And so it begins...

[Buffy]

I have finally started working on getting the engine out of my VX. It has already been a battle, all the downstream exhaust bolts had to be cut off. While removing the rear cross member bolts, half of them broke due to almost being rusted into. :mado: Now I will have my work cut out for me there. The drivers side exhaust pipe was no trouble getting worked out. However, I was not able to get the passenger side worked out. It appears the only way to get it out is to remove the transfer case?? Is that correct??? If so that will bite as I was not intending on splitting the transfer case from the transmission. Welcome all suggestions at this point.

I'll keep updating this post as I continue fixing my VX. I have alot of teenager sauce/abuse to get off this thing. I'll post some pictures as I go along too.

[nfpgasmask]

Buffy, you might PM "Ascinder" on the forum here, he has completely disassembled his VX and I bet he could answer some of your questions about pulling the motor and tranny and exhaust and whatnot.

I feel sorry for you folks out east and all the rust you have to deal with. :(

Bart

[ZubrAZ]

if you are removing the engine only, you keep the transfer case where it belongs. to remove the exhaust pipe from the pass side i used the long swivel head type sockets and also had to drop the torsion bar

[Ascinder]

To remove the exhaust pipes from the engine, I used a couple of "wobble" extensions. Use 1/2" not 3/8"-ask me how I know:upsetgray. Be very careful too, because it's easy to round off the nuts at the angles you'll be working at. The real PITA you're probably going to have is the upper transmission bellhousing bolts attaching it to the engine. Those were very difficult to persuade out. If you have small hands it helps.

[Buffy]

I have never actually removed a torsion bar before. If I was reading the manual correctly, I do not need to use a torsion bar key to remove the bar?? I just need to mark the bolts and both ends of the bar then remove. Does this sound right??

[Ascinder]

Yep, and measure your distance from the top of your tire to the edge of your wheelwell just to be able to set it back up where it is now. It isn't absolutely necessary, but it may save you having to look up the stock numbers later. Once the mounts are detached and the adjuster bolts are loosened, the bars slide out IIRC.

[Buffy]

I have all 4 wheels up in the air at the moment. Do I need to jack the side up that I am removing to release tension??

[Ascinder]

Not exactly, you will just need to loosen the adjuster bolt all the way out until the arm releases at which point the shock absorbers if still installed will force everything downwards(if your shocks aren't blown). You may have to use a jack on the wheel or A-arm( a little bit only-and remember to support your vehicle elsewhere) to compensate for the shock wanting to extend. You should then be able to wiggle the torsion bar out(assuming everything else is disconnected). I feel like I'm forgetting something though. It seems there may be one or two more things holding the torsion bars in, but nothing major. Mine have been out for quite some time now. You may have to fight your swaybar a bit too since it will try to make one side do what the other side does.

[ZubrAZ]

my rear wheels were on the ground while i was working on it. and i had a really hard time pulling it out from the end that closer to the engine. wd40 or substitute will help

[Buffy]

I made some good progress Wednesday night. The tranny is only being held in with 2 bolts. The down side is I lost my help until this coming Wednesday. I may try to slip out the tranny by myself. I am really excited to get my VX on the road, getting closer!!

Surgery underway...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822098/fullsize/100_0750.jpg

If you remove the shifter first, you have access to alot of connections that are a pain from other the car. Figured this out after the fact....
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822100/fullsize/100_0752.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822099/fullsize/100_0751.jpg

I've read that the wiring goes all the way back to the tranny and boy does it.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822101/fullsize/100_0753.jpg

Tranny propped up waiting to get removed...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822104/fullsize/100_0756.jpg

Amigo ready for new home..... :bwgy:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822102/fullsize/100_0754.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822103/fullsize/100_0755.jpg

[Ascinder]

Lookin good. Anytime you feel like it's getting tough, let me know and I'll send you some pics, lol, my VX's insides will make you cringe. It's like comparing a paper cut to a vivisection.

[Mile High VX]

Not to run too far off topic but...it that an Ironman edition Amigo?

[Buffy]

No it is not an Ironman Edition, at least not that I am aware of.

[Buffy]

Got some more work done on the VX yesterday. The motor and tranny are now ready to come out.... I just need my mechanic help to get it all out.

Tech tip here, the common chamber has to come off because there are electrical connections under it. The other interesting thing to note is where the gas lines disconnect.... all the way back on the transmossion..
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822602/fullsize/100_0772.jpg

The wiring headace continues, the wiring harness goes all the way from the drivers side all the way to the rear of the motor on the passenger side or any kind of break what so ever....
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822600/fullsize/100_0770.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822601/fullsize/100_0771.jpg

Shameless toy picture.... :bwgy:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822603/fullsize/100_0773.jpg

Back to live action.... Motor ready to lift out.....
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/822599/fullsize/100_0769.jpg

[Ascinder]

I never had to remove the common chamber at all when I took mine out. But I can see how that might have made things easier. Nice progress!

[Buffy]

how in the world did you get to the connection that was under the common chamber??? Did I miss something somewhere????

[ZubrAZ]

there is a small hook on the connector. I attached a straight wire to that hook and carefully connected male to female :)

[Ascinder]

how in the world did you get to the connection that was under the common chamber??? Did I miss something somewhere????

Triple jointed fingers:D

[Buffy]

You sir, are my hero!

