We've been around this block before (hate to remind everyone).
Those black rubber figure eight things are not bump stops!

They are technically spring helpers. What does that mean?

They stop body roll and quiet the ride. They are supposed to be about one-half inch above the rear axel, at rest.

So, where does that leave us? if you shorten them they will not stop body roll or help deaden sound. That's all..........? You can remove them permanently, and your VX will stiil move forward....but without the factory ride, safety and quiet the VX was mean't to offer. (Remember 1996? Isuzu was sued by Consumer Reports for excessive body roll. Neither side won but the seeds were planted in Isuzu's mind on what to do next.) It's your choice. Nuff said!