I'm Vertically Endowed!!!

[Marlin]

I think I know why. When you lifted the rear 4", you have raked your rear axle so far forward that in a slowing or braking scenario, the rear tires will actually rub the front of the rear cladding. This happens to me on the trails. I also used the 919s, but with no spacer, but I run a 34" tire, so there you go. I would take Tom's advice and lube everything, but those issues won't result in the grinding you hear. You can really check the rubbing, just rub some grease on the inside lip of the cladding, get on it, do some sudden slowing, and if you hear the rubbing, check and see if there is missing grease.
As for the solution, lower the rear end (take out spacer) or go hardcore and order some rear adjustable lower links from Indy4x and problem solved forever. You can adjust your rake, and make the vehicle ride better again.

Post up a pic of your VX from the side, I bet you only have an inch or so in front of the rear tire to the cladding...This is the best I could find of mine, but you can see that there is not a whole lot of room there in front of the rear tire.

[eternal21]

*Lol* I was contemplating those rims as well until I found something a bit out of the ordinary. Looks good, can't wait to see it with them installed.

What did you do about your tie rod ends?

[VX KAT]

drain & refill the rear pumpkin too (don't forget the LSD additive).

Somewhere I read I didn't need the LSD additive when I changed to Royal Purple.

[vt_maverick]

Somewhere I read I didn't need the LSD additive when I changed to Royal Purple.

Relax Sue, you just drove 3K miles without a problem, I gotta believe if it was a serious oversight you would have heard/felt/paid for it by now.

[Marlin]

Relax Sue, you just drove 3K miles without a problem, I gotta believe if it was a serious oversight you would have heard/felt/paid for it by now.

Most of the premium gear oil comes with LSD additive already in it. Says it right on the bottle.

[tom4bren]

... lube everything, but those won't result in the grinding you hear.

KISS=Keep It Simple, Stupid

That's my motto.

It's only a 50-50 chance that lube will cure his problem but start with the simple/cheap things first to eliminate stuff.

Of course your suggestion also costs nothing to elimiate so I'll ignore the "NEENER-NEENER-NEENER" implications of your post ... this time.

Sorry KAT - don't forget the LSD additive (unless you use RP). Mo Betta???

I've heard that LSD is not needed with RP.

[VX KAT]

Most of the premium gear oil comes with LSD additive already in it. Says it right on the bottle.

Actually it was the manufacturer's lit/bottle where I recall reading it when I was deciding what to use.

Sorry KAT - don't forget the LSD additive (unless you use RP). Mo Betta???

MO!

[SilverBullet75]

Actually you are right on both counts!

LSD additive IS included in Royal Purple. I changed it out right before I did the lift... If I had known better, I would have waited until AFTER the lift, because it was a PITA to fill the pumpkin at stock height! At lifted height, it's completely accessible!

Also....
Drumroll please.
The noise is GONE!!!!
It WAS the drive shaft lube!

I hadn't greased it in about 6 months. It was way dry...
I used an entire (small) tube on it. Actually popped the cap off the center section (or, maybe that was the rattling/grinding sound I heard before??).

In any case, LONG LIVE K.I.S.S. !!!!!

........"God gave rock'n roll to ya!!! Gave rock'n roll to ya..."

Thanks for the input everyone!

[SilverBullet75]

What did you do about your tie rod ends?

I did not change them... they are stock.
For what I do with the VX (90% Street/10% Off-Road), the stock Tie Rods are adequate.

But, you do bring up a good question...

For those who have lifted, is there a way to fix the bump-steer?
I love being up high and all, but the bump steer is a little much.

On my old Porsche 914, they sold "steering rack spacers" that correct the angle of the tie rods. Is something like this possible?

[SilverBullet75]

...or go hardcore and order some rear adjustable lower links from Indy4x and problem solved forever. You can adjust your rake, and make the vehicle ride better again.

Found the link for this...
But, could you please 'splain to an unedjumukated fool where these go?


https://www.independent4x.com/mercha...roducts_id=481

[samneil2000]

Found the link for this...
But, could you please 'splain to an unedjumukated fool where these go?


https://www.independent4x.com/mercha...roducts_id=481

The links replace the factory links that attach the axle to the frame.
As you raise the back of the VX up, the center line of the rear axle creeps forward, therefore moving the wheels forward away from the center of the wheelwell. You can see it in the side view of my VX, where the distance from the front of the well to the tire is shorter than the rear of the well to the tire.
The links from i4x are beefier and adjustable with threaded collars on each end. This allows you to lengthen the link and move the axle back to the center of the wheelwell.
Make sense?

[SilverBullet75]

MB Chaos-6
18x9"

[Mile High VX]

Looks Great!



Two for you...

[JHarris1385]

Looks great!

[99VC]

Hey Jim, Nice improvement, wish you had done this to your 99. Let me know when your ready to sell...