[RamAirZ]

lol. Looking good I've tried calling ya a few times BTW

[Marlin]

lol. Looking good I've tried calling ya a few times BTW

He used the blue tooth connection he put in Shannon, so it may not have gone through.:bgwb:

[Buffy]

He used the blue tooth connection he put in Shannon, so it may not have gone through.:bgwb:

That's funny stuff right there.... :laughing:

[RamAirZ]

Ya for some reason her bluetooth setup isn't working very well. I'll have to work on that

[Marlin]

Ya for some reason her bluetooth setup isn't working very well. I'll have to work on that

Needs a longer antenna. Did you get the kit, just cause it said blue tooth ready, you still have to buy the mic and adapter.

[RamAirZ]

well that probably explains it. Had another friend tell me today that an engine needs fuel, I never realized that. Interesting theories...

http://matchstic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/the_more_you_know1.jpg

[Buffy]

Ok, got a little more done this week. The motor is out and disassembled. As was suspected the bearing on the front passenger side piston was spun and scored the crank. I am concerned I may be buying a new crank. I'll drop it all off to the machine shop tomorrow and get the final verdict. You can still see cross hatching in all the cylinders but the front cylinder on the drivers side has a scored place in it.

Front passenger rod and bearings
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824798/fullsize/100_0785.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824799/fullsize/100_0786.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824804/fullsize/100_0792.jpg

Oil rig stuck in groove, all pistons were this way
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824800/fullsize/100_0787.jpg

Scored drivers side cylinder
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824790/fullsize/100_0778.jpg

The crank
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824802/fullsize/100_0790.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824806/fullsize/100_0794.jpg

The heads
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824789/fullsize/100_0777.jpg

All ready for the machine shop
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824803/fullsize/100_0791.jpg

[RamAirZ]

Nice progress!

[Buffy]

Well the engine is at the machine shop, new crank has arrived and the tranny is out getting freshened up. While all that is happening, I am left to address rust and grime.

Dirty engine bay:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/824787/fullsize/100_0775.jpg

Preparing to blast the grime:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829372/fullsize/100_0796.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829376/fullsize/100_0798.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829377/fullsize/100_0799.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829380/fullsize/100_0800.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829386/fullsize/100_0802.jpg

Squeeky clean:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829390/fullsize/100_0806.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829391/fullsize/100_0807.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829392/fullsize/100_0808.jpg

Rust time:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829394/fullsize/100_0810.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829395/fullsize/100_0811.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829396/fullsize/100_0812.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829397/fullsize/100_0813.jpg

A VERY rust rear sway bar:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829398/fullsize/100_0814.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829399/fullsize/100_0816.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829400/fullsize/100_0818.jpg

Front and rear bars:
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/829401/fullsize/100_0819.jpg

I am trying to decide now if I should replace sway bars or not.

[samneil2000]

Sand and paint or powder coat? Would that stay on a bar that flexes like the sway bar?
You've got some serious rust under the front end. Are you scuffing and rattle-can-ing or have some other fix in mind? I need to do this on mine. The front bumper bar is completely rusted out, and I need to get it out of my VX and do some sanding and painting.

[Buffy]

I am using Master Series Coating that RamAirZ turned me on to. The wife and I are sanding, grinding, scraping all the rust we can find. Once that is done we will apply the coating. It is some good stuff that will stop rust and prevent it from returning.

CalMini sells new sway bars that are advertised as 40% stronger than stock but the price for the pair is 340.00. Kind of pricey but I have not priced OEM either. If I do not replace them I will take them to the powder coaters and let them blast and coat.

[vt_maverick]

If I'm looking at the right thing (stabilizer bar?) looks like they run $370 on IsuzuParts.com.

[Buffy]

Yea the rear stabilizer bar is the worse one of the two. It is heavily pitted in and around the bends es[pecially the outter ones. Just not sure if it has rusted enough to affect its strength. Was the $370.00 for each or both?

[vt_maverick]

Hold on it's actually worse, I just doubled the rear bar in the above estimate. Here are the actual prices each:

Front: $219.93
Rear: $184.42

Total: $404.35

[Buffy]

CalMini is beginning to look better.... ;)

[vt_maverick]

Yeah at $339.95 a set they're over $60 cheaper, plus they boast 40% stiffer design. Zinc plating's got to be good for corrosion resistance as well. Wonder how much more harsh the ride would be though, especially with stock shocks.

http://www.pureisuzu.com/sway_bars4.htm

[samneil2000]

I wouldn't think they would make the ride much worse, just stiffen up roll in cornering. At least that's the thought behind them. What they do in reality might be different. They might limit travel in off-road situations more-so than the stockers since they are stiffer.

[Buffy]

Well today was another exercise in all things rusty. :mado: I was removing the axels, ball joints, shockes, etc to gain access to remove rust. The spindals were rusted so bad that when I hit it to break the ball joint loose, sheets of rust were falling off it. The brake sensor is rusted into it, plus the screws broke off into the spindal. :madb:

The ball joint removal was going smooth as butter until the LAST :mado: bolt. I was removing the lower ball joint and was removing the back bolt the fits in the recess in the lower control arm. Well that area was so rusted that it no longer held the bolt causing it to spin. :mado::mado: There isn't enough of the bolt sticking above the control arm to get a wrench on it. Anybody have suggestions??

Shock question.....
should the shock extend all the way out, as in under pressure? After removal mine stays where ever you put it. Pull it out, it stays.... push it in... no move...

So over all not a very good day. Looking at 2 spindals, 2 break sensors anos possibly 2 lower control arms.... kind of expensive day....:(

[Ascinder]

Shock question.....
should the shock extend all the way out, as in under pressure? After removal mine stays where ever you put it. Pull it out, it stays.... push it in... no move...

That means your shock is blown. If they have pressure(which they need to function) then they'll extend all the way out.


