ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: kirk70 on January 06, 2005, 02:44:33 AM
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i want to beef up my hunting rig. educate me. i have 0 and i do mean 0 knowledge of anything mechanical, so bare with me. the rig has 185,000 miles. the motor runs great, but i wish it had just a little more umpff. what could i do in that dept. without spending too much? i want to raise it up some too, but not too much.
i was looking at a 2" calmini suspension lift. would that alone be a noticeable lift, or would i need some body lift also? let me back up a little i do want to be able to put a little bit bigger tires on too. i would like to keep the factory bumpers. is that possible with a lift kit? help!!! oh is calmini(spelling?) the only lift out there?
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read through some of the articles on this site. there are some good ones on doing a budget lift.
Some lift companies, calmini, rocky road, skys(coil spacers) trail tough makes some products and there is a new company out of calgary, Canada called Shogun enterprises.
If you want to stick with a 30" tire then a coil spacer and a small body lift may be the easiest route.
For power you can get a header from a number of places. Calmini, rocky road, hawk.
Also a better air filter would possible help (K&N)
You should have no problem keep the stock bumpers with most lifts.
Consider a lock rite locker for the rear single best improvement you can make!
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Woohoo! Another 4 Door!! ;D
Welcome to Zukiworld.
Well, I've got a lot of experience with 4 doors, and I seem to be the starter of a lot of waves in here.. so I'll give this a go.
It looks to me like you want to have a little bit beefier truck, but you're looking to do it on a budget? It can be done pretty cheap. What is your goal on tire sizes? How much height are you looking for?
As for a little more oomph, some nice plugs and wires help a lot, as well as a better breathing filter (say a K&N) as well as a larger exhaust diameter. I opened mine up to 2" from the CAT back, and used a cheap turbo muffler, and I saw a noticeable difference.
As for lifting it, check out the budget article I wrote - it's currently mirrored on Zuwharrie.com - until I get it back on my site, then I'll have it there too:
http://www.zuwharrie.com/content/view/11/27/
With lifts, suspension lifts do not have anything to do with the bumpers, as they lift the suspension. When you put a body lift on, you'll then have to do something about your bumpers. You can either build brackets for them, OR, I think the Calmini body lift contains the brackets for them. At least the front one anyways. It might be smart for you to just go with some coil spacers.
When you go to a tire larger than about a 235x-30".. you'll start to notice a drop in performance, just because of drag, and gearing. Not much you can do about that unless you find taller gears.
I'm sure lots of other people on this forum can help you out as well.
Calmini, and Rocky Road www.rocky-road.com , and soon to be Shogun (check the Shogun track kick lift on another post in here) all have lifts for these trucks.
Also, check out my past work done on my truck to get some ideas:
http://www.granitepath.com/friends/kd7hcg/sidekick.html
Heather
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You will notice a big difference in ride height with the Calmini 2" lift. If you look at the opening page of Zukiworld, you will find an article on the Calmini 2" lift written by yours truly. ::)
Have a look! Welcome to the board.
Cwkick
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good tuneup will wake tired engines up ... after that, exhaust/header probably best bang for buck (I think intake filter is debatable). Many times a properly tuned engine (even with many miles) will feel oh so much stronger (and is CHEAP horsepower, not to mention the rest isn't worth it if the engine isn't tuned right).
I think you'd be happy with the budget lift options (spacers + perhaps a body lift).
Locking the rear is also a good idea. I hate single wheel spin ...
Enjoy.
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i drive this little rig to work about everyday. my pickup is just gathering dust. honestly, i wont be in the mud a whole lot during the course of the year, so is locking the rear down still important? this might be a little more of a form thing than function. will i have to buy new wheels if i go bigger than 30" on tires? i really like the looks of the 2" calmini supsension lift, but is that my best and most cost effecient lift? what about other parts? i am having a heck of a time finding a master brake cylinder. can't find a new one. i found one off salvage and it wouldn't fit. any avenues?
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Everyone here will have an opinion as far as lifting.
I fall into lift as little as necessary (and use sawzall/hammer as needed). In my research I've also found what works for some doesn't work for others (seems 2dr vs 4dr makes a diff, and I think Lsi trim matters too for rub).
My guess, a set of 1.5" spring spacers would give you enuf suspension lift to get 30x9.50 under it fine (on stock rims). You'll probably have some rub at extreme travel and possibly some rub while turning. If you have rub, you can either hammer/slice the metal away, or do a 2" body lift (or live with it).
Spacers and body lift you'll be under $300 (easily).
I don't think the calmini lift would make you unhappy either, but saving cash means you can get better tires :)
some links to work from ...
calmini ... http://www.puresuzuki.com/
rocky road ... http://www.rocky-road.com/sidekick.html
trail tough ... http://www.trailtough.com
sky ... http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/suzuki.htm
Rob
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will 30" tires look ok with 2" susp lift? or do i need a little bit bigger? will i rub with 2" susp kit and bigger tires?
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here's some "side" pics to get a feeling ...
stock ....
