New Project

[ohiovx]

Hi everyone. I bought my VX last week with a blown engine. I've been reading this forum for the past week trying to learn as much about these as I can. A lot of good info! I bought mine from the original owner (un-modified). It took him 2 months to decide he was giving up on it. I see now from reading posts that there are quite a few of you like that on here!
I'm a technician at a very large dealership that has multiple lines of cars. We were an Isuzu dealer up until November, so a few VXs come in from time to time. I'm a Chrysler,Dodge,Jeep master tech., but I have always thought the VX was a cool looking vehicle.
I've had many projects in the past (a lot of toyota trucks). I built a Toy 4x4 with 10"s of lift, 42" swampers & a Chevy 350 w/auto. Then I got out of the mud for awhile & built a 2wd Toy. With a Buick V6 & auto. The last Toy was the most fun. It was a 2wd with a Dodge small block & nitrous!
Anyway, when I had a chance to buy this VX, it got my brain turning again. It's been about 7 years without a project! My plan is to rebuild this engine to get it back on the road. 3" suspension, 3" body lift, 35 or 36" tires. Then I want to start accumulating parts to put a cummins diesel in it. I'll be using a 4BT (which is the 4cyl version of the 5.9L 6cyl. In the big ram trucks) I'll use the dodge 47RH automatic & probably a 231 transfer case. The Isuzu diffs should work well with the 4.30 gears.
What do you think?

[arcobarco]

I'm no mechanic by any means, but that sounds cool to me. Another good resource for modifying the Isuzu is planetsuzoo.com so try to get input from there also. It is always good to have more input than less.
Welcome, it is always good to have mechanical experience, and an inventive mind when envisioning the next toy.
I have a build-able engine from one of my VX's and would like to ask you some questions when it gets warmer and I start re-building it.

[ohiovx]

No problem, I'll always give help when I can. I haven't brought mine home yet. There's just too much snow in my driveway to be able to get it in the garage once I get it here. Hoping to have the engine torn apart in the next week or so. I know the cams are seized. The crank spins freely, but there was no oil on the dipstick. The tech that used to work on isuzus has used heads for it. So I'm hoping a re-ring kit ( gasket set, rings, rod & main bearings), oil pump, & all new timing components will get it back up & running. Just have my fingers crossed the crank is ok & the cyls. Look good.

[tysamigo]

OhioVX... welcome to the obsession!!!

Because of your past history with Isuzu... could you look through the following thread? Any additional input would be awesome :thumbup:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=25167

[ohiovx]

I, personally didn't work on the Isuzus. The parts manager at work said as of last November we can no longer order Isuzu parts. So I really don't know who can.
Sorry

[Cstoops72]

If you need parts Denison auto parts in cleveland has a VX in there yard.... I bought a passenger window from them a few weeks ago. Not sure what they have available just food for thought. ... 1-800-328-9001

[Triathlete]

If you're doing rings make sure to search and read up on drilling oil passage holes in the pistons...will cure any oil burning issues.

[VXorado]

Nice, I'd love to see a diesel in a VX. ;Do;

Let me know if you have any questions about the lift options... 3"SL-3"BL-35"MT/Rs is the curent setup on my VX.

[ohiovx]

Nice, I'd love to see a diesel in a VX. ;Do;

Let me know if you have any questions about the lift options... 3"SL-3"BL-35"MT/Rs is the curent setup on my VX.


Yeah, I've done different gas swaps but the amount of torque at LOW rpms got me thinking. I work with a couple of Cummins freaks at work that are pushing me this way. The 1 guy I work with has an 06 Ram 2500 Megacab, lifted with 35's. The actual engine is stock. But head studs, big inj. pump, injectors, twin turbos, & tuned. This truck weighs 8000lbs! & ran an 11.35 ET in the 1/4 mile with M/T tires.;oob; This truck is driven daily to work, & tows a camper. I can't think of any gas engine that could do all that. I don't plan on drag racing the VX, but the potential is really unbelievable.
I think the amount of lift you have is about right for what I want. (looks great by the way)

Question, It looks like the people on here use the Trooper body lift kit from Independant4x. They don't specify a year range for the trooper. I see other manufactures sell body lifts for Troopers, but usually say they fit -94. the pics of the components in the kits look the same. Of course the reason for asking is I could save a few bucks (I'm a cheap *** on certain things). Body lifts are way over priced, their just plastic blocks & bolts!

[LittleBeast]

Sounds great, good luck, and please keep us posted!

