ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Mikerpm4x4 on October 22, 2007, 07:46:02 PM
-
>:D I just havent been happy with the way the rockstar (version 2.0) jumps or ralleys. Too many hard nosedives. So I decided to move the engine/trans/tcase back in the chassis 14 inches. Why 14 inches? Cause that is as far as I can go without creating bad driveline angles in the rear shaft and I wanted to be able to put the dash back in. The firewall has been cut and I gutted the whole interior. I will be reinstalling everything when Im done. When Im done making a new firewall I will be putting the dash back in. I hope that when Im done nobody will be able to tell that I did it without looking for it.
-
I am also tired of blowing out rear shocks so I bought a pair of coilovers from a freind of mine that only ran then at 3 events before he switched to Air shocks. Im hoping this will also help with my jumping.
Mike
-
you need to find someone with an old cessna and get the wings. just think MORE AIR TIME
-
the inside is gonna look like a frickin van :laugh:
you really are goin for the backflip aint ya ??
-
you really are goin for the backflip aint ya ??
:-\
-
This thing just gets crazier and crazier everytime!! I like to jump too, but I keep that for my 2 wheeled friend , not in my zuke. Cant wait to see it at zukesafari 08 if you make it!!
-
Mike,
What size of coil overs are those? For the front I suspect that you are still running the dual A-arm set up. How is that working for you overall? Also it looks like you just use door skins instead of full doors. Lighter = more air time right? Bring on the backflip!
Mike
-
So how are you going to deal with the shifter?
-
So you decided to start this year BEFORE the cold air got to your brain :-\ Wait, it seems that it has already gotten to you. >:D
That's all you need is an excuse to jump higher and harder than before :o
This is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!
Zig
(Waiting for a Suzuki minster truch to go on tour)
-
Mike,
What size of coil overs are those? For the front I suspect that you are still running the dual A-arm set up. How is that working for you overall? Also it looks like you just use door skins instead of full doors. Lighter = more air time right? Bring on the backflip!
Mike
The coilovers are 36 inches long with 14 inches of travel. I am still using the dual controlarms in the front. I have had some issues with breaking the inner tierod ends. They are stock tracker tierods and Im running a 39 inch tall tire. I will be going to heims soon. Besides that just the usual maintenence. The whole rig is just cage with tracker skins welded on. I like my rigs light.
Mike
-
So how are you going to deal with the shifter?
I just put the shifter in backwards. ;D The drivers seat was moved backwards a few inches already cause Im so tall so the shifter was always a little too far forward anyway
-
>:D I just havent been happy with the way the rockstar (version 2.0) jumps or ralleys. Too many hard nosedives. So I decided to move the engine/trans/tcase back in the chassis 14 inches. Why 14 inches? Cause that is as far as I can go without creating bad driveline angles in the rear shaft and I wanted to be able to put the dash back in. The firewall has been cut and I gutted the whole interior. I will be reinstalling everything when Im done. When Im done making a new firewall I will be putting the dash back in. I hope that when Im done nobody will be able to tell that I did it without looking for it.
that's going to be a nice foot warmer for the cold winter wheeling ;D
-
that not what he froze last winter
-
that's going to be a nice foot warmer for the cold winter wheeling ;D
I am planning on building a header that goes straight forward to keep it out of the foot area. It will also be wrapped to reduce the heat. I will post pics as I go. The firewall will also have a heat shield to try to prevent me from cooking.
Mike
-
that's going to be a nice foot warmer for the cold winter wheeling ;D
I am planning on building a header that goes straight forward to keep it out of the foot area. It will also be wrapped to reduce the heat. I will post pics as I go. The firewall will also have a heat shield to try to prevent me from cooking.
Mike
But wouldn't that make it a lil chillie the winter time??
Your just Crazy...
But I Like the way your thinking... :)
-
Mike, hows this going?
-
Well I havent been doing much. Ive been doing a lot of sidework so I can buy parts. I did dig back in yesterday though. I was going to save the windshield but I cracked it while cutting part of the firewall and decided it would go too. I think it will be for the best as I know I can build it to be a safer machine without it. I am freakin out a little cause I dont want to loose the tracker look and I think the windshield is a big part of that.
Here is its current state. Sorry for the crappy camera phone pics but I need to buy batterys for the digital.
Mike
-
Here is one of the windshild options Im leaning twards.
The other I am consindering is to make the roll bar look like a tracker windshild frame and bend some lexan around the front.
-
I like the way you've kept the tracker look. At a glance you know what it is. I hope you can keep that.
-
Here is one of the windshild options Im leaning twards.
