NewBie Help please!! 2001 Yellow VX

[khoipong]

How how are you guys. Im pretty new to the forum. I signed up a couple of weeks when I was thinking of buying a vx. Well I finally bought one today!! lol. 2001 Yellow. Im in florida Anyways I would like some info I would like to go all out and start with the project. Need some Info please i WOULD appreciate any info you can give me on the below subjects.

I went to a local bike store to try to get one of those Yakima Warrior Mega Baskets that I saw on the yellow one thats on the forum. Any yakima says they dont make a setup for our vehicle.
I have just the two side moldings on the roof no rack what do i need to install the yakima basket that will fit a spare tire on the roof?

Also I want to go with some procomp rockcrawlers 16" black need to know what would be the lug pattern and the best offset I can run with a 16" wheel. Also the biggest tire that I can run at stock height that still looks offroad like.

Also The JDM Fender Mirror Where do you think I can find that mirror I really like it.

Is there a online website that sells alot of parts for vx's ? I cant seem to find any sites?

How can I change the Isuzu emblem in the grill to the vx i see on the forum?

My vx is running great the only problem Im having is the windows wont go down is this a known Problem.

Sorry about so much questions but this truck is so rare no one knows anything about them which i like :)

[Mile High VX]

How how are you guys. Im pretty new to the forum. I signed up a couple of weeks when I was thinking of buying a vx. Well I finally bought one today!! lol. 2001 Yellow. Im in florida Anyways I would like some info I would like to go all out and start with the project. Need some Info please i WOULD appreciate any info you can give me on the below subjects.

I went to a local bike store to try to get one of those Yakima Warrior Mega Baskets that I saw on the yellow one thats on the forum. Any yakima says they dont make a setup for our vehicle.
I have just the two side moldings on the roof no rack what do i need to install the yakima basket that will fit a spare tire on the roof?

Also I want to go with some procomp rockcrawlers 16" black need to know what would be the lug pattern and the best offset I can run with a 16" wheel. Also the biggest tire that I can run at stock height that still looks offroad like.

Also The JDM Fender Mirror Where do you think I can find that mirror I really like it.

Is there a online website that sells alot of parts for vx's ? I cant seem to find any sites?

How can I change the Isuzu emblem in the grill to the vx i see on the forum?

My vx is running great the only problem Im having is the windows wont go down is this a known Problem.

Sorry about so much questions but this truck is so rare no one knows anything about them which i like :)

Welcome.

The search function at the top will help you answer many of these questions but let me try a few as well.

The OEM roof rack is long discontinued...send member VX KAT a private message to see if she can get you one, or perhaps has one. She has a knack for sourcing these.

The search function will give you hours of enjoyment reading about wheel and tire sizes and combinations

The JDM front fender mirror is very rare and I have not seen one for sale since I bought my VX over a year ago. Good luck with this one.

Independent 4X4 is a good spot for some parts, but if you're after some aftermarket pieces there is not much to choose from. Most of the members here have learned to fabricate things for themselves or use other members skills to get what they need for a price.

The VX emblem is available from www.planetsvx.com. Look for the Vehicross link.

The windows could just need a good shot of lubricant along the tracks, or there is a metal piece available here http://www.streetboutiquecustoms.com/vx.html


Hope this helps and again, Welcome.

[ZEUS]

AWESOME! I love your excitement! Welcome to the forum... now, search it... HAHA, sorry, inside joke. :p

I gotta warn ya, many of us have been here quite a while and are quite relaxed with being blunt with each other and anyone else so don't take things to heart but rather lightly. Some of us are just pricks tho too so... sorry. :bgwo:

First things first, your VX is not 'yellow', it is 'Proton'! :yesy:

You can introduce yourself here: http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=35&highlight=introduce&page=109

...And here: http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=15330&highlight=protons

There is a how-to area on the site - you'll find it on the left hand side of the screen with a bunch of other categories to familiarize yourself with. Here is a how-to for fixing the window binding issue: http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=3

[VX KAT]

Hi khoipong- (khoi?)

I'm VX KAT (Sue)

Yes, you do need the OEM roof rack (which is two "cross members" that attach to your roof rails that run front to rear), in order to attach a Yakima basket.

I have a knack for finding used OEM roof racks. Since these are 10-12 years old, I completely clean and restore them to look darn near new.
Here's a thread showing the before and after and what all pieces are part of the OEM rack.
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=18398&highlight=cleaning+restoration

I DO have a roof rack now that I haven't quite finished the full cleaning & restoring process yet. It will be done in a few days. I'll PM you.

Yakima says they don't have any basket that will work, don't worry, they do!! I have the Yakima LoadWarrior and it attached to my OEM cross members without any modifications. I carry my oversize spare in the basket, just like you want to do. Yakima makes a "spare tire attachment" bracket kit for around $70. I'd suggest you get that as it will work perfectly, and hold the rim/tire securely. I also have a ratchet strap on mine.

