Preping for off-road

[ahdoman]

Hey all - I'm really enjoying my VX and have done a couple of off-road adventures. I'm hoping to make it to Moab so I'm starting some preperations now and I've got a couple of questions. This thread is probably going to go all over the place but I'll try to keep it centered. Please bear in mind, that because my VX is so rare I don't want to do anything to it cosmetic or structural to negatively affect the value. However, to me, it would be a tragedy to lock her up in the garage and never take her out where she was created to be. So here are the questions...

1) There's a 99 Trooper near me that is being parted. Keeping in mind that I don't want to change anything from the stock VX, what parts do they share that you recommend I get for spares? (i.e. halfshafts, switches, etc.).

2) Are the stock wheels from the trooper the same size & offset as the early VX's? Mine is a 2001 but I want to run smaller wheels (15") so I can put larger rubber on them and use them for off-roading so I don't tear up my stock wheels. I've read that the ideal would be 15x7's with a 29" tire?

3) Armour - I've already built a custom skid plate for the diff and I'm either going to build sliders or buy some. Other than that, is there any other armour that is critical for off-roading (no significant rock climbing)? It looks like nobody sells skid plate kits for our VX's anymore.

4) I've heard rumours of people using their handbrake as an "offset" brake to tension the left rear wheel when they have LSD. The result is that it supposedly acts like a rear locker? Anybody else know anything about this and if so, can this be done on the VX?

5) I already own a lot of standard off-roading accessories (CB, Straps, Slings, Shackles). Is there anything else that could be unique to the VX that I need to put in the kit?

Thanks for all your input. I've attached a couple of pics from this last weekends activities in Hungry Valley. I was the only VX in a sea of Jeeps (17) and 4Runners (2). These are the typical trails that are in my area. (If any of you SoCal people ever want to try this just let me know. There's lots of good trails just north of LA).

[circmand]

Hey all - I'm really enjoying my VX and have done a couple of off-road adventures. I'm hoping to make it to Moab so I'm starting some preperations now and I've got a couple of questions. This thread is probably going to go all over the place but I'll try to keep it centered. Please bear in mind, that because my VX is so rare I don't want to do anything to it cosmetic or structural to negatively affect the value. However, to me, it would be a tragedy to lock her up in the garage and never take her out where she was created to be. So here are the questions...

While quite rare the VX has yet to under go a financial bump to realize financial gains

[/QUOTE]1) There's a 99 Trooper near me that is being parted. Keeping in mind that I don't want to change anything from the stock VX, what parts do they share that you recommend I get for spares? (i.e. halfshafts, switches, etc.).[/QUOTE]
The parts that are interchangable are still plentiful and as such are pretty economically priced. It is the VX specific that are hard to get.

[/QUOTE]2) Are the stock wheels from the trooper the same size & offset as the early VX's? Mine is a 2001 but I want to run smaller wheels (15") so I can put larger rubber on them and use them for off-roading so I don't tear up my stock wheels. I've read that the ideal would be 15x7's with a 29" tire?[/QUOTE]
The 1999 VX wheels were 16's You can run sufficient meat on the stock wheels (up to 33s without trimming.

[tom4bren]

IIRC, if you run 15" rims, you'll have to make sure that you have enough offset to clear suspension or brake calipers (can't remember which).

I'm running 15" rims but have a lot of offset which causes it's own problem with interference. I get rubbing at full lock when the outboard edge of tire contacts the inside of the fender well.

The VX is pretty capable stock. I don't think that I'd mess with the e-brake to make the LSD in the rear work better. It already does a pretty good job. Some have installed a locker up front tho to add traction.

[Triathlete]

Circ...33's will require trimming and bfh work to fit. 31 is about as big as you can go with no (or little depending on tire) trimming.

[circmand]

Circ...33's will require trimming and bfh work to fit. 31 is about as big as you can go with no (or little depending on tire) trimming.

I thought 33's for no trim and 35's with trim. But I do not run this large and was going from memory. I was also assuming a little torqing of the bars.

[MSHardeman]

It already sounds like you're well on your way to making Pearl off-road worthy and I hope that you can make it to Moab this year because it would be great to meet both you and Pearl.

1) I'm not 100% sure what is compatible with the Trooper so hopefully others who have more experience with this will chime in. I do think that the front half shafts are compatible with the VX so I would grab those for sure. It sounds like, from another thread, the ABS module is compatible and many of ours have gone out (turning on the ABS light on the dash) so maybe grab that. I THINK the transmission and transfer case may be compatible with the VX and the engine may be compatible too. If the Trooper is a 3.2L the engine will drop right into the VX, but will have less power then the 3.5L.

2) I think that the stock Trooper rims will fit on a VX. I think some here have used Trooper rims on their VX.

3) The skid plates from a Trooper will fit on the VX. There is one that covers the transmission, one that covers the transfer case and a third that I can't remember what it covers. There are/where a couple of companies that made sliders for the VX, but I think one of them stopped making them. Hopefully someone with sliders will chime in.

4) You can definitely use your hand brake to "lock up" the rear diff when wheeling. Just pull up a couple of clicks on the hand brake lever and it does wonders. I use this trick at least one each year in Moab.

5) There really isn't anything unique that you'll need for the VX. Unless you have sliders you won't be able to use a high lift jack because we don't have any lift points on the VX.

Hope to meet you in May.

[JoFotoz]

Given yours is the fabled Pear White Unicorn.....

I can see your reluctance to do any mods, that cant be undone.

I'd suggest Bolt on rock rails... its the least invasive for that issue.
31's and some very minor front edge cladding trim ....
(If they ever achieve true collector prices, you can retrofit an un cut front cladding)
OME after market rear springs..keep originals.... and t/bar crank.
And as mentioned..the Trooper skid plates /3 pieces bolt on/off.

