Diff Drop Query

[TEN36VX]

While doing the T-Bar crank the other day I went to far and put the front up 4 inches. I corrected back down to 3 but liked the 4" height...

I was just looking at the Diff. Drop brackets on the DOR site. If you threw on 1.5" diff drops, and took the front up to 4", wouldn't your CV's be okay with the angle as it's still .5" lower than it was at the 3" height? Am I way off base here? Just a thought to eek out a bit more growth.


BTW, I put 919's in the rear and only got 2"... What gives? I hear the 912's give 2.5". I guess 1" spacers are in order.

[Ldub]

4.0
-1.5
------
2.5 ................................ Looks right to me.

[tomdietrying]

Has anyone done the diff drop? If so, what is your opinion on the mod?
Peace.
Tom

p.s.
What does DOR stand for? What site is that?

[Ldub]

Tom,
I know that Alaska VX (Dustin, I believe) has done it to his.

DOR is Darlington Off Road...lots of cool stuff for Troopers & a few bits (like the IFS diff. drop) that'll cross over to the VX.

After looking at their site, it appears that you may need the dropped cross member too ???

Maybe pm Alaska VX & get the straight poop.

www.darlington-offroad.com

[bobmumgaard]

I did the diff drop from DOR about 8 months ago. Overall I am pleased with the results. The bracket was of very good quality and Joe of DOR was very helpful. But take into consideration he makes these to order so you will probably have to wait awhile to get it. (I waited about 5 weeks I believe).
I'm sitting about 3"-3.5" taller and the drop really sets the front axles straight, gives me much more confidence in the inherently weak front drivetrain when wheeling.
However... If you decide to do the drop, you must either have someone or someplace put the brackets on for you or you must be mechanically inclined and well tooled. They are a PITA to get on and off. You'll need to undo cv joints, ball joints, get an alignment and wrestle with 4 monstrous bolts (I ended up stripping/cutting/replacing three of them) So seriously think about how much you'll benefit from this.
And ldub is right, you do need to lower the front crossmember with this mod, I used spacers but DOR sells a modified crossmember as well.

In summary, If you want to wheel hard, then go for it. And take the oppurtunity to rebuild the CV's, Replace tie rods, change the diff oil, replace/flip/spacer ball joints and maybe even upgrade the brakes while you're in there like I did.

Also, I'd be willing to walk you through it, and I think SPAZZ, AlaskaVX, and Coachreed (if he's still around) all have experience with this and are willing to help.

Bobmumgaard

[Ldub]

Bob,
Check me if i'm wrong on this but...
Are you kind of implying that for the same amount of effort/expense, you could do the CV grease/ re-boot a couple times or more ?

A FYI addendum, I'm pretty sure Alaska VX ended up with Randys (Coach) not quite finished VXV8. FWIW

[Triathlete]

It may be too late to get the drop brackets from DOR. It seems that Joe is closing up shop...Read it here! . Joe did a lot for the Isuzu community and hopefully will return!

[SPAZZ]

do it your self

[E-ZooZoo One]

It may be too late to get the drop brackets from DOR. It seems that Joe is closing up shop...

Sad news, indeed

But it looks like Joe still has a few sets - so if you really want them, you'd better call him SOON!

208-590-0104

[bobmumgaard]

SPAZZ makes a good point. I did the axle drop so I wouldn't have to keep doing the CV's. Once youre in there to do the CV's the axle is only a 4 more bolts (granted they are big and tight) so you might as well go for it. Or.. once you're in there redoing the axle, you might as well grease up and boot the CV's one last time. Plus, dropping the axle in a shop is alot easier than replacing CV's on a trail 300 miles from home.

A FYI addendum, I'm pretty sure Alaska VX ended up with Randys (Coach) not quite finished VXV8. FWIW

I can't wait to see that beast come to life one of these days.

[SPAZZ]

208 is Idaho area code??? Darlington is on East coast.

But, I heard he gets the brackets modded or did from a guy here in Boise