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: Gemini on March 21, 2008, 11:45:58 AM
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Hey everyone... I have been a member on the Suzuki Forums site for quite some time, however I rarely posted at all. During that time from November '06 to present, I had owned a '94 Geo Tracker LSi which served me well.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/IMG_2665.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/IMG_2668.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/IMG_2670.jpg)
As of Monday past (March 17th '08) I finally gave into the need for increased comfort and reliability, and thus went down to the local Suzuki dealership and bought myself a nice 2004 Grand Vitara JX 2.5L V6, MT, 4x4. So, here I am, I wanted to introduce myself and start this thread in order to keep track of any build progress and share ideas with the Suzuki community for future modifications.
Soo... that's about it for now... Below are pictures I took on the purchase day, as well as the day after. It just so happened that on the day I bought her, we had a huge snow storm giving us over 50cm's of snow with freezing rain, etc... Needless to say, the purchase was made at a great time! Haha..
Look forward to comments, suggestions, and general chat!
-Glenn
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1361.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1362.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1363.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1365.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1360.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1367.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1368.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1369.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1372.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1373.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1375.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1377.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1395.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1400.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1414.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1416.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1417.jpg)
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March 20th '08:
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Today I dropped by Suzuki and picked up a set of OEM Roof Rails. Had them installed within 15 minutes and on my way again. Total cost = $160.91 CDN.
Here are the pics...
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1448.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1451.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1453.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1455.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1456.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1458.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1460.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1463.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1464.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1467.jpg)
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So... did you need to use the 4wd on the day you bought her? Good lookin ride. Time to lift!!!!
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Yep... I used her a good bit that day for sure.. and ever since for that matter! haha. Thanks for the comments. Oh.. and yes.. time to lift is defintely coming. I currently have the 2" body lift kit coming from rocky road. Hopefully it'll be a good buy.
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April 24th '08:
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After reading more reviews and suggestions in another post, I ended up deciding against the Rocky-Road body lift and thus canceled the order. I ended up ordering the kit from Masterkit1.com and on this day it arrived! :D The shipping time was great with only a 5 or so business day wait for them to fill the order. I'm not sure when I'll manage to get it installed, but I got it!! :D As you'll be able to see, they provide everything needed and with handy illustrated instructions done out step by step, and with the parts separated into zip-lock bags with the step number written on the label! Can't wait to get this done! haha... ($369.95 CDN)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1989.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1990.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1991.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1992.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1993.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_1995.jpg)
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May 13th '08:
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So, the bug is still biting, and I received a new part today! :D When I was ordering the Masterkit1 body lift kit, I also ordered a Polar Bear Grille Guard. This thing took FOREVER to arrive, having to be shipped via transport truck or something, and then I had to manually clear it through customs using a customs broker and all that stuff.... So, after all that jazz, I finally have it, and here it is! ($600.21 CDN)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2069.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2073.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2075.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2083.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2084.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2087.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2102.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2106.jpg)
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May 25th '08:
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Nothing done on this day in regards to modifications... however, I did manage to test out some of her stock abilities on one of the local offroad trails. It was quite a ride and I managed to get some nice shots of her in the scenery. Here's a couple videos... the second one being from this day in particular:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SVCdLJln2Q (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SVCdLJln2Q)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRaLCqV-ui0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRaLCqV-ui0)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2364.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2366.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2373.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2375.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2376.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2377.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2378.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2379.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2381.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2382.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2402.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2403.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2404.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2407.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2405.jpg)
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June 30th '08:
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Today I indulged in some good ole vehicle entertainment! haha... Not really much to say only beware the mass amount of pictures! :P You may notice however, that the '04 GV Double-Din trim is absolutely horrible for standard sized aftermarket decks... so as for now the new one is recessed behind the trim. It is good, but could be better. I'll probably go to a local audio install shop and see if they can properly modify the trim bezel for me eventually. ($718.63 CDN)
Cheers.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2947.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2948.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2952.jpg)
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(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2956.jpg)
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(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2965.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2966.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2967.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2968.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2969.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2972.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2973.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2974.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2979.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2983.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2984.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2985.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2986.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2987.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2989.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2990.jpg)
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July 1st '08:
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On the way as of today: :D :D
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/59504.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/59504_2_500.jpg) ($254.25 CDN)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/ks-vit99-jdm.jpg)($93.26 CDN)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/TC6004.jpg) ($241.37 CDN)
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July 2nd '08:
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Decided to pick up a K&N drop-in air filter for the hell of it... Engine mods are pretty limited, so might as well do something nice for it where u can right?! :D ($53.48 CDN) Here's the pics...
