What are you doing to your VX this week?

[JAMAS]

My plan for my "Scheduled VX Day" tomorrow is the following:

Door Popper with OEM tailgate button using a safety interlock research / Maybe doing actual work depending on findings

Double rear dome light install

Trailer light hookup (maybe)

Carbon fiber hood insert attention (headlight reconditioning treatment and then polish to get rid of the dullness)

Wash, polish and wax VX (Depending on weather)

1 light and final spray of some areas with showroom new (maybe)

Install some BG 44k

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

after having caliper issues resulting in the inner brake pads that contact the caliper being completely burned up; I tried soaking them with PB Blaster overnight & massaging them with a C-Clamp to no avail. This past weekend I replaced rotors, pads, calipers. Couldn't wait around for the R1Concepts/Isuzu pads combo so just went with what the local Mom & Pop place has up the road. My mechanic gets his parts from them all the time so I think their stuff is typically better than the Avance & Autozone crap. Also did the bearing repack since they were due anyways. Looking forward to some better mpg's without dragging pads.

[DeepSilentComplete]

Well, well, well, FINALLY got my hitch installed - Curt Class III and the electrical. Now on to the sailboat!

Looking at a Flying Scot at about 700 lbs, the trailer is about the same weight, add a few lbs for other gear and should be good to go.

Now where did I put that tow ball...

[Gussie2000]

Last week i replaced all brake pads and repack the bearings.

This past weekend i had the CV boots replaced.

My next task is taking charge of the rust by driving the VX to a local car wash for under carriage wash & clean then do rubberized undercoating.

Engine overhaul is on its way around mid-end of february.

My brother in-law is planning to treade-in the axiom,since his tranny was rebuilt few months ago we gonna do a swap.

[Noctis]

Since this is the first weekend with my new VX, it's all about cleaning, conditioning, polishing and pictures!

Really looking forward to it, and will post pics when my plates arrive!

[Ldub]

To bolting the new wheel/tire combo to the dirty girl...:yesgray:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC02702.JPG

Also, :thanx: to Vendetta, for that new sticker on the "zombie window"...:thumbup:

[Scott Larson]

Dubster, it might be time for a little body shop luvin. She's beggin ya...

[Ldub]

Dubster, it might be time for a little body shop luvin. She's beggin ya...

Yeh...that be troof...:mbrasd:

I've already got a new pass door in inventory.

kinda torn, between fix'n it, or leaving it as is... as a reminder to myself to NEVER again allow someone else to drive my truck...:upsetgray

No matter HOW much I feel sorry for them...:upsetgray.:upsetgray.:upsetgray

No good deed EVER goes unpunished...:rolleyesg...:laughing:

[Scott Larson]

How true, I feels for ya...

[Ascinder]

This week, I'm grinding down the remains of the IFS, engine mounts, shock towers, and any other misc. bracketing left on the frame. Also toying with making some paper mache/fiberglass panels of the firewall/trans tunnel so I can seperate the body and frame and still be able to see what hits and what fits with less effort. Probably going to try and get the transmission and transfer case soda blasted so I can paint them too.

[Vendetta]

Also, :thanx: to Vendetta, for that new sticker on the "zombie window"...:thumbup:

Anything to help the cause, brother.

:_beer:
-V

[JoFotoz]

This w/end...

Greasable sway bar bushings.
Super Winch front Hubs
Service window motors/tracks
Order 4 new CV boots.

Next week (Tuesday).....

Take the ORW to the local wrenching shop and help with...

Replace front and rear Diff Pumpkins with the locked 4:77's
Put the Diff drop brackets on.
Oil change..everywhere!
Level the front with t/bar tweek
Anti Rust paint (converter) on bottom of rock rails and Trooper skid plates etc when its on the lift ( so much easier!)
Align
Have a rum....:thumbup:



Get her all ready for MOAB.....:_steering

Jo

[VX KAT]

.
Remember that little ole' scrap VX I got a ton of parts from?
and cuz ya'll know I'm a little, umm�different...:goof:....here's my newest mod ;).

