ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: r3cc0s on September 12, 2006, 12:51:33 PM
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I just went to a dedicated Zuki modification shop here in Calgary Alberta called:
ZUKI NATION
after calling just to ask to source me a set of 16" steelies, I was told that he is coming out with a new product that will rival Calmini & RR
He currently has the lift available for his pre 98", but had a prototype for the new gen which he has designed and will soon be on the market.
Once out of the prototype stages he will open up a "website" and start taking orders
This kit can be paired with a 2" body lift that he will also provide
All is Bolt On and will not even require a re-alignment afterwards
His kit consists of:
New A-Arms bulit tougher than Calmini's
A front diff drop (2") which with the geomitry of his lift will still remain under the cross member as if it was stock
Custom designed spring rates for the coils, shocks and struts (20% softer than stock on the road) and he custom engineered the spring rates specifically for the trackkicks and vitara\trackers application
It also pushes the front diff up 1 1/4 inches and tilts the axel for less stress on the CV's as well this changes the wheel base, and provdes more clearance from the rear wheel well to allow taller tires
There is alot more to it, but I forgot most of it
It isn't cheap, and will likely be close to $1400 CAD, but this comes from a top builder in Calgary who has built awarded Toyota and Nissan Baja racers
Riding in his prototype 2001" Vitara was like night & day, you know those bumps and potholes that would still Jar your kidneys?
Well it's almost no-existant
It feels as plush as driving a new Tahoe, the only thing you notice from riding over speed bumps, is just a noise... amazing
He also showed me how well it flexes with his lift, and it is nothing short of Amazing
He knows these vehicles so well it's amazing. He explained to me that our newer trackers have a flaw with the front Axel
1. It's aluminum
2. According to him, the front axel sits off the main diff bearing and has no side bearing causing imminant wear
So to save the front diff, install Asian or Warn hubs immediately as the front CVs are constantly running as we use an actuator based system
He told me, he is working on Casting a new steel front diff housing with the ability to add a side bearing to reduce the wear of the axel
Also... if you are to fill up the front diff, he said that Suzuki didn't engineer the resovoir of the front diff to accept enough oil
He said if you are to replace the front diff fluid, jack the car up to 30 degrees and then fill to ensure the proper amount of fluid is in
He will also be building the following:
Pre-runner bumpers
Rear bumpers
Safari Racks
He also does gears, diffs, tires, wheels, everything...
Also a quick FYI for anyone w/ a 2.0 Litre like me... he suggests to increase performance dramatically
install a 2" straight pipe and remove the CAT & put a flowmaster muffler in
I will post his numbers and details once he confirms his lifts are ready to go
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if that really comes out into production that would be kickass!! i'd be all over that. i could sure use 3 more inches of suspension lift than i have now! a couple hundred more than calmini would be worth it for an extra 2 inches of suspension! maybe this'll work out nice for timing with the end of my warranty.. which gm still honors without question!(so far...)
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Sounds great!! I have the RR lifts now, but would definitely consider this in a couple of years. As for the bumpers, I would buy one now if it were out. I keep harassing RRO, but it's gonna be a while. The only GV bumpers I've seen are in the UK and Australia, and the shipping would be super expensive. I've given up on Calmini. I don't understand why they don't make a batch and sell on Ebay at a fixed price. I'm still waiting on a rear axle skid from them. Doubt it will ever get made >:(
Dave
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I live in Calgary.... I'd love to get my hands on a pre-production kit for a reduced cost and in return give him a little R&D feedback !!!
haha, cool, I knew I moved here for a reason ;)
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lol belive me I asked Jim
He has inlaws with the same vehicles we do :P
oh well...
hey Ngrover where did you move from? If ya wanna msg me - msn is paulhchan|removethispart|@shaw.ca or email that addy
Cheers!
BTW I will use the collection of replies here to show Jim that ecommerce acctuality works (he's the type of guy who rather use only word of mouth)
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I need to wait until next spring before lifting my 02 GV.
I will seriously check for this kit.
Fredo
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Nice to see more parts coming out of Canada. Any idea when he will be releasing the body lifts?
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He's not a big fan of body lifts and in fact, he said only if you want to clear anything bigger than 33"s do you need to run a body lift
he doesn't like the fact that hoses, shifters, brake lines have to be increased
but I think he'll release a BL once he completes his suspension lift
so it'll be potential 6 1/2" (which might be just a bit too ridiculous)
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Count me in for the suspension lift!
I think he should reconsider on the prerunner bumper and build something more like this style with an optional grill guard.
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/93489097-M.jpg)
Rear bumper, rock rails and skid plates would also be big sellers.
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That is a crazy Vitara.... is it legal to run tires that wide?
r3cc0s, i emailed you. If you live in Calgary we should hook up sometime, especially if you are heading to ZukiNation any time soon (I'd love to see that suspension kit).
