Virtuemart 1.1.6 USPS API Retired

[perfectbalance]

I am using an older version of Virtuemart 1.1.6 and when I set up the USPS shipping module and I am now receiving an error that says:

API Disabled: RateV2.  This API has been retired. Please use RateV4. Documentation can be found at https://www.usps.com/business/webtools-technical-guides.htm

I have spoken with USPS and they said I need to update my programming to connect to RateV4. I do not know how to do this.

Also, does this mean that any site that I have built in the past using USPS is now inactive?

I am stumped. Please help.

[jenkinhill]

There are several threads in this forum section about V4 in the old VM version - so have a read! 
eg http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?topic=101850.0
http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?topic=97269
http://forum.virtuemart.net/index.php?topic=106866.0