LittleBeast becomes BigBeast, lift, rims, tires, and more. Pics, PICS, and more PICS.

[LittleBeast]

1st I installed the greasable swaybar bushings (energy suspension part # 9.5163R and 9.5156R), ultra low profile bumpstops (energy suspensions part # 9.9132R) and did the ball joint flip on the front:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/FrontSwayBarBushing2.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/RearSwayBarBushing2.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/LowBumpstop6.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/BallJointFlip3.jpg

Then I installed a vacuum control solenoid (part #8-01997-201-0) that fixed my P0440 and P0405 fault codes:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VacControlSolenoid2.jpg

2nd I installed the new higher profile rear bumpstops (energy suspension part # 9.9104R) and OME 912 springs in the rear:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_002.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_003.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/RearLifted.jpg

3rd I cranked the torsion bars to level:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Lifted1.jpg

4th I modified the cladding with a pneumatic cutoff tool/hammer and cleaned it all up with carefully placed HD zip ties:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_008.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_013.jpg

Zinik Z26 20x8.5” Rims when I got them:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/NewRim5.jpg

After installing the inserts:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/NewRim8.jpg

Test fitting the rims:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/NewRim18.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/NewRim21.jpg

1st pic of tires and rims installed:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/1st.jpg

Before and after pics:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Before.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/After.jpg

Testing bumpstops with flex (they work perfect):

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_065.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_058.jpg

[LittleBeast]

Scenic pics:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_087.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_094.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_077.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_019.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_081.jpg

[LittleBeast]

Tons of appreciation goes out to all those who helped me decide what to do with this mod, especially LDub (really thanks a ton man!) JoFotoz, Spazz, ericjimenez, and Zeus to name just a few. Thanks everyone, hope you like how it turned out!!!!!

[LittleBeast]

Here is a shot showing the amount of those massive 33x12.5 Nitto Mud Grapplers sticking out from the sides, definitly not too much but just enough, just what I was looking for. What do you all think?:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_024.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_025.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_017.jpg

Oh and here is what the finished product looks like when I cleaned up the newly cut cladding:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_010.jpg

[pbkid]

damn looks good man....im workin my way to the same thing right now :bgwp:

[kodiak]

Very Nice! Looks good, jeep owners are going to feel inadequate in its presents.:p

[Ldub]

:thumbup:...That looks SO much better...:thumbup:

:dance:...:dance:...:dance:...:dance:...:dance:... :dance:

I believe a trip to Moab is now in order...:naughty:

[tomdietrying]

Ryan, looks GREAT! The only thing I can think of that will look better than your VX in a field in Texas is your VX hitting the sandstones of Moab. How about it? Get someone who's riding shotgun from the Texas posse to drive your VX to Moab. Go to your track meet in Salt Lake and meet LittleBeast in Moab. It can be done, and you can thank all those people in person because they will all be in MOAB in a couple of weeks!

Give it some serious thought.

Peace.
Tom
012009

[JHarris1385]

Wow dude that looks great.....I think I am sold on the 20's with 33's now....Great work.

[taylorRichie]

You're a punk! I decided I wasn't going to modify my suspension on my VX, and was going to be happy with stock. I don't wheel much, I just go camping, and generally am faced with simple dirt roads. I convinced myself I was happy aesthetically with the stock setup (just add some wheels). NOW I'M NOT!!

That is (in my opinion) the best looking VX I've ever seen. (no offense to anyone) That is totally my taste.

How long was the install start to finish?

I just finished putting a new turbo in my A4 so I could put it up for sale... Looks like the proceeds may be going to a full suspension upgrade for the VX. Damn-it...

:D

[taylorRichie]

Went back through your post... i'm confused... Is this only a ball joint flip, and torsion crank? Then Springs in the rear? And it looks this good? Killer...

And please give me reports on Ride quality, and MPGs (sure we're looking 12ish?)

Still can't get over how good that looks...

[VehiGAZ]

Those tires look like tank treads! Mean!!!

[LittleBeast]

How about it? Get someone who's riding shotgun from the Texas posse to drive your VX to Moab. Go to your track meet in Salt Lake and meet LittleBeast in Moab. It can be done, and you can thank all those people in person because they will all be in MOAB in a couple of weeks!