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That is a crazy Vitara.... is it legal to run tires that wide?
r3cc0s, i emailed you. If you live in Calgary we should hook up sometime, especially if you are heading to ZukiNation any time soon (I'd love to see that suspension kit).
I've never heard of a law that says you can't run a wide tire.
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This sounds awesome!!! Too bad I just bought and installed a Calmini kit ( and also learned that the kit is only o.k. and they have terrible service). Kal-Tire can't find me a wheel which will fit their specifications and calmini won't provide a specific model of wheel that fits their spec. Looks like I will install SpiderTrax 1" wheel spacer and run factory rims and grind ovals in struts to adjust camber and caster. Calmini states "maintains proper track width and alignment", I don't think so! Also, $1400 is less than what it cost after shipping, taxes and duty fees to ship this product to B.C., Canada. All I can say it was a great opportunity to pull my front end apart and learn a lot about this vehicle. Please tell me more about about your exhaust modification, there are no pollution controls where I live and it is time to repair my exhaust.
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That sounds awesome ... hope he gets on it soon.
Jeff
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In some states in the US you can't have tires that are wider than your truck. That's one of the reasons people get wider fenders. With the wider fenders it is considered part of the body so it makes it legal. P.S. This guy will corner the US and Canada market if makes all those kits and accessories. Calmini is crap and RRO would only be slight competition!
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Got any pic's to back up your claims ???
I have heard this before and have yet to see anything eventuate :-\
Pipe dreams perhaps ::)
ZeusZuki 8)
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ya some pics of the test rig or something would be nice for sure, maybe give us something suspension related to believe in or hope for cause i've decided that calmini will never make it's way onto my vehicle hearing more and more bs about them.... so ya, pics pics pics!!!
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How would you guys like a true 4 1/2" suspension lift? (comp. for calmini & RR)
Oh, I'm pretty sure I'd hate it.
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regarding pipe dreams... someone could always call them: http://zukination.com/
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jeff|removethispart|@thequadshop,
Tell us a bit more about your rig, looks real smart 8) .
Got any side shots?
ZeusZuki 8)
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The GV or Samurai?
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A front diff drop (2") which with the geomitry of his lift will still remain under the cross member as if it was stock ------------------------
It also pushes the front diff up 1 1/4 inches ---------------------------------
Yes it does sound too good to be true.
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jeff,
The gv :) pictured on page 1
ZeusZuki 8)
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jeff,
The gv :) pictured on page 1
ZeusZuki 8)
Thats not mine, I was just saying that I would love to see someone produce that bumper with a grill guard.
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jeff,
I am with you on that one - that bumper is SWEET ;D
Pity you do not have any info on it - looks like it has a body lift for sure. Can not see if any cutting went on to fit the rubber ???. Jandals look like 31's but hard to tell. Suspension lift looks pretty mild.
VERY nice ride whoever you are ;D
ZeusZuki 8)
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Here is the other pic that I have.
(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/93489112-M.jpg)
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I've seen that GV before...I'm thinking it was either on a Taiwan or Pomgolia based website...not sure. :P
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Hey, thanks jeff ;D ,
When my GV grows up it is going to look just like it ( although mine is green LOL ??? ).
Still got to get my 37's on the Wide Body first ;)
ZeusZuki 8)
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it almost looks like the plastic trim in the front has been trimed all the way around the flair, at the back of the trim for sure......looks clean tho.....
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Yup....to say that rig has a body lift is an understatement. Notice that you can see air above the framerails. I've got the RRO body lift (2 inches) and it looks mild compared to that. You still don't see air like that from the side. That's gotta be 3-4" of body lift. What a sweet ride! I'd give my right arm for that front bumper!!
Dave
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So any pic's of this revolutionary kit yet ???
Real keen to see the goods ;)
ZeusZuki 8)
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I would be very interested in this kit, Do you know whether it will include struts and shocks?
Eaon
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from talking with Jeff again... it's going to be a full out kit
from coils, struts shocks
diff drop brack
longer bumpstops
I think either new driveshafts or the cheaper alterative of using spacers
he told me it will be at least well into november until he has his supply chain all ironed out and likely I might be a guinnie pig
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Ive seen 4 different front diff drops prob is under articulation the axle goes up to far and the 3 puck inner joint gets maxed out and snaps. If he builts them hope he widens out the track to keep the axle from binding. But would be nice to see a kit like this out
Josh
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finally, something better than the rocky road stuff and calmini!
this means in a few years I can just get one of those instead of modding a calmini kit!
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Spoke to Jeff |removethispart|@ Zukination
Still in progress but the lift is quite the lift...
