First off, I have fallen in LOVE with VX’s!!!
I’ve built myself an expedition vehicle once already (F350 crewcab), now I’ve been looking at LX450/Lancruisers (1996/97, 80 series), but then at a 4 Wheel Parts store I saw a VX in the parking lot. WOW!!! Did some research on them and they still seem to fill my basic desires of my want list of what I need in an expedition vehicle.
But…. I have a few questions that I can’t seem to fine answers to.
Can anyone please help?
1. Is there an Akilies Heel to the VX, and if so what is it? (e.g. engine, trany, difs, ground clearance, no parts at available at dealerships, or very expensive parts, etc.)
2. How high a lift/large of tire will fit for maximum articulation whilst off-roading? (read: expedition type rock crawling to get to ones camp site)
3. Does the TOD supplement the need to have lockers front and rear? I think I’ve read that the VX has an LSD, if so, does that mean the front dif is open and needs a locker (ARB or??)?
4. Is it possible to add an underdrive/second transfer case or perhaps swap out lower transfer case gears?
5. I’m 6’-0” 220lbs and a bad knee (I need to be able to stretch my leg out once in a while), will I fit?
6. How reliable is the drive train? I’m used to Toyotas, my wife has a 98 Landcruiser 225k miles, my daughter has a 1st gen 4Runner 230k miles and since I rolled my F350, I’m stuck driving a ’89 Toyota 275k miles p/u that I added lockers to and I never have (or had) to do anything to them, and we go wheeling with them too.
Thanks for any input!
Happy Easter!!!!
R2M
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