so i was wondering what i would have to do to my stock vx to make it be able to handle going off road. im guessing i would have to put a lift kit. but i don't know. any thoughts? thanks moonrover
so i was wondering what i would have to do to my stock vx to make it be able to handle going off road. im guessing i would have to put a lift kit. but i don't know. any thoughts? thanks moonrover
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Absolutely the best $20 you'll spend per year on your VX.
~ ~ > OFF ROAD WHORE <~ ~
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
MoonRover--- There are basically only two(2) things required when traveling off-road with the VX:
(1). Always engage transfer case in 4W-"LOW" (once leaving highway with VX on dirt surface; and, return back to normal Hi-Range before making contact with solid highway again). By using only 4W-"LOW" off-road will give you the very best all-around traction and will force you to drive at a slower, more methodic pace (very important so you can react to various situations/conditions).
(2). Drive "prudently" by not taking unnecessary risks to keep yourself/passengers and your VX safe at all times; while always picking the "best possible line" on any given trail. Never try to "show boat" off-road-- you will only impress the recovery tow truck driver.
"Lifting" the VX is only required when installing taller tires OVER 32" O.D. A 100% factory stock non-lifted VX is capable of installing 265/75R16 or 275/65R18 (32" O.D.) tires with only minor front trimming and are bolt-on perfect "IF" they are mounted on the stock OEM factory 7" wide wheels. A 32" O.D. tire will give the VX a 1.25" increase in ground clearance over the stock OEM tire (29.5" O.D.).
Like the others said, depending on what your you mean by "offroading" is how much you need to modify the suspension. I went offroading weekly this summer and the VX was awesome. I have a lift and 33" tires but not too much else...yet
Here's a link in the how-to's section that will show you all the options.
http://www.vehicross.info/modules.ph...warticle&id=66
First step is make sure your rig is clear of all picket fences and other debris.
yea the picket fence has to go once i get back home from college. but i kinda wanted to go muddin since this hick town im in has trails everywhere.
I took my stocker to Moab this year for the 1st time, only changes I had made were replacing OEM shocks, putting RanchoXL's on, transfer case skid plate and 255/55/18 tires. No lift, no TB cranks. I did scrape the front & rear lowest part of the cladding (not visible at normal view), and bent the OEM tailpipe a little. I did 2 trails (Fins & Things and Hell's Revenge) which are both rated as "difficult", and had no problems. I did pass on trails that had larger rocks/shelfs because of my stock height and my desire to not rip the heck out of my undercarriage.
Checkout my gallery for many pics of several different off road terrains/locations I've been, maybe you can use them to gauge the terrains your stocker can EASILY handle. Note, I have gotten bigger tires since Moab...I got Cooper Zeon LTZs in 285/60-18, with more aggressive tread, I gained 1.21" in height with just this tire change, so next yr in Moab I'll have even more fun!
Last edited by VX KAT : 10/08/2009 at 07:25 PM
VX KAT
....the adventure BEGINS ANEW! ...2015......
Remember that life is not measured in the breaths you take, but rather in the moments that take your breath away.
OMG....I missed the whole...
...."Picket Fence" thing.
WTF..is that?
Until you Rip it off....ALL OF IT!....
....please stay on the tarmac!
jo
Let me give you a visual example....I went off roading in my stock VX once before modding, this is result 1 !!
STUCK STUCK STUCK
your 2 main issues are traction and ground clearance!
you need to lift the VX and add some good size all terrain or mud terrain tyres (plenty of threads on both on this site) and you'll be 90% there for most easy to medium off road courses / trails
After those 2 mods mine goes pretty much anywhere i dare!!
Last edited by crotchrocket : 10/09/2009 at 05:26 AM
Speed Thrills, Boredom Kills!!
Naw, keep it handy. Ya might need to shove it under a tire to get 'unstuck' on your first offroad trip.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Put a smiley after you say that Bub.