HAGEN |
Pure
Sport in Mike Hagen's Tricked Out Sidekick. |
Editor:
Eric Bewley Photo: Mike Hagen |
Mike Hagen is no stranger to hard core
wheeling with Suzuki Vehicles. He has owned and operated, or shall we say thrashed on,
several Samurai and Sidekicks over the years. His last creation, however, is a mobile work
of art. It is the best culmination of trial and error, proper parts selection, and vehicle
tweaking we've ever seen.
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The vehicle is a '97 model with the 1.6 16
valve engine. The only engine mods are a 2 inch exhaust and a Supertrapp muffler system.
Power is transferred through a 5-speed manual gear box, Calmini 4.23:1 transfer case, to
the Hybrid front end and stock rear both loaded with Calmini Lock Rite lockers and 5.89:1
ring and pinion.
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| The real magic comes from the highly
tweaked Calmini 3 inch suspension. Mike has taken an already extremely capable kit and
added his touches to get even more out of this one of a kind Sidekick. Old Man Emu front
struts and a pair standard F-150 rear shocks are what dampen this rock monster.
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Mike is running 15x10 inch wheels and 31x12.5x15 Radial
Swampers SSR to get the grip. A Calmini winch bumper hold the 6,000 lb. Warn winch but the
intriguing parts of the car are the custom Strut Brace, full Belly Pan, 4" gas tank
lift, and custom CV shafts that are 4 inches longer than stock.
  
There are just too many neato features on this car to
list in a single article. So we are ZUKIWORLD are pleased to announce that we will be
following up with Mike to get some how to's, tips and tricks, and detailed coverage of how
he did some of these great mods. Stay tuned...
For more
interesting action shots, be sure to visit his club's website at http://www.rpm4x4.com
 ZW
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