RADO's Off Road Rig- Build Thread

[Triathlete]

Yep, we had a trooper wheel with us in Az one time that every time it flexed out on an obstacle his springs would pop out. It got old after about the 5th time. We finally put a tie down strap around his axle and bumper to prevent it from extending to far.

[VXorado]

Bitchin! How's the front end feeling now? Tracking better?

Better after just tuning the ORI's and making some alignment tweaks. I think I'll be good with both sway bars installed and a good alignment.

Yep, we had a trooper wheel with us in Az one time that every time it flexed out on an obstacle his springs would pop out. It got old after about the 5th time. We finally put a tie down strap around his axle and bumper to prevent it from extending to far.

Losing springs is a real pain, I first experienced the issue in Moab 2012. I used tube clamps to keep the springs on the axle and lost both isolators... Sounded like the rear end was breaking to pieces with the springs directly on metal but hey, can't beat that flex!

[JayDallas]

Thank you VXorado!

[JayDallas]

One more question, (sorry to bother you) how many sq ft do i need for the entire vehicle?

[VXorado]

One more question, (sorry to bother you) how many sq ft do i need for the entire vehicle?

If you're a first time wrapper, go for 30-35ft depending on your budget. When I wrapped the VX blue, I used 30ft and had some extra. Recently I used 25 ft for the green vinyl and had just barely enough. Keep in mind I don't wrap the back door on my VX.

Also to filter the results,
Search ebay: Avery Midnight Matte Sand Metallic 30
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...ic+30&_sacat=0

[JayDallas]

Thank you man, very helpful info.

[VXorado]

I spent a good amount of time last weekend out in the cold garage building new control arms for the rear axle. I opted for 2x.25" DOM tubing with johnny joints on one end and poly bushings on the other. Using poly bushings saved me about $100 over JJs all around, putting the total cost at $250 for all three adjustable control arms.

Additionally, I'll be installing longer Rancho 9000XL shocks (amazon), 1/2" shock adapters (indy4x), stainless steel extended brake lines (indy4x), coil spring holders (indy4x) and the previously mentioned WJ 4.5" lift coil springs (rusty offroad) with 2" poly spacers (fatbob's garage/ebay). All of this is more than I originally intended to buy just to adjust rear ride height, but at least now everything will be upgraded.

Pinion angle with new lift and old control arms.


Here's a pic of the new control arms before paint along with an original bent control arm.


Everything ready to install...

[bartmanS4]

Those arms look awesome Jon. Nice work!

[VXorado]

Those arms look awesome Jon. Nice work!

Thanks Scott, I'm happy with how they turned out. Got to get them installed and make this VX roadworthy.

[Ldub]

You're my hero Ferris Rado...

[VXorado]

You're my hero Ferris Rado...

Papa Rado's here for ya Dub!

[VXorado]

The rear axle is almost done... I finished installing the control arms, shocks, sway bar, and brake lines. Everything fit really well and I was able to correct the pinion angle.

I'm currently finishing up the track bar mount to help re-center the axle. After that's complete... installing a new front sway bar, drive-shafts (rear u-joints are noisy and probably need replacing), finish the front bumper/headlights, bigger tires, and get the steering dialed in. Then flex photos.

[Frankenstein]

Wow! Looking good.

[Vendetta]

Looking REALLY good! Love that color, man. Rugged.

-V

[Triathlete]

Twothumbsup!