(http://www.avalonforest.com/geo/stripdown-part2/side.jpg)
with body lift (and still stock tires) ...
(http://www.avalonforest.com/geo/body-lift/side.jpg)
with spacers plus some trimming (and 31" tires)
(http://www.avalonforest.com/geo/tires/side.jpg)
Had I gone with 30" tires, I doubt trimming woulda been necessary.
30's would look fine ;D
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snofalls how much lift do you have? body lift or suspension?
someone told me (obviuosly wrong) you might not be able to do a body lift since your rig has a uni-body. keep in mind i know nuttin' mechanical. will the 2" suspension lift provide a better ride than doing a body lift? i have worked on computers every day for 10 years. how do you get the pics on here? i wanted to post what i was working with. your pics are the look i am wanting to achieve. where did you get that trim around the bottom?
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snofalls how much lift do you have?  body lift or suspension?
2" bodylift and 1" spring spacers.
someone told me (obviuosly wrong)  you might not be able to do a body lift since your rig has a uni-body.  keep in mind i know nuttin' mechanical.
Common comment from someone that doesn't know squat. Trackers/Sidekicks are not unibodies ... they have a body on frame like a *real* truck.
will the 2" suspension lift provide a better ride than doing a body lift?
Body lifts have no effect on suspension (but taken to an EXTREME can feel loose).
The spring spacers made it feel a little "tighter" up and down the gravel road, but bigger tires ride softer so feels better than stock now.
Some suspension lifts will ride harder (e.g. stiffer springs), but if you're asking if the calmini 2" will change the ride? Others that have done it can chime in.
 i have worked on computers every day for 10 years.  how do you get the pics on here?  i wanted to post what i was working with.  your pics are the look i am wanting to achieve.
ÂÂ
I host my own web server, so I serve my own pics ... there are lots of free pic hosting services you can use (e.g. http://www.imagehosting.us/)
where did you get that trim around the bottom?
I herculined the interior, and went ahead and did the beltline down too ....
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that is the look i want. i don't want to skip on money too bad. to the point that it looks like crap. do i need to get new shocks with something like you have done? the ones on there are factory. is herculiner like rhinoliner? what do you mean you did the interior too? have you done anything to boost hp?
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that is the look i want.  i don't want to skip on money too bad.  to the point that it looks like crap.  do i need to get new shocks with something like you  have done?  the ones on there are factory.  is herculiner like rhinoliner?  what do you mean you did the interior too?  have you done anything to boost hp?
I did skimp on money :) ...
I'm running stock shocks and struts, but plan on getting some longer napa $15 specials for the rear.
The herculiner is the DIY "rhino liner like" stuff. I stripped the interior out, sanded and cleaned it, and applied the stuff outta the can with a roller and brush. I did the full floor and up along the sides of the tail. pretty much any thing that was exposed inside after pulling the carpet. Ended up cutting the carpet to just cover the hump between the seats. Got rubber floor mats under foot up front, and a rubber pad so my dog has some traction in the tail.
(http://www.avalonforest.com/geo/herculiner/rear.jpg)
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i took out the back 1/2 carpet and cut down an old truck bed liner. i actually thought about doing the whole thing in rhinoliner on the outside. here are some pics. i like the idea of the body lift. get a good one cheaper and then buy really good looking tires. URL=http://www.imagehosting.us/?id=116774&type=viewpic](http://www.imagehosting.us/himages/ihnp-116774thumb.jpg)[/URL]
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For a little more umphh,you could add one of these.....
(http://images.snapfish.com/342828%3B923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D585%3D374%3DXROQDF%3E23235723%3A47%3B5ot1lsi)
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i am practicing. hang on.URL=http://www.imagehosting.us/?id=116774&type=viewpic](http://www.imagehosting.us/himages/ihnp-116774thumb.jpg)[/URL]
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i am still workingURL=http://www.imagehosting.us/?id=116774&type=viewpic](http://www.imagehosting.us/himages/ihnp-116774thumb.jpg)[/URL]
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URL=http://www.imagehosting.us/?id=116774&type=viewpic](http://www.imagehosting.us/himages/ihnp-116774thumb.jpg)[/URL]URL=http://www.imagehosting.us/?id=116774&type=viewpic](http://www.imagehosting.us/himages/ihnp-116774thumb.jpg)[/URL]
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if i go to a site like calmini and pucnh in the right info will it give me the right parts?URL=http://www.imagehosting.us/?id=116774&type=viewpic](http://www.imagehosting.us/himages/ihnp-116774thumb.jpg)[/URL]
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i will take pics in the a.m. when i asked about parts. i meant engine parts
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one more timeURL=http://www.imagehosting.us/?id=116774&type=viewpic](http://www.imagehosting.us/himages/ihnp-116774thumb.jpg)[/URL]
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THAT looks like a COOL paint job. Kan I see some day pics? Pulleeeasssee??