The other I am consindering is to make the roll bar look like a tracker windshild frame and bend some lexan around the front.
Ugh... Think about the rain, mud, and snow that would get on that design of roof and then would trickle down right down the center and then, if your moving, spray you in the face and, if your going slow, drip in your lap. My advice, don' t have a drip channel right down the center of your roof leading to the front of the vehicle. YMMV
:)
-Eric
-
Looking good Mike. Hey, when you get this project buttoned up bring it out here to Idaho and try it out on the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. We had a good time out there this past weekend. Check out my thread; video included.
-
Ugh... Think about the rain, mud, and snow that would get on that design of roof and then would trickle down right down the center and then, if your moving, spray you in the face and, if your going slow, drip in your lap. My advice, don' t have a drip channel right down the center of your roof leading to the front of the vehicle. YMMV
:)
-Eric
I did some thinkin about the rain and such. I decided to make the windshield flat so I can slide a piece of lexan in when the weather is poor. I am also making a runoff for the new cowl to keep me dry.
Here is what I did today. Got the top bent and welded up and got the rear coilover hoops welded in with some added triangulation.
Mike
-
There you go... That is looking dandy.
-Eric
-
MIke,
Is that the seats you told me about? Send me a link PLEASE 8)
Zig
-
Pretty Nice Mike. If that engine comes back any further, you'll be able to adjust the timing and give it a tune up while your wheelin'!
-
How's the ride coming along anything new :)
-
How's the ride coming along anything new :)
I havent touched it. :( I work at a service shop. Snow and very cold temps have me working really long hours. As soon as christmas is over Im going to dig in head first. It has to be ready to wheel by the first weekend in Febuary. :o This is actually what my face looks like right now!---> :o
-
??? Hey Mike, are there any actual Tracker parts left in that rig, besides the motor, tranny and tcase? I'd think by now even the frame has been sectioned so many times not too much of the original is left of that either! Awesome.
-
??? Hey Mike, are there any actual Tracker parts left in that rig, besides the motor, tranny and tcase? I'd think by now even the frame has been sectioned so many times not too much of the original is left of that either! Awesome.
Not a lot left of the original. The tailgate, grille, taillights, engine, trans, tcase, driveshafts, Rear diff (now the front diff) and wireing harness are from the original vehicle. None of the original frame is there anymore. :-[
-
Somewhere it needs a modified GEO emblem. Sort of like a Nascar " stocker." :laugh:
-
I got some more work done today. :P Here are some pics to prove it. ;D
-
some interior too.
-
Man, you were not kidding when you said there's not much trackick left! Can't wait to see it on the trail! As usual, great work. 8)
-
Are you going to be ready in time for Moab? Looks like you have a way to go.
\
Z
-
Are you going to be ready in time for Moab? Looks like you have a way to go.
\
Z
I have no Idea. I want to get it togather for our winter run on feb 9-10th... :-X I was hoping to get a test run in and then tear down for paint before moab.
-
I have the rear links in now. 8)
-
;) Nice jackstands! Anyone got a light? :laugh:
-
are those osha approved jackstands? :laugh:
-
are those osha approved jackstands? :laugh:
only for welding ;)
-
I didnt weld to them sheesh! :D Funny how some of my freinds came over and didnt even say anything. I guess they are just used to me now.
I got the coilovers mounted tonight but forgot to take pics. I dissasembled it for final welding on the rear suspension tonight.
-
I thought those White jack stands were there to help you with your jumping! :)
-
I THINK HE MIGHT BE CONVERTING TO PROPAGNE
-
good to see there are remnants of the DEW on the floor too!
-
Mike, are you using something like this to bend your tubing? If so, how do you like it?
(http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/35300-35399/35336.gif)
-
Hey uncivilized, that bender is called the kinker. You can bend w/ it bet you have to fill the tube w/ sand to keep the tube from kinking or heat the tube.
Kevin
-
I have the rear links in now. 8)
hey are you gonna put bends in those bottom links to clear ledges?
-
Mike, are you using something like this to bend your tubing? If so, how do you like it?
([url]http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/35300-35399/35336.gif[/url])
The one you posted doesnt work very well unless the tubing is very thick. Im actually using Stans bender for most of it. It looks like this one.
-
I have the rear links in now. 8)
hey are you gonna put bends in those bottom links to clear ledges?
At the frame the links are 24 inches off the ground and 20 inches at the tire. Im hoping that will be high enough. Thats within 2 inches of my old links. If not I will have to put bigger tires on it I guess. >:D The links were made by my freind who is a machinist and assures me that the material is unbendable in a rig of my weight. He runs the same links in his wig that weighs at least 2,000 lbs more.