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_2993.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3004.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3005.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3006.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3007.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3008.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3009.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3010.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3012.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3013.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3014.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3015.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3016.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3017.jpg)
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July 2nd '08:
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Also ordered today.... 4 of these in 265/70/16's. :D ($810 CDN)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/all-terrain-t-a-ko.jpg)
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Nice man where in canada are you located ?
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St. John's, Newfoundland. You in Canada as well?
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Great thread!
Nice build so far...
-Eric
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Thanks a lot! If anyone has any insider information on Grand Vitara items like snorkels/CAI, best exhaust size/brand of muffler, etc... please don't hesitate to toss it in the mix! The body lift install looks to be lined up for next week, with the BFG A/T's, and Polar Bear Grille Guard along with it.. so, should be a big transformation happening over the next couple weeks! :D It seems that aftermarket parts are quite limited for the GV, so I'll do my best to get the best result I can while keeping it road-safe.
Stay tuned,
-Glenn
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Ah nice your a newfoundlander :)
Im in ottawa ontario. I have a bunch of mods on my GV you can search on here. Longtube headers,full exhaust, intake with velocity stack and 2-2.25" lift wheel spacers bunch of crap.
So what else you want to do to this thing?
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So far the plans are for tasteful mods that don't overkill. The ROLA roof rack, 2" body lift, 30.5 BFG AT's, Polar Bear grille guard, black housing tail lights, and soon to be ordered RR supersliders should provide the exterior look that I'm going for (probably bake the headlights and do the housings black as well). Gonna upgrade the inside with the already installed in-dash DVD, 6 1/2" Energy component speakers on an MTX 6004 amp, viper 2-way alarm/starter combo...
So, all those are in the works for now. I want her to sound good as well thou, so trying to figure out a good exhaust combo. A local shop can likely do a custom 2 1/2" (or better size?) cat-back for me into maybe a Flowmaster or Magnaflow muffler? And down the road, figuring the Calmini suspension lift. Need some feedback on that before I risk messing up road ride quality however since it's 95% on-road use. Overall.. want it to look and sound tastefully mean, and be able to handle "everyday" trails where I wont be risking a roll-over :D Even for those, I'll likely have to get some custom under-body armor done up.
Sooo... with those things in mind, any suggestions and input are appreciated... With the 2" body lift, 30.5" tires, and future 2.5" Calmini suspension lift, how much overall lift can I expect? About 6"? And how much would I be messing with the center of gravity by lifting this high? She won't be a roll-over waiting to happen from a little spirited city driving will she?
Thanks,
-Glenn
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Move skid plates to the top of your list if you're actually planning on utilizing any of these enhancements.
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July 3rd, 2008:
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Today the Vitara funds take shape... :D
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/P1000056.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/P1000060.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/P1000062.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/P1000068.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/P1000080.jpg)
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LOL. Nice. I would get a 2.5" manderal bent exhaust from the Y pipe back. Loose the 3rd cat you will still pass Emissions. Ive done 3 now and its a night any day difference. If i got a group order i would build 3 Y pipes and full exhaust for the GV. all manderbent 2.5"
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Sounds awesome! Unfortunately, believe it or not, we don't have an exhaust shop in the city with a manderal bender, so you have to buy the 90 degree bends and cut to fit then hack it all together, but overall it's definitely doable. Run those to a magnaflow muffler and i'd say it's nice! Definitely have to look into it. From what I see however, it doesn't look like these vehicles get the attention they deserve in the main stream aftermarket modding world, so getting a group together may be hard for you to warrant some multiple production/distribution... I wish I was up in ON to drop by and meet ya in person for this project! Do you have either thread with a load of pics of your ride? I've only managed to find 1 picture in the Let's see your ride.. thread, and a couple from when you were making your headers (which sound f'in AWESOME in the vids!! Congrats on those!) and I'd like to see more!
Thanks for the exhaust info... definitely gonna be my bible when it comes to doing the exhaust :D
-Glenn
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Ill take some pics today. there a bit dirty tho from off roading and the salt we had here lol. Ill make a quick vid of me launching it to
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July 7th '08:
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MTX 6004 4-Channel Amp Arrives! :D
I'll get this puppy up and running after the body lift is completed so that I won't have to worry about stripping the interior afterwards.. haha! ($241.37 CDN)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3035.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3037.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3038.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3039.jpg)
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(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3042-1.jpg)
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(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3046-1.jpg)
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LOL. Nice. I would get a 2.5" manderal bent exhaust from the Y pipe back. Loose the 3rd cat you will still pass Emissions. Ive done 3 now and its a night any day difference. If i got a group order i would build 3 Y pipes and full exhaust for the GV. all manderbent 2.5"
I'd probably be a taker for a clean y-pipe. I went 2-1/4 (which is plenty, I doubt 2-1/2 buys anything for a 2.7 liter or less engine) from the y-pipe back, but the y-pipe juncture sure looked constrictive when I had it apart.