There isn't enough of the bolt sticking above the control arm to get a wrench on it. Anybody have suggestions??

If we're thinking about the same bolts, can you cut the nut off of the other side? If not can you wedge something in the top to prevent it from turning? I don't know how equipped you are, but an old screwdriver tack welded to the head of the bolt does wonders.

[Buffy]

I kind of figured the shock was blown, just wanted a second opinion to be sure. I tried wedging a screw driver down in there but no joy. I wish I had a welding machine I would do the welded screwdriver trick. I would also weld a bolt to the 4 brokencross member bolts. Yea... half the bolts broke. They had rusted so much that the upper neck was about a third smaller than it should be. I've been spraying PB Blaster on it and tapping them with a hammer but still have not gotten any of them to budge.

[Chopper]

Boy o boy would I do a ton of little things while I had it in this position,,,,like make a better shield for the mode position switch and some other connections....FOR SURE DO THE THERMOSTAT and replace it with a failsafe one and never think about it again.....water pump & timing belt...intake manifold gasket...on and on. You get the idea.
I've no idea what your setup is, but getting the body up and off this car is a piece of cake. It's no more difficult than lifting a pickup off it's frame...in fact it's EXACTLY like lifting a pickup cab up....An easy one (maybe two) day deal.
I'd get polyurethane bushings everywhere while you're in there too...a ton of things....you get to re-engineer a bunch of stuff:winko:

[Chopper]

I posted before reading everything.....did you buy this "right"? Do you have room to do all this rust repair, or are you just trying to get it on the road?
Just curious....(I'm not used to seeing rust under there at all) This is a fun project, looks like******(I'd still have yanked the body off it:p)

[Chopper]

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_1914.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9962)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMG_1913.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9961)
Much easier

[Buffy]

.....did you buy this "right"?

I got it for $1500.00 so I have some room to work with. I bought me a sand blaster and did some blasting yoday. I'll post up some pictures in a bit. Of course it would have meen much a much easier project if there wasn't soo much rust.

[Buffy]

OK... back to the pictures.....

Rust, rust and more rust
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830427/fullsize/100_0829.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830428/fullsize/100_0830.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830429/fullsize/100_0831.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830430/fullsize/100_0832.jpg

Axels and spindles....
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830431/fullsize/100_0833.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830432/fullsize/100_0834.jpg

Rusty rotors....
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830434/fullsize/100_0835.jpg

Using the new sandblaster..... makes life so much easier..... but a bit messy...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830436/fullsize/100_0837.jpg

A little less rust.....
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830437/fullsize/100_0838.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830438/fullsize/100_0839.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830439/fullsize/100_0840.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830440/fullsize/100_0841.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830441/fullsize/100_0842.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830442/fullsize/100_0843.jpg

Applied the silver stage of master series coatings......
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830443/fullsize/100_0844.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830444/fullsize/100_0845.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830445/fullsize/100_0846.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830446/fullsize/100_0847.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/830447/fullsize/100_0848.jpg

[Marlin]

Awesome progress. I forgot I have a soda blasting kit in the garage. Thanks for reminding me, you would think stepping over the 50lb bag of baking soda would do the trick.
Wanna do my truck next...it would give you a run for your money. I already did the front 1/10 of the truck:)
On a side not, put a space between your pics, it makes em easier to look at, I think either Tom or Sue told me that a few years ago. See, I can be taught, and teach others as well:rolleyes:

[Buffy]

I fixed it!

[vt_maverick]

...can you cut the nut off of the other side? If not can you wedge something in the top to prevent it from turning? I don't know how equipped you are...

Too little sleep or too dirty a mind I don't know, but this was pretty funny to me. :)

Good luck with all this, should be amazingly better when you're finally through. :thumbup:

[Triathlete]

Looking at all that rust makes me even happier that I live in Arizone. I have bare metal on my sliders where the paint got scraped off in Moab back in May and there isn't even the slightest amount of surface rust!:bwgy:
I think that your job would be way easier if you took Choppers advice...a little time to remove the body would save a lot of time in the long run.:yesy:

[Buffy]

Disection is almost complete. Will drop the gas tank out on Friday and sand blast on Saturday.:smilewink

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831210/fullsize/100_0851.jpg

My new hover craft!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831214/fullsize/100_0855.jpg

[Ascinder]

My new hover craft!

That looks way too familiar.

[vt_maverick]

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831214/fullsize/100_0855.jpg

Looks like it would tip over backwards! Oh and you should take more pictures in the daylight, then people could use your VX to photochop wheel/tire combos onto the pic. ;)

(And yes I know there are sites that already do that.)

[Buffy]

As I was arranging the back jack stands the fronts were creaking quite a bit. The fron jack stands are rated at 3 tons ans pretty solid. The rear jack stands are as far back I I can get them. I will definitely be careful doing any pulling or tugging at this point. I will get some daylight pictures as soon as the rain moves out today or tomorrow.

[Buffy]

As requested, here is my hover craft in the daylight.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831492/fullsize/100_0857.jpg

I did some more sand blasting today:

here is the rear end, this thing was rough....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831493/fullsize/100_0858.jpg

Lower control arm:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831495/fullsize/100_0860.jpg

Here is the rear end after I coated with Master Series Coating silver. I will cover this with the Master Series gloss black.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831496/fullsize/100_0861.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831497/fullsize/100_0862.jpg

[Ascinder]

That is looking very nice. Your VX is going to be awesome when it's all back together. Should be like brand new:bwgy:

[vt_maverick]

Yeah I was going to say this will give Rickshaw a run for his money... and that's saying a lot. Nice job Buffy!