-
Are you going to be ready in time for Moab? Looks like you have a way to go.
\
Z
I have no Idea. I want to get it togather for our winter run on feb 9-10th... :-X I was hoping to get a test run in and then tear down for paint before moab.
UPDATE
Runnin way behind schedule. Ive been really really sick for the last 2 weeks. I havent done anything to my rig at all. Feelin a little better now. Tommorow Im going to start pulling some doubletime and try to make some real headway so I can make Moab.
-
If you had that same crazy viral shit I had last weekend.....I feel for ya. It kicked my butt for 5 days, even after a trip to the ER for some shots and good medecine :(
Zig
-
Well I made my header today. Its a little rough but it should do the trick. 8)
EDIT* Trying to post a pic but I keep getting an error. >:( Ive tried everything and still no go. I guess I will try tomorrow.
-
So how far did you make it this weekend. Did you try to repost the pics yet?
Zig
-
So how far did you make it this weekend. Did you try to repost the pics yet?
Zig
I did but its not working
-
retry
Edit* Hey it wotked! ;D
-
In the truck
-
Since its working again I will post pics after Im done tonite.
Mike
-
Sweet, the pics are working again 8) Cant wait to see the rest.
Zig
-
why the custom header mike?
-
why the custom header mike?
Because his feet will be right where the header would normally be. Engine moved back, like.... a lot.
-Eric
-
why the custom header mike?
Because his feet will be right where the header would normally be. Engine moved back, like.... a lot.
-Eric
yeh, duh.... i forgot ::)
-
battery tray behind the seat
-
Wrapped the boatsides around the front.
-
I put a new timing belt and lower crank seal in (seeping a little) it last night since it was such easy access and it was so severly overdue. (roughly 240,000 miles on it :P) I spent a lot of time last night cleaning up the wiring harness and taping it up. I also ran the fuel lines and front brake lines. I made the radiator mounts but did not weld them in place yet cause I want to have the fan mounted so I can space it properly. My old fan I threw away because it had been trimmed down for the old fitment. I also cut, reangled, and welded the upper line on the powersteering pump to redirect it away from the exhaust. Not a lot of photo worthy stuff going on right now but I am getting a lot done. It seems the more things I cross off my list of things to do It doesnt get any shorter. I find that I keep adding more things to the bottom of the list. :'( In case anybody is wondering, yes Im aware That Moab is 16days away.
-
I jesus built a rig.. im pretty sure it would look like this one :angel:
well maybey......blue
-
I jesus built a rig.. im pretty sure it would look like this one :angel:
well maybey......blue
:angel: And on the 16th day Mike rested.......In Moab :angel:
Good luck on getting to all done...I'm sure you will.
Zig
-
Hey Mike we lost the pics... ??? >:(
-
And on the 16th day Mike rested.......In Moab
Good luck on getting to all done...I'm sure you will.
Zig
Haha... nice i ment to say 'IF' not 'I'
-
Obviously no rest for Mike till Moab... Must be a tight schedule if no updates have been posted. I hopw all is going well on the project and you make it to Moab.
L8r,
Zig
-
I hope he gets it done... Just in case I need strapped up a hill again...
Wait, on second thought I hope I don't need strapped again...
Besides, Being strapped on slickrock going warp speed is pretty scary...
Felt like i was knee boarding behind a speed boat!!!
I think Zig may remember that on Hell's...
But seriously, thanks Mike and I hope my kick will do well!!!
-
It did not seem fast in his ride but but I have ridden with him a few times, plus I know in a smaller wheeled vehicle does not take those bumps near as smooth as his beast. I think I actually tried to get a pic of the look on your face :o
Zig
-
How much is the admission to this ride? Where do i sign up ;D
-
How much is the admission to this ride? Where do i sign up ;D
Show up for the any of he Moab Trail Rides, wait for a good obstacle and ask to jump in. Only fee is helping pick up the Mt. Dew cans when you get to vertical for the cooler to hold them in :o 8)
Zig
-
;D sounds good to me
-
You have no idea of how many mt dew cans you will be picking up!!!
I think the rockstar runs off of it....
-
Ive been really busy. Ive only got a few minutes to post up a couple pics. I will pop on later and fill in a few blanks.
I got it togather and went for a test run yesterday. It went pretty well. Its pretty damn snowy here still and it was pretty much a hammerfest. >:D Im going to the paint shop now.
-
Ooops, forgot to link this one. Yes it is stuck. Yes I had to shovel it out.
-
I wish I could build a rig half as cool.... You got skills Mike!!!