The MegaWarrior basket will also fit our bars.

Here's some pics to give you some idea what I'm talking about:


Showing the 2 cross members.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/501/DSCN0963.JPG

You can see the Yakima mounts perfectly curve to grab the oval cross members....um, disregard the Barbie Doll, that was part of a joke we did last year.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_1726.JPG


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3237/DSC_06931.JPG


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6255.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3260/DSCN1854.JPG

[ZEUS]

Geez, Sue, you pic hog! :p

This pic makes your VX look like an RC toy - it's crazy lookin! Yes, actually, I have been drinking again... I know you love me this way! :smilewink

BTW, I LOL'd when I saw the ORW! LOL
Hi khoipong- (khoi?)

I'm VX KAT (Sue)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_6255.JPG

[VX KAT]

Geez, Sue, you pic hog! :p

This pic makes your VX look like an RC toy - it's crazy lookin! Yes, actually, I have been drinking again... I know you love me this way! :smilewink

BTW, I LOL'd when I saw the ORW! LOL
:mbrasd::mbrasd:

We (Billy, mhill & Zu4Two) saw a rock quarry and just couldn't help ourselves...we had to go play. We let that dude in the yellow FJ stay behind on the road to take our pics playing...

[vt_maverick]

Geez, Sue, you pic hog! :p

I'll add a big +1 to that lol.

Khoi (I guess we've named you now) just so you know there are/were other options out there. This rack is on member Marlin's rig, I believe it's called the "Rage Basket" and is built by the company of the same name. PM him for the model number and website.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP1458.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/rear_with_rack.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0067.JPG

Another option is the Thule 696 basket. This option is no longer available from Thule, so you'd have to be patient and hunt one down through this site, Craigslist, and/or eBay. If you do like it you might start by posting a "Want to Buy" thread - several members have this basket, and you might just find one willing to sell. I got my super-rare OEM nose mask that way, haven't been able to find those for years but someone PM'd me the day after I posted a "WTB" thread and offered up theirs.

Pics:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3273/DSC00601.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3273/DSC00597.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3263/IMG00069-20100904-1905.jpg

[CoastieCosta567]

welcome bro. :bgwo:

[etlsport]

do a search for "megawarrior" a member here recently got one, installed it and imho it looked pretty silly beause of how big it was compared to the VX. before you spend the money on one, make sure you like the way its going to look

[Ebenezr]

Remember underneath it is a trooper and parts like ball joints, tie rod ends, cv joints are easy to find. I have used Ebay and Carpartswholesale.com for these. Use the junk yard search engines and you can find parts esp if your sure a trooper part will fit. For example I got a used trooper steering gear for my VX this way and there were a zillion choices.

[Riff Raff]

I want to go with some procomp rockcrawlers 16" black need to know what would be the lug pattern and the best offset I can run with a 16" wheel. Also the biggest tire that I can run at stock height that still looks offroad like.

Congrats on your purchase of a Proton (the most desirable color) and welcome to the addiction here on VX.Info. Like the others have said-- please learn to use the "search" button/icon at the top of the page to answer various questions.

Regarding wheels/tires, the 16x8 Black ProComp RockCrawlers have been installed by other members here without issue using narrower tires. The tallest O.D. tire that will comfortably fit within the tightly cramped front wheel-well of a VX is 32" O.D. at the stock height without lifting.

If you want a wide & aggressive M/T tire, then select 285/70R16 (32" O.D.) from Toyo or Nitto tire brands (the only two brands that make this unique rare size).

If you want an A/T or more streetable tire, then select 265/75R16 (31.7" O.D.) from any tire manufacturer (very common size).

Our OEM wheels are +38 offset with 6-5.5 bolt circle (Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota, Chevy/GMC typically use the same 6-5.5 bolt circle and can be found at any auto wrecking yard for a very cheap price). Since you desire 16" black wheels, another option for you might be to acquire some 1999 edition 16x7 OEM Stock VX wheels and have them powder-coated black. You could even get creative and just have the center spokes powder-coated in black while leaving the silver rim untouched for a radical two-tone effect (just visit a powder-coating shop in your hometown for various ideas/options). The OEM rims have the proper offset/backspacing to help minimize tire rubbing within the tightly cramped front wheel-wells of the VX. Generally speaking, most tire rubbing issues appear when using wider aftermarket rims that have non-OEM offset/backspacing specifications.

[ZEUS]

Riff, you forgot the center bore size... what is it again? 108mm?

[pbkid]

Some of us are just pricks tho too so... sorry. :bgwo:


at least Justin knows that about himself.... oh, and speak for yourself :slap:

[ZEUS]

:angel:
pbprick has spoken, I shall obey.

[RickOKC]

You can't spell "prick" without "Rick".