.and yes, don't worry, of course I can return it to stock!! :rollo:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MISC%20VX%20PICTURES/DSCN0225.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MISC%20VX%20PICTURES/DSCN0233.jpg



.and very SPECIAL thanks to Jason621 for mixing up a special color batch for these knobs!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MISC%20VX%20PICTURES/DSCN0217.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g386/photokat4/MISC%20VX%20PICTURES/DSCN0216.jpg

[Chopper]

I really should pull the sheets off of it, roll it out of the corner, and drive it a little.
Sits much longer, it's knees will be arthritic :o

[Triathlete]

So Kat, how long before ya die the seat leather? :)

[UWVX89]

Just purchased a second VX from a member for $2000. Needs a head gasket but the motor is new and runs really well, just over heats. Cant wait to work on it and get it up on the site! '99 Astral with 3in lift and many other custom parts.

Anyone know a reliable Head Bolt kit and gasket set?


Also I'm looking for:

Interior back panels for each side
Some aftermarket wheels and tires 33-35''
The rear half moon cladding
Badges
Gas Cap w/Key

[Mile High VX]

Wash the winter road film off...hate that Mag Chloride residue, but it beats salt anytime.

Also repaired my driver side door pull where it had cracked against the door panel...thanks for the encouragement VX KAT!

[bartmanS4]

Just had my Rancho 9000XL's delivered so I'll be putting those on starting today. $320 shipped to door through 4WheelOnline. :thumbup:

[Vendetta]

Good choice, Bartman! You'll dig 'em. Let us know what settings you decide on once you have some miles on them.

-V

[Vendetta]

It's only been what, 11 months?
-V

[Ldub]

It's only been what, 11 months?
-V
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/BeFunky_001monkwee.jpg

:uhohgray:..:uhohgray:..:uhohgray:...:uhohgray:... .:uhohgray:.....:uhohgray:......:uhohgray:.. :thumbup:

[Mile High VX]

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/BeFunky_001monkwee.jpg

:uhohgray:..:uhohgray:..:uhohgray:...:uhohgray:... .:uhohgray:.....:uhohgray:......:uhohgray:.. :thumbup:

All we need now is Gorilly feet to go with this pic...made my day Dub...I vote this as the best pic ever about mods to the VX!

[Ldub]

All we need now is Gorilly feet to go with this pic...made my day Dub...I vote this as the best pic ever about mods to the VX!
Always happy to help Earl...:yes:

So...without further ado...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC03765.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/GET_WELL_SOON_BOSS.JPG

[VxSport]

Well this was the result of a snow day in the shop. I built it on a flat surface, I didn't realize that it looked like a face, laughing at me, until I mounted the speakers and stood it up.

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/VxSport99/0046_zps3c3093db.jpg

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/VxSport99/0113_zpsf776099c.jpg

Still need a access panel for the lower cubie.

[Ldub]

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/VxSport99/0113_zpsf776099c.jpg

Holy SCHNIKE'S...if tha's not "Bumble Bee's" face, I don't what is...:eekgray:

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTBNwbi0Bn8qlUmYHuzhZL69iAC_a9g2 mHU4flWb5PQlNVPzxXt

[CoastieCosta567]

I just bought the sway bar bushing, ever sense I have owned her I have never changed them. Yesterday I went to Publix(grocery market), and man it really got my attention on why i never changed them. So after searching in here I find that that nasty squeaky sound is most likely the bushings, plus the turning has gotten even more rollie sense also. I have had this sound for as long as I have owned her, but never gave it to much thought. I got the ones Moncha recommended in one of his like 12 year old Dinosaur threads ;). The grease able ones in red. Any who, whats u guys input on the change? I can't wait to feel the difference and silence.

[Vendetta]

This week I think I'll try a little something new to do to my VX...

Like oh, I dunno... DRIVE IT?

