Wohoo! Im glad to hear someone is going to race a VX finally! I have had a lot of "fun" in mine, never competitively. She is babied now, not driven much, and used for light trailer duty (some fun and snow mixed in there too).
If I competed, this is what I would do.
1. *** Check you target category before doing anything.***
2. Read the story about the Geolandar VX that attempted the Paris-Dakar Rally. If I remember correctly, he ran strong in the T-1 class, he DNF'd because of his front diff exploding, and had very little sponsor support. I think he tried to make a go of 2WD, but it was useless. He even knew the day before he was having front diff problems, the sponsor denied his front diff swap request, and then a rough stage came the next day. Also, dont doubt its toughness. Troopers won their class in the Dakar in 1992, and Many Australian gigs. You are driving those parts plus TOD and 3.5 liter essentially. Somewhere online is a breakdown of all Isuzus wins. Ill try to find this stuff.
3. Maybe- maybe consider the disconnect for reasons stated above only 2WD sand rails are any good at 2WD, but would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you install the high lock feature. In situations like sand the TOD may engage and disengage so much- YOU WILL DNF. I almost guarantee it will happen. DO NOT let it bang in and out of TOD engagement. Disconnect wont help as much because driving the way you'll be driving, you would be better letting the truck do the front rear bias which has a good program for this (also adjusting tire pressure to optimize) while you concentrate on pointing the nose where you want it- TOD is proven to be adequate in "spirited" driving. The other option is if you have the time, the auto AND manually selectable F/R bias similar to the Subaru STI setup. I would also recommend using the "power" button.
4. Make sure you install axle limiting straps. Dont want a coil spring coming loose 5 feet in the air. Plus, you can adjust your travel to compensate for terrain. Do this even if its just to keep the axle from over-extending and topping out your shocks which may cause premature failure. May someone could sponsor and provide the awesome stock KYB's? Maybe more travel would be better, though.
5. Maybe some ball joint flip people can chime in, but I think this is another must-do activity for you. Also consider the "front diff lowering" kit to optimize your cv joints with lift, and allow more travel. You'll need it.
6. Ever considered a snorkel intake? Check class rules. Also- ever considered a roof vent? Check rules.
7. I would also recommend smaller wheels. Less rotational, unsprung, and vehicle weight. Youll need as much flotation as possible for sand, rocks, jumps, etc. I almost guarantee a tacoed wheel with 18's depending on your size's aspect ratio. Also check to see if Tire pressure monitoring Systems are allowed. Dont want to roll over halfway through or have tire failure. Deserts suck to be stranded in!I would also recommend "stout" All Terrains, or even "mild" Mud terrains. What are those directional, soft rubber Yokohama called? Ive always wanted to try them, but being a soft compound, they dont last for a "street vehicle". More research needed.
8. Tranny cooler, tranny cooler, tranny cooler. I would also recommend hacking the truck to fit the larger radiator like you said, and maybe a dual tranny/Oil cooler. If you can find an easy way to cooler the diffs. I WOULD DO THAT TOO if it can be done without risking torn hoses or something. The 4L30 isnt the best. I would try to find a way to get the Trooper 5 speed under the bonnet before the race if possible. Hasnt been done yet to my knowledge. Does this affect class?
9. The rear LSD is a stout unit, are additional diffs allowed in the class? Hmmm... front LSD is possible as well. May have to use tire pressure adjustments to keep from "plowing". The increased acceleration and lack of wheelspeed differences slamming together may allow the diff to last? This may overcome the decrease in cornering under throttle. post-turn acceleration via traction vs. mid-turn throttle. Theorizing needed here.
10. There should be a way to mount a "screen" over the air intake area abhove the hood, or a hack into the vents to filter particulates for passengers. Ever thought of a filtered small fan and hoses to helmets for driver/co-driver? Works great in M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles! Ditch the whole stock HVAC system as well?
11. Also, use the Geolandar VX, Tonbo house, etc. VX's for references as to mods others have done. Isnt there a pic of a modded VX in Japan with shock towers through to the hood (maybe through cargo area?), and jumping serious air in some sand? We'll have to find that as well. It also had a MAJOR tranny cooler as well.
12. I would go over every aspect of vehicle maintenance. How many miles on her? Fan, timing belt, hoses, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, oil, tranny fluid, diff fluids, engine coolant, flush brake lines, power steering fluid, etc. etc. etc.
I know alot of this is common sense, but I hope me ratting off thoughts on a post might have brought up something helpful.
Good luck, we all know you will need as much as possible like all Baja entries!!!
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Still looking for the Dakar VX attempt.
Originally Posted by Chopper
