a 2010 Isuzu model..and that feels great.
However if you feel the VX is more dedicated to off road operation then isn't it unnecessary overkill for members to add Superchargers? I assume the S/C is for street performance rather than rock crawling.
So the VX has universal applications. And to modify the suspension to give a more comfortable ride while still lookijng awesome gives it the best of almost all applications. IMHO

i agree that the stock VX has plenty of power, however, if you ask dub he will easily inform you that his VX really isnt much more powerful then it was stock (with current supercharger)....however with the heavy 33" nitto mud grapplers he's running and probably well over 500lbs in interior addition/modifications, he needs the extra power just to keep it moving...

also, dub is definately towards the wheeling side, but he does use his VX to tow a trailer, so consider the extra weight of that also...

from what i understand this is why he has a supercharger, (well i guess it sounds great and makes it fun to drive also).....

so, i dont know about other people with superchargers but dub does have his for offroad application....(hopefully im not making incorrect assumptions)

[Ldub]

And there’s the jeep intimidator category that ldub’s in all by him self.:laughing:

Where do you guys come up with this stuff?...:smilewink

I have no control over what Suzy goes out & does on her own when the moon is full...:rolleyesg

Sheesh...I haven't even got my locker in yet...:sighwgray

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

However if you feel the VX is more dedicated to off road operation then isn't it unnecessary overkill for members to add Superchargers? I assume the S/C is for street performance rather than rock crawling.
So the VX has universal applications. And to modify the suspension to give a more comfortable ride while still lookijng awesome gives it the best of almost all applications. IMHO

For those of us that drive great distances to go off-roading.....the S/C helps with churning those bigger meats along & tends to raise the mpg up while highway driving.

I also tow from time to time and not only enjoy the greater performance but noticed my avg mpg was better towing with S/C than without.

But, you are right about the actual off-roading; the S/C probably adds nothing towards off-road abilities.

Plus, I S/C'ed mine before getting into any off-roading ;) And, my butt-dyno likey!!

[nfpgasmask]

I wish I had an S/C installed! With the 4.77's and an S/C, Zeus would be a riot! Of course, my fantasy is not IRS it is SFA... that could get expensive fast too. :rolleyes:

A little bird told me that Ascinder may be starting his SAS soon...but we'll see. I have heard that kinda talk before...*cough*

:) Bart

[Bieredalsace]

First off, there absolutely nothing wrong with a stock VX. But for me, I think from day one, I never saw the VehiCROSS as a "street machine". It's just like a Xterra or a 4Runner, I just don't understand these kind of vehicles as grocery getters....I mean, it's not a station wagon or minivan.

Again, not trying to argue or start anything, just discussing. :)

Bart

From day one look at how the VX was advertised by Isuzu.
Racing on Bonnevile Salt Flats Obviously a spoof but a reference to th VXs ability at speed and all the other ads showed it as a normal car type vehicle for everyday highway drivng. I did't see one commercial by Isuzu using the VX for rock crawling or hard off roading.
So from day one your opinion of what the VX was for was in contradiction to what Isuzu thought the VX was for.
You and others just found an extra novel use for the vehicle.
I'm on the side of those who feel the VX is a unique everyday highway driver, grocery getter and attention grabber! IMHO

[Bieredalsace]

I owned a Jeep CJ-5 for a long time. I used it to haul firewood, and it was fun as a daily driver. I've always liked two seaters, and I owned a highly modified Fiero for a long time also. Obviously, I like the feel of a stiffly sprung, short wheelbase ride. The problem with any "sports car" is that I always want to drive it "enthusiastically". In order to enjoy the Fiero, I was collecting speeding tickets. Even at my advanced age, that eventually costs too much in insurance payments. However, I still want a vehicle that handles well at a pretty good clip on the road. I'm not off road a lot, but we get some snow and ice here. The VX is great because it will go anywhere, and it is an absolute blast to drive, even at speeds below 80 or 90. I would never soften up the suspension, because one thing I dislike most in a vehicle is the feeling that you're sitting on someone's couch while you're driving it! I like the VX because it does a lot of things very well. Just my two cents!