As some here know, I'll call them the "Fargo Few," my VX has been making me a little sad lately. Ever since I put in what was supposed to be a turnkey supercharger system that wound up being anything but, the ol' gal has been bucking and faltering, couldn't find her idle worth a damn, and would stall out regularly - not that there's anything regular about stalling out. Not the end of the world, but really depressing when you think about how you SHOULD feel after you put a supercharger in your rig, right? Not to mention all the money it took...

And then, there's the irresponsible amount of mods I'd planned to do immediately following, for which I'd already bought all the parts. The thought of all that time and research and money going to waste if I couldn't get her straightened out just made it all even worse. Depressing, even.

Queue the melodramatic I-could-always-get-a-taxi face. (That's for you, Dub!)

But today, I heard from my installer. Realizing he'd hit his limits, he took it to his friends at a straight-up tuning shop. They did some hoolie-goolie with the FPR, vacuum, MAF, intake, injectors, a methanol kit, a super-dee-duper bearing kit courtesy of brother Dub, and - allegedly - the fuel mapping and OH. MY. GOD. does it feel like a completely different animal.

The SC no longer feels like it needs me to convince myself it's there. She idles all buttery and drives like a brand new thing. No CEL, no feeling like she's out of breath in the mid-range RPMs, nothing.

THIS is what I expected to feel like when I got her back 4 months ago. Would have been nice to have this feeling all winter, sure, but I'm just glad I have it now.

And now that I'm all happy...? Back in the shop she goes for all the remaining mods!

It never ends, does it gang.

Cheers,
-V

EDIT: I just realized this is post #777 in this thread. Lucky indeed!

[Mile High VX]

New windshield for me this week...just tired after two years of that big crack in my line of sight...:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo::bgwb:

[JoFotoz]

Glad yer up and running right "V"...Vroom..Vroom :_steering

As for my week...

Adjustable rear links
Longer/lengthened rear drive shaft
Move rear axle back about an 1-1.5 inches... & square axle.
Wheel alignment.
Clean out Moab dust from years gone by!!
.
.....and bits and pieces that are classified right now .. :eek:

Jo

[JoFotoz]

HUGE Day of :smack: , a bit of :_brickwal, more :smack:...and finally :p

All mods completed...... I like the results.

Put her all back together again over the next couple of days...

..pack on Thursday, head Moab direction Friday.

Looking fwd to Moab/friends/:_steering & :_beer:

Jo

[RodL]

Used my VX yesterday to break the bead on my motorcycle tire so I could change it. These things are so handy to have in the driveway.

[VX KAT]

Caliper on front passenger side became a little loose after my two outings with Brandon and about a million miles of washboard :goof: , so decided to just get all brake stuff done at once.
Original front OEM pads were down below 20% remaining at 85k. Replaced with new OEMs thru Merlin, about $123.

Decided to go a little crazy and paint calipers purple - - - heck, why not? OH YES I DID! :goof:
So bought G2 hi temp brake caliper paint kit in purple, on ebay $36.96 with free shipping.

************************************

Also tried ArmorAll Wheel Protectant spray. Was on clearance at AutoZone, for about $3.50. GOOD STUFF!
Been 3 WEEKS up/down my dirt road. I drew lines in the dust on the cladding to show how dusty the truck is, but the rims repelled the dirt. Can see how dusty the tires are also.

Found more at WalMart for about $6.89.
Just spray it on, DON'T WIPE. Let dry for several hours.
Once can does 8 wheels. Says it last 4 weeks�.I believe them!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_25381.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_2555.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_2532.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_2564.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_2534.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_2505.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_2504.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_2425.jpg

[Triathlete]

Your cladding is dirty! ;)

[Cobrajet]

It was such a nice day, I decided to detail the VX. First was it's annual wax with Meguiar's Carnuba Plus. The cladding was treated with Turtle Wax Ice. The tires got 303 Aerospace Protectant. I'll have to look for that ArmorAll Wheel Protectant next time I'm in Wally World. Interior got cleaned as well, though few would say it needed it. Vacuum, wipe down vinyl, clean windows, etc. Under the hood just needed a little spritz of Meguiar's Final Inspection. Only my positive battery terminal corrosion is an eyesore. Anybody else have that issue? I hate to cut it off, but I may need to amputate to prevent further damage. I've cleaned it, dipped it in baking soda and water, and sprayed with Napa Terminal Protector, and the corrosion just grows back. Nasty stuff.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/93725352/VX%20detailed.jpg

[VXobsession]

Taking AWESOME freaking pics of the VX and a model this week!!! Totally in love with the outcome on the first day :) Lots of interesting ideas and different settings scheduled for this week.

