2008 Baja 1000

[MoonRaker]

The VX is tough enough for BAJA, im pretty sure of it. Just the way its gona get done is were to start with the planning. I was watching the 7000 series the other night and thats not the class im looking to try ( unless I ever have the funds) 130 flatout isnt a speed im trying to hold, 45 to 55 MPH is a safer bet for a VX. Hard driving in sugersand tends to be a very good test on a trucks drivetrain and engine. Ive riden my old 660 raptor in Nevada deserts, Glamis in Cali, and the mountains of PA and CO so I have a pretty good gist on all terrain. Ive run the VX flat out in the mud and sugersand in FL, and in the PA and MD woods. I now alot of people run Jeeps and hummers and I put the VX way up infront of those rides. Hell im a official jeep, hummer H3 and H2 recovery vehical, LOL. I now its going to take alot of preperation though. Im driving to Cali this year so ill get more of an idea what to expect. Im already 10 people deep in a crew so finalizing what the sponsors need to dish out will be decided after my trip. Ive also donated my new Rapyor 700 to my good friend Nick Folly for baja whose a one legged wounder and the best guy ive ever seen tame any Quad. My plan is to do a total tear down of the drivetrain and atleast reseal everything 5000 miles prior the 1000 to catch any gremlins beforehand, check the tranny, TOD system, transfer case, rear rite after I drive it back from Cali.
Main things that im worried about is bolders, silt, and the bolders hidding in the silt beds. Other then that its all common sense, dont overdrive the truck, Keep your average RPMs under 4,000, dont stick your head out the window before you clock a cactus and ill finish. Ive just broken in my new motor and im totaly content on how strong it is. Ow, not to argue a point but what comes from the factory with piggyback KYBs and 4 low for light offroading? Just look at the size of your front A arms and traling arms dont even come stock on Jeeps or hummers H2s or H3s. Ive gone through all my beating on my first alignment at 62,000 miles. Ok, to show im not full of **** ill show you a few of my accomplishments throughtout my last 3 years. I helped build this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2ung98buGc

and I developed this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foUYemyjpzM

Wich we installed in a parking lot in less then 4 hours. It was to prove it could be done when all others said it couldnt be done in a day.

[don moore]

You are going to put a VXehiCROSS.INFO sticker on it ??

[MoonRaker]

If somone or somthing can help me out ill put a sticker on my VX.

[JoFotoz]

.
San Diego based...ready to get involved.


Multiple people/vehicles ready to help.

Not experts,but keen.

Let me know.

jo

[Triathlete]

And we will of course we'll be expecting a video!

[MoonRaker]

.
San Diego based...ready to get involved.


Multiple people/vehicles ready to help.

Not experts,but keen.

Let me know.

jo

Hell yeh, thats the main thing, help if somthing goes wrong, that way its never needed, kinda like taking your spare tire out a day before you have a flat.

[MrCrowley]

Wohoo! Im glad to hear someone is going to race a VX finally! I have had a lot of "fun" in mine, never competitively. She is babied now, not driven much, and used for light trailer duty (some fun and snow mixed in there too).

If I competed, this is what I would do.

1. *** Check you target category before doing anything.***

2. Read the story about the Geolandar VX that attempted the Paris-Dakar Rally. If I remember correctly, he ran strong in the T-1 class, he DNF'd because of his front diff exploding, and had very little sponsor support. I think he tried to make a go of 2WD, but it was useless. He even knew the day before he was having front diff problems, the sponsor denied his front diff swap request, and then a rough stage came the next day. Also, dont doubt its toughness. Troopers won their class in the Dakar in 1992, and Many Australian gigs. You are driving those parts plus TOD and 3.5 liter essentially. Somewhere online is a breakdown of all Isuzus wins. Ill try to find this stuff.