I am also a HUGE fan of the dylan/Curt tow hitch as a GREAT rear skid plate..
...it offers awesome rear protection, and it bolts on/off .

And..as mentioned re the LSD.. no mods required...
....just the appropriate application of e-brake when needed.

Cheers
Jo

[Triathlete]

A lot also depends on the trails you plan to run. If you stick to easier trails a stock vx is just fine. Maybe some a/t tires for better grip ( Jack aka PBKid ran bald street tires his first year out).
If you want to experience the harder trails you can always find an open seat.

[VX KAT]

A lot also depends on the trails you plan to run. If you stick to easier trails a stock vx is just fine. Maybe some a/t tires for better grip ( Jack aka PBKid ran bald street tires his first year out).
If you want to experience the harder trails you can always find an open seat.

As a stock height VXer (WITH 285/60-18s that raised the VX a little) that's done Moab 5 times in my VX, I've seen the "easier" trails significantly decline in condition and definitely went UP in difficulty level. Many others completely agreed. (Top of the World comes to mind!!!)

I have to say some skid plates (like the trooper ones) are a VERY VERY important idea. I scrapped the living crap out of my undercarriage and thank gawd for my full Kilby skids.....and even with that I managed to scrap a little area unprotected, and also completely mangled my lower control arm....and I'm NOT THAT BAD of an off road driver....so I'd recommend some protection...especially for Pearl!


I plan on coming in '15, can't wait to "meet" Pearl!

[Triathlete]

Sue, when I refer to easy I'm talking slightly harder than a dirt road...just way more scenic...Such as Hurrah Pass.

[ahdoman]

Hey everybody - thanks for the responses. So, armed with the new info I have a couple of follow up questions;

1) Compatible Trooper parts I'll try and get; half shafts, ABS module, wheels and skid plates. He also has a newly rebuilt engine with only 20k miles on it. Thankfully I don't need an engine but if someone else does let me know.

2) I think the Trooper wheels are 16" so if I can get those in the deal I'll look at putting some 31's on them. Does anybody know if they are the same offset as ours?

3) I was looking at the Rocky Road sliders unless I make my own. I prefer to have them bolt on. I really don't want to weld to the frame if I can help it and according to Rocky Road theirs bolt on. (Like your idea on the hitch Joe but I'm going to fabricate my own hidden hitch style).

4) It looks like the opinion is split on the hand brake. I want to confirm the concept though. My understanding is that the rear left wheel is the drive and the rear right is the slip? In other words, if all four wheels are stuck in the mud then the left rear will spin and the front right one? Then, if the left rear experiences "resistance" the diff engages the right rear? I know that's a bit simplified and obviously depends upon good clutch packs and components.

I really hope I can make it to Moab. Another friend (with an 2013 Landcruiser) and I would convoy out together and probably camp. But, I need to wait until we get closer so I can arrange for the time off. As much as I am looking forward to roading in Moab I am even more excited about meeting all of you.

[Triathlete]

The hand brake "locker" works.
Be aware that the trooper shafts have a slightly smaller ball in the cv than our vx. Will they work...yes. But it is not an exact fit and may cause some abnormal wear on the race in the green cup. A good option to carry as a spare (you only need one since they are interchangeable side to side) is maybe one of the surtrac shafts. They are relatively inexpensive.

[VX KAT]

Sue, when I refer to easy I'm talking slightly harder than a dirt road...just way more scenic...Such as Hurrah Pass.

hmmmm Billy, then how come the "easy" trail (formerly known as VX only on Tuesday) was never that easy? You spotted me great on the end of Hell's Revenge that first year I went, and that was a frikkin' mini boulder mine field. I never heard anybody suggest Hurrah Pass. But LaSal mountain was truly "easy" and a gorgeous view, it's a great starter trail.

This was Top of the World....previously "easy"...now difficult for undercarriages!

3) I was looking at the Rocky Road sliders unless I make my own. I prefer to have them bolt on. I really don't want to weld to the frame if I can help it and according to Rocky Road theirs bolt on. (Like your idea on the hitch Joe but I'm going to fabricate my own hidden hitch style).

I forgot to mention....I ALSO had the Rocky Road Super sliders....bolt on, and really gave good protection. Can see they really got chewed up! Highly recommend them!

4) It looks like the opinion is split on the hand brake. I want to confirm the concept though. My understanding is that the rear left wheel is the drive and the rear right is the slip? In other words, if all four wheels are stuck in the mud then the left rear will spin and the front right one? Then, if the left rear experiences "resistance" the diff engages the right rear? I know that's a bit simplified and obviously depends upon good clutch packs and components.

It works, and it works fantastic! Doesn't really matter how it works....and whether it's left or right...if spinning a rear wheel, grab the e-brake and work it gently, one or two clicks usually does it.

A few good examples where the e-brake worked great....first spinning tire in soft sand...then e-brake and up I went!





Got high centered here, stock height, before bigger tires. Luckily Moncha (in the hat) came over and told me how to use the e-brake here...we leaned to the left and e-braked a few clicks and it worked.



Hell's Revenge "boulder mine field"...this was also when I was stock, before slightly larger tires. Had to carefully tip toe through this, WITH THE HELP OF A GREAT SPOTTER! Thanks Billy! (in the light blue shirt)








AND COME ON, YOU GOTTA WANT TO DO THIS! . YOU'VE GOT TO COME TO MOAB!! IT'S AWESOME!

[circmand]

Pix Kat

[VX KAT]

Pix Kat

yeah, since I don't have a VX anymore, maybe I should change my screen name to that!