ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Wildweasel on February 05, 2006, 05:35:50 AM
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Aftermarket 4x4 is now offering a front skidplate. I ordered one and will let folks know what I think once I get and install it. (99.00 intro price) neat thing is you don't need to spend another
100.00 on the calmini truss/dampner set up to mount the plate like calmini's. (so the calmini option is 219.00 vs 99.00 for AM4x4)
I have used the calmini unit in the past so I am not bashing to make this clear. I sold the old unit and need a new one for my x-90 so I am giving this a try. I can build myself a truss for cheap anyway. (if I want one)
(http://members.cox.net/suzukispecialists/trackerskidplate6.jpg)
(http://members.cox.net/suzukispecialists/trackerskidplate3.jpg)
Pics on - Zuwarrie http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,32550.0.html
Thanks Eric, You da man.
I will post pics of it on my X-90 once I recive it next weekend.
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That is a great looking skidplate.
If I didn't already have 2, I'd get it. :-\
Could have saved me a lot of $$$$
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Eric if you don't want the link to the ZU then take it down.
Actually, I appreciate that you put the content of the thread in your post so that a conversation and information exchange can take place here helping our users vs. just posting a link, and pointing a possible subsequent discussion, out into cyberspace. To help out even more, pictures ( if any are available) could be attached to your post as well.
Thanks, Eric
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Looks like a nice design but I think it will not fit mine with the ARB Bullbar on?
Will double check to make sure tonight so I am not posting wrong information.
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Looks like a nice design but I think it will not fit mine with the ARB Bullbar on?
Will double check to make sure tonight so I am not posting wrong information.
How does the bull bar mount? Just wondering.
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On a side note.
Would it fit around having the Calmini Steering stabilizer?
That part also adds strength to the front of the skid plate and A-arms.
I like having that stabilizer and crossbrace.
One more Lil thing. If you have the Calmini lift and front axle drop.
Would it fit around the lowered diff?
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On a side note.
Would it fit around having the Calmini Steering stabilizer?
That part also adds strength to the front of the skid plate and A-arms.
I like having that stabilizer and crossbrace.
One more Lil thing. If you have the Calmini lift and front axle drop.
Would it fit around the lowered diff?
It doesn't look like it will fit, I'm making a similar truss out of 3x3 box tube and it would be in the way of that skid plate.
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I will be able to tell you how it fits with the calmini 2" lift on the x-90 next week.
I will also check clearance on the truss. Maybe if there is interest Sean can come up with a truss and or a slight mod so it will work with them. (one thing I can see is if the tab is longer on the front then it should clear the truss. ) And yes I know how the truss mounts.
I'll let you know once I get mine. If there is anyone in the western mass area with a lifted track/kick (calmini) with a truss we can allways see if mine fits.
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That is a good looking sikd? What did Sean make it out of? I've see him wheel, so I'm sure it's stout. That could easily be adapted to become a full length belly pan 8)
Zig
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It will not work with a calmini truss as it hangs down too far. I guess it will work with a dropped diff if you drop the back of the plate a little on the rear crossmember.
It looks like 3/16" plate, I will know for sure end of the week when I recieve mine.
They come unpainted too .
It will be going on my X-90 with the 2" calmini lft kit on it.
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Looks like a nice design but I think it will not fit mine with the ARB Bullbar on?
Will double check to make sure tonight so I am not posting wrong information.
How does the bull bar mount? Just wondering.
Forgot to check, Tonight will do it.
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Found a pic.
Still hard to say but I think it will touch??
Looking carfully now it will miss.
See brackets at top of Picture.
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And here is a pic of the Calmini truss.
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Looks like it will miss the bull bar anyway. the truss may interfere a little. I will know better this weekend or next week and let you know. (I will build a truss like the calmini to test it. )
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Hello All,
Got one on the way!!! I'll let you all know what It's like ASAP.
Later Tom K. ;D
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Looks like it will miss the bull bar anyway. the truss may interfere a little. I will know better this weekend or next week and let you know. (I will build a truss like the calmini to test it. )
Do you need any more pics of the truss for dimensions?
