Quote Originally Posted by ahdoman View Post
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.