Project VXOverLand

[Thelgord]

Work on the VX has slowed as I wait for parts to arrive. Still waiting for my window seal clips.

Also, after inspecting the front end for a grating/grinding noise that I wasn't able to track down, I found both outer CV boots split wide open. I have two half axles on order and I will change out the front brake pads, inspect the calipers, and inspect the outer wheel bearings on both sides. The brakes, maybe bearings, maybe rotors, will be next weekend.

The axle shafts I ordered: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[MSHardeman]

In case you haven't seen it, member Kenny wrote up a great front bearing re-pack how-to a few years back:

http://www.vehicross.info/showthread...fun?highlight=

I've used this to re-pack my front bearing a couple of times now. Very helpful.

[Thelgord]

Thanks for the link, it helped a lot!

Today was a good day. New front brakes. Fixed sticking caliper, needed the guid bolt re-greased. Repacked the bearings since they were all in good shape. Replaced both front axle halfs! Yay me! The last part was both and harder and easier than expected. Harder in that the axles didn't want to come out, easier in that I learned there is less to it than I thought.

[Thelgord]

Need to update my signature again LOL!

[Thelgord]

Yay! My window clips came in today! One more task to turn green!

[Thelgord]

Another yay! I went to pull-a-part and got an EGR Valve off of a 2000 tropper. No more CEL! Yay!

I also got a key from from it, but either the battery is dead, or it is not compatible. I will try to change the batteries (it takes two disk type) and see if that works.

[Thelgord]

Went back to Pull-A-Part today. From a 2000 Tropper I got a new Air Filter box, a brake booster hose, and the rear door tire carrier. It's been a good day. All for $40.

[Thelgord]

Took a chance today. Ordered a new MAF sensor from Parts Geek dot com. We'll see how this works, but at only $40, it was worth a one time risk.

[ipd]

I'm still debating on ordering a clockspring from an older trooper. I am unable to verify if that will allow me to plug/play my JDM steering wheel.

[Thelgord]

You may want to check your local salvage yard before spending a lot of money.

[ipd]

Hopefully when my life settles a bit. I just wish someone out there knew the answer already. Odds are, someone probably does--but since FB has destroyed auto forums, I'm SOL. Sadly, since FB requires compromising your phone number to their machine--just so you can see/post--I'm going to have to continue passing.

[Thelgord]

I really wish the moderator of the form would unlock the HOWTO section. Even if it had to be rebuilt, it would be a good thing.

[Thelgord]

Placed a 130Amp alternator on order tonight. Working night shift means that I, generally, drive at night. I think my OEM alternator is already starting to struggle. When I used the blinkers the dash lights dim each time they blink. Should be here in time to get it put on this weekend.

I also discovered that spraying parts cleaner into the intake is a bad idea. The exhaust was terrible. LOL!

[Thelgord]

Yay! It was a good day! I installed a new air filter, MAF sensor, and the 130 Amp Alternator! Yay!

The alternator was a PITA. However, now that it’s done. Instead of 12.9 volts at idle I am now at 14.7 volts. I think the old one was slowly killing my battery as I drive it mostly at night. I work night shift.

Now it’s idles at the proper RPM (around 980 cold) instead of 2000-2100 RPM. Purrs like a kitten!

Alternator I used: http://www.ebay.com/itm/282467615512
MAF I used: https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/19...ir_flow_sensor (I used the cheap one ... )

We will see how long the budget MAF lasts.

[Thelgord]

Just FYI for anyone just now getting to this thread, the first post is updated with an ongoing build log if you want too see everything I have done, so far anyway.