Offset from Hell saved the VX ...

[etlsport]

oh if its easier text the photos to my phone or e-mail, i can upload them for you

[Ldub]

Glad to hear no one was injured.

Tom, 2 things:

#1: Glad to hear that you are fine. A little shaken up, but good none the less.

#2: Those pics are going to be awesome! Can't wait to see them.

X 2...

Glad to hear you're OK Bro, I think I have both of my OEM tie rods if you need em'.

with the repairs....

[SuperBoomTurbo]

If the vx weren't such a blast to drive, I'd keep it I a glass jar and look at it on weekends. Good that you're okay, but it's the same reason I leave tons of space I front of me. Just kills me when people dart in front of me then slam on the brakes. "thanks jack*#%!! that space was there for a reason!!

My advice like the others: any time you break something, it's time to upgrade!! On the flip side, a weak tie rod may have saved your body certain doom.

** Just had a thought. Rather than putting vt mavercks bumper junker keeper on the back, have one protecting each axle, then one on both sides mounted to rock sliders, kinda like a go cart!

[djvx]

Tom, glad you are fine. Do you have ABS brakes? I'd like to know if ABS caused you a longer stop time - or- did not having ABS cause you any problems? It's sounds like you did a great manuver-alot better than bashing into the car in front of you at any rate.

[WormGod]

Pics.... or it didn't happen.

I dunno Tom. I might prefer a couple dinged up body panels to some undercarriage/suspension damage. I was there in my VX accident (no no, not the dragon.... RIP) and aside from waiting weeks for parts to be located (steering box was the worse), the price ended up coming to roughly $4k IIRC. Only a fender was damaged and the rest was the entire front driver side wheel/tire/suspension assembly.

Glad you are ok though. The VX can take a hell of a punch, but best not to test it's limits.

[tom4bren]

(steering box was the worse)

Gary,

Thanks for the warning. Unfortunately that appears to be one of the damaged components.

Tom

[RamAirZ]

I have a spare steering box here with pitman arm, not sure if it's good but it came with my VX

[tom4bren]

GTK - thanks, I'll let you know.

[nfpgasmask]

Sorry to hear this, Tom, glad you avoided injury. So, maybe you just busted a tie-rod?

Bart

[djvx]

Tom,Thanks for the details! I had to lock up my brakes today, less than 24 hours after reading your thread. A driver 2 cars ahead made a ridiculous quick stop to turn, both the driver in front of me and me had to do a full on slam of the pedal. I did a complete lock up of my tires. I stopped very quickly. I'm currently running minus ABS. My tires let out brief howl as they nearly stopped my vx instantly. I went out on some gravel covered concrete to practice and I really am considering leaving my ABS off. It's such a tough decision- I have felt very uncomfortable with the ABS on in the past. I wish they made an easy on and off switch for it.

[tom4bren]

Tom,Thanks for the details! I had to lock up my brakes today, less than 24 hours after reading your thread. A driver 2 cars ahead made a ridiculous quick stop to turn, both the driver in front of me and me had to do a full on slam of the pedal. I did a complete lock up of my tires. I stopped very quickly. I'm currently running minus ABS. My tires let out brief howl as they nearly stopped my vx instantly. I went out on some gravel covered concrete to practice and I really am considering leaving my ABS off. It's such a tough decision- I have felt very uncomfortable with the ABS on in the past. I wish they made an easy on and off switch for it.

Glad it went better for you.

When I get the VX back I'll certainly be looking into the ABS issue. It's obvious that Isuzu calibrated the ABS for the stock tires so I'm sure it's far from optimal for the larger tires. Since it can't be easily recalibrated, disabling appears the best option. My tires are 10% larger than stock - that's gotta be WAY outside the design parameters.

[tom4bren]

I just talked to the shop.

Believe it or not, it appears that the only damaged components are:

Steering knuckle

Sector shaft on steering box

Of course, they may find more when they try to do an alignment. Suprise, suprise ... the only problem they are currently having is locating the parts (not to worry though - we'll help them with that)

BTW, sorry 'bout the seperate quotes above. I was only planning on using 1 but then I kinda got on a roll.

BBTW, heading to Best Buy shortly to see if they can get the pix copied over to an SD card or sump'n.

[tom4bren]

Sorry 'bout the quality - cell phone pix

[Mile High VX]

Holy Cow Tom-man...

Great driving there...even more spectacular than you described it.

Really glad no one was hurt and the VX seems to have only minor issues.

[PK]

Tom, glad no one was injured, and your VX is repairable.

Riff - wow, time to heed your Dads advice yourself.
It would be so cool to see you face to face and see if you still talk the talk.
This is one argument you wont win.

PK