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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: elotsip on January 26, 2006, 06:13:52 PM

Title: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: elotsip on January 26, 2006, 06:13:52 PM

Okay, so I bought a 97 sidekick. I was planning on getting the calmini kit then I started thinking about a solid axle swap instead. I'm just wondering how tough the calmini kit really is and which way would be better. I am not looking for my kick to be a serious rock crawler, I have my sammy for that. But I want it to be semi capable and reliable.

Thanks for any comments.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: suzukiboyoz on January 26, 2006, 09:30:59 PM

You are taking about the 3" suspension lift kit??
No regrets about installing it, does everything I want to off-road and a lot I will never do.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: HotRod on January 27, 2006, 01:36:34 AM

I've bought it twice ;D
For suspinion lift, I don't think you can really beat Calminis.
All new A-arms, Springs, control arms, 3rd link,Shocks and struts (they work, Thats all I can say about those)
Basicly, everything that is part of the suspinion is replaced with some
really well engineered stuff.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Zukipilot on January 27, 2006, 03:56:56 AM

I have their two inch lift on my daily driver and their three inch on my trail rig. I love them both. If you are looking for a good reliable product, Calmini is the way to go. My 2" lift is around 10 years old and still in great condition for all of the abuse I have put it through.
Zig

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: the_maplebar on January 27, 2006, 05:48:37 AM

And for strength/reliability, if you replace the front diff with the Calmini Anvil.... well take a look at Operation: RockStar in the tech archive.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: ADavis on January 27, 2006, 10:00:40 AM

I have there 2" lift and it is about 12-14 years old.  It has been abused a lot and it still works great to this day.  I had the frame crack, body crack, power steering bracket brake but never had a problem with the suspension kit.  I would like to upgrade to the 3" but I don't have the time to do it right now.  But given the 2" with a 2 1/2" homemade body lift, it runs 31 BFG Muds and goes anywhere being locked up front & rear and lower t-case gears.  You can't beat the Calmini lift for dependibility, durability, and cost.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Cwkick on January 27, 2006, 03:51:36 PM

I had a Calmini two inch lift.  It was very good and easy to install.  Great for a dual purpose rig!

Check out the install!

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_120104/feature_calmini_2inch_install.htm

Cwkick

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Shredder on January 27, 2006, 04:32:35 PM

Calmini 3+3 on mine. Very well designed suspension system. Rutted and stepped hills that stopped my Tracker dead in it's tracks became easy climbs once I added Calmini's kit. Then I added 31x10.50s and now I can't find stuff around here it can't do. You will like it.  ;)

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Yoak on January 27, 2006, 05:32:06 PM

Does the car ru much rougher with the 3+3?

Im thinking of picking one up next month...

allthough where I am in So Cal with the winds being the way they are...I may just delay it a bit longer....I was getting blown into other lanes...

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Shredder on January 27, 2006, 06:11:29 PM

The ride is firmer but that is because it is designed to handle the weight of heavy off-road bumpers and a winch, etc. I am running mine without the extra weight right now and I actually like the ride better than a stock set-up.

I did my suspension part first and loved it. Smooth and quiet. Then I added the body-lift and noticed how road noise and vibration, etc were transmitted to the body. I think it is because the body lift does away with some of the body to frame cushion that snuffed vibration, noise etc.

I might switch over to a Boondox Motorsports 3" body-lift. It is a stronger design that utilizes the full stock body cushions. It also provides mounting points for sliders, bumpers, etc.  The home made body-lift by HotRod (above) is somewhat like the Boondox one. I was going to post a picture of it but it seems to be gone. Maybe HotRod can post one.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Yoak on January 27, 2006, 06:39:19 PM

This is in addition to my previous post...


I have been told that the SKY 2" lift is also a great kit to pick up...

For thoose who have installed either my additional question is as follows:

Is the Calmini kit similar to that of the SKY kit in that it utilizes extenstions on the frame bolts...


The reason this is an issue for me is because I have installed custom bucket seats in the rears...and installed about 6 layers of fat mat...in other words its almost impossible for me to get to the places where the bolts are....