3. Maybe- maybe consider the disconnect for reasons stated above only 2WD sand rails are any good at 2WD, but would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you install the high lock feature. In situations like sand the TOD may engage and disengage so much- YOU WILL DNF. I almost guarantee it will happen. DO NOT let it bang in and out of TOD engagement. Disconnect wont help as much because driving the way you'll be driving, you would be better letting the truck do the front rear bias which has a good program for this (also adjusting tire pressure to optimize) while you concentrate on pointing the nose where you want it- TOD is proven to be adequate in "spirited" driving. The other option is if you have the time, the auto AND manually selectable F/R bias similar to the Subaru STI setup. I would also recommend using the "power" button.

4. Make sure you install axle limiting straps. Dont want a coil spring coming loose 5 feet in the air. Plus, you can adjust your travel to compensate for terrain. Do this even if its just to keep the axle from over-extending and topping out your shocks which may cause premature failure. May someone could sponsor and provide the awesome stock KYB's? Maybe more travel would be better, though.

5. Maybe some ball joint flip people can chime in, but I think this is another must-do activity for you. Also consider the "front diff lowering" kit to optimize your cv joints with lift, and allow more travel. You'll need it.

6. Ever considered a snorkel intake? Check class rules. Also- ever considered a roof vent? Check rules.

7. I would also recommend smaller wheels. Less rotational, unsprung, and vehicle weight. Youll need as much flotation as possible for sand, rocks, jumps, etc. I almost guarantee a tacoed wheel with 18's depending on your size's aspect ratio. Also check to see if Tire pressure monitoring Systems are allowed. Dont want to roll over halfway through or have tire failure. Deserts suck to be stranded in! I would also recommend "stout" All Terrains, or even "mild" Mud terrains. What are those directional, soft rubber Yokohama called? Ive always wanted to try them, but being a soft compound, they dont last for a "street vehicle". More research needed.

8. Tranny cooler, tranny cooler, tranny cooler. I would also recommend hacking the truck to fit the larger radiator like you said, and maybe a dual tranny/Oil cooler. If you can find an easy way to cooler the diffs. I WOULD DO THAT TOO if it can be done without risking torn hoses or something. The 4L30 isnt the best. I would try to find a way to get the Trooper 5 speed under the bonnet before the race if possible. Hasnt been done yet to my knowledge. Does this affect class?

9. The rear LSD is a stout unit, are additional diffs allowed in the class? Hmmm... front LSD is possible as well. May have to use tire pressure adjustments to keep from "plowing". The increased acceleration and lack of wheelspeed differences slamming together may allow the diff to last? This may overcome the decrease in cornering under throttle. post-turn acceleration via traction vs. mid-turn throttle. Theorizing needed here.

10. There should be a way to mount a "screen" over the air intake area abhove the hood, or a hack into the vents to filter particulates for passengers. Ever thought of a filtered small fan and hoses to helmets for driver/co-driver? Works great in M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles! Ditch the whole stock HVAC system as well?

11. Also, use the Geolandar VX, Tonbo house, etc. VX's for references as to mods others have done. Isnt there a pic of a modded VX in Japan with shock towers through to the hood (maybe through cargo area?), and jumping serious air in some sand? We'll have to find that as well. It also had a MAJOR tranny cooler as well.

12. I would go over every aspect of vehicle maintenance. How many miles on her? Fan, timing belt, hoses, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, oil, tranny fluid, diff fluids, engine coolant, flush brake lines, power steering fluid, etc. etc. etc.

I know alot of this is common sense, but I hope me ratting off thoughts on a post might have brought up something helpful.

Good luck, we all know you will need as much as possible like all Baja entries!!!

[MoonRaker]

Alot of thats on the to do list as for mods im waiting for a reply to my Email as whats alowed for each class, it may change year to year also. I like the coolers idea and it can increase the volume, im even thinging of doing it for the engine oil. The trannycooler are an easy addition. Internal adjustable suspension is a biggie if they allow it in class. Tires have already been decided since I have an extra 4 nittos, gonna get more also, looking into 15 inch rims so that may all change. A front to back belly pan is also in the works. How far into the dakar did those guys get???? thanks