(I hate when people ask, "What's up, Rick?" Have I just been secretly insulted? It's impossible to tell.)

[ZEUS]

HAHAHA! That's great!

[SlowPro48]

Some of us are just pricks tho too so... sorry.



Prick?!?! I thought I told you to call me "Daddy". Now fix me a bourbon, biatch!

[ZEUS]

BUWAHAHA! Yes, Daddy, sorry, Daddy.

Khoi, I hope you got your answers amongst all this goofin' 'round...?

[khoipong]

thanks a million guys. I really appreciate all the help hopefully I will order the wheels and tires this week. VXKAT Hooked me up. I got the yakima racks from her shes the best!! and I ordered the Mega warrior Basket. The only thing is yakima says they dont make a spare tire holder/lock

[ZEUS]

Glad to hear it! Here ya go:
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Bumpers-Tire-Carriers-and-Winch-Mounts/Defender-Roof-Rack-Spare-Tire-Mount.aspx?t_c=64&t_s=351&t_pt=3902&t_pl=9796&t_pn=ORUD8655
http://www.man-a-fre.com/pa3/universalroofracksparetiremount.htm

Also check out what this guy did: http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/e/rack_attachment.htm

[VX KAT]

The only thing is yakima says they dont make a spare tire holder/lock

Yakima is obviously confused....:rollo: And it includes a locking mechanism.
http://www.yakima.com/shop/cargo/gear-baskets/spare-tire-carrier

ebay - $66.99
http://cgi.ebay.com/Yakima-Spare-Tire-Carrier-7706-One-Color-One-Size-/270714588064?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f07d8cba0#ht_2164wt_725

here's the locking mount brackets I bought. Locks the basket to the cross members.
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Yakima/Y07064.html?feed=npn

Glad it's all coming together for you. Rack ships out Monday.

[BeeVenom]

I know you'll love your PROTON. I love mine! With regard to your windows, like others, i needed the 'fix' on my driver's side and purchased an OEM regulator from IsuZu at about $70 if I remember correctly. I know they're still available since i just got mine recently. Also, 'street boutiques' sells a metal 'bottom-of-the-window' bracket kit that I got but didn't need afterall so I have it in my garage as a potential fix if I have any further problems with the windows. He sold that for $60 or $65 including shipping.
The VX emblem can replace the ugly 'isuzu' one in the grill which i think one of our members is making them again. I got the titanium one (I think that's what it is?) for mine. WELCOME TO YOU! scott

[ZEUS]

Regarding the window regulator... my passenger side gave out long ago and when I went to figure out why I took the regulator motor out for examination. You DO NOT need to replace the regulator assembly if the motor simply gives out! The binding causes the motor to burn up the brushes, that's all - from what I saw in my case anyway. When you widen the track, add lube, and do all the tricks to keep the window from binding simply pull the motor apart. You should see the copper windings in good shape but the brushes will have burned away. All I did was head to Ace Hardware and pick out a pair of motor brushes that looked like they would work in place of the burned out brushes from the regulator motor. The brushes came from a large drill or some other power tool. I used a round file to alter the shape to work in the motor assembly and PRESTO! a $10 fix!

[khoipong]

Riff raff of anyone? I just want to confirm My proton is stock height I got some 16x8 rockcrawlers and am thinking about purchasing some mickey thompson MTZ's. Riff raff mentioned I can fit a 285/70/16 on stock height. But the tire shop is saying i cant. I know alot of times these people dont know much especially about our vx's just want to make sure someone has done it already and it will fit on the stick height. Give me your thoughts. I looking for a real aggressive look. I know i can run a 265/75/16 but I would rather the wider tire if it will fit. thanks guys

[khoipong]

Riff raff or anyone? I just want to confirm My proton is stock height I got some 16x8 rockcrawlers and am thinking about purchasing some mickey thompson MTZ's. Riff raff mentioned I can fit a 285/70/16 on stock height. But the tire shop is saying i cant. I know alot of times these people dont know much especially about our vx's just want to make sure someone has done it already and it will fit on the stick height. Give me your thoughts. I looking for a real aggressive look. I know i can run a 265/75/16 but I would rather the wider tire if it will fit. thanks guys

[vt_maverick]

What's the backspacing/offset? What Riff was talking about with the 285/70/16 assumes that you're using the stock rim, which is actually only 7" wide. The extra width on your rims means your tire should stick out at least an additional 1/2" (correct my math here everyone if I'm wrong) - but it could be more if the offset is lower than +38 (stock offset).

The tire should fit with some minor trimming of the front cladding, but the shop probably doesn't want to do that, which is why they're telling you they won't fit. You may want to have them mount and balance the tires for you then take them home to install them so that you can do the trimming yourself.

[tom4bren]

khoi,

We've seen enough variations from VX to VX significant enough that there won't be any guarantee that they'll fit.