Well now I hadn't thought of that, if that is an option I might be up for that.....


That is (in my opinion) the best looking VX I've ever seen. (no offense to anyone) That is totally my taste.

How long was the install start to finish?

I just finished putting a new turbo in my A4 so I could put it up for sale... Looks like the proceeds may be going to a full suspension upgrade for the VX. Damn-it...

:D

Thanks alot I am glad you like it, I used to not be able to say honestly that I liked my VX the best, for instance I used to like LDub and Jofotoz more than my own, but finally I can say that I like the looks of my own the most (but guys your VX's are still amazing).

Install I cut into about a 3 day period:
-1st front ball joint flip and low profile bumpstops (roughly 4-5 hours as you figured it all out)
-Then springs in rear with rear bumpstop upgrade and torsion crank and lots of measuring wheel well to tires and trips to the local Lowe's for the level parking lot to measure (roughly 4-5 hours again)
-Then cutting the wheel wells and cladding and turning the tires a ton to make sure I thought I was adding enough clearance (roughly 3-4 hours)

Finally I just went to a local tire shop down the street and they mounted and balanced new rims and tires, and then seperated my old rims and tires all in about an hour for $60 cash. And I did a few other things so I did a little everyday for a week and was so happy when I was done.

I know what you mean about the A4, just before I started on the VX again, I got my RX-8 just the way I liked it, lowered a little with factory body kit and all, and now that the VX is done I have not driven it in almost 2 weeks! Now that I am so pleased with the VX I am considering selling it. It just cannot compete with the completely unique VX, you know?


Went back through your post... i'm confused... Is this only a ball joint flip, and torsion crank? Then Springs in the rear? And it looks this good? Killer...

And please give me reports on Ride quality, and MPGs (sure we're looking 12ish?)

Still can't get over how good that looks...

You are correct ball joint flip, torsion crank, some springs and some slight cladding and hammer mods on the front fenders is all it takes!

Ride quality is definitely different. It is not as different as I thought it would be but different none the less. Only time I really notice it is very mild slightly loser feeling in the steering on the highway, and when you make a sudden turn it really wants to turn and when you try to correct those large tires don't want to but it hasn't been that bad at all. They are definitely louder than the Terra Grapplers, but you can barely hear them over my PV1 muffler, you only notice it when I am off the gas coasting and then it just sounds sweet! MPG, well I am getting around 250 miles per tank, but now I am traveling around 11% farther than what the odometer says so I might be getting 270 miles for 20 gallons, so roughly 13-15 miles per gallon, but this is pretty typical for my VX the most I have ever gotten was 17 miles to the gallon with a tail wind on the highway :bwgy:

[MSHardeman]

It's now the UltraBeast. It looks great. Those tires look super meaty and they look great on the VX. I know that there is already a lot of peer pressure, but if you can make it out to Moab you, Dub and JoFotoz could go Jeep hunting (I know I wouldn't mess with three gnarly looking VX's rolling down the road).

[VX crazy]

Ryan, that looks so great! And how many miles are on yours already??? WOW

[Dumke]

Looking sharp. Hope to see in person @ moab.

[cyronman]

:thumbup: :thumbup:

[nfpgasmask]

You're a punk! I decided I wasn't going to modify my suspension on my VX, and was going to be happy with stock. I don't wheel much, I just go camping, and generally am faced with simple dirt roads. I convinced myself I was happy aesthetically with the stock setup (just add some wheels). NOW I'M NOT!!


LOL, I used to think the same thing, and last night, I put my VX up on the 912s as well! I get new meats on Saturday morning, and then I have exactly 1 week to blast off to Moab!

I can hardly contain myself.

(Thanks to CrnCnn and Ascinder for the help lifting yesterday)

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

Ryan, looks sweet. I just lifted last night, but all I did is the 912s in the rear and the torsion bar crank. I think the bump stops are a good idea. I might have to order a set. I didn't do the ball joint flip, most people say its not that important, but I will get new tires on Saturday and see if they have trouble aligning me...

Bart

PS - Come to Moab. Just do it. I'm super serial.

