Something you don't see everyday
- Thread starter Thelgord
- Start date
Member III
It’s been a while, so I though I would give an update.
Since I posted last, I have done an IMMENSE amount of work getting the drive train sorted. I have also added a 12,000 lbs winch (mounted behind the plastic bumper on a DIY mount since nobody makes one for this), a CB, XM Radio (trail tunes are important), installed a trailer hitch, lift kit, and I should be getting it back from the shop later today. I hope. What I thought was a blown head gasket turned out to be nothing more than a self-destructing EGR valve. Yay! Seriously, the thing split down the backside.
I also still have some transmission work to do, but that is minor really.
The important part is that is now, finally, after nearly a year of work, it is ready for some trails! Holy cow this has been one long haul, but mechanically it is finally getting to be a sound, smooth runner.
That's awesome news..! I totally dig your build and that is a lot of work to have gotten completed... I'm looking forward to seeing more pics Thelgord..!
It’s been a while, so I though I would give an update.
Since I posted last, I have done an IMMENSE amount of work getting the drive train sorted. I have also added a 12,000 lbs winch (mounted behind the plastic bumper on a DIY mount since nobody makes one for this), a CB, XM Radio (trail tunes are important), installed a trailer hitch, lift kit, and I should be getting it back from the shop later today. I hope. What I thought was a blown head gasket turned out to be nothing more than a self-destructing EGR valve. Yay! Seriously, the thing split down the backside.
I also still have some transmission work to do, but that is minor really.
The important part is that is now, finally, after nearly a year of work, it is ready for some trails! Holy cow this has been one long haul, but mechanically it is finally getting to be a sound, smooth runner.
Congratulations on this, totally cool.!
Member III
Member III
Here it is as it sits today! Lots of updates.
After 17 months of chasing wiring, leaks, and a whole host of problems, it is finally sorted. Well, until something breaks that is. But for now, everything is working, nothing is leaking, end it even has satellite radio.
Here is a (mostly complete) list of what I have been doing:
Completed Repairs/Upgrades/Modifications:
- Replace Brake Pads (All of them) and front calipers (Complete)
- Remove Vinyle Wrap (Complete)
- Get Transmission Working and fixed all of the leaks (Complete)
- Replace Battery (Complete)
- Passenger Door Exterior Window Seal Missing (Complete)
- Drivers Door not opening from outside (Complete)
- Recondition Yellowed Head Lights (Complete) (Probably needs done again)
- Get Replacement Keys Made (Complete)
- Transfer Case Fluid Change (Complete)
- Replace Bracket for Battery Tray (Complete)
- Install Sound System (Complete)
- Replace OEM Stereo Antenna (Complete)
- Replace Front Half Shafts (Complete)
- Fix EGR error code (P0405) (Complete)
- Get A/C serviced (Complete)
- 2 3/4" Inch Lift (after all new suspension settled) (Complete)
- Recondition Winshield Wiper Arms. (Complete)
- 31 Inch Tires (Firestone Destination A/T @ 265/70/R16)(Complete)
- Fix high idle issue(Complete)
- CB Radio (Complete) (Still has ground place issue, 1.8:1 SWR)
- Winch (Badlands 12,000lbs) (Complete)
- Winch Mount (Complete)
- Trailer Hitch Install (Complete)
- Repair leaks in the windshield washer system. (Complete)
- Full Engine Service (Complete)
- Install Transmission Shift Solenoids (Colmplete)
- Replace door window motors (Both Sides) (Complete)
- Diagnose and repair ABS Light (Complete)
- Repair Door Window Tilt Issue (Complete)
- Install Auxiliary Fuse Block Under Hood (Complete)
- Install Brush Guard (Complete)
- Change Diff Fluid (F/R) (Complete)
It has been a VERY long road, but then again I expected that from a vehicle that only cost $1800 with 165,000 miles. I have been doing some light trails to test everything out, and as issues arise, I fix them as soo as I can. I had a clucking noise when changing gears (for example) when in 4LO, that required me to grease the main prop-shaft. I didn't even notice it in high range, but in 4LO is was very noticeable. Finding all of the little squeaks and clangs and deciding if it is just age or actually mechanical has been the hardest part. Some still remain, and probably always will. But for now, the Vehicross is in the best shape it has been in for years.
After countless nights (some in the rain) in, under, and sometimes over the VX, and countless days waiting for parts to be delivered (I love rock auto), it is finally ready for adventure.
Yes I did some things that could have waited. The winch is an example. But for $200 I couldn't pass on it. The brush guard wasn't even in the original plan, but again, I found it for $40 and couldn't pass it up. I probably should have gotten the transmission completely rebuilt, but that is $3000 (including removal and reinstall) that I just didn't want to pay. So instead, I took it one problem at a time and only spent around $250 in parts, but spent weeks taking it apart and putting it back together again. I think I had the the pan off no less than 6 times. Had I been more knowledgeable in automatic transmissions I could have saved myself a lot of headache and a massive amount of time. Then again, now I know a LOT about this transmission, and I am no longer worried about cracking open the tool set on it.
Seriously. After all of the work I have done to this (so far), and with what I still would like to do it, I am more confident than ever about working on it, even on the trail. If you ever want to have fun, change an axle half shaft, or two. :) I have done more with this vehicle out of sheer necessity to get it running reliably than I have ever had to do on any other vehicle. It has been an amazing, frustrating, stressful, and an awesome learning experience that I feel grateful that I was able to experience.
For the first time, I feel that my little Vehicross is truly, Overland Bound ;) (Assuming nothing else breaks that is)
Member III
Influencer I
This was pretty much the first cross-over vehicle built. When they first came out, they were marketed as very exclusive and were coveted by most Troopy owners. Isuzu was so far ahead of their time. Think today of the number of cross-overs. Everyone is building one. These never really caught on, but before you go too far with the mods, you should know the Vehicross will become very collectible. Congrats on such a great buy! These were meant to haul ass on gravel roads. A stock rally car. I remember the commercials. Again, way ahead of their time. Enjoy!
Member III
Thanks. Honestly I think it will only be collectible in Isuzu circles. But I am not going to go crazy with it. It’s really just about done. Just need to get the cargo area sorted, finish correcting some electrical issues with the trailer light plug, and then body work. I may add some off road lights, but for the most part it’s just about done with what I wanted to do with it.
Traveler I
Member III
It (not mine, but other Vehicross's) did win stage 2 and 4 of the Dakar Rally in 1998 as well as winning Australian Safari Rally in 1999. ;)
Plasmajab
Rank IV
Off-Road Ranger I
Member III
Of course I say publicly it is running well and now I have had to change the lower intake gasket and I need a new MAF sensor LOL!
