Mods for robotic VX

[Art]

Art,
No, 33/12.50-16's will not fit without a lift AND fender trimming. I think you should be safe running 31's without problems. Its been a while since I ran tires that small, so you might want to refer to a couple of the many tire size articles on the site. The subject has come up fairly often.
Andy

Here's my current thoughts on tires, I like the Parnelli Jones because of the "E" load rating (thicker sidewalls to protect against rocks). Use STAUN internal bead locks at 48 lbs and run the tires at 25 lbs pressure. Use
TXT PRO tire sealant to plug punctures.

http://dirtgriptires.com/default.htm

Stock Number: PJ-06R
Size/LR: 31X10.50R16/E
Cross Section: 10.300
Tread Width: 8.800
OD: 31.500
Rim Wid Range: 7 to 9
Max Infl: 80 PSI
Weight: 58.5 lbs
Max Load: 2910
Tread Depth: 21/32"

Tire sealant: TXT Pro
http://www.sparty.com/techinfo.html

Bead locks (at 48 lbs):
Rim 16" x 7 to 8": SBL1678
http://www.eco4wd.com/products/Hardw...unProducts.htm

Tire pressure: 25 lbs

Comments welcome!

[Art]

We have no plans to use 4 LO at this time, our plan is to let TOD do it's thing. We might decide to use 4 LO after testing.

Good points on the compatibility of the tire sealant and bead locks, I've sent an enquiry to both companies.

Good point on tire pressure, we need to test this.

Regarding when we will test this in the desert, that depends on whether we are selected as one of the 40 teams that go to the qualifying event in September.
We are currently testing in private ranches in Central Texas. Provided all goes well and we advance to the next round, we will be doing longer test runs in canyons in west Texas during the summer months and in California in September; the race is October 8.

[Maugan_VX]

I'd honestly rip out the TOD and put it in 4LO the whole time if you're only going to be going 40mph tops. TOD is just something else to go wrong, and if you get stuck, TOD will just be a bit late to get you unstuck.

Now what TOD MIGHT be useful for is hooking up to your computer to detect wheel spin, and if so, turning on a locker.

[Art]

We have access to the wheel speed information thru the on-board diagnostics port, let me think about this. Educate me on the lockers vs 4LO, I thought 4LO locked the differentials, is the locker you are thinking of different?

[Maugan_VX]

4 LO will only put the VX in full 50/50 power transfer mode between front and back full time. It will also change the gearing in the transfer case. (the Low part of LO)

When you have open differentials on a vehicle and one wheel loses traction for some reason, no power will be transferred to the other wheel on the axle, therefore giving you no power to the wheel with traction. A locker will "lock in" that differential so theres torque going to both wheels regardless of the position of the other wheel. This is very beneficial while offroad but does not allow the car to maneuver very well when traction is good like on pavement. Thats why its important to have a selectable locker (ARB) so you can turn it off when you don't need it.

[Art]

Maugan_VX: Thanks for the education!

I found this post that indicates the following part numbers fit the VX, does anyone disagree:

Front is part # ARB RD94
Rear is part # ARB RD44

Is this a reliable supplier:

http://www.ok4wd.com/product.asp?id=20

Thanks!

[Triathlete]

You might also try 4Wheel Parts . They sell the front/rear as a kit and throw in the compressor for free.