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Yeah the stock y is 1.5". I would need a order of atleast 3 cause ill take my headers off my truck and put the orig cats on and make a jig and flanges.
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1.5"... ewww.. 2.5" from there back even gonna make a difference with that bottleneck in the way?
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July 8th '08:
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Ordered:
Depo Black Housing Headlights ($220.34 CDN)
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara Brochure ($26.02 CDN)
Rocky-Road Supersliders ($471.80 CDN)
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara User Manual Set with Case ($39.68 CDN)
Yea, I know it's a bit much to get the sales brochure... but what the heck, in the odd case of ever putting in to a car show, it'll at least give an extra point or two! :P
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/DepoBlackHousingHeadlights.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/SalesBrochure.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/Rocky-RoadSupersliders.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/UserManualSetWithCase.jpg)
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July 8th '08:
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LET THE FACELIFT BEGIN!!! :D
Dropped the GV off at the body shop today.... Here's a few sneak peeks!!! Gonna be sick!!! :D
Wish me luck! :o
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3146.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3144-1.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3145-1.jpg)
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(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3140.jpg)
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July 9th '08:
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Day 1 begins of the body lift!! :D
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3216.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3220.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3221.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3222.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3224.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3228.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3229.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3236.jpg)
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July 9th '08:
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My ROLA roofrack arrives! :D :D :D
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3252.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3258.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3259.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3264.jpg)
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July 10th '08:
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Body Lift is officially nearing 100% completion! Front tires are mounted.. but bring up in the fenders when trying to turn, so there's gonna be some trimming goin on with those. He says she'll be done tomorrow!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
I also picked up 5.4L of Castrol Syntec 5w30 and an OEM Suzuki oil filter... so I'll get that done tomorrow as well.. along with installing the ROLA roofrack.. Progress is happening so fast it's hard to stay calm! lol!
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3275.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3277.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3278.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3279.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3280.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3281.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3282.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3283.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3284.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3286.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3287.jpg)
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July 11th '08:
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Well... the facelift Stage 1 is officially complete!!! (Just about... haha)
Installed:
Masterkit1 2" Body Lift
Polar Bear Front Grille Guard
ROLA Vortex Roofrack
BFG A/T KO 265/70/16 Tires
Problems encountered:
- Tire rub... more tire rub.. and a bit more tire rub.
The body mouldings on the rear bumper were removed since they were 99% chance going to rip off if the tires rubbed and caught them.. hopefully reinstall those once I get a Calmini suspension lift. The inner wheel wells were trimmed a lot on front and back areas of each wheel well. Hard to describe exactly what was trimmed... but if you're fitting these sized tires on the same rig, you'll find out! haha.
- Gear shift will somehow need to be modified, and possibly a new console plate to allow for the longer shift throws. As of right now, I can only get 2nd, 4th, and R gears by having the shift surround console plate removed. There is about 1 1/2" space at the top of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th gear shifts however, so I'm gonna see if we can tackle modifiying the shift rod to move it forward to that point. This might even allow the original console plate to work! The shifter shaft is mega thick however, so it might cause a few pains in the butt... (Anything beyond 2" body lift... you're 100% going custom console parts at this point)
Here are the pics...
Rear body moulding removed:
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3292.jpg)
Polar Bear grille hung for fitment and install
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3299.jpg)
Passenger front wheel well trimming..
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3303.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3306.jpg)
Welding the grille to the mount plates. The 2" body lift altered the alignment of the grill to the included mounting brackets, so it had to be welded to them instead. The grille is still bolt-on however from the steering rack. This is good since I have new headlights coming for her! :P
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3317.jpg)
ROLA Roofrack going on..
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3329.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3327.jpg)
Back into the great wide open! Reborn! :D (did another 2 bouts of fender trimming after the test driving. Well worth it for sure thou! :D
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3331.jpg)
Home again.. safe and sound!
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3332.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3335.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3337.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/IMG_3338.jpg)
And finally.... Before and After shots! :D
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/GrandVitaraBeforeandAfter2.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o62/NewfieTracker/Grand%20Vitara/GrandVitaraBeforeandAfter1.jpg)
Cheers,
-Glenn
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Looking good. Get some wheels spacers in the rear and you will notice a big difference in stability