[JMNY]

Changed my headlights today (with a friend) and now have LED'S! Wow they look great....headlights, taillights, slide blinkers all LED's now! Got them through V_LEDS (Vendatta recommded them - they look great! Still letting us use the VEHI15 code for 15% off! Thx V!

Took off the front cladding for easier access.....happy to say that my bumper guard (I THINK that is what everyone calls it?) was in excellent shape...I was worried since everyone says they rust out)

Changed my oil today - Mobil 1 Synthetic High Mileage 5W-30 AND a Mobil 1 OIL Filter.

Changed the speakers in the front and back last week.

Next up = Rancho shocks!

Great day....loved working on my Killer Bee!

[tom4bren]

Replaced the airbag control module yesterday. 1 start out of 3 I'm still getting the airbag light on. Hopefully it'll be off the day I take it in for inspection.

Pulled the broken tow bar bracket off yesterday as well. One of the 2 mounting bolts broke. I'll try tapping the hole tonight & install with a larger bolt. Finners crossed it works.

Sorta off topic but I also pulled the ABS bulb from the dash on the Amigo so I can get it through inspection.

[tom4bren]

I'm hoping the new gaskets arrive this week (tomorrow) so we can start putting it back together this weekend.


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_2071.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_2072.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_2073.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_2074.JPG

[PK]

I guess that "Boy" is using the orange and yellow quad bike as his daily driver whilst the VX is apart???



PK

[tom4bren]

I guess that "Boy" is using the orange and yellow quad bike as his daily driver whilst the VX is apart???

He has no response to that!:)

BTW, the head gasket set came in yesterday. After getting the wrong set from AdvanceAuto (& wrong bolts too), Mizumo is a great company to order from & have great prices too. I found their website less than useless though & ordered from them through ebay.

[bartmanS4]

Last weekend it was HD torsion bars from Calmini, I could've got these from Indy4X4 but hey the Calmini ones are powdercoated blue!
HD Rear Links from Indy4X4 should be going in this weekend.
Damn stout!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/HeimJoints.JPG

[Marlin]

I get replace the power steering pump...again. Damned auto zone crap. Good thing it has a lifetime warranty. Changing the oil and maybe some more POR15. I have an electrical gremlin. Side markers and parking lights won't work but they do when I use turn signal. Grrrr. Gotta short somewhere.

[eternal21]

Hooking up the final two wires for the cruise control for the FIVE SPEED SWAP I JUST COMPLETED :D

[Mile High VX]

I'll be changing my oil pan gasket.

Changed the fuel filter yesterday. It was quick and easy thanks to help from previous post.

Love this forum.

[jp3]

My daughter and I will be putting in new stereo and speakers. Also a steering stabilizer. Also going to look at another VX on Saturday. I don't like sharing the one we have.:bwgy:

[tom4bren]

My daughter and I will be putting in new stereo and speakers. Also a steering stabilizer. Also going to look at another VX on Saturday. I don't like sharing the one we have.:bwgy:

AMEN on sharing:)

Also, make sure that you leave plenty of time for rear speaker install. It's pretty involved with removal of the interior panels (front speakers in the doors are pretty easy though). It may also require metal cutting and metallic deformation to fit non-OEM speakers. There are threads on it, suggest you use the search function & do some reading before you get started.

[jp3]

Thanks for the heads up on back speakers. I own a metal fabrication shop so no problem with the steel part of the job.