Randy

You got speeding tickets in a Fiero? What? Were you going through a school zone or Hospital zone? Hahaha JK JK JK

[Bieredalsace]

...but, in addition to what I said above, I think this spells it out clearly:

THIS:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/BlazinB4/2006-Smart-Forfun2-Concept-Front-An.jpg

Makes about as much sense as THIS:
http://images.truckinweb.com/tech/suspension/0706tr_09_z+wheel_backspace_and_offset+lowered_pos tive_offset.jpg

But then again, as many have said, "to each his own".

:) Bart

I love that SMART ForFun2, especially towing that big CAT dozer as a spare!

[4X4 UFO]

Lol!!!! I had replaced the stock engine with a lighter, 200 HP Quad Four (with a Torsen transaxle), and firmed up the suspension with some aftermarket parts, so speeding was actually possible! I'll admit, however, that I could probably get a ticket riding a Segway! Sometimes, I just seemed to attract them.......

Randy

[nfpgasmask]

From day one look at how the VX was advertised by Isuzu.
Racing on Bonnevile Salt Flats Obviously a spoof but a reference to th VXs ability at speed and all the other ads showed it as a normal car type vehicle for everyday highway drivng. I did't see one commercial by Isuzu using the VX for rock crawling or hard off roading.
So from day one your opinion of what the VX was for was in contradiction to what Isuzu thought the VX was for.
You and others just found an extra novel use for the vehicle.
I'm on the side of those who feel the VX is a unique everyday highway driver, grocery getter and attention grabber! IMHO

Fair enough, and that is a good point indeed. However, I think we are both right and wrong; as stated in the Wikipedia article on the VX:

"The VehiCROSS was highly regarded for its cross-terrain performance. It combines a computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system for on-road driving and a locked-differential low gear four-wheel-drive system for off-road driving. Its computer controlled "Torque on Demand" system, with 12 independent sensors detecting wheel spin and redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction, gives the VehiCROSS a high level of traction on wet and icy roads. It also has a high level of performance for its height. While possessing on-road nimbleness, its body-on-frame truck construction, suspension and 4WD gearing made it very capable off-road."

I don't know the ACTUAL Isuzu thought process behind the VX, but I do believe initially it was designed to be a rally vehicle, at least structurally, while it was a HALO vehicle commercially. By the inherent nature of rally-cross, the VX needed to be good for both speed and hard off-roading. As I said before, I agree completely that the VX was never meant to be a hard-core rock crawler, but personally I cannot deny the VX's birthright to be off the pavement. IMO, It's hardly a "novelty".

Bart

[Bieredalsace]

Fair enough, and that is a good point indeed. However, I think we are both right and wrong; as stated in the Wikipedia article on the VX:

"The VehiCROSS was highly regarded for its cross-terrain performance. It combines a computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system for on-road driving and a locked-differential low gear four-wheel-drive system for off-road driving. Its computer controlled "Torque on Demand" system, with 12 independent sensors detecting wheel spin and redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction, gives the VehiCROSS a high level of traction on wet and icy roads. It also has a high level of performance for its height. While possessing on-road nimbleness, its body-on-frame truck construction, suspension and 4WD gearing made it very capable off-road."

I don't know the ACTUAL Isuzu thought process behind the VX, but I do believe initially it was designed to be a rally vehicle, at least structurally, while it was a HALO vehicle commercially. By the inherent nature of rally-cross, the VX needed to be good for both speed and hard off-roading. As I said before, I agree completely that the VX was never meant to be a hard-core rock crawler, but personally I cannot deny the VX's birthright to be off the pavement. IMO, It's hardly a "novelty".

Bart

You win! And so do I! As you said we both had opinions of the VX that were correct......... and we both had opinions of the VX that were not correct. (Don't ask..this is too hard for me to explain logically) Hahaha

[nfpgasmask]

You win! And so do I! As you said we both had opinions of the VX that were correct......... and we both had opinions of the VX that wee not correct. (Don't ask..this is too hard for me to explain logically) Hahaha

I think we are all on the same page...that is, the VX RULES! Period. On-road, Off-road, and just sitting in the garage!! :smilewink

Bart

[pbkid]

Fair enough, and that is a good point indeed. However, I think we are both right and wrong; as stated in the Wikipedia article on the VX:

"The VehiCROSS was highly regarded for its cross-terrain performance. It combines a computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system for on-road driving and a locked-differential low gear four-wheel-drive system for off-road driving. Its computer controlled "Torque on Demand" system, with 12 independent sensors detecting wheel spin and redirecting power to the wheels with the most traction, gives the VehiCROSS a high level of traction on wet and icy roads. It also has a high level of performance for its height. While possessing on-road nimbleness, its body-on-frame truck construction, suspension and 4WD gearing made it very capable off-road."