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I am set on the truss info. IN talking with Sean it looks like these plates will NOT work with a dropped diff like with the 3" kit from Calmini. The 2" lift I have looks like it will clear as it is not lower than the crossmember.
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99+ skids. Dropped an e-mail to the folks at Aftermarket 4x4 snooping around to see if they'd played around with a good heavy front skid for the 99+ Vitara/Tracker. If they have ten people committed to one, they'll build it. Bought my 4x4 used, and it didn't come w/ so much as a pie pan under it.
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I just got my skid in for the 2 door convert.
SUPER! Nicest looking piece I have seen yet.. Almost to pretty to bolt on my bucket!
I will get some pictures after the paint dries and I get it installed.
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The ONLY thing I don't care for is the way the back bolts are the lowest thing in the front now.. I am wondering how they will hold up.. I may weld a couple of small skids in front of them, like the Masterkit skid has...  all in all, I LOVE it... looks great in satin black.. I used bumper and trim paint on it.. as it stays flexible.. might last a little longer than regular paint.. LOL.. I was going to use Chassis Saver on it, but didn't feel like waiting 4 hours to install it.
Good going Aftermarket4x4...  Super product for a super price!
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Quaddawg,
I'm going to try smooth head bolts,might have to file the holes to square,but at least they wouldn't snag any thing.
Later Tom K.
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Hob, you asked about my quads... and I can't get a PM through to you...
Here is a link to my lastest..
http://www.forumsigs.com/users/quaddawg605/ATV_Album/
and the boys hot mini quad too...
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Let me answer a few questions.
Suzukiboyoz:
YES, it will work with the ARB Bull Bar as well as the Shrockworks and the Calmini tube bumper. I haven't seen a Calmini winch bumper, but if it mounts the same as the tube bumper will fit with one of them as well. Anyone want to test fit one?
HOTROD
This skid plate is not meant to work with the Calmini truss, but with a little modification it can work. I'll have to install a Skid plate on a buddy's that has the 3" lift w/Calmini truss on it and take a pic. Again, it does not bolt right on, but can be made to work if you must have the truss. This skid plate WILL work with the Calmini 2" and 3" lift kits, but with the 3" lift you must space the skid off the crossmember a little for it to fit since the front diff hangs down so low.
Zukipilot
This skid plate is made out of 10 gauge plate steel that is laser cut and gusseted for strength.
BlackTrack99
Yes, 10 orders would get the 99 + skid plates into production......let's get going!
Quaddawg
I am very pleased that you are very happy with your new Skid Plate and I will let you and everyone else know as soon as the Gas Tank skid plates are ready. The bolts I send with the kit are standard grade 8 hex heads. I am aware of the bolts hanging down and I thought of using countersunk bolts or button head (rounded head) bolts, but was afraid that there would be no meat left on them to get the bolts out once they were ground down and mushed over in the rocks so I figured low profile grade 8 hex head bolts would do just fine since you can grip them with vice grips if they are too mangled to get a 12mm socket on them. With countersunk or button head bolts they would use an allen type socket head which would make them even harder to remove once they get mashed in.
Sean DeVinney
AFTERMARKET4X4|removethispart|@cox.net
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The bolts I send with the kit are standard grade 8 hex heads. I am aware of the bolts hanging down and I thought of using countersunk bolts or button head (rounded head) bolts, but was afraid that there would be no meat left on them to get the bolts out once they were ground down and mushed over in the rocks so I figured low profile grade 8 hex head bolts would do just fine since you can grip them with vice grips if they are too mangled to get a 12mm socket on them. With countersunk or button head bolts they would use an allen type socket head which would make them even harder to remove once they get mashed in.
Ain't that the truth. I've got the ZR2 skid on my 2002, otherwise I'd be placing an order. It has has standard hex bolts and one has been torn right off. I've been thinking about taking the rest out and replacing them with button head bolt's, but how would you get them out if they were ground down? Guess that is not going to happen, I'll just have to keep a few spare's and check them out every once in a while ;)
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If it becomes a problem, I will weld a couple little bolt skids down there.. not a big deal.