[Mile High VX]

If you can't see yourself in the diff cover when it's done then it ain't good enough...just ask rickshaw...:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo::bgwb:

[Ascinder]

If you can't see yourself in the diff cover when it's done then it ain't good enough...just ask rickshaw...

:confused: VXs don't have diff. covers:confused:

[Mile High VX]

:confused: VXs don't have diff. covers:confused:

Well then that rounded backside off the axle housing...maybe we call it the pumpkin...

[Chopper]

I forgot...the radiator support is particularly prone to crumbling on this vehicle. Might as well yank the radiator and clean all that up too...depending, you may have some metal to replace there

[Buffy]

It's been a busy weekend, I got out the sand blaster and got after the rust on the back half of the frame and some other suspension parts. I hope I am at the top of the mountain now and things start getting a tad easier. Hopefully no more rusted and broken bolts. The biggest challenge I am facing is extracting the 4 broken cross member bolts. Once I get past that I only have to remember where everything goes.... :smilegray

On to the pictures....
Some very rusty parts......
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831847/fullsize/100_0863.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831849/fullsize/100_0864.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831850/fullsize/100_0865.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831852/fullsize/100_0866.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831853/fullsize/100_0867.jpg

After blasting and with coating applied....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831854/fullsize/100_0868.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831856/fullsize/100_0869.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831859/fullsize/100_0871.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831861/fullsize/100_0872.jpg

Now things are starting to look purdy :winky:.......

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831863/fullsize/100_0873.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831864/fullsize/100_0874.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831866/fullsize/100_0875.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831868/fullsize/100_0876.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/831869/fullsize/100_0877.jpg

[Mile High VX]

I applaud your attention to detail!

Looking great and it will be well worth the time and effort when you are done.

[samneil2000]

I applaud your attention to detail!

Looking great and it will be well worth the time and effort when you are done.

X2

Looking great!!

[Buffy]

Waiting on parts so I finished up sealing the differentials...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832273/fullsize/100_0878.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832274/fullsize/100_0879.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832280/fullsize/100_0880.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832281/fullsize/100_0881.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832282/fullsize/100_0884.jpg

[Mile High VX]

Waiting on parts so I finished up sealing the differentials...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832282/fullsize/100_0884.jpg

That's what I'm talkn' 'bout...:yesy::yeso::yesb::yesgray:

[killinformula]

I just saw an explorer today that is whole undercarriage was absolutely clean and thought to myself "That would be awesome to see someone do on a VX!" and what do you know, i scroll across this..... AMAZING JOB!!! Can't wait to see it all done!

[Robbomaz]

Thats nice :p
My Jackadeo looked like that too.....then I got it running and found some mud :bgwo:

[ZEUS]

How in the world... I can't believe I never saw this thread! Looks like you two are having a GREAT time! :yeso:

Just a heads up regarding the Calmini sway bars... to my understanding the Calmini versions are rated against the Trooper sways and using them on a VX actually increases body roll. The VX reportedly uses larger diameter performance sways than what's in a Trooper. Perhaps Chris/Marlin could measure the RS versus VX sway bars - not sure if that would supply the answer or not, but maybe? :confused:

Keep on keepin on, but be safe - that teeter totter freaks me out!

[Buffy]

I decided against the Calmini sway bars. I took my stock ones and had them powder coated and ordered some greasable sway bar links from Indy 4X. It has been a fun project made even more enjoyable that the wife will get out in the garage and turn wrenches with me.

[Buffy]

Did some assembling this evening. I am hoping to have the rear end installed by tomorrow afternoon.

Putting the rearend together with new stainless brake lines from Indy4X...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832597/fullsize/100_0886.jpg

Old and new rear bump stops...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832598/fullsize/100_0887.jpg

The valve covers with new higher metallic coating...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832599/fullsize/100_0888.jpg

A shame to cover all this work up, but at least it won't rust again...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832600/fullsize/100_0889.jpg

[Buffy]

I pulled the axles so I can have the dust shields replaced. I was shocked to see how beefy the axles are.

For those who have not seen them...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832820/fullsize/100_0890.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/832821/fullsize/100_0891.jpg

[samneil2000]

Man your VX is going to be so sweet when you're done!!

[MSHardeman]

This is exactly what I would like to do to mine after she retires from DD duty.

Keep the pics coming.:thumbup:

[vt_maverick]

This is exactly what I would like to do to mine after she retires from DD duty.

Keep the pics coming.:thumbup:

Speaking of... I didn't realize you were only a few hours down the road from me. Maybe I could persuade you to do some of this (mostly just frame rails) to my VX as well...

Looking better every post!

[Buffy]

Speaking of... I didn't realize you were only a few hours down the road from me. Maybe I could persuade you to do some of this (mostly just frame rails) to my VX as well...

Looking better every post!

We will have to meek up next time I am up that way. My mother-in-law lives in Cheaspeak bay area and we go up there fairly often.

[vt_maverick]

:thumbup: Let me know and maybe we can set up a Hampton Roads meet for the same day.

[Buffy]

I got the sway bars back from the powder coaters and they turned out pretty nice.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833159/fullsize/100_0902.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833160/fullsize/100_0903.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833161/fullsize/100_0904.jpg

Independent 4X greasable sway bar links...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833162/fullsize/100_0905.jpg

I got the rear end installed with sway bar and end links. I hope to get my axles back tomorrow and finish assembling the rear end. I also got the rear cladding put back on tonight as well.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833164/fullsize/100_0907.jpg

As with anything Isuzu even their tools are over engineered. I ordered the hub nut socket from PSX and was amazed at how beefy the socket is. It weights 3 pounds!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833165/fullsize/100_0908.jpg

[ZEUS]

:thumbup: Shur iz lukin purdy! I am jealous of how fast you work! Kudos!