[pbkid]

whats the purpose of the different bumpstops? is it for more articulation into the fender?

[Ldub]

whats the purpose of the different bumpstops? is it for more articulation into the fender?

To LIMIT the amount of up travel in the suspension...bigger tires + more neg. offset = tire contact with the lip/inside of the fender well. ...:_wrench:

[Triathlete]

Dude!!!!...












































...Sweet!!!!!!!!!

[LittleBeast]

whats the purpose of the different bumpstops? is it for more articulation into the fender?

Yeah just like LDub said, on the rear the larger Bumpstop helps prevent tire rub from the larger tires and wider offset upon up travel of the wheels, and on the front the lower profile bumpstops increase the amount of down travel. Bumpstops on the rear make contact on up travel, bumpstops on front make contact on down travel.

[VXD959]

Ryan,

Awesome job! That thing looks mean! And the last picture (on the grass) has to make the 2009 calendar for sure! Hope to see the Big Beast in person soon!

[don moore]

GOOD JOB..she looks great:smilegray

[WormGod]

Lookin good. Glad to see you didnt go all wagon-wheel with some 22" dubs an' **** yo! :p

[VCrossfan]

:thumbup: NICE :thumbup:....LOVE THE LOOK, HOWS THE TIRE NOISE???:_steering

[SilverBullet75]

Yes, inquiring minds want to know... How loud?
That is probably the best combination of height and meat I've seen yet.
GREAT JOB!

[LittleBeast]

:thumbup: NICE :thumbup:....LOVE THE LOOK, HOWS THE TIRE NOISE???:_steering


Yes, inquiring minds want to know... How loud?

Thanks I am glad you like the look. I really like having to actually step up in the VX now :) The road noise is definitely louder than the Terra Grapplers, but I have the PV1 muffler and you cannot hear the tires over the muffler unless you are really listening for it. And when I get off the gas it is just a nice whine, not too loud, noticeable but not bad. I have ridden in a few trucks with Mud tires and I have to say these are the quietest I have heard. Even when driving next to Jeeps and other trucks I can still hear their tires over mine with the windows down, but when it is just me I can hear it, but it is definitely bearable for everyday driving. I drove it to Huntsville and back twice now (2 and a half hours round trip) and I had a guy on a motorcycle speed up just in front of me and then turn his upper body completely around and stare at the VX while going 65+ and then giving me a big thumbs up and then he exited. While at a gas station normally people used to ask me about the VX, but the other day after the tires and rims and lift and all, two guys in different cars started a conversation with each other about the VX. One guys was like wow what is that I have never seen one of those, then the other guy says yeah I don't think they even make those anymore...... I was standing right there, they didn't even look at me they were just staring at the VX! I had a kid almost fall off of his bicycle staring at me and then in a nice upscale neighborhood, a dad stopped in mid throw playing with his son in the front yard with a Frisbee to stop and stare, and he yelled something at his other neighbor who was outside. It is hilarious; this has just multiplied the stares and comments! Definitely worth a little tire whine to me. Oh and the tire whine is definitely not as bad as my Dad's old Toyota truck was. If you have a PV1 and can handle the noise at 65 then the tires will be right there in the same ballpark. Sometimes I just get up to speed and let off the gas because I think it actually sounds pretty sweet!

[LittleBeast]

Ryan, that looks so great! And how many miles are on yours already??? WOW

Just turned over 107,000. Seems like the other day it was at 50,000!!!!! But I just enjoy driving it SO MUCH!!!!! There is nothing else like it on the road, it gets more stares than an exotic. I am really enjoying the new look and stance.

[LittleBeast]

Found a few more pictures I liked and thought I would share. I need to post some of it all dirtied up, coming soon.....
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_076.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_047.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_042.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VXmodifications_043.jpg

[kodiak]

Nice!!!:eek: You can now park next to Ldub without feeling inadequate.:p

[LittleBeast]

So I have decided to just make this my photo thread, lol. Sorry I just enjoy taking pics of the VX. So the other day the LittleBeast was very muddy from some off-roading so I decided to wash him, and here are the results:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_0061.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_043.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_045.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_050.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_054.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_057.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_067.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_077.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_020.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/10-20-08_087.jpg

[don moore]

looking good:bwgr:

[tom4bren]

I think you just posted all those pix to knock mine off of the home page:)

[LittleBeast]

I think you just posted all those pix to knock mine off of the home page:)

Yeah I was going to post them yesterday but forgot, and I actually felt bad about doing it today, because I didn't want to give your photos the boot, especially being one of the people that needs your photos the most, lol. I hope I can figure out the Diff drop thing ;)

[VehiGAZ]

That thing is lookin' HUGE! Very nice...