-4" taller Coils all around (spring rates are as per customer request)
-4" taller Shocks all around (custom made)
-New double control arms setup w/ free floating seats (to prevent coil bind) and new diff drop bracket which will move the wheels forward by about an inch more away from the body
This also means, no strut and will be significantly stronger, but will require some drilling
-Curry Johnny joins for rear axel upper link and trailing arm to adjust the rear pinion (diff) angle and adds more flex
-Drive shaft spacers
So far I think he's just going through some supply chain issues for the custom shocks/coils
Other than that, he's re-engineering some rear bumpstops as the front will all be taken care of w/ the double control arms bumpstops
only thing is... it might be even pricier, but the rig will be more bullet proof w/ the double control arms...
(struts are for cars lol)
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I don't know much about suspension systems, but this does sound impressive. Hopefully by the time it's proven and ready for distribution I'll money for this >:D.
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I was tring to rember who did this to a sidekick on the main board. Might be a good person to get some in out from.
George
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I was tring to rember who did this to a sidekick on the main board. Might be a good person to get some in out from.
George
Some one did do it before and it was one mean set up..
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Here it is. this thing is a monster.
Hows this for ground clearance?
(http://www.zukiworld.com/month_050106/images/hagens_newbuild/16zup.JPG)
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_050106/feature_hagen-newfrontend.htm (http://www.zukiworld.com/month_050106/feature_hagen-newfrontend.htm)
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Bump ;)
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Weeell,
where are we at with this kit?
Pics?????
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At this point... I would like to know
I will follow up on Monday to see where his progress is
I am going forward with doing the body lift and purchasing otherr componants that I want such as... custom bumpers, winch, skids etc...
I'll leave my current suspension alone until this is completed
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i hope this kit comes around but the way i'm seeing it is diff drop brackets for our cv's well being and wheel spacers for the narrowing problem and that's all were getting! damn it. :(
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i hope this kit comes around but the way i'm seeing it is diff drop brackets for our cv's well being and wheel spacers for the narrowing problem and that's all were getting! damn it. :(
no... again this lift includes control arms, in fact that's the thing... its using "dual" control arms which make this lift quite a different proposition and likely a bit of drilling or even tack welding....
this eliminates the requirement for struts and apparently makes camber alignment easier? (maybe but I couldn't see it)
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i just meant that it's not likely that any of the companies 'working' on these lifts are gonna have them out there anytime soon. so the current options are where we're at now. and if i can squeeze 3 inches outta my mine with only a diff drop bracket, wheel spacers, some new springs and still using my spacers. is an extra inch really going to be worth all the money? the back end is fairly straight forward. i like the idea and am not putting it down in any way. to be honest i hope i'm wrong and rocky road and zukination put out their kits really soon.
i wanted to ask you how the back end of your tracker is working now with around 3inches of lift? any new pics?
btw - anybody looking for struts; i called chev yesterday they priced front struts at 485each! fukkers. suzuki priced them at 185 each. OME from rocky road shipped to canada is less than the sticker price from suzuki for 2! are you guys happy with your strut extensions? my front struts are making more noise all the time and i'm trying to decide; go OME now or just buy extensions? i'm thinking just the OME cause mine are kinda beat sound already and less parts to add to possible breakage.. then if my struts do die i have to take everything apart again and buy shit.
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This kit sounds amazing! Can't wait to see some pics later on.
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You won't regret buying OME. They really are that good.
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(struts are for cars lol)
Guess what! The 3rd generation Nissan Pathfinder 2002-2004 uses coil over McPherson struts up front. There is less aftermarket suspension parts for that truck than for the Trackers.
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Any up dates??????
George
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I think i saw bigfoot (yeti, sasquatch, etc) today!
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Alrighty guys....
I called and he said he would like me to checkout his father in-laws GV in a month
It's been testing for over 40 days, and they had a problem with 1 shock (8hr offroading a day)
I'm hoping to see it... however there might be a couple milestones to work out before production
1. with the front diff re-location, he wants to ensure that the carrier (3rd member) will not have a problem with the drop bracket
2. Iron out the link system in the rear, he'll be using Curry Johnny joints for the links on the axel, but now will be using poly-urethane on the frame as currently having both... is great for flex, but terrible for absorbing any bumps
Looks like he'll be making his own A arms and has possibly found a strut rather than the dual wishbone... which will make the bolt on far simpler as there will be no relocation of the coil and the stock knuckle can still mount to a strut
we'll see...
However... his kit for 89-98 is complete and he just made a solid axel conversion kit for it as well (might make one for the GV dependant on demand)
personally.... I'll wait for this, seeing how I'm content enough with my 2" coil spacers
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How can I contact ZUKI NATION ? i NEED MORE INFO ON THE 89-98 Lift and the solid axle conversion.
rcaldwell
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I really hope these guys get their act together. I was in contact with them 2 years ago about getting a kit for a '91 and the only way they would do it is if they installed it! ah no! Then they changed names and never heard anything from them. Jeff actually posted on here for a while as well.
I wouldn't hold your breath but it would be nice to see a new system.
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update??? Pictures maybe??