[Buffy]

:thumbup: Shur iz lukin purdy! I am jealous of how fast you work! Kudos!

Unfortunately I have to work fast. I have torn tendons in my left elbow and go under the knife on Nov 23rd. It will be 4 months before I will be able to use my left arm. The VX is going, I hope, to be my transportation while I am out of commission. I hope to get the motor and tranny back next week and build out the front suspension after that. I am running out of time fast. :(

[MSHardeman]

WOW.....that's about all I can say. It looks fantastic.:thumbup:

[ZEUS]

Unfortunately I have to work fast. I have torn tendons in my left elbow and go under the knife on Nov 23rd. It will be 4 months before I will be able to use my left arm. The VX is going, I hope, to be my transportation while I am out of commission. I hope to get the motor and tranny back next week and build out the front suspension after that. I am running out of time fast. :(
Nothing like a little forced motivation to smack you in the bottom! It is looking great tho... the VX, not your bottom. Good call making your down time end up during the cold season too. :yesy:

[Ascinder]

I seriously wish I could put as much time into my VX as you do. Hopefully it will look as good as your stuff has turned out too:thumbup: I am very envious of the pace you have been able to maintain on your project. I am also very interested in that paint you are using. I have some rust bullet and POR15 I need to use up, but I think I'm going to look into getting some of the stuff you used too. Looks great!

[Buffy]

am also very interested in that paint you are using. I have some rust bullet and POR15 I need to use up, but I think I'm going to look into getting some of the stuff you used too. Looks great!

Here is the web site of Master Seriers Coatings. It works great and has a very reasonable price.

http://www.masterseriescoatings.com/index/

[Buffy]

I didn't get much done this weekend due to waiting on parts. I did, however, extract the broken transmission cross member bolts. Getting these out is my last rust hurtle. Now it is just assembling clean and purdy parts... I hope. :winkgray:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, my wife is the best. I kept whining about needing a torch to get the broken bolts out. I tried renting one and then borrowing one with no luck. So, look what found its way to my garage of MY VERY OWN today......

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833985/fullsize/100_0917.jpg

Making getting bolts out sooooo easy......

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833984/fullsize/100_0916.jpg

Lower control arms installed....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833986/fullsize/100_0918.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/833987/fullsize/100_0919.jpg

[ZEUS]

Love it love it love it! I look forward to a post from you every time I log in now! No pressure tho... ;)

[Buffy]

Still doing "busy work" right now. Just cleaning parts and getting ready for the engine and trans to come home.

Trans cross member after sandblasting...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/834399/fullsize/100_0940.jpg

Working on purdying up the front axles...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/834400/fullsize/100_0941.jpg

Cross members and misc parts after first coat of silver rust proofing....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/834401/fullsize/100_0942.jpg

[Buffy]

It has been a busy week. I got the motor back from the machine shop and the picked the transmission up from the mechanic who rebuilt it. I spent Saturday with Jerry Lemond who helped me get the motor and tranny mated up and all the wires and coolant hoses connected. He also pressed on new axle bearings and dust shields. It took 25 tons of pressure and lots of heat to get the tone ring and bearing to turn loose and when it did it sounded like a rifle shot! I must say that Jerry has an impressive shop and my goodness what a selection of OEM parts!

Getting ready to lift it off the truck...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837174/fullsize/100_0943.jpg

Almost there...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837175/fullsize/100_0945.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837176/fullsize/100_0946.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837184/fullsize/100_0947.jpg

Transfer case and cross member installed...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837195/fullsize/100_0948.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837197/fullsize/100_0949.jpg

All done!!!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837198/fullsize/100_0950.jpg

[Marlin]

I never realized you were just right down the road from me !!! You need to head up to the Uwharrie meet in december. Jerry is awesome and knows just about everything about Zus. I am actually going to do his rear floor fuel pump mod soon. Cut a hole in your rear floor for easy access to your fuel pump. No need to drop the tank. He also has a sweet boat filter on his fuel line to filter out ethanol garbage. (not to mention his pristine Trooper RS that rarely sees the road;) )
I may have to come visit you sometime when you are done, or perhaps you and the wife can make a trip down here to charleston. We have two extra bedrooms in our upstairs "apartment" as we like to call it.

[Buffy]

I never realized you were just right down the road from me !!! You need to head up to the Uwharrie meet in december. Jerry is awesome and knows just about everything about Zus. I am actually going to do his rear floor fuel pump mod soon. Cut a hole in your rear floor for easy access to your fuel pump. No need to drop the tank. He also has a sweet boat filter on his fuel line to filter out ethanol garbage. (not to mention his pristine Trooper RS that rarely sees the road;) )
I may have to come visit you sometime when you are done, or perhaps you and the wife can make a trip down here to charleston. We have two extra bedrooms in our upstairs "apartment" as we like to call it.

I actually came to Uwharrie and picked up some parts from Jerry. I saw your VX and RS. I almost bought that RS from Joe. The wife and I would love to come down for a visit. Our son is in the Airforce and is stationed at Shaw Airforce Base. We will definitely have to get together for a mini meet!

[vt_maverick]

Let me know in advance and I'll see if I can arrange a boondoggle down to Shaw, I go down there on business every few months and have made a habit of visiting Marlin and other friends in Charleston while I'm in the area. :)

Hey Buffy, where does your son work at Shaw? Maybe I've met him...

