I want in!

[HopefulVXer]

I have had some minor problems, AC compressor, shocks, but nothing abnormal for a car with 120K miles.

Because of the exotic suspension system, how hard was it to source parts/fix your problem?

[Marlin]

Because of the exotic suspension system, how hard was it to source parts/fix your problem?

No problems, I run the rancho 9000xls, about 100 bucks a piece, easy to install. You can find the shocks all over the place. I replaced the factory springs with OME 919s, I know a lot of others use the 912s or 913s. Its up to you, the 919s are the trooper heavy duty springs. All were super easy to install.
Search the threads, there is a ton of info, including part numbers and what not.
Independent 4x has just about everything else, I would recommend greasable swaybar bushings, springs, shocks and if you plan on offroading, rocksliders are a must. HD tie rods wouldn't be horrible, I haven't had problems yet...knock on wood.

[E-ZooZoo One]

Oh yeah...
Mine also has Old Man Emu 912s, Polly Sway Bar Bushings (f & r), and a set of Independent4x HD Tie Rods.


Shortly after getting it, as a preventative measure, I replaced the upper & lower Ball Joints, front & rear Rotors and Pads (all OEM), changed the oil over to Mobil 1 full synthetic, replaced the Trans Filter, changed all of the Trans/T-case/Dif fluids, etc. -- Plus, lately (since the October Uwharrie trip), I keep an assortment of spare parts with me at all times, including, but not limited to: 4 spare factory Tie Rods, 2 Idler Relay Levers (Isuzu-speak for: Idler Arm assemblies), 1 Steering Center Link, a pair of Transmission Cooler Hard Lines, etc. -- and, of course, all of the tools necessary to install those spare parts if need be.


As noted earlier, maintenance is KEY! -- I guess, maybe, I just go a little overboard


Cheers!
Smiley

[tom4bren]

"I replaced the upper & lower Ball Joints"

Help out LittleBeast - he's having trouble with that exact mod.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...threadid=15689

[HopefulVXer]

Oh yeah...
Shortly after getting it, as a preventative measure, I replaced the upper & lower Ball Joints, front & rear Rotors and Pads (all OEM), changed the oil over to Mobil 1 full synthetic, replaced the Trans Filter, changed all of the Trans/T-case/Dif fluids, etc. --

How much did this initial "insurance policy" cost you? Which of these things did you do yourself, and which ones did you have done at a shop? I am trying to get a good feel for what my initial "start up" cost will be once getting a new (to me) VX home.

[E-ZooZoo One]

How much did this initial "insurance policy" cost you? Which of these things did you do yourself, and which ones did you have done at a shop? I am trying to get a good feel for what my initial "start up" cost will be once getting a new (to me) VX home.

I think I dropped close to a Grand, total, on parts, fluids, etc. -- but spent Zero in labor...

Several of us from Planet Isuzoo got together for a Wrenching Party -- Tad, Bigpoppax2, Bansil, MAB, and myself (and Wareagle too, I think); each of us with various projects that needed doing... That weekend, Bansil and I swapped-out my Ball Joints, Rotors, Pads, installed my Ranchos, and did the suspension lift -- and then BigPoppa and I did all of the fluids, and changed the Trans Filter.


The great thing about the Isuzu Online Community; there is ALWAYS someone out there that's willing to lend a hand -- ours is one of the most friendly and helpful groups you could ever hope to find!


Cheers!
Smiley

[VehiGAZ]

Because of the exotic suspension system, how hard was it to source parts/fix your problem?

OEM shocks are extremely expensive but available (although not particularly reliable, in my book anyway). Bilstein also make s a great set of shocks, well-matched to the VX's suspension, for about $250 - $300.

Don't be worried about owning a VX, bud - it's a solid vehicle and a fine daily driver (mine was my DD for about 3.5 years). Parts are still available, and aftermarket parts shared with the Trooper, Amigo, etc are cheap and plentiful.

Good luck!!

[HopefulVXer]

Don't be worried about owning a VX, bud - it's a solid vehicle and a fine daily driver (mine was my DD for about 3.5 years). Parts are still available, and aftermarket parts shared with the Trooper, Amigo, etc are cheap and plentiful.

Good luck!!

I guess I am being a bit overly cautious because I just got out of an Audi A6 that loved to go to the shop (it seemed almost monthly), usually at around $1000, give or take. I just can't afford to go through that again.

[vt_maverick]

I guess I am being a bit overly cautious because I just got out of an Audi A6 that loved to go to the shop (it seemed almost monthly), usually at around $1000, give or take. I just can't afford to go through that again.

I think I can speak for everyone when I say that level of ridiculousness won't happen with a VX.