-
IS THAT WHITE SAND????????????????
-
Mike,
Very Nice!!!!! What tires are those? I think you just convinced me to go with coilovers with that rear flex pic :o
Ross,
Sure it is, cant you see the ocean in the background :P
Zig
-
those are the same tires he's had on it for years
-
Mike,
Very Nice!!!!! What tires are those? I think you just convinced me to go with coilovers with that rear flex pic :o
Ross,
Sure it is, cant you see the ocean in the background :P
Zig
Ross is correct, they are the same tires as I had on it the last 2 years. They are 39.5 pitbull rockers. Thanks for the complements guys. Its really fun when your getting to the end of a big project like this and you can see the final results comming togather. Seeing the paint prep and final steps are really getting me giddy. :)
-
keep the pics coming more articulation shots please, that is kinda where im going with my sami except fox air shocks, and ggrreeeen!!!!
-
OK cool, the tread pattern looked different in the 'stuck' shot. and they actually looked bigger in that pic too.
Great Job!!!! Get ready to get hit with 5000 questions during my build ;D
Z
-
Mike your rig is getting crazy. I hope to make it back out there someday. Road trip Zig?
-
So Mike, did you accomplish what you wanted?
Does it jump better???
-
So Mike, did you accomplish what you wanted?
Does it jump better???
There was so much snow I had a hard time getting any real height. Besides before I get to any big jumping I need to put in some bumpstops. I got a couple long distance high speed jumps and I can notice a large difference already.
I just got home from the bodyshop. Its ready for paint. 8) I also decided to add a couple more tubes to the roof. Sorry but I forgot to take pics. I will post some tomorrow after paint. ;)
-
Ooops, forgot to link this one. Yes it is stuck. Yes I had to shovel it out.
;D YOUR ONLY STUCK IF YOU CAN'T GET OUT ;D
Ryan
-
he wasn't stuck he was just stopping to DO THE DEW
-
I added 2 tubes to the top for more structure. Painted it today. Yay!
-
That's a long way form it's beginning. And it all started with a roll off of the shale pit 8) Damn I cant wait to see the next version >:D
Zig
-
Mike your rig is getting crazy. I hope to make it back out there someday. Road trip Zig?
I definately want to hit Apple Valley farms with my rig when it's done.
Zig
-
Dont forget the tracker or zuki badges on the beast. Remember what a nice little suv it used to be
-
Did you run into any issues with that much travel out of the rear suspension? Driveshaft? T-Case? Slip yolk?
Zig
-
Did you run into any issues with that much travel out of the rear suspension? Driveshaft? T-Case? Slip yolk?
Zig
It was close to maxing out the ujoints at full up travel and just as close at full droop. I plan to put a rear limmiter strap on anyway after I get the rear gastank skid/ pullpoint/ bumpstop and seat mount made. (all intergrated) This wont happen till after moab. I found out the hard way that the rear tires hit the body. :'( Had to do some rear bodywork and ended up cutting the rear fenders open more. I took out a lot but it doesnt look much different. I am hoping tomorrow night will be my last build night. I need some sleep before I go. :sleepy:
-
If you rub your eyes hard and squint really, really, hard it almost resembles a Suzuki Sidekick...
-
looks awesome
id like to see a 4 door version
(would probably be like a mini gravedigger)
8)
.
.
.
.
.
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/673000-673999/673055_328.jpg)(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/2605000-2605999/2605349_1.jpg)
X32CarDomainPage (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/673055).........................RyouBakua|removethispart|@Hotmail.com.........................BurpleCarDomainPage (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2605349)
Help me Heal!!! No spam/pop-ups. Just one click!!! (http://www.monstersgame.co.uk/?ac=vid&vid=11027759) Or be a TechWarrior!!! Its cool!!! (http://www.techwarrior.co.uk/?ac=vid&vid=37006273)
-
Did you run into any issues with that much travel out of the rear suspension? Driveshaft? T-Case? Slip yolk?
Zig
It was close to maxing out the ujoints at full up travel and just as close at full droop. I plan to put a rear limmiter strap on anyway after I get the rear gastank skid/ pullpoint/ bumpstop and seat mount made. (all intergrated) This wont happen till after moab. I found out the hard way that the rear tires hit the body. :'( Had to do some rear bodywork and ended up cutting the rear fenders open more. I took out a lot but it doesnt look much different. I am hoping tomorrow night will be my last build night. I need some sleep before I go. :sleepy:
I know what you mean, I had to wash my Sidekick.... even the underside!
-Eric
-
HAHAH I think Eric is a little bored...... ;D