[Buffy]

Let me know in advance and I'll see if I can arrange a boondoggle down to Shaw, I go down there on business every few months and have made a habit of visiting Marlin and other friends in Charleston while I'm in the area. :)

Hey Buffy, where does your son work at Shaw? Maybe I've met him...

He works on the flight line working on F16s. He has been down there for about 9 months. He recently switched to 2nd shift working corrosion. His name is PJ.

[vt_maverick]

Nah I wouldn't know him, my guys work elsewhere within AFCENT, although one guy's wife is in F-16 MX. Maybe she knows him, I'll have to mention it next time I'm down there.

And that's pretty funny about him working corrosion of all things. :laughy:

[Buffy]

Nah I wouldn't know him, my guys work elsewhere within AFCENT, although one guy's wife is in F-16 MX. Maybe she knows him, I'll have to mention it next time I'm down there.

And that's pretty funny about him working corrosion of all things. :laughy:

THat is pretty funny! I haven't thought about that.... :bwgy:

[Buffy]

We are working like crazy to get the thing back together by Monday. I am burning the midnight oil, so to speak, using flash lights and whatever I can use to get me some light.

My parts pile is getting smaller......

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837686/fullsize/100_0959.jpg

Skid plates freshly coated....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837679/fullsize/100_0951.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837680/fullsize/100_0952.jpg

Front hubs assembled and ready to be installed....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837681/fullsize/100_0953.jpg

Front cross member ready for install....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837682/fullsize/100_0954.jpg

Front axles almost ready for install.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837683/fullsize/100_0955.jpg

Rear axles ready to be installed....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837684/fullsize/100_0957.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837685/fullsize/100_0958.jpg

[ZEUS]

:thumbup: I bet you are living like :drool2: and dreaming like:_steering

[Buffy]

You just don't know how ready I am to take this baby for a spin! I am interested in what kind of power the engine is going to make. The block was bored .020 over and the heads were shaved a bit to raise the compression some. I am hoping to set the rear axles tonight and get it back on its back tires by tomorrow evening so I can torque all the rear suspension bolts. then it is off to the front for final assembly and CONTACT!!!! :dance::LineWave:

[vt_maverick]

This has to be the fastest moving tear-down/build-up project of all time. Congrats, you've got a heck of a work ethic! :thumbup:

[Buffy]

The progress continues this evening.....

Rear axles installed.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837891/fullsize/100_0960.jpg

Painting the front axles....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837898/fullsize/100_0963.jpg

Front axles ready for new boots....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837899/fullsize/100_0964.jpg

Finishing detailing the front axles housing....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837896/fullsize/100_0961.jpg

Front housing detailed and read to be installed.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837908/fullsize/100_0966.jpg

[Bob Barker]

I'm jealous of how fast you work on project cars!

Can I send you my SVO and parts pile to finish for me?!?!? :D

[Buffy]

mmmmmmmm I love SVOs! Mustang?

[Bob Barker]

Yeah! It's been a project in my garage for 2 years now. I am actually close to finalizing things, waiting for a MS system to be built and that's the last thing for a while. I've got a thread about some of the slooowwww progress I've made in the chit-chat forum I think...

[Buffy]

That is going to be a sweet Mustang when you are done. Loved that turbo whine in your video clip.

[Bob Barker]

Thanks! I thought it may be a little over the top loud... then I rethought and decided there's no such thing when it comes to turbo whistles!

I'm still jealous of the progress you've made in the time you have been working on that truck! It's amazing!

[Buffy]

More work done tonight, the rear end is complete. All I need to do is put on tires and torque the bolts.

Parking brakes installed and rotors in place....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838182/fullsize/100_0967.jpg

New brake calipers and lines connected....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838185/fullsize/100_0968.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838189/fullsize/100_0969.jpg

Steering knuckles cleaned and ready for top coating....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838190/fullsize/100_0970.jpg

[freeufc]

Sweet photos, (http://repairbooks.co.uk/isuzuvehicross/index.htm) guys these give me some inspiration to continue my project ongoing now for 3 years, at the rate im going it should be compete sometime around the turn of the century.

Great stuff chaps

[Buffy]

We got lots more done today, finished connecting all the wires, installed the exhaust, plugs, coil packs, front end and front drive shaft. Tomorrow will be the tie rod ends, ball joints, front shocks, sway bar and console. If I play my cards right I just might get this thing fired up tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed!

Front exhaust pipes with new oxygen sensors....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838384/fullsize/100_0971.jpg

The front end is in!!!

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838385/fullsize/100_0972.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838386/fullsize/100_0973.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838387/fullsize/100_0974.jpg

A shot from the underside.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838388/fullsize/100_0975.jpg

[Buffy]

Another busy day. Got the front suspension (new ball joints and tie rod ends), brakes, torsion bars, torqued all the rear bolts and various other things done on the truck today. Tomorrow the plan is to button up the engine bay, add fluids and maybe fire this thing up. Getting nervous though, I'h had to crank this thing off only to realize the engine wasn't built correctly. I am sure there will be some bugs to work out once I get on the road. On with the pictures....