[VXorado]

I think the amount of lift you have is about right for what I want. (looks great by the way)

Question, It looks like the people on here use the Trooper body lift kit from Independant4x. They don't specify a year range for the trooper. I see other manufactures sell body lifts for Troopers, but usually say they fit -94. the pics of the components in the kits look the same. Of course the reason for asking is I could save a few bucks (I'm a cheap *** on certain things). Body lifts are way over priced, their just plastic blocks & bolts!

Thanks man. :_beer:

Indy4x is a great source for many lift parts but the body lift is a bit overpriced for what you need. I purchased the kit because I hadn't done a body lift before and didn't want to forget any necessary parts... I ended up with a bunch of leftover Trooper parts. All you need is the pucks, longer bolts & a jigsaw for trimming cladding. The 4 rear body mount bolts thread into the frame, so matching the bolt+3" is required. All of the other bolts use a nut and can be less specific.

I created a write-up for the body lift that goes into more details.
http://www.vehicross.info/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=91

Good luck with the build. I agree that diesel has it's advantages for 4 wheelers. Cost difference between diesel-gasoline engine is the biggest disadvantage.

[ohiovx]

Yeah, I read your install thread. Great thread by the way for people that have never tackled a body lift before. I've probably done 10 or so body lifts in my past. Doesn't really seem like there is anything out of the ordinary with a VX. So I'll probably just get the best deal I can find on a trooper kit. That should give me what I need. Think I will probably use independent4x for the suspension parts.

[HeckaTrebeka]

Rocky Road also has a few lift kits that cost less, if you want to check out that option.

[ohiovx]

Thought I'd see if I can figure out how to post a couple pics.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_0668.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_06721.jpg

[eternal21]

Seems like you did just fine.

Back bumper removal is something I'm getting ready to tackle in a couple weeks myself to do a little light modification. How easy was it to take off?

[ZeroSix]

Ya know... if the swap ors well, some members might be willing to commission engine swaps... might be great on the side... just a thought.. Good luck and welcome!

[ohiovx]

Seems like you did just fine.

Back bumper removal is something I'm getting ready to tackle in a couple weeks myself to do a little light modification. How easy was it to take off?

The only hard part is pulling the back of the rear 1/4 panels out while you pop the retainers out of the body for the rear fascia.

[tom4bren]

Seems like you did just fine.

Back bumper removal is something I'm getting ready to tackle in a couple weeks myself to do a little light modification. How easy was it to take off?

Here's some pix & stuff that might help.

[VXorado]

I like the MEATS, what the size on those?

[evillecutter]

I like the MEATS, what the size on those?

look like tractor tires! awesome!

[Mile High VX]

I like the MEATS, what the size on those?

Awesome wheels as well...info would be appreciated...:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo::bgwb:

[ohiovx]

They are Mickey Thompson 16x8 Polished fake bedlocks. Tires are 13/36/16 Super Swamper TSL (old school)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/image95.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/image94.jpg

Don't know why the pics uplaoded sideways?

[ohiovx]

Some info on my engine if anyone is interested. The previous/original owner ran the engine out of oil. It had 1000 miles on the oil change when it happened. The intermediate gears that drive the cam gears seized in the heads locking all 4 cams, which in turn striped the teeth off the timing belt at the crank. The crank turned over freely. After disassembling the engine I found where all the oil went. the oil rings on all 6 pistons were completely constricted to the same size as the pistons. So oil was going past the oil rings to the compression rings (which were fine) & just burning it, in all 6 cyls. The cyl. walls were coated with oil like a protective film. The cyls. are in perfect condition with no ridge built up at all. I took a couple rod caps off & the rod bearings looked brand new with literally no wear. Until I got to the #1 rod bearing, it had VERY slight signs of oiling problems. Then with the main bearings it was the same. The #1 main bearing was pretty worn, if it had run much longer it would have ruined the crank & possibly the block. I have the crank at the machine shop now determining if it can just be polished (I think it can) or if it will need to be reground. As soon as I know for sure I'll be ordering a re-ring kit & a new oil pump. I'm amazed that really the only thing that got hurt badly were the heads! There was basically NO oil in this engine when I went to drain the pan. Maybe 4ozs., if that.
My theory on why the oil rings did this is carbon buildup. The ring lands are carboned badly. Why, I really don't know. The engine looks like it had regular maint. with no sludge. I've see a post or 2 about drilling more holes in the lands of the pistons. Don't know if that would actually stop this from happening or not. I might try it, but chances are I would never know if it cures the issue or not. This engine had just under 127K on it when it met it's demise.