I am using the car as a daily driver, and I am at the very minimum going to pick up the suspention kit....thanks!

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Shredder on January 27, 2006, 06:46:20 PM

The Sky 2" bodylift just screws onto the stock body bolts from underneath. They use a threaded steel sleeve that goes through plastic body blocks. It is all done from the under side.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: chet on January 27, 2006, 07:46:30 PM

I would stick with a 2" body lift next time. the 3" was a PITA! You have lengthen the gas filler, power steering res. hoses, some vacuum lines, fart around with the steering shaft. I don't like the calmini body lift it uses crappy 2" sq. tube and a 1" alum. spacer. they tell you to get rid of one of the rubber bushings(I didn't I got longer bolts and used them) the sky 2" is a much cleaner look and is easier to install.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Yoak on January 27, 2006, 08:32:59 PM

Sounds like I need to order a SKY kit then...


I am going to do the 3 inch suspension (CALMINI)

w/ 2 inch SKY...

Thanks for the input

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: RJkick on January 30, 2006, 01:16:37 PM

After installing the Calmini lift does anyone experience any "bottoming out" in the rear?  If I add about 400 pounds I seem to get a loud thunk coming from the rear.  It sounds like hitting the bump stop or something

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Shredder on January 30, 2006, 04:35:01 PM

I had three 100 pound bags of shell corn in mine and a 125 pound passenger (tell my wife I said 110) and I went down a bumpy dirt road for a few miles. No strange thunks. Did you notch your lower shock mounts for Calmini's larger diameter shocks? They could be hitting if you didn't.

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: elotsip on January 30, 2006, 06:26:02 PM

That's sort of the way I am thinking as well. If you get it before me let me know how you like it. The sky kit that is.

Quote from: Yoak on January 27, 2006, 08:32:59 PM

Sounds like I need to order a SKY kit then...


I am going to do the 3 inch suspension (CALMINI)

w/ 2 inch SKY...

Thanks for the input

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Yoak on January 30, 2006, 07:14:15 PM

I am going to pick it up at the end of Feb...


No money to spend atm...but I shall let you know

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on January 30, 2006, 07:34:02 PM

I am partial to the Calmini 2 inch kit. I have never heard anybody complain about it. Its perfect right out of the box. It retains the stock front coils. This means you can build your rig at your own pace. If you add a winch bumper you can add heavier coils from a GV to retain the ride and height. I like that. If you want more lift or tire clearance add a body lift or trim the fenders. I know several people with this setup on 33s and are very happy with it.

Mike

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: RJkick on February 01, 2006, 03:00:11 PM

It seems I have about a quarter inch space between the shock and lower shock mount.  Should I cut the sides to get more space?  Trial and error or should a half or 3 quarters be enough.  I will look into it further, another excuse about why I have to go wheeling.


Love the look and Both kits though

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: AKOffroader on February 04, 2006, 07:30:36 PM

Very simply, you will NOT be disappointed with the Calmini 6" combo kit. Rides well w/winch, takes corners at speed, even w/swaybar removed, and flexes out very well also. And when you drive thru town(to the trail) EVERYBODY stares!!

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Uncivilized on February 04, 2006, 09:05:43 PM

Quote from: Mikerpm4x4 on January 30, 2006, 07:34:02 PM

I am partial to the Calmini 2 inch kit......... It retains the stock front coils.

So...what do they use - coil spacers?

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on February 05, 2006, 06:37:02 AM

Quote from: Uncivilized on February 04, 2006, 09:05:43 PM

Quote from: Mikerpm4x4 on January 30, 2006, 07:34:02 PM

I am partial to the Calmini 2 inch kit......... It retains the stock front coils.

So...what do they use - coil spacers?

The spring pocket is raised in the lower control arm. It is similar to a coil spring spacers effect but it keeps the bumpstop in working order.

Mike

Title: Re: How good is the calmini sidekick kit?
Post by: Uncivilized on February 05, 2006, 08:54:23 AM

Good to know, I'm looking to get a kit from Calmini, I'm leaning more towards the 3" though...