Axles installed....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838615/fullsize/100_0980.jpg

Hubs assembled....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838618/fullsize/100_0983.jpg

A complete front end, isnt that purdy.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838621/fullsize/100_0986.jpg

And finally, Santa came early, I guess I've been a good boy this year...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838619/fullsize/100_0984.jpg

[Marlin]

WHat shocks are those? Seems a shame to go through all that work and money and not put the Rancho9000s on it. Looks awesome though, you gonna make it to the December Uwharrie meet? Even if you don't want to wheel the beautiful master piece you have created (seems a waste personally:) ), you can always ride with me, hell, I have done uwharrie so many times, I would even let you drive my old work horse so you can see what the VX can do:bgwb:

[Buffy]

The shocks are Bilstine, after speaking with Mat at Indy4X he suggested them for the way I would drive it. When is the December meet? I hope to fire the beastie up today so keep your fingers crossed for me. :smilewink

[ZEUS]

sending good thoughts
sending good thoughts
sending good thoughts
sending good thoughts
sending good thoughts

[Marlin]

The shocks are Bilstine, after speaking with Mat at Indy4X he suggested them for the way I would drive it. When is the December meet? I hope to fire the beastie up today so keep your fingers crossed for me. :smilewink

Its 10-12 December, check it out on the Planet...
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=45462

When I said it was a waste, I meant not wheeling it after doing all that work, not doing the work itself. If I had the time, I would do the same thing.

[vt_maverick]

Did you try to clean up the exhaust piping? It looks virtually untreated from the pics...

[Buffy]

[QUOTE=When I said it was a waste, I meant not wheeling it after doing all that work, not doing the work itself. If I had the time, I would do the same thing.[/QUOTE]


No worries, I hope to make it out in Dec to visit some folks and say hi.

Well my progress has come to a complete stop. I had my surgery this morning and am back home. In a bit of pain but will survive. Time to put down the wrenches and switch to supervisor role which is going to be tough. The VX is still not running and I am scratching my head as to why. I retimed the engine and it at least started but is running very badly. Will have ti have a talk with the builder. I am very disappointed to say the least as I wanted to be in the drivers seat. May have ti hire someone to help me figure this out which really sucks!! :upsetgray

Post op.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838701/fullsize/100_0988.jpg

[vt_maverick]

Sorry to hear about the problems (health and VX), hope it all works out. If you don't mind having it hauled somewhere, my Dad is a service writer at a garage in Mocksville, NC, about an hour away from you. The mechanic/owner is top-notch, and labor rates in rural NC are amazing. ;)

[Buffy]

Sorry to hear about the problems (health and VX), hope it all works out. If you don't mind having it hauled somewhere, my Dad is a service writer at a garage in Mocksville, NC, about an hour away from you. The mechanic/owner is top-notch, and labor rates in rural NC are amazing. ;)

I may have to take you up on the offer. I have replaced the cracked vacuum hoses and rented a code checker and looked for stored codes and found none. If it sits for several hours it will start but will not stay cranked. I am at a loss as to what is going on.

I am beginning to worry if the heads are not set up correctly.

[Marlin]

I may have to take you up on the offer. I have replaced the cracked vacuum hoses and rented a code checker and looked for stored codes and found none. If it sits for several hours it will start but will not stay cranked. I am at a loss as to what is going on.

I am beginning to worry if the heads are not set up correctly.

Based on the sitting for awhile...did you replace fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator. COuld also be a bad fuel pump, sits for awhile=gravity drain gas to the fuel rail. Runs like crap=no fuel...and so on. You see where I am going with this...
I dig the full sleeve.
I had major jaw surgery this time last year. Tuesday before thanksgiving, they split my top jaw into three pieces and spread it apart with titanium plates. Then they broke my bottom jaw and brought it forward about 4mm. My jaw was wired shut for a few weeks. All that so I could have straight teeth:bgwb:

[Buffy]

Based on the sitting for awhile...did you replace fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator. COuld also be a bad fuel pump, sits for awhile=gravity drain gas to the fuel rail. Runs like crap=no fuel...and so on. You see where I am going with this...
I dig the full sleeve.
I had major jaw surgery this time last year. Tuesday before thanksgiving, they split my top jaw into three pieces and spread it apart with titanium plates. Then they broke my bottom jaw and brought it forward about 4mm. My jaw was wired shut for a few weeks. All that so I could have straight teeth:bgwb:

I installed a new fuel filter but nothing else. I am planning on getting a pressure gauge installed to monitor the fuel pressure.

Yea I like my sleeve and when my left arm heals.... I'll be covering my scar. :bwgy:

Man, that sounds like a painful surgery!!:(:( I think I'll stick with the torn tendons.

[ZEUS]

Post op.....

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/838701/fullsize/100_0988.jpg
HAHA, I gotta say, with your call sign, you look nothing like what I would have expected, Buffy! :bgwo:
Good luck with everything...

[Buffy]

HAHA, I gotta say, with your call sign, you look nothing like what I would have expected, Buffy! :bgwo:
Good luck with everything...

:laughing: Yea, I get that alot. I've used that name for years and am too old to try and remember a new one. It stems back to an old monster Bronco I had named Buffy the Mini Van Slayer..... and the rest is history.... :bgwb:

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, I think Justin was expecting something more like this:

http://nogoodforme.filmstills.org/images/buffy.jpg

:laughing:

Bart

[Triathlete]

I think we all were!:yesy::bwgy:

There is an old thread on here somewhere (I searched and couldn't find it...help me out L(king of search)Dub) dealt with the orgins of everyones screen name.

[Buffy]

UPDATE:

I tried everything imaginable to get my new engine to run, went over all my work and couldn't find anything amiss. I contacted the engine builder who came and got my VX and took it back to his shop. Called me a few minutes ago to tell me the exhaust cam on the drivers side was ONE tooth out. I hope to hae it back home tonight to finish up changing the differential fluids with some Royal Purple, draining the transfer case and putting in fresh fluid there, and finally finishing the brake bleeding. Once that is done a trip to the muffler shop and we're almost there!! I am sooo looking forward to driving this thing it isn't funny. I am ready to enjoy all this work we put into this thing. :dance::jump:

[vt_maverick]

Congrats on finally finding the issue!