The price for the the quality is CHEAP at $119.99...
If they are still on sale, it would be silly not to pick one up..
I put it next to the skid plate from Masterkit1..... no comparison, sorry Masterkit, back to the drawing board with ya.. (it's gonna be hard to sell the skid on ebay now...lol)
The laser cutting makes for such a nice finished product, the box and brake work is exceptional also.
uh, sorry... I tend to get carried away when I come across a quality product for a fair price.
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Have you tryed to fit it on a sport yet............
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I might be interested in one for a 99+. I'll talk to you about it when I get my tax money back and come looking for a Track/Kick. Just waiting on some paperwork now... :P
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Have you tryed to fit it on a sport yet............
No, I have not, but if someone has the ability to compare a sport to a standard 4-door Track/Kick that would tell if they fit. Either way, I am sure I can modify one to fit the Sport. Wanna be a guinea pig?
Sean
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what if like mentioned earlier you file the holes to accept a square carriage bolt? wouldnt have to worry about having to get some tool on the head just the nut which is up outta harms way.the bolt has a rounded head wich sits flush against skid. perfect no snagging or mangling.
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Track_this
After looking at it you can't do that.Sean set it up to use factory hole that are drilled and tapped already.Just put mine on tonight.Fit great no problems at all.If anybody needs a skid this is the one to get.
Later TomK.
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oh ok... well you could drill them out to whatever size bolt you would use, but then its just too much work :P
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On a side note.
Would it fit around having the Calmini Steering stabilizer?
That part also adds strength to the front of the skid plate and A-arms.
I like having that stabilizer and crossbrace.
One more Lil thing. If you have the Calmini lift and front axle drop.
Would it fit around the lowered diff?
To answer your question, a customer with a Calmini 3" suspension and a body lift purchased a new skid for his 2-door Tracker on Saturday.
(http://members.cox.net/aftermarketauto/trackerskidcalmini1.jpg)
(http://members.cox.net/aftermarketauto/trackerskidcalmini3.jpg)
It fits on around the truss/stabilizer and around the lowered differential and easily clears the large tubular A-Arms.
(http://members.cox.net/aftermarketauto/trackerskidcalmini5.jpg)
The little tab that hangs down off the bottom of the aluminum housing was ground off (took about 10 seconds) and the two rearmost mounting holes were notched out a little farther back in the rear of the skid and she bolted right on.
(http://members.cox.net/aftermarketauto/trackerskidcalmini4.jpg)
The skid plate does touch the truss and the diff, but she fits right on with very minor mods.
(http://members.cox.net/aftermarketauto/trackerskidcalmini6.jpg)
He opted for button head screws in the rear and said he'd drill them out if the heads get ground off.
The skid will also fit right on vehicles with the Calmini 2" suspension lift and I believe it will also work with every other lift kit on the market for the Track/Kick.
Hope this answers all your questions.
Sean DeVinney
aftermarket4x4|removethispart|@cox.net
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thinkin i might have to buy this one and install it when i get my shrockwoks bumper (ordered the bumper last week WOO-Hoo) it wont fit my truck untill i remove the prerunner bar. Shipping should be REAL cheap seeing as i am in Chesapeake every single day ;D ;D ;D
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The skid will also fit right on vehicles with the Calmini 2" suspension lift and I believe it will also work with every other lift kit on the market for the Track/Kick.
watch out for that pro comp kit ;) still a few around
Stu
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I thrashed on mine this past weekend... all I could do was scratch the paint.. nary a nick in the skid plate!
The mounting bolts didn't take much damage either.. but I can see where they could.. I am going to go ahead and weld tiny skids to mine, I think... it has to come off for the gear to go in.. so I will think about doing it then.. Just the smallest of skids will keep the bolts in fine shape.....
One thing I noticed when hosing off the mud.. I got a LOT less dirt/mud/crud up in my front end running this skid. In spots that usually get CAKED with sandy clay, there was none, due to the exceptional coverage of this plate..
Once again, this is the NICEST front skid I have seen yet. Highly Recommended!