[eternal21]

Removing the supercharger.

[HeckaTrebeka]

Thanks for the heads up on back speakers. I own a metal fabrication shop so no problem with the steel part of the job.

I used tin snips to cut larger holes for my rear speakers. It's not tough to do, but it will take some time if you don't want to remove the rear speaker mounts completely.

[Mile High VX]

Changed my transfer case fluid today...it was so easy I did it on my lunch hour...:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo::bgwb:

[Cobrajet]

I just finished replacing my bumper bar. Not a hard job, unless you're getting old and senile, like me. :) (Now, where did I leave that wrench? Why did I put THAT screw in THERE?) I guess the hardest part was figuring out how to retain the factory insulators glued to the bar. I ended up using black silicon, since it was about all I had available. After installing the bar I was able to move the pads around until I felt like they were doing the job that the engineers intended. I will be watching to see how much my mileage improves, and oil consumption decreases! (Tom, I'll keep you posted!)

The passenger side was completely rusted out. The bracket no longer supported the bar. The drivers side was solid.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/93725352/VX%20Bumper%20Bar%20Replacement%20002.JPG

These are the pads/insulators which wedge beween the bar and various frame attachements.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/93725352/VX%20Bumper%20Bar%20Replacement%20008.JPG

[tom4bren]

The weather finally cooperated yesterday & I got the other head bolted back onto Boy's Ebony. I had to make a part for it though. One of the alignment pins (for lack of a better term) was missing. It's a small tube that presses into the block to hold the head gasket in place whilst you are getting the head back on. There are 2 for each head & they don't look like they serve any purpose after the head is bolted on.

Now comes the fun part ... remembering where everything goes ... & praying a lot whenever I get to the timing belt.

[eternal21]

1) finish installing rear door popper and wiring it to an OEM Rodeo tailgate release switch
2) restoring headlights
3) installing LED headlights
4) installing hood and rear hatch PIN switches

[Mile High VX]

I kept reading about how you could adjust these, but mine were just worn out beyond usefulness...so I replaced them. Sprayed them down with some heavy duty silicon spray and they screwed right in easily.

Easy to see from the photos why they just didn't work anymore.

About $10 from isuzuparts.com

Hood pops as it should now...:smilewink:bgwo::bgwb::bwgy:



http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMAG0241.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMAG0240.jpg

[EVO]

Would you happen to have the part numbers for those hood bumpers? Tried Isuzu Parts.com and they don't have them puppies. Thanks for your time!

[Mile High VX]

Would you happen to have the part numbers for those hood bumpers? Tried Isuzu Parts.com and they don't have them puppies. Thanks for your time!

8-97810-601-0

Listed as Buffer, Engine

If you use the part number you should be able to order from isuzuparts.com.

[bartmanS4]

I attached a cigarette lighter blank plug (procured from a rental car) to my CB mic via a self tapping plastic screw. Makes for a nice convenient place to store the mic.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CB1.jpeg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CB2.JPG

[EVO]

8-97810-601-0

Listed as Buffer, Engine

If you use the part number you should be able to order from isuzuparts.com.

Thanks for the Intel!!

[AnalogVX]

Alot of long neglected TLC. Brakes, check engine light, oil change, rotate tires and polish head lights. Next three months, replace cracked windshield, rebuild trans and replace front drive axles due to torn CV boots. Long term...paint. I've owned my VX for 14 years and I just can't shake this monkey off my back.

[Mile High VX]

Diff Fluids change with Royal Purple 75W-140.

Also assorted other small projects involving paint and interior parts...:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo::bgwb:

Add rubber flooring to the rear cargo area and extend it to the front of the rear seat...contemplating rear seat removal but undecided at this point.

Buffed out the front skid plate that I refinished a few weeks back and it's time for the Spring detail complete with the new Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System for the paint...;)

[Rubicool]

Getting my VX tomorrow.....physc'd

After losing mine to hurricane Sandy it will be good to have one again.