I don't know the ACTUAL Isuzu thought process behind the VX, but I do believe initially it was designed to be a rally vehicle, at least structurally, while it was a HALO vehicle commercially. By the inherent nature of rally-cross, the VX needed to be good for both speed and hard off-roading. As I said before, I agree completely that the VX was never meant to be a hard-core rock crawler, but personally I cannot deny the VX's birthright to be off the pavement. IMO, It's hardly a "novelty".

Bart

umm, not really disagreeing with you here bart, but ANYONE can put ANYTHING they want on wikipedia...so it really is a poor source of information...

lots of students try to use wikipedia in collegiate papers nowadays, teachers will REEM you if you try to use them lol....

[nfpgasmask]

umm, not really disagreeing with you here bart, but ANYONE can put ANYTHING they want on wikipedia...so it really is a poor source of information...

lots of students try to use wikipedia in collegiate papers nowadays, teachers will REEM you if you try to use them lol....

Oh I know, I have seen some pretty rediculous crap on there in fact. Either way, I only quoted it as a source for information I agreed with.

:) Bart

[kodiak]

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/imag232e_php.jpeg

WTH!:)

[VX1032]

Any more pics of that VX?

N/M

http://www.tuareg.cz/cs/napsali-o-nas/blatem-a-vodou-pro-svetove-body.html

[kodiak]

Yes! Take a look.:cool:

http://www.tuareg.cz/cs/racing/italianbaja-2008.html

[VX1032]

There isn't any stock suspension under that thing. I have to say, I actually don't mind the wide body kit on it. I always though it would look ugly, but I think they blended it well with the clading.

[Maddawg]

Kodiac that is a brilliant setup. What is it a Corvette IRS?
You're so right. The last thing that the VX can be accused of is giving a comfortable ride.
Where can someone get a setup like that?

So, its not just me? The VX has to be the worst suspensioned car of all time on and off-road. Pitch and roll are the worst. I've tried everything within reason to settle this little beast down. I can't believe it won its class in the 1999 Dakar rally, must have been the only car in that class or it was so modified that it was unrecognizable.

My suggestion is jack up the body and pull another chassis under it, probably the cheapest solution. P.S. The Axiom doesn't have IRS.

[JAMAS]

Welcome to the forum maddawg.

Perhaps you can give us a little background as to what you are trying to do, or are having problems with, etc. I understand it is somehow related to the IRS and I can tell that you dislike it, but I would be interested to hear more details about your scenario.

For me, I have no issues with my everyday use of the VX. Not saying that there isnt an issue with the suspension, just saying it doesnt affect my scenario.

The 2 threads you posted in are 2-3 years old. Perhaps folks have come up with a solution or an improvement that might help you since then.

[Riff Raff]

Pitch and roll are the worst. I've tried everything within reason to settle this little beast down.


I somehat agree as I have most recently experienced some pitch and roll whereas the rear-end wanted to "step-out" on me violantly while traveling at higher speeds on uneven pavement during hard cornering on both city streets and the freeway (shoddy repaired pothole surfaces around corners creating a very bumpy, uneven surface).

At every experience, I was exceeding the posted speed limit and going way too fast for conditions (my fault). As a cure, I've since readjusted my driving habits and slow down appropriately and try to pick a more refined smoother line on the street/freeway as to avoid the bumpy uneven surface. The VX seems to agree with the less aggressive driving style on uneven surfaces.

Consequently, my best advice is to slow down and pick a smoother line while driving. Give it a try, and the VX will thank you.

:bgwb:

[Maddawg]

Thanks Riff Raff, misery loves company, lol. Even driving with some care I find that its too late in some instances to slow adequately. Some of the bumps/dips are nearly invisible at certain times of day, like at noon and no shadows. But I did reduce my tire pressure down from the decal rating of 29 psi to 27 psi. That seems to take some of the harshness out of the ride, but not the pitching and rolling.