Nuke VX build thread

[nfpgasmask]

Holy carp! I can't wait to see the end result. Ascinder is gonna love this thread!! He's doing pretty much the same thing.

Bart

[samneil2000]

Are hydraulic steering systems street legal? Either way, I love this X!!!

[Triathlete]

Technically...no. Most laws say you must have some sort of mechanical linkage. Would most people know the differance...probably not.

[samneil2000]

Agreed. I was pretty sure they weren't but was just checking for clarification. Nobody really cares until it breaks. Then you might get sued...

[RamAirZ]

That's looking great man! Can't wait to see it all buttoned up

[RamAirZ]

Well said man! I did more picture gazing than reading the first time but your 100% right. If he does have a ton of experience and he's just not using it on your truck, I'd find someone else. And shoot, even with him getting married he should never shove a vehicle out that's not done right. If I'm working on someones ride, I won't let it leave unless it's done right and to my standards, that's your business rep driving out the door. I'd prefer a shop that tells me they need to keep it a few more days because they need to "polish" some things up than just throw it together and get it out. Still excited to see it running and sitting on those big meats but yeah I'd make sure all that stuff was taken care of before I decided to drive it. I'm really surprised he used the stock rear links too.

[Buffy]

I agree with what Zeus said. Would anyone else be concerned with the amount of oil volume lost from the modified oil pan?? I would have thought a low profile oil pan with side bolsters would have been a better solution. Just seems he lost about 2 quarts work of oil on that pan modification.

[Triathlete]

I didn't look closely at the pics until after reading Zeus's post and have to agree with his obsevations. Hopefully your builder will be able to get all the issues worked out and create a safe beast for you. Keep us updated.

Not sure how much research you have done prior to your project but it might be helpfull to do a bit of searching and reading about the issues you are experiencng on the Pirate 4x4 site. There is a lot of good info there.

[RamAirZ]

I agree with what Zeus said. Would anyone else be concerned with the amount of oil volume lost from the modified oil pan?? I would have thought a low profile oil pan with side bolsters would have been a better solution. Just seems he lost about 2 quarts work of oil on that pan modification.

I think that's why Ascinder is using the Vette's "batwing" pan. A dry sump LS7 pan would have been sweet too.

[jhigareda]

Umm I concur DR.

[ZEUS]

Milodon also makes a steel pan but like the batwing pan it becomes wider so I worry about contact with the front diff. I am personally leaning toward the H3 Alpha 5.3 pan for my build as it is 2" or so shorter than the stock truck pan.

[RamAirZ]

The trailblazer pan is pretty short there too isn't it?

[sleveritt]

Man, I thought I was anxious to get this thing on the trails! You guys have lots of ideas, but as far as I know, this (and Ascinder's) are the only real projects going on. Not just some bolt on mods over a weekend. This is a build thread that presents many months of development and many more to come. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions, I will keep them in mind - but the tone is not to my liking. This is a work in progress - FAR from done. Perhaps considering that he is a friend of mine would help keep things in better perspective.

Like I said, he had to get the VX out of the shop (wedding, reception, honeymoon, etc.) and I had things I could do to it in the meantime (HVAC was top of the list, but all the shops were just too busy). Back up and realize he probably had other things HE was doing while the shop guys worked on my rig. They never said it was done, just to a point where I could drive it and complete some stuff of my own. When I called him with my list, he apologized and was more than willing to bring it back to the front of the line.

Obviously there are things that were rushed or incomplete, but I don't remember finding a true builder shop anywhere near here that would touch a driveline transplant. Of those within an hour drive of here said, no way. Further questioning yielded "Jeep bolt on modification shops". Those in more populous states have a greater variety to chose from, not so around here. If you're a professional automotive mechanic, builder or specialist, then good for you and be sure to let me know when you have your own shop and begin to offer nationwide service. I'd be willing to let you work on my rig.

Sam

[RamAirZ]

Man, I thought I was anxious to get this thing on the trails! You guys have lots of ideas, but as far as I know, this (and Ascinder's) are the only real projects going on. Not just some bolt on mods over a weekend. This is a build thread that presents many months of development and many more to come. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions, I will keep them in mind - but the tone is not to my liking. This is a work in progress - FAR from done. Perhaps considering that he is a friend of mine would help keep things in better perspective.

Like I said, he had to get the VX out of the shop (wedding, reception, honeymoon, etc.) and I had things I could do to it in the meantime (HVAC was top of the list, but all the shops were just too busy). Back up and realize he probably had other things HE was doing while the shop guys worked on my rig. They never said it was done, just to a point where I could drive it and complete some stuff of my own. When I called him with my list, he apologized and was more than willing to bring it back to the front of the line.

Obviously there are things that were rushed or incomplete, but I don't remember finding a true builder shop anywhere near here that would touch a driveline transplant. Of those within an hour drive of here said, no way. Further questioning yielded "Jeep bolt on modification shops". Those in more populous states have a greater variety to chose from, not so around here. If you're a professional automotive mechanic, builder or specialist, then good for you and be sure to let me know when you have your own shop and begin to offer nationwide service. I'd be willing to let you work on my rig.

Sam

I don't think people are talking down to you but more trying to offer advice so you have a nice/safe rig. As far as no one else building something like yours on here, may not be a VX but I'm sure a few of us have had our fair share of in-depth builds with full on fabrication/modifications involved. But we won't get into that, but yes like Zeus said, it was just us making sure you don't get screwed. Saying he's a friend is different than us thinking it's some shop that promised you stuff and hasn't delivered. You just called him the "builders" and said stuff like:

"Sadly, the VX is back at the builders. I uncovered a few areas where they did not double check their work. "

We're just looking out for ya, it's an awesome build for sure and once everything is "done" it'll be one sick rig. Don't get pissed at us though for trying to help, this is a "tech" forum after all.

[pbkid]

very nice.

someone finally an SAS!!!....