[Y33TREKker]

The VX had started to whistle, so the intake manifold gaskets are in the process of being replaced. As a while-you're-in-there step, I also decided to replace the thermostat, but when I finally got to it, almost changed my mind since the original looked to be a better quality piece than the replacement I'd purchased. I went ahead and swapped it out though hoping that time and usage will be on the side of the newer one.

Speaking of while-you're-in-there though, you'd think that the engineers who designed these things could have come up with a better arrangement for the configuration of the block's front to rear coolant transfer pipe and adjacent coolant hose rather than have them right in the way of the thermostat housing and housing bolts. wth?

Hoping to get it all back together today to see whether my recent bouncy idle and whistling has been addressed, and, whether cleaning the MAF sensor gives me the additional 5 to 10 horsepower the can of MAF cleaner promises! ;)

[Y33TREKker]

Well, no coolant leaks, fuel fires, or continued whistling, so I'm taking those as good signs.

All I can say is, after this job, and the timing belt/water pump jump on the car last weekend, my advanced four-letter garage terminology has now been revisited, updated, and polished, and I'd feel ready for any other repair jobs in the near future should they be necessary.

And to think I used to actually LIKE doing this stuff... :disturbed

[bartmanS4]

I pulled my MTR 33x12.5s and remounted my stock wheel Gen Grabbers AT2 265/70r16s. This is basically my winter setup. I had a pretty bad steering wheel vibration around 40-45 mph with big big MTRs and since going back to my winter wheels it is driving so much smoother. I must have a pretty serious imbalance on those big wheels. I can also feel the difference in acceleration as it's a bit peppier. I'm thinking I should trailer those wheels to Moab this year.

[Mile High VX]

Finally received my new hood insulator from Isuzu with all new clips as well...only took about 6 weeks.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Hood_Insert_Rear_Skid_Plate_and_Hood_Wrap_020.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Hood_Insert_Rear_Skid_Plate_and_Hood_Wrap_019.JPG

[Mile High VX]

Finally received my new hood insulator from Isuzu with all new clips as well...only took about 6 weeks.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Hood_Insert_Rear_Skid_Plate_and_Hood_Wrap_020.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Hood_Insert_Rear_Skid_Plate_and_Hood_Wrap_019.JPG

[Mile High VX]

Got tired of my hood insert not looking great no matter what I did so I had it wrapped with 3M Matte Black vinyl. It's worry free...at least for now.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Hood_Insert_Rear_Skid_Plate_and_Hood_Wrap_022.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Hood_Insert_Rear_Skid_Plate_and_Hood_Wrap_021.JPG

[YellowVX]

Awesome! I just ordered a new hood insulator last week. I hope mine takes 6 weeks. Your VX looks good. Where did you get the red engine cover? Did it come with one or was it aftermarket? Mine seems to be missing one.

[WormGod]

Haven't had hood insulation for years.... not since my S/C ate most of it up. :p

May actually drive my VX this weekend. Been a while. Been working so much I have been using my STi for the commute every day. But, I have off this weekend, which is a miracle rest, so time to get my bump steer on! :D

[Mile High VX]

Awesome! I just ordered a new hood insulator last week. I hope mine takes 6 weeks. Your VX looks good. Where did you get the red engine cover? Did it come with one or was it aftermarket? Mine seems to be missing one.

When I first ordered it they told me it would be three months, but it wasn't. The engine cover is the OEM black one that I customized...you can find them on Ebay for about $40 if you want one, or post an WTB and someone will likely be able to help you.

[DaGambit69]

That is a nice clean vinyl wrap on the insert and I really need to add that to my "to-do" list. Thanks to a nice double hit from a rock this morning while moving down the highway, I will be replacing my windshield tomorrow. Place I am getting it from quoted me $182 which was cheaper than my Rodeo windshield I got from them 6+ years ago. Actually it was two Rodeo windshields, first one lasted 8 hours before some rock hit me so hard that the rear view mirror ended up all the way into the back.

[Mile High VX]

That is a nice clean vinyl wrap on the insert and I really need to add that to my "to-do" list.

