I'm debating between a few vehicles right now to actually use as a race rig. I like the VX because of the price for what you get: $4.5k to $5k for IFS (which just destroyed King of the Hammers and Baja) along with the solid rear on long arms. Wheelbase is a little short, but a TJ won one of the races last year in Class A with a 94" wheelbase, so maybe it's not too short.

Besides reliability (this would go with any 12+ year old vehicle), my only real concern is the Torque on Demand. I've watched dozens of Vehi youtube clips (many by Triathlete on this board) and it looks like once a tire is lifted, you are SOL on traction. Basically being open/open. I think an Aussie up front would hinder racing and an ARB would eat up nearly half of my parts budget to get it race ready.

That being said, my wish list is around $3.5k in parts (including a cage and tires), but my parts budget will only be around $2k to start.

My initial list (which covers several of the weak points listed by you guys) looks like:

  • Tires: $800
  • HD Lower links: $450
  • HD Tie Rod ends: $250
  • Comp Springs: $170
  • Wheel Spacers: $120
  • Fire Suit: $100
  • Greasable Bushings: $30


Then I would still need:

  • Cage: $500
  • Airbumps: $300
  • Reservoir Shocks: $300
  • Harness: $65



Class A racing allows one locker and 33" tires, or no locker and up to 35" tires. Originally I was thinking 33"s for the VX (285/75 16's), but was also thinking about about 32"s (265/75 16's) just for the sake of less stress on the parts.

Thoughts on tire size??




Just doing my research now so when I do pull the trigger, I can get it built quickly. There are 5 races this year and it would be nice to get one or two in.

Other rigs that are/were being considered:

H3 ($12k = too much)
TJ ($5k, but we have one and wife doesn't want another- and its SFA)
XJ ($2.5k, but 12 out 15 or so of the racers are racing these- and its SFA)
Ranger ($3k, haven't done the parts research on these)