[Triathlete]

With all the work you have done to get her up and running the driving will be even sweeter! I think you learn to appreciate it in a whole new way when you know you have done the hard work yourself.

[Marlin]

Are you gonna come say hi next weekend? I am serious about letting you drive my workhorse.

[Ldub]

There is an old thread on here somewhere (I searched and couldn't find it...help me out L(king of search)Dub... dealt with the orgins of everyones screen name.

:smilewink...http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=15040&highlight=handle...:laughing:

OK...here's what you were REALLy looking for...:yesgray:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=6221&highlight=handle

Sorry for the O-T Buffy...:flower:

Glad to hear you got your engine woes sorted...:_wrench:...:thumbup:

[Triathlete]

I knew you could do it Dub! Wonder if the boss man could un-archive it for all the new members?

[Buffy]

Are you gonna come say hi next weekend? I am serious about letting you drive my workhorse.

I am planning to show up on Saturday. What camp site you staying at. With a little luck I will have the VX up and running and drive it out.

The only thing I didn't get finished tonight was the brake bleeding. A quick search showed what my problem was, needed to pull the ABS and bleed the system with the engine running. I was not happy with the ride height of the front, seemed a little low so I cranked on the torsion bars a bit. I'll get it back on the ground tomorrow and see if it looks better.

[vt_maverick]

Pics pics pics!!!

[Marlin]

I am planning to show up on Saturday. What camp site you staying at. With a little luck I will have the VX up and running and drive it out.

The only thing I didn't get finished tonight was the brake bleeding. A quick search showed what my problem was, needed to pull the ABS and bleed the system with the engine running. I was not happy with the ride height of the front, seemed a little low so I cranked on the torsion bars a bit. I'll get it back on the ground tomorrow and see if it looks better.

Hmm, I bled mine with a vaccum bleeder, no problems.

We are renting the underground house. I will PM you my cell, and we can make arrangements to meet up. Cells don't work out there hardly at all. That is why CBs are so crucial for us.

[Buffy]

I've been bleeding my brakes for 2 days now and while it is better it still isn't great. My entire system went dry, including the ABS unit I believe. We've pushed.... vaccumme pulled and done the old pump and hold method.

I did get to drive it around the yard yesterday!!!:_steering

[ZEUS]

Gettin ever closer!! Lovin that last part...

[MSHardeman]

When I replaced my brake rotors and lines, I let the system go totally dry and I had brake problems for a while. The VX would stop, but if I kept pushing on the pedal it would eventually go to the floor. After bleeding the brakes multiple times, replacing a leaking hard line and trying just about everything else I ended up replacing the master cylinder and that seemed to solve the problem. My guess is that while the system sat dry for a couple of days the seals in the master cylinder got damaged (maybe dryed out or moisture got into the system). My master cylinder may have been going out to begin with, but sitting dry for a couple of days sure didn't help it out.

I think you've already found out that to bleed the system you need to pull the ABS fuse and have the motor running, but if not try that first.

[Marlin]

Another thought, I just finished putting mine back together, and the brakes suck again. I did not open the system at all. The only thing that changed was the EBC brake pads come with a vinyl pad that goes between the piston and the pad, they say it is to minimize vibration during break in. Well, those two pads came off, and now my brakes suck again. I am going to replace both front calipers and see if that helps. My suspicion is that the piston and/or seals have gone bad over the years. That little pad was enough to fill the gap and increase performance? I don't know, but that is all that changed on mine.

[etlsport]

I've read that bleeding our brakes with thee engine off can damage the vacuum booster.. Hopefully that isn't the case with yours!

[RamAirZ]

How is that possible? Our vacuum booster is no different than any other vacuum booster in design.

[Buffy]

How is that possible? Our vacuum booster is no different than any other vacuum booster in design.

That is what I wondered but the manual does state that bleeding the system without the engine running could cause damage.

On a bright side I actually had my maiden voyage today. I drove my VX to the mufler shop to have the exhaust system installed! I was in hog heaven though I was listening for every noise, creek or pop. I was pleased with how stright it drove and did not pull to either side, especially since it has not had the front end aligned yet! I think I have the ride height set close to where I want it. Sitting on a level surface the distance from the floor to the top of the rear wheel well is 34 1/2 in the rear and 33 1/2 in the front. From looking at my original pictures, it looks like it had a similar stance when I first got it. If anyone could prive me with the measurements of their suspension would be great!

I will post up some before and after pictures soon.

[RickOKC]

If anyone could prive me with the measurements of their suspension would be great!
I looked this up a while back because I thought the nose on mine was way too low (it wasn't). Here's one thread (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=3023) (there are others out there) that made it seem like there was a fair amount of variance on stock vehicles. It's been a while since I did the research, but I was left believing that 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" was average with the full range going from 3/4" to 2".

[Marlin]

If anyone could prive me with the measurements of their suspension would be great!

I will post up some before and after pictures soon.

38.5 to the lip of the cladding in the rear and 37 to the lip of the cladding in the front:) Hope that helps!!

[Amnesia]

This thread has been dormant for awhile, but I had a similar brake problem years ago after changing both front calipers. (different vehicle) I had swapped the calipers to opposite sides & couldn't for the life of me get them bled properly... Until I realized my error. While the calipers will swap side to side, the bleeder screws need to be on the TOP! :) ...if you want to get all of the air out!