:D
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heres some am pics. i think i have decided on 3" body kit 1" spac(http://www.imagehosting.us/imagehosting/showimg.jpg/?id=118399[/IM[IMG]http://www.imagehosting.us/imagehosting/showimg.jpg/?id=118393)G]ers. 31" tires. 7" inch black wheels
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man these da(http://www.imagehosting.us/imagehosting/showimg.jpg/?id=118393)ng pics are killing me
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one more(http://www.imagehosting.us/imagehosting/showimg.jpg/?id=118399)
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(http://www.eye-irritant.com/august2004/leafzuki.jpg)
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(http://www.eye-irritant.com/august2004/leafzuki2.jpg)
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we are gonna repaint and fix the rust when it dries out. is 2" body lift less hassle than the 3" i just thought the 3" would be less tire rubbing
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For some who maybe don't know about it, this is a cool toy.
http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Install/2/WXP/EN-US/ImageResizerPowertoySetup.exe
When installed, it adds an option to the right-click menu within Windows Explorer. So, let's say, you download a picture, then navigate to it through windows explorer, right click on it, resize it, and then upload it to Eye Irritant or something www.upload.eye-irritant.com and post your new, resized picture.
Just thought maybe this'll help some folks out..
Heather
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So just imagine it with a 3" body lift and 2" coil spacers and 31's -- ;D
(http://www.granitepath.com/photo/082804Stanley/DCP_6335.jpg)
(http://www.granitepath.com/photo/082804Stanley/DCP_6349.jpg)
(http://www.granitepath.com/photo/082804Stanley/DCP_6358.jpg)
who needs bumper covers anyways.
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just making sure. the red one has the 3" body lift and 2" spacers, right?
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which lift does everyone recommend the calmini or the rocky road
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Yes, it does.
(http://www.granitepath.com/friends/kd7hcg/pictures/31s/Dcp_1223.jpg)
(http://www.granitepath.com/friends/kd7hcg/pictures/31s/Dcp_1220.jpg)
(http://www.granitepath.com/friends/kd7hcg/pictures/31s/Dcp_1222.jpg)
If you ARE going to buy a lift, I'd recommend Calmini - only because of the A Arms that you get. These pictures were of my truck when it had the Calmini 2" Suspension lift, and a home made 3" Body Lift. Also, both these trucks are running 31's at the time of these pictures.
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i am not planning on the suspension lift. just a 3" body lift and some spacers. thoughts
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where did you get the fender flares?
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i am not planning on the suspension lift. just a 3" body lift and some spacers. thoughts
OH..
Hmm.. I've never installed a manufacturer's body lift.. someone chime in here please!
Speedracer7c I know has installed the Calmini body lift..
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where did you get the fender flares?
They're JC Whitney
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i am not planning on the suspension lift.  just a 3" body lift and some spacers.  thoughts
For me ... 3" was more than I wanted to go so went 2".
I also went 1" on the spacers, but probably shoulda done 2" ...
u asked for thoughts, them are mine ;)
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OT ... geez heather, your neighbors have nice lawns ;D
I think I'll be getting a jc whitney order for DIY flares, they look nice.
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(http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL602/2857655/5784709/77609431.jpg)
This is mine.
3" calmini suspension lift plus 1" rocky road spacers.
1 1/2" body lift.
235/85x16 tyres.
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snofalls will the 3" lift with 1" spacers give me about the same look as yours? 31" tires.
heather are those flares just for a bazooki? i went on jc whitney looking for flares and could not find anything for my rig. i obviously didn't know what i was looking for.
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No, they're cut to fit. They are the 2 1/4" surface mount flares. You'll need two pairs. Just stick em on the wheel wells, drill in some self-tapping screws to hold them on and give them shape, and then just trim off the excess with some scissors or a knife.
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snofalls will the 3" lift with 1" spacers give me about the same look as yours?  31" tires.
yea probably (remember you have 4dr mine is 2dr). 4dr vs. 2dr seems to yield different results when it comes to tire fitment. Had I done a 3" body lift, My fender mods woulda been less (if any).
heather are those flares just for a bazooki?  i went on jc whitney looking for flares and could not find anything for my rig.  i obviously didn't know what i was looking for.
I think these are them ... http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-1256/c-10101
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what about a steering stabilizer?
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what about a steering stabilizer?
Go Calmini on that one, and then just keep going back with the full belly armor.
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here is my plan. 10-31 tires. 7" black wheels, 3"body lift with 1" spacers. calmini lift. summit mud dawg tires. new shocks with boots. new muffler system-2" cat back. spring repaint and get out the rust as best as possible. repaint with a od green like i have then my cammo leave pattern
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For what it's worth,
The camo like Real Tree ©
doesn't work on the critters,
it just looks cool to the people
Real camo is designed to break
up the whole object shape, not
make it look like the trees, grass
woods or whatever, but I must
say it does look cool on a trucklet
Wild
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oh, i know about the camo ::), but if you could see how red my neck is you would understand. i live in huntin' central in the middle of nowhere, heck we wear camo church. you're right it just looks cool.
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Camo to church ;D
Ya'll take the shot guns fur them
critters on the way home too