[tom4bren]

"I hope I can figure out the Diff drop thing"

If you can do a suspension lift and a CV boot replacement - you won't have too much trouble.

BTW: LittleBeast looks fantastic. Coworker saw pix & started drooling.

[VCrossfan]

:_drool::_drool:NICE:_drool::_drool:

[taylorRichie]

That thing is lookin' HUGE! Very nice...

It's crazy how much bigger a 20" wheel with 33" tires makes it look than a 16" wheel with a 33" tire :D

Your pics makes me want to wash mine :P haven't since the last time I went wheeling... 2 months ago... Kind of made the decision after scraping my BRAND NEW WHEELS, that this was going to be a Utility vehicle ;)

[etlsport]

dude.. :_drool: that may be the sexiest vx ever... e-mail me a couple of those for the calendar! i havent sent them out for voting yet

[ISCE]

AWESOME. Making me want the lift...

[nfpgasmask]

Yeah, it looks excellent. Nice job.

Bart

[etlsport]

Eww... you just made the "pin-up" calendar sound really freaky!

huh?

[Thmstec]

huh?
A very grainy *NSFW* video is contained on the page I've linked to. (the video doesn't start automatically)

Maybe this (http://jalopnik.com/5050010/drunk-man-arrested-for-having-sex-with-chevy-blazer) :eek: will get you thinking along the lines Zues appears to be thinking :rolleyes:

[VXGirlie01]

wow! your VX looks AMAZING!!!! :clap::dance::thumbup::_drool: all I can say is....WOW!!! it makes me proud to be a vx owner! :cool!:

[kodiak]

Nice! Looks like a predator ready to pounce.:thumbup:

[malozi777]

Do you or anyone know if suspension parts are the same as Axiom, Trooper or Rodeo? Thanks. Please respond to : Ronaldmal21@aol.com

[kodiak]

The Vehicross has a modified version of the 2dr trooper suspension. A lot of the chassis parts from a 4dr trooper are interchangeable with the VX. So if you’re looking for suspension mods a lot of the trooper accessories will work.


Do you or anyone know if suspension parts are the same as Axiom, Trooper or Rodeo? Thanks. Please respond to : Ronaldmal21@aol.com

[Griffin]

I didn't read the whole thing. But did you ever do a diff drop? I really want to raise my VX 3" but would like to stay away from the diff drops. Did you ever upgrade the axles or boots?

Oh BTW you Vx is sick.

[Triathlete]

There are no axle "upgrades" for the VX...unless you go SAS.

[Griffin]

There are no axle "upgrades" for the VX...unless you go SAS.

I thought I heard of some people putting stronger boots on or something.

[LittleBeast]

I didn't read the whole thing. But did you ever do a diff drop? I really want to raise my VX 3" but would like to stay away from the diff drops. Did you ever upgrade the axles or boots?

Oh BTW you Vx is sick.

Thanks for the compliment I have not done the diff drop to take some strain off the CV boots yet but it is coming soon. I have had to replace the CV boots twice already though which is really no biggie. And I have yet to find CV boots better than the stock ones.

[Triathlete]

I thought I heard of some people putting stronger boots on or something.


CV boots yes...axles no!

[jetz86]

Your ride looks wicked bro! Makes me more motivated to make mods on my baby too!
Jetz86

[LittleBeast]

Your ride looks wicked bro! Makes me more motivated to make mods on my baby too!
Jetz86

Thanks, what were you thinking of doing?

[mdwyer]

... every time this thread gets bumped, my pocket book gets scared.

I really want to do the lift/big tires thing, but I also want to do it RIGHT... My local shop pretty much talked me out of the springs and crank thing until I get some drop brackets.