On the bright side, if you get the MTs and you do get some rub at full lock, lifting the front about 1/2 inch is very easy to get the clearance you might need. It's just a matter of cranking the Torsion bars a few turns & then get a front end alignment (which you should get with the new tires anyway).

The alternative is some very slight trimming of the cladding. Again, very easily accomplished.

I say go for it.

[circmand]

I generally stick with stock as I do not 4 wheel. All these questions about tires dont the tire companies know what will work on vehicles? I know tirerack has a fitment program as well that will show what fits though I never used it for large sized tires.

[VX KAT]

Craig, to give you some idea......here's the minor trimming of the front cladding. I realize you're talking 16"s and mine are 18s.

I have 285/60-18s on OEM 18" rims, and NO TB cranked, and no lift, no special springs etc....and this is ALL I had to trim...and it's very easy.

Like Tom4Bren said, we've seen several instances where people encounter slight variances and tolerances, so you may have a slightly larger or smaller piece to cut, etc... vt. mav said he had to trim cladding to a slightly different degree on each side for his tire/wheel application, so he obviously had some variance, but all very doable.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/PictureVX_KODAK_MOMENTS_664.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/2/DSC_0579.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/2/DSC_0564.JPG

[khoipong]

Riff raff of anyone? I just want to confirm My proton is stock height I got some 16x8 rockcrawlers and am thinking about purchasing some mickey thompson MTZ's. Riff raff mentioned I can fit a 285/70/16 on stock height. But the tire shop is saying i cant. I know alot of times these people dont know much especially about our vx's just want to make sure someone has done it already and it will fit on the stick height. Give me your thoughts. I looking for a real aggressive look. I know i can run a 265/75/16 but I would rather the wider tire if it will fit. thanks guys

[vt_maverick]

I generally stick with stock as I do not 4 wheel. All these questions about tires dont the tire companies know what will work on vehicles? I know tirerack has a fitment program as well that will show what fits though I never used it for large sized tires.
I think Tire Rack's program only gives you a "Yes/No" as to whether something will fit. This site gives you all the numbers (how much less space at the top of the wheel well, whether the change in offset will affect the suspension and/or brake system, etc.) so that you can take a ruler out to your rig and see for yourself.

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp


vt. mav said he had to trim cladding to a slightly different degree on each side for his tire/wheel application, so he obviously had some variance, but all very doable.

I went to 265/60/18's on 8x18 Borbet rims with -2 offset (stock is +38) which caused the tires to stick out 2" further than stock. By contrast, going to a 285/60/18 on stock rims (as Sue and others have done) causes the tires to stick out only 0.8" further than stock. That difference is why I trimmed a tiny bit more but at a different angle.

I got those numbers from the link I posted above. When you fill out all the info you'll get this analysis back:


Package will stick out 50 mm (2'') farther. Make sure that you have enough room under the fender. If not, consider narrower tires or higher offset. Will fill out the wheelwell by extra 12 mm. Acceptable for most cars.

[vt_maverick]

Riff raff of anyone? I just want to confirm My proton is stock height I got some 16x8 rockcrawlers and am thinking about purchasing some mickey thompson MTZ's. Riff raff mentioned I can fit a 285/70/16 on stock height. But the tire shop is saying i cant. I know alot of times these people dont know much especially about our vx's just want to make sure someone has done it already and it will fit on the stick height. Give me your thoughts. I looking for a real aggressive look. I know i can run a 265/75/16 but I would rather the wider tire if it will fit. thanks guys


Riff raff or anyone? I just want to confirm My proton is stock height I got some 16x8 rockcrawlers and am thinking about purchasing some mickey thompson MTZ's. Riff raff mentioned I can fit a 285/70/16 on stock height. But the tire shop is saying i cant. I know alot of times these people dont know much especially about our vx's just want to make sure someone has done it already and it will fit on the stick height. Give me your thoughts. I looking for a real aggressive look. I know i can run a 265/75/16 but I would rather the wider tire if it will fit. thanks guys


Riff raff of anyone? I just want to confirm My proton is stock height I got some 16x8 rockcrawlers and am thinking about purchasing some mickey thompson MTZ's. Riff raff mentioned I can fit a 285/70/16 on stock height. But the tire shop is saying i cant. I know alot of times these people dont know much especially about our vx's just want to make sure someone has done it already and it will fit on the stick height. Give me your thoughts. I looking for a real aggressive look. I know i can run a 265/75/16 but I would rather the wider tire if it will fit. thanks guys

I missed it the first three times - want to post the message again? :p

[wekilled]

@Marlin: What model number is your Rage Basket? ER-08208 ?
I found it on eBay and want to buy it. I like the rugged tubing look of the Yakima, but always hated the squared off look and had been considering modifying it. Now I think I'm going to sell mine on Craigslist and pick up the Rage.