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I thrashed on mine this past weekend... all I could do was scratch the paint.. nary a nick in the skid plate!
The mounting bolts didn't take much damage either.. but I can see where they could.. I am going to go ahead and weld tiny skids to mine, I think... it has to come off for the gear to go in.. so I will think about doing it then.. Just the smallest of skids will keep the bolts in fine shape.....
One thing I noticed when hosing off the mud.. I got a LOT less dirt/mud/crud up in my front end running this skid.  In spots that usually get CAKED with sandy clay, there was none, due to the exceptional coverage of this plate..
Once again, this is the NICEST front skid I have seen yet. Highly Recommended!
Thanks for the compliment! 8) I worked hard to produce a versitile and indestructable product.
2 door Track/Kick/X-90 Gas Tank Skids are done!!!!
...and the first prototype is finished for the 4-door Gas Tank Skids.
Just E-mail me if you have any questions or comments.
Sean DeVinney
AFTERMARKET4X4|removethispart|@cox.net
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Definatly interested in the gas tank skid. How much?
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Any pics of the Gas Tank Skid.
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Has anyone successfully beat their skid up yet? I've had one on mine for a few months, but it hasn't seen dirt (or rocks) yet.
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Still not enough interest in skids for the '99+ Tracker/Vitara?
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heres the pics of my skid plate
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/2304000-2304999/2304170_5_full.jpg)
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/2304000-2304999/2304170_4_full.jpg)
there is also a thread showing all the pics in this forum
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=12738.0
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Still not enough interest in skids for the '99+ Tracker/Vitara?
I have had only two persons contact me regarding the front skids and one regarding gas tank skids. That's just not enough interest at this time.....I need at least 5 - 10 orders to get enough produced to make them affordable. Believe me, I want to make them for the later model Tracker/Vitara/Grand Vitara/XL7.
Sean
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Still not enough interest in skids for the '99+ Tracker/Vitara?
I have had only two persons contact me regarding the front skids and one regarding gas tank skids. That's just not enough interest at this time.....I need at least 5 - 10 orders to get enough produced to make them affordable. Believe me, I want to make them for the later model Tracker/Vitara/Grand Vitara/XL7.
Sean
Have you got enough interest in the GV skids yet? I would be willing to bet that if you start a thread on here stating that you will build these if you get 10 people to commit, you will have 10 people in less than 2 days!
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Still not enough interest in skids for the '99+ Tracker/Vitara?
I have had only two persons contact me regarding the front skids and one regarding gas tank skids. That's just not enough interest at this time.....I need at least 5 - 10 orders to get enough produced to make them affordable. Believe me, I want to make them for the later model Tracker/Vitara/Grand Vitara/XL7.
Sean
Have you got enough interest in the GV skids yet? I would be willing to bet that if you start a thread on here stating that you will build these if you get 10 people to commit, you will have 10 people in less than 2 days!
How about those 1999 on up Vitara, GV, Tracker Skid Plates.....anyone ready for some of them yet???
Sean (Ready to make them..........) DeVinney
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about the mounting bolts, my factory zr2 skid bolts get f'ed also, just happens....
i would be very interested in a gas tank skid for my 03 2dr - my factory gas tank skid looks like it's pretty messed up and is not very strong, to be honest i'm surprised i have not had a problem with the tank yet.
if there's something available i'm in on that - with a tank lift not being an option on these rigs a good skid is a must.
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about the mounting bolts, my factory zr2 skid bolts get f'ed also, just happens....
i would be very interested in a gas tank skid for my 03 2dr - my factory gas tank skid looks like it's pretty messed up and is not very strong, to be honest i'm surprised i have not had a problem with the tank yet.
if there's something available i'm in on that - with a tank lift not being an option on these rigs a good skid is a must.
You come up with 5 people ready to put up the money for them and I will make them. They would be $159.99 - $179.99 or so eash looking at the size of the tanks and th ecomplexity of the skid plate.
Just let me know if there is a market for them..... Also, please E-MAIL me directly if interested.
Sean DeVinney
AFTERMARKET4X4|removethispart|@cox.net