[Toad80t]

... every time this thread gets bumped, my pocket book gets scared.


I hear you there. The lift is the cheap part. I priced some mud grapplers and new rims............ :eek: Don't think I will be doing that this year. I do have to get new tires though. So 265/75/16 terra's it is for awhile.

[ericjimenez]

Looks awesome man, i like the lift on it, do you think mine would look nice if i lifted it a bit or just leave it alone?

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/DSC09949.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/10721)

[pbkid]

looks like its already lifted to me...

i like the painted cladding ;)

[Ldub]

Looks awesome man, i like the lift on it, do you think mine would look nice if i lifted it a bit or just leave it alone?

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/DSC09949.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/10721)

IMHO, more clearance in your wheel wells would look...;puke:

Having said that, I'll reiterate my opinion on mods to "YOUR" VX...

Do whatever YOU think looks good & damn what others like!...:thumbup:

Nothing of any meaning or substance, has EVER been accomplished by following the rest of the herd...GO BOLDLY! :thumbup:

If everyone did what they saw their neighbor doing, we would all still be living in caves.

[SilverBullet75]

...Having said that, I'll reiterate my opinion on mods to "YOUR" VX...

Do whatever YOU think looks good & damn what others like!...:thumbup:

Nothing of any meaning or substance, has EVER been accomplished by following the rest of the herd...GO BOLDLY! :thumbup:

If everyone did what they saw their neighbor doing, we would all still be living in caves.

Ldub,
On more than one occasion I've seen people get their egos knocked down... myself included... by people that didn't like the mods that someone had just posted.
What you just said is some of the best advice I've seen on this site to anyone asking "what do you think?"... Bravo!

[Ldub]

Ldub,
On more than one occasion I've seen people get their egos knocked down... myself included... by people that didn't like the mods that someone had just posted.
What you just said is some of the best advice I've seen on this site to anyone asking "what do you think?"... Bravo!

I hear ya cluckin' red rooster...:yes:

I've taken a few "body blows" myself, on some of my more ummmmmmm...
"outside the box" mods, but that's OK, I'm never gonna do mods to please others, only myself.

Opinions (especially mine :rolleyesg) are worth about what was paid, prolly less...:smilewink

However, THAT being said, when any of us asks for others to opine on mods...brace yourself...;)

And then do it YOUR WAY!

[Riff Raff]

Looks awesome man, i like the lift on it, do you think mine would look nice if i lifted it a bit or just leave it alone?

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/DSC09949.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/10721)

Wow, I thought your VX was "lifted" in order to fit those tires. If you're not lifted, then I say DON'T LIFT-- it looks great the way it is.

I have never been a fan of lifting because of CV related problems. My theory has always been to put the biggest tire you can possibly fit within the VX "front" wheelwell WITHOUT "lifting", since it's the severely cramped "front" VX wheelwell that ultimately limits our aftermarket wheel/tire selections. The rear wheelwells has gobs of extra space, so the rear is not an issue (merely duplicate what was able to fit on the front).

LDUB--- I totally concur with your statement. Beauty is in the eye of the "owner" (not so much the "beholder"). Whenever I look at pictures of other people's VX's; there are always things I like, and things I don't like. The vast pool of VX mod's are plentiful and provides a wealth of ideas to incorporate (or not incorporate).

In viewing the pictures of LITTLE BEAST, the thing that really caught my eye was the "twin" chrome tow-hooks. A very simple mod, but has great impact as the twin tow-hooks perfectly augment the twin fangs and make a "well-balanced" front image. Sometimes it's the least expensive mod's that can make the biggest impact if tastefully done. LITTLE BEAST (although not a Proton), has always been one of my favorites. All of his mod's are "in concert" with each other, and provides a very pleasing overall package without being overdone.

[etlsport]

LDUB--- I totally concur with your statement. Beauty is in the eye of the "owner" (not so much the "beholder").


heh one of my fav quotes...

beauty is in the eye of the key-holder!

[LittleBeast]

Looks awesome man, i like the lift on it, do you think mine would look nice if i lifted it a bit or just leave it alone?

