Offroad Racing a VX? Some part suggestions...

[ZEUS]

I think I would opt for hydraulic bump stops over the air which apparently fade during high speed dirt use but really don't have any experience with either. The links in the rear would need to be replaced with some beef. Skids for sure, sliders too. Trans cooler. Beefy tie rods. Braided brake lines.

I am sure they require a roll cage of some sort? The VX has low head room already... so exo?

[REDLYNER]

Joe Darlington over there does as well and a few others.
We raced against two of his Rodeos on Saturday- nice guy!

You want to keep it as low as possible with the biggest tires possible, I'd say do some trimming, run 32's at the stock height or maybe add a 1" coil spacer,
I am really wanting to run a bigger tire (33"s), but do agree about being low. So maybe more trimming?

I'd do the Aussie up front myself, put that money toward other parts.
Definitely want a locker.
Debating about the locker. I run ARBs in my TJ and love having them open on the street. Cost is about $500 more for the ARB, so I'll just have to see how that goes.

I'd upgrade all the bushing, the sway bars included, you'd also be surprised as to what your stock shocks can handle but if you have the dough the Fox's would be awesome.
That what I was thinking about the bushings. I know it comes with nice shocks, but the VX I was looking at is already at 75,000 miles, wouldn't that mean they wouldn't up to par for racing?

My theory is, the most abuse will happen on the attachments on the axles and the frame. So by upgrading shocks, bump stops, and air bumps (or maybe hydrolic) I think I will be limiting some of the major break points.

I'd look into getting the Kilby skidplates or making your own.
I will look into those!

I've got an interesting design for tube fenders if your interested in going that far. Just a few suggestions

Love to see them! I built several pieces for my wife's H3 and am always interested to see what other guys are creating

I think I would opt for hydraulic bump stops over the air which apparently fade during high speed dirt use but really don't have any experience with either. The links in the rear would need to be replaced with some beef. Skids for sure, sliders too. Trans cooler. Beefy tie rods. Braided brake lines.

I am sure they require a roll cage of some sort? The VX has low head room already... so exo?

So on top of my original list:

Rear end links
Skid plates
Sliders
Trans cooler
Tie rods
Brake lines


No roll cage required. However I was considering some form of Exo. The VX I am looking at unfortunately is mint condition, so it will get abused.


But overall, you guys think it won't blow up or completely fall apart during the race? I'm looking for a platform that no one is really running.

Thanks for the info!!

[Triathlete]

But overall, you guys think it won't blow up or completely fall apart during the race? I'm looking for a platform that no one is really running.

Thanks for the info!!

The VX has won its class in the Dakar (as stated) which is arguably the most brutal/challenging test of an off road vehicle (5-12 hours/day of all out for days on end) and has been bashed upon on the rocks by many members here.

[ZEUS]

Check out this page from INDY4X

You might want to perform some scheduled maintenance before throwing your 75,000 mile VX right into a trail of Hell. Then I would say it probably wouldn't fall apart!

Bart made this nice how-to

I also understand 3.2's and 3.5's benefit from a valve job more than some other motors but can't back that up. Speaking of 3.5 woes and worries (for some) I would also try to add something to the crankcase to monitor oil level and temp perhaps. Use a high quality oil - I recommend Royal Purple personally.
Check out some discussion on an electric_fan

Since you want some go fast in your wheeling you really should gear down to compensate for the big heavy tires which also assists in your trans' survival - same holds true for go slow... go figure! Light weight forged rims should improve your times too.

Post some pics of this VX you want to thrash!