[ohiovx]

Well it took me a long time to be able to actually work on MY OWN VEHICLE! but I actually got it together & drove about 25miles to work. The alignment & the bias ply tires being flat spotted kept me off the freeway. I'm going into work tomorrow to get the alignment straightened around then hopefully be able to drive it on the freeway to get the 8 month flat spots out of the tires. I had the detail department where I work, buff it & detail it. It is very impressive how nice it came out!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1345.JPGhttp://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_1353.jpghttp://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_13541.jpg

[HeckaTrebeka]

That's quite a lift! Looks good. Well done. Make sure your cv boots are able to hold the lube in with a lift like that.

[Mile High VX]

Very nice...looks alot like SuperStang460 before his wreck in the snow...

[Leon R]

Some info on my engine if anyone is interested. The previous/original owner ran the engine out of oil. It had 1000 miles on the oil change when it happened. The intermediate gears that drive the cam gears seized in the heads locking all 4 cams, which in turn striped the teeth off the timing belt at the crank. The crank turned over freely. After disassembling the engine I found where all the oil went. the oil rings on all 6 pistons were completely constricted to the same size as the pistons. So oil was going past the oil rings to the compression rings (which were fine) & just burning it, in all 6 cyls. The cyl. walls were coated with oil like a protective film. The cyls. are in perfect condition with no ridge built up at all. I took a couple rod caps off & the rod bearings looked brand new with literally no wear. Until I got to the #1 rod bearing, it had VERY slight signs of oiling problems. Then with the main bearings it was the same. The #1 main bearing was pretty worn, if it had run much longer it would have ruined the crank & possibly the block. I have the crank at the machine shop now determining if it can just be polished (I think it can) or if it will need to be reground. As soon as I know for sure I'll be ordering a re-ring kit & a new oil pump. I'm amazed that really the only thing that got hurt badly were the heads! There was basically NO oil in this engine when I went to drain the pan. Maybe 4ozs., if that.
My theory on why the oil rings did this is carbon buildup. The ring lands are carboned badly. Why, I really don't know. The engine looks like it had regular maint. with no sludge. I've see a post or 2 about drilling more holes in the lands of the pistons. Don't know if that would actually stop this from happening or not. I might try it, but chances are I would never know if it cures the issue or not. This engine had just under 127K on it when it met it's demise.

What did you end up doing with the crank? Were heads salvageable, or did you have to get new heads? Did you drill the extra holes in pistons (for good measure)?

Nice job resurrecting a VX!

[ohiovx]

The crank wasn't hurt, just needed polished. The heads were junk. So the guy at work that used to be the Isuzu tech sold me a pair of used heads. Had the heads rebuilt by a local shop. I had the block bored & got new NPR pistons. & yes I drilled the extra holes in the new pistons. New oil pump, timing belt, tensioner. It's all new.:bwgy:

[Otwobme]

Great Work... i bought mine with the same exact issue. and i did the same thing you did to yours... ive put about 6k on mine sense the rebuild. runs strong.

[ohiovx]

I got a spare set of diff brackets off of a trooper. Just dropped them off at the fabricator. I'll post some pics when I get them back.

[Mile High VX]

Here is Superstang460

[ohiovx]

I contacted him when I was doing mine. I wanted to redo the control arms instead of just cranking the T-bars. But didn't get it done. I didn't like the way he had the lower control arms done. I have an extra set of trooper arms, I still may have them done some day.

[mattferguson14]

Looking good my friend! What kit did you go with for the suspension lift? Did you go with HD T-bars, or just the stock? I've got a 4 inch Calmini lift on mine with 33'' Nittos. I didn't buy or install the lift, it came with the truck when I bought it. Others on the site have said it is more cost effective to go with Old Man Emu hardware and Rancho 9000 shocks. Just wondering which way you went with it.

[VXorado]

Looks great with the tires... you're brave for running bias plys on a DD! :thumbup:

[ohiovx]

VXorado, It's more of a toy than a DD. But I did drive daily drivers for years with swampers. When your lifted with big tires & a little V6 it's not like your driving a sportscar.

mattferguson14, The lift is pieced together, The rear is OME 919 springs, front is the stock torsion bars cranked. (diff drop brackets next). Used a body lift for a trooper (or some of it anyway). & wheel well trimming. Has stock shocks right now. Plan on changing those soon.