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/DSC09949.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/10721)

I think it would still look great lifted, however my personal opinion is I would probably like it more just the way it is. The 22's have quite a bit of aggressive stance and "big time" looks without the extra space in the wheel well's. If you went to a bigger tire, say a 35" tire then yes, lift. But I like it just the way you have it for your current tire/wheel combo.

[tjh]

LittleBeast that lift is wicked . The Vx looks like it's ready to consume everything in its path .

I'm definitely going to look into getting my VX a wee bit of lift .Your photos have sold me . I was thinking 3" lift with 31s' but , after looking at your pics ... . 33s' fit just really well . Very aesthetically pleasing . Ok ,so I will want to do diff drop up front . I also would like to have the gears changed too reduce stress on the engine and maybe reclaim some gas mileage. Um, what gear ratio would I need to be back near stock ? Anyone know ?

That looks amazing !!!

[LittleBeast]

LittleBeast that lift is wicked . The Vx looks like it's ready to consume everything in its path .

I'm definitely going to look into getting my VX a wee bit of lift .Your photos have sold me . I was thinking 3" lift with 31s' but , after looking at your pics ... . 33s' fit just really well . Very aesthetically pleasing . Ok ,so I will want to do diff drop up front . I also would like to have the gears changed too reduce stress on the engine and maybe reclaim some gas mileage. Um, what gear ratio would I need to be back near stock ? Anyone know ?

That looks amazing !!!

This thread should help you out with the gears:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=12512&highlight=gears&page=3

I decided that 4.77 gears are really what we need, but they are incredibly hard to find. After much searching there is still a little debate in my mind after calling around to a bunch of junkyards and such, but basically what you are looking for is:

1988-1991 Trooper with the "Big Tire Package" (which were 31"x10.5" tires and 15"x7" Honeycomb aluminum rims)

Now as far as the option code that should be stamped on the option ID plate in the engine compartment I have found two different opinions for this "Big Tire Package" the two option codes I have been told to look for are:

SL2 or S2J

Also I have heard that the 1989-90 (short wheel base) Isuzu Bighorn imported as a Trooper with a 2.6L 4cyl. had the 4.77 gears, but I am a little unsure of this and have yet to confirm this with many other sources.

As far as 5.38 go you would absolutely need to have the 35" tires and http://www.independent4x.com/ would be able to help you with all the gear stuff. The thread I listed above has all of the rpm and various gearing options with mph and everything, let me know if you don't find something there.

Honestly though I would go for the 33"s if that is what you want and wait for something to break, because a lot of people have warned me and others about the 33"s tearing up so many things with the stock gearing but outside of a few people really pushing the limits of the CV's off road I haven't heard of too many CV joints breaking. Just a though.

[LittleBeast]

I hear you there. The lift is the cheap part. I priced some mud grapplers and new rims............ :eek: Don't think I will be doing that this year. I do have to get new tires though. So 265/75/16 terra's it is for awhile.
Re-reading this thread and just thought I would update everyone that after driving on the mudd grapplers for almost 3 years and almost 50,000 miles I still have about half the tread left. And I am VERY hard on tires. I take the highway exits here in Houston way too fast and off road the VX as much as I can, and have had to lock them up in traffic a few times. But I also have rotated the tires twice a year at minimum. So even though they have a large original sticker price, for the money the mudd grapplers are the best lasting/performing tire I have ever had.

[samneil2000]

awesome!

how's it coming with the headlights, or have you started that yet?

Did you ever sell the mazda?

[LittleBeast]

Yes I sold the RX-8 to a guy in Nacogdoches, and both my brother and sister go to SFASU so they still see it around and I get to see it every time I am in town. He was a really nice guy and I think he got a great deal.

Ok on the headlights, yes I have everything I need except the paint so once I buy that it should only take me one weekend to have it done and installed. It is gonna be sweet I can't wait to see how it turns out!

[samneil2000]

Yes I sold the RX-8 to a guy in Nacogdoches, and both my brother and sister go to SFASU so they still see it around and I get to see it every time I am in town. He was a really nice guy and I think he got a great deal.

It is the cleanest RX8 I've seen. Looked awesome!



It is gonna be sweet I can't wait to see how it turns out!