Thanks. Because of the foam seal on the underside of the insert you can't just wrap it and tuck the underneath. You have to cut it and then use some adhesive to the edges before you hit the foam seal. Removal of the insert is a must here. If you wrap over the foam seal it will let air into the wrap and you will not be pleased with the look as it will have air bubble that will constantly be showing up.

[YellowVX]

I actually found one this morning for a 3.2L Rodeo. The strange this is when I went to the Isuzu parts center site and looked up the Rodeo engine, there wasn't an engine cover listed. But, I did compare the pic on eBay to your pic's...they were the same. I believe the 3.2L and the 3.5L are the same just slightly larger displacement.

[simonsayz1]

LED's all around!! Man those Brite *** Led's are nice!

[WormGod]

She's in the shop. Getting all new EBC rotors and EBC Green pads. Inspection of brake lines, alternator, and fluid top offs. I have neglected her these past couple of months so thought it would be nice to send her to the spa for some pampering time.

[Lizardmen3477]

Got side swiped the other night by some stupid sob. Who claims he didnt see me. A lifted big bright yellow suv. But luckily. With my big tires an lift saved my body. Only damage was to cladding an mirror. An more luck. I happen to have some spare parts laying around. :bwgy:

[simonsayz1]

New Shoes!
265/75r16 Kumho AT 51

[WormGod]

Got side swiped the other night by some stupid sob. Who claims he didnt see me. A lifted big bright yellow suv. But luckily. With my big tires an lift saved my body. Only damage was to cladding an mirror. An more luck. I happen to have some spare parts laying around. :bwgy:

Dont tell him that. ;)

[DaGambit69]

Well, since my front left brake caliper seized up on me on the way home, guess that is what I will be doing...

[WormGod]

Ya, speaking of seizing.... 2 years ago, replaced my front passenger caliper. While in the shop, they said BOTH rears were seizing, so I went ahead and had them replaced. WTF is up with that?! 68k miles, garage kept.... REALLY might be about time to just fab up a Brembo big brake kit if this is going to become a habit, heh.

[joeworf]

This past Saturday had new pads and had rotors resurfaced. Nuthin' special, just standard Midas fare. I'm coming up on the annual safety inspection and the brakes started whirring a bit recently so I knew it was going to need to be done.

[soggybottomboyz]

My wifes left front caliper seized up last summer!! Is this a common problem with the VX?
This past weekend I replaced both door speakers, repaired the passenger side door latch (plastic clip broke where exterior handle has metal rod insert into) adjusted driver side window to stop binding, while I had door panels off I installed new plastic interior door linings out of 6 mil poly.

[Mile High VX]

Installed a JDM steering wheel. Easy 20 minute job and looks great IMHO.

It's a bit smaller than the OEM so will take a bit of getting use to. Also my cover is not a snug fit so I'll have to find a smaller one.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/JDM_steering_wheel.jpg

[eternal21]

Diff drop brackets
Front disc replacement (both sides)
Inside CV boot replacement (both sides)
Caliper rebuild (driver's front)

[WormGod]

My wifes left front caliper seized up last summer!! Is this a common problem with the VX?
This past weekend I replaced both door speakers, repaired the passenger side door latch (plastic clip broke where exterior handle has metal rod insert into) adjusted driver side window to stop binding, while I had door panels off I installed new plastic interior door linings out of 6 mil poly.

I assume its because my VX sits a LOT in the garage, so things have the chance to bind. I only put about 3-4k miles a year on it, so, who knows....

[Mile High VX]

Replaced some small parts that were needing some attention and replaced my passenger side seat belt...no more shutting the door on the metal tab...:)

[DaGambit69]

I sooo need to do that to my seat belt...

[Mile High VX]

Working on the hood scoop...just never liked a scoop without an emblem

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMAG0972.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMAG0971.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMAG0970.jpg

[simonsayz1]

My little mechanic and I Changed fluid in both differentials and trans. Replaced EGR valve and an O2 sensor. Check engine off now!!!! Woohoooooo

[2X]

Just picked up my first VX two days ago....1999... 170,000 miles...
So, buying snow chains today... been ordering front and back seats... engine cover... stuff...

