Considering a VX ...

[Otwobme]

like i said, the oil issue can be corrected by BG OIL CHANGE. parts are available by using trooper parts. the only issue i see is space. i would take mine over-landing in a hart beat. you just have to plan smart/ahead just like you would do anyways...

[Thelgord]

How much space (or weight?) would be gained by removing the back seats?

[VX KAT]

^^^This is EXACTLY what I meant when I was asking about "are there any trouble spots I should look out for?" Losing oil would be a concern! What is the oil consumption issue and what is the fix?

The oil consumption question is specifically on that first questionnaire....

like i said, the oil issue can be corrected by BG OIL CHANGE. parts are available by using trooper parts. the only issue i see is space. i would take mine over-landing in a hart beat. you just have to plan smart/ahead just like you would do anyways...

Not all parts can be swapped for Trooper parts, and the biggest concern is pertaining to BODY PANELS.

How much space (or weight?) would be gained by removing the back seats?

Back seat weighs about 65 lbs, but it does add a ton of space. I removed mine within the first month. Got a long rubber cargo mat to fill the back space, made it very useful.

Contact member "Ala5ka". He specifically outfitted his for overlanding and so far has made the trek from Alaska down to San Diego. He resides part time in Wikenburg, AZ, and partly in AK. Suspect he's probably in AZ at this time of year, but not sure.


He did several detailed posts about it:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=23967

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=25495

[8695Beaters]

The oil consumption question is specifically on that first questionnaire....

Checking the dipstick is standard operating procedure for shopping for any used car. "Check the oil level" is different from "these engines have a tendency to consume oil at a frequent pace." I did drive the VX I posted about and had a few more questions about it which can be found here: http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...820#post302820

To the OP, as someone who popped their VX cherry last night, BUY IT!!! It was a ton of fun.

[Thelgord]

...
Not all parts can be swapped for Trooper parts, and the biggest concern is pertaining to BODY PANELS.
...
He did several detailed posts about it:

Repairing body panels may be an issue.

Thanks for the links. Good read. I really like the "oil catch can" solution to the valve issue.

[Mile High VX]

If you want to get a closer look give me a shout. I'm just up 25 in Castle Rock and work from home most of the time so usually around.

[Thelgord]

I appreciate that. Thank you. Unfortunately booked this weekend with work and fixing a welder. If I get time I may hit you up. The people here are very eager to show off there VX. Haven't seen that much on other forums. Sorry for the short replies, I'm on my phone :/

[VX KAT]

Checking the dipstick is standard operating procedure for shopping for any used car. "Check the oil level" is different from "these engines have a tendency to consume oil at a frequent pace."

From original questionnaire:
~Any oil consumption noted, under ANY conditions? (some seem to consume a little when on prolonged highway driving)

From expanded detailed questionnaire:
~Any oil consumption noted, under ANY conditions?.....dripping, blowing smoke from exhaust or just consuming it
(some seem to consume a little when on prolonged highway driving)



...huh...funny, I don't see "check the dipstick" or "check the oil level" in either of these....second one is even in BOLD letters.


You're welcome! Sorry for trying to help you.
I tried to guide you to the specific issues, but apparently you don't understand.

No more help from me....
Too bad too, cuz I have a huge database of VX info all categorized and organized....

-VX KAT out....


.

[Vendetta]

It's probably nothing personal, Kat. Newcomers to the platform just don't yet know what they don't know. So while checking oil is of course an obvious thing to do when buying a car - it's a-whole-nother thing when buying a VX which has been saddled with an engine accused of inadequate design to begin with.

So stay helpy - you never know who's gonna read your tips downstream.

And 'Beaters, don't bite the hand that feeds, dude. Bad form 'specially for VX greenhorn. We're a good bunch and don't really do the measuring dicks thing here. Stay cool.

-V

[VX KAT]

So stay helpy - you never know who's gonna read your tips downstream.

-V

But of course V

[HeckaTrebeka]

How much space (or weight?) would be gained by removing the back seats?

The space/weight savings is so minimal, that it wouldn't be worth removing the rear seat if you ever plan on having more than just one other person ride in the vehicross with you.

I made the mistake of selling my back seat, now I want to buy one because I have a daughter that I would like have ride with me, along with my wife and dog. I was thinking about fabricating a seat or two, but really there's so little space behind the front seats that having the OEM bench seat is the best way to go.

[Thelgord]

I think you may have misunderstood my intent. If I should purchase a VX it will be for building a dedicated Overland rig. This will not be a daily driver, nor will it be a parking lot queen. This vehicle will probably be doing things it was never intended to do all of the sake of adventure, a few pictures and a whole lot of memories.

I am still running the numbers and collecting data vs my Tacoma. It is surprisingly close when everything is tabulated. One of the things I am considering is dumping the TOD system and just going with a manual transfer case and manual hubs with a set of lockers. With the electrical issues of the VX I think this may be a "safe" move. Another option is a diesel conversion for extended range (cost less than many people would think). For either vehicle I will be making my own trail armor so that is not really a factor. What really brings the numbers close though, is the VX won't have a $450/month payment and it will cost less to insure.

[HeckaTrebeka]

the vx is a vary capable vehicle. they are reliable as long as you take the oil consumption issue. not hard, its an easy fix. my vx does not use up oil. i use BG 109 and BG MOA also use mobile one full synthetic. and i also do a BG induction clean two times a year.

So I did a search in the forums for the BG Oil Change, and haven't found any process for it.. can you point me toward a writeup on this? Or.. maybe you can make one, pretty please ? I'd like no oil consumption too, but I don't know what all to get or what exactly to do.

[VX KAT]

I think you may have misunderstood my intent. If I should purchase a VX it will be for building a dedicated Overland rig. This will not be a daily driver, nor will it be a parking lot queen. This vehicle will probably be doing things it was never intended to do all of the sake of adventure, a few pictures and a whole lot of memories.

I am still running the numbers and collecting data vs my Tacoma. It is surprisingly close when everything is tabulated. One of the things I am considering is dumping the TOD system and just going with a manual transfer case and manual hubs with a set of lockers. With the electrical issues of the VX I think this may be a "safe" move. Another option is a diesel conversion for extended range (cost less than many people would think). For either vehicle I will be making my own trail armor so that is not really a factor. What really brings the numbers close though, is the VX won't have a $450/month payment and it will cost less to insure.

Like I said, "Ala5ka" (Chase) may be a good person to talk with since he's doing the overlanding thang.

[RedProwler99]

The oil consumption issue...the original 3.5L engines Isuzu did not drill enough/ large enough oil drain back holes in the pistons ...The fix for all of this, IF your VX is burning oil, is to either replace the engine with a new 3.5L engine...

What did your engine replacement cost? I would have to take this to a shop to do the work as I am not mechanically inclined to work on my own vehicles, nor do I have the time. Would you recommend an Isuzu dealer or a more generic shop? Are 3.5L engines (new) easy to find?