I think a lot of us feel the same way.

[glenngw3]

Looks really great. How does it handle?

[LittleBeast]

Like a glove :-)

[curtisbyram07]

You also changed shocks right? Is it necessary to? Ive already ordered the bumpstops and bushings, about to order the springs now and am wundering if i should go ahead and order some shocks while im at it.


Well now I hadn't thought of that, if that is an option I might be up for that.....



Thanks alot I am glad you like it, I used to not be able to say honestly that I liked my VX the best, for instance I used to like LDub and Jofotoz more than my own, but finally I can say that I like the looks of my own the most (but guys your VX's are still amazing).

Install I cut into about a 3 day period:
-1st front ball joint flip and low profile bumpstops (roughly 4-5 hours as you figured it all out)
-Then springs in rear with rear bumpstop upgrade and torsion crank and lots of measuring wheel well to tires and trips to the local Lowe's for the level parking lot to measure (roughly 4-5 hours again)
-Then cutting the wheel wells and cladding and turning the tires a ton to make sure I thought I was adding enough clearance (roughly 3-4 hours)

Finally I just went to a local tire shop down the street and they mounted and balanced new rims and tires, and then seperated my old rims and tires all in about an hour for $60 cash. And I did a few other things so I did a little everyday for a week and was so happy when I was done.

I know what you mean about the A4, just before I started on the VX again, I got my RX-8 just the way I liked it, lowered a little with factory body kit and all, and now that the VX is done I have not driven it in almost 2 weeks! Now that I am so pleased with the VX I am considering selling it. It just cannot compete with the completely unique VX, you know?



You are correct ball joint flip, torsion crank, some springs and some slight cladding and hammer mods on the front fenders is all it takes!





Ride quality is definitely different. It is not as different as I thought it would be but different none the less. Only time I really notice it is very mild slightly loser feeling in the steering on the highway, and when you make a sudden turn it really wants to turn and when you try to correct those large tires don't want to but it hasn't been that bad at all. They are definitely louder than the Terra Grapplers, but you can barely hear them over my PV1 muffler, you only notice it when I am off the gas coasting and then it just sounds sweet! MPG, well I am getting around 250 miles per tank, but now I am traveling around 11% farther than what the odometer says so I might be getting 270 miles for 20 gallons, so roughly 13-15 miles per gallon, but this is pretty typical for my VX the most I have ever gotten was 17 miles to the gallon with a tail wind on the highway :bwgy:

[SilverBullet75]

Howzit!

It's not necessary unless your application requires it... (ie: yours are worn out, etc...).

I've had mine lifted for 2 yrs now and have no need to go away from stock. If you do, consider the Rancho 9000XL 9-way adjustable shocks.
Had them on my previous VX. Awesome upgrade.
(sorry, I know you were asking LittleBeast... just thought I'd throw in my $.02)

[ZeroSix]

Just a thought (truck and VX Noob... Lots of questions):

Does this upgrade make the ride stiffer? Im curious as to which upgrade does what on the suspension.

I am in a bubble of looking to build the vx on a street setup. A sports car firm tight ride. Maybe the wrong vehicle.....

[LittleBeast]

Haha, well, the VX suspension is already pretty stiff, but I guess this mod may have made it a tad more firm, hard to tell though.

I had the stock shocks rebuilt and am still running rebuilt stock shocks.

[LittleBeast]

New tires are on, 35" x 12.5" R20 Nitto Mudd Grapplers:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?p=263209#post263209

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Far.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22739)

[ben-man]

Hey Beast... I can't take it anymore. Your rims and tires are soooo much nicer than my 18's with Terra Grapplers. Me-thinks it's time for me to do a winter-project Suspension lift and tire upgrade. Quick question: what offset did you go with on your Zinik Z26 20x8.5s? After a quick ebay search, a 15 offset was all I could find.
Thanks in advance, Ben.
ps. Man your truck looks nice.

[LittleBeast]

I posted the offset somewhere on here in the wheel options thread, but I don't remember exactly what it is. I think it is 18. I will try and find that and post it here soon.

[LittleBeast]

Looks like it is +15 offset:

www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=14685&page=3&highlight=Wheels+tires