Big question is “What do I need to be doing?”... now that I have the VX... Burning oil... 1qt every -200 miles it seems... No exhaust smoke... Some slight smoke exiting from oil reservoir sometimes when cap removed... No air pressure comes out of oil reservoir when cap removed with engine running... Have not done compression test yet...

So, I would be interested in a list of what to do to checkout the VX health... as well as a list of what to be doing going forward on the regular preventitive maintenance method...

Any advise is welcome...

[Thelgord]

1) Use 10w30 for high milage engines. Seems to slow consumption.

2) About 30 Miles or so before you next oil change, add sea foam to the oil. Lots of you tube videos on this.

3) Add sea foam to brake vacuum line port on the intake manifold. Lots of Youtube videos as well.

Change every fluid you can think of. Change spark plugs. Basically just give it the best tune up you can.

[Thelgord]

Oh. And change the fuel filter on the frame. Easy $10 part that can save you lots of headache later.

[2X]

Waiting for the salvage rear door I ordered... Going to cut it down and install spare tire mount for full-size spare.

[Thelgord]

Ordered a new passenger door window regulator from Isuzu parts center. Greased up the tracks and cables on both sides but only the driver side is still functional. The passenger side has lots of rust on the cable, probably from the window trim missing when I got the VX. I have since replaced it with a new one, but it looks like the regulator didn’t survive.

[Thelgord]

Pulled the rear seat. Test fitted a set of power seats that didn’t fit.

[garygrist]

My original chrome wheels (2000 Proton) had bead corrosion and the chrome was flaking off. Air was leaking badly. Needed refill every day. I want to keep my Proton original as much as possible. But finding new OEM 18X7 chrome VX wheels is impossible. I looked at new alloy wheels. Nobody had any that size. I found 18X9, but they cost $300 each. I looked for steel wheels. No go there either. Finally found a wheel shop nearby that refurbishes old alloy wheels. They blasted the flaky chrome off, fixed the bead corrosion, straightened any warped wheels (one I think), put on a new finish (looks like polished aluminum), rebalanced and remounted the wheels. They look great. Not shiny chrome, but at least I was able to keep the original 5 spokers on the truck. I was very happy with the outcome and cost...$150/wheel.

It's getting harder and harder to keep my VX stock, but I am trying. BTW, I only have 86000 original miles on the original (no oil consumption) engine.

[ipd]

The 18" chromies are pretty great as far as stock wheels go. I dislike chrome immensely though. They're not bad in gunmetal.

[ipd]

Bit the bullet and decided to be a guinea pig. Ordered a clockspring from a 1996 trooper. We'll see if it's plug/play with my 99 VX and the JDM steering wheel I have.

If only I could find a decent emblem to put on the airbag of the JDM wheel. And I hate the "bumps" on it. Apart from that though, it's just so much sexier.

[mooncounter]

Searching for a windshield in canada... have a 98 rhd proton ... gotta get a passport to drive 4 hrs to bellingham.... safelight has them.... but zero in Canada....... just put new rims and rubber on. 140,000 km and a lot 0f off road use in mountains of BC.

[Camoman]

Whst is the Isuzu parts center you mention?


Ordered a new passenger door window regulator from Isuzu parts center. Greased up the tracks and cables on both sides but only the driver side is still functional. The passenger side has lots of rust on the cable, probably from the window trim missing when I got the VX. I have since replaced it with a new one, but it looks like the regulator didn’t survive.

[Thelgord]

https://www.isuzupartscenter.com - This guy is great :)

Or

http://www.isuzuparts.com - Never worked with this one.

[Camoman]

Replaced the hood pop plastic springs with the metal springlocks from Home Depot as someone here mentioned. Wonderful difference! Replaced a few dry hoses in engine bay. At 90deg outside, thats all I could do in one day.