Preping for off-road

[ahdoman]

Hey everybody - thanks for the responses. So, armed with the new info I have a couple of follow up questions;

1) Compatible Trooper parts I'll try and get; half shafts, ABS module, wheels and skid plates. He also has a newly rebuilt engine with only 20k miles on it. Thankfully I don't need an engine but if someone else does let me know.

2) I think the Trooper wheels are 16" so if I can get those in the deal I'll look at putting some 31's on them. Does anybody know if they are the same offset as ours?

3) I was looking at the Rocky Road sliders unless I make my own. I prefer to have them bolt on. I really don't want to weld to the frame if I can help it and according to Rocky Road theirs bolt on. (Like your idea on the hitch Joe but I'm going to fabricate my own hidden hitch style).

4) It looks like the opinion is split on the hand brake. I want to confirm the concept though. My understanding is that the rear left wheel is the drive and the rear right is the slip? In other words, if all four wheels are stuck in the mud then the left rear will spin and the front right one? Then, if the left rear experiences "resistance" the diff engages the right rear? I know that's a bit simplified and obviously depends upon good clutch packs and components.

I really hope I can make it to Moab. Another friend (with an 2013 Landcruiser) and I would convoy out together and probably camp. But, I need to wait until we get closer so I can arrange for the time off. As much as I am looking forward to roading in Moab I am even more excited about meeting all of you.

[VX KAT]

Sue, when I refer to easy I'm talking slightly harder than a dirt road...just way more scenic...Such as Hurrah Pass.

hmmmm Billy, then how come the "easy" trail (formerly known as VX only on Tuesday) was never that easy? You spotted me great on the end of Hell's Revenge that first year I went, and that was a frikkin' mini boulder mine field. I never heard anybody suggest Hurrah Pass. But LaSal mountain was truly "easy" and a gorgeous view, it's a great starter trail.

This was Top of the World....previously "easy"...now difficult for undercarriages!

3) I was looking at the Rocky Road sliders unless I make my own. I prefer to have them bolt on. I really don't want to weld to the frame if I can help it and according to Rocky Road theirs bolt on. (Like your idea on the hitch Joe but I'm going to fabricate my own hidden hitch style).

I forgot to mention....I ALSO had the Rocky Road Super sliders....bolt on, and really gave good protection. Can see they really got chewed up! Highly recommend them!

4) It looks like the opinion is split on the hand brake. I want to confirm the concept though. My understanding is that the rear left wheel is the drive and the rear right is the slip? In other words, if all four wheels are stuck in the mud then the left rear will spin and the front right one? Then, if the left rear experiences "resistance" the diff engages the right rear? I know that's a bit simplified and obviously depends upon good clutch packs and components.

It works, and it works fantastic! Doesn't really matter how it works....and whether it's left or right...if spinning a rear wheel, grab the e-brake and work it gently, one or two clicks usually does it.

A few good examples where the e-brake worked great....first spinning tire in soft sand...then e-brake and up I went!





Got high centered here, stock height, before bigger tires. Luckily Moncha (in the hat) came over and told me how to use the e-brake here...we leaned to the left and e-braked a few clicks and it worked.



Hell's Revenge "boulder mine field"...this was also when I was stock, before slightly larger tires. Had to carefully tip toe through this, WITH THE HELP OF A GREAT SPOTTER! Thanks Billy! (in the light blue shirt)








AND COME ON, YOU GOTTA WANT TO DO THIS! . YOU'VE GOT TO COME TO MOAB!! IT'S AWESOME!

[circmand]

Pix Kat

[VX KAT]

Pix Kat

yeah, since I don't have a VX anymore, maybe I should change my screen name to that!

[circmand]

yeah, since I don't have a VX anymore, maybe I should change my screen name to that!

get another VX. They are getting really cheap now

[VXorado]

Hey everybody - thanks for the responses. So, armed with the new info I have a couple of follow up questions;

1) Compatible Trooper parts I'll try and get; half shafts, ABS module, wheels and skid plates. He also has a newly rebuilt engine with only 20k miles on it. Thankfully I don't need an engine but if someone else does let me know.

Trooper half-shafts will technically fit a VX but have a smaller CV race than the VX. If you install the Trooper half-shafts on the VX green cup, you could cause some wear to the green cup. Several of us have switched out the green cup/inner shaft to a Trooper cup because of the large availability of Troopers parts. For mild off-roading, it maybe better to pick up an aftermarket half-shaft made by Surtrack which I believe has the same race size as the VX.

2) I think the Trooper wheels are 16" so if I can get those in the deal I'll look at putting some 31's on them. Does anybody know if they are the same offset as ours?
There's a lot of different wheels and packages made for Troopers. There's even wide fender options that probably have specific wheels. Chances are, the rims will be very similar offset to the VX. You can always measure the backspacing to get an idea before you purchase the Trooper rims.

3) I was looking at the Rocky Road sliders unless I make my own. I prefer to have them bolt on. I really don't want to weld to the frame if I can help it and according to Rocky Road theirs bolt on. (Like your idea on the hitch Joe but I'm going to fabricate my own hidden hitch style).
Rocky Road makes good quality sliders. They are notorious for being a bit slow filling orders, so order them sooner than later.

4) It looks like the opinion is split on the hand brake. I want to confirm the concept though. My understanding is that the rear left wheel is the drive and the rear right is the slip? In other words, if all four wheels are stuck in the mud then the left rear will spin and the front right one? Then, if the left rear experiences "resistance" the diff engages the right rear? I know that's a bit simplified and obviously depends upon good clutch packs and components.

All I can say is the stock hand brake works great for tricking the LSD. If you want better locking, nothing beats an ARB locker. I used the hand brake for years before upgrading to the ARB.

I replied above. Good luck with the mods. Moab is a great time and worth making the trip.

[JoFotoz]

I'd second the suggestion that you get a Surtrack half shaft spare..
..rather than a used Trooper one.

The fit on the Surtrack races/Cv is OEM standard......
..... and given you are not going to be pounding the Pearl ( )..
.. should be plenty strong enough for you.

As for the hitch..not sure how a home made 'hidden hitch' variant will help back end protection..
...plus that will presumably involve cutting cladding.

Cheers

Jo