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: eyb on January 30, 2009, 01:38:22 AM

Title: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: eyb on January 30, 2009, 01:38:22 AM
I recently flipped over the upper strut mounting plate of my grand vitara to extend the travel of the strut brought about by the Old Man Emu coils (30 mm) and a 50 mm spacer.  How does one mount the struts after the flip over ?
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: IanL on January 30, 2009, 01:48:45 AM
I don't think you can replace the strut bar once the mounts are flipped.

If you want to keep the bar, you need to revert the mounts to normal, and fit OME struts.
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: mmurr on January 30, 2009, 05:44:51 AM
I take it the strut bar is the piece of steel tubing that extends from the top of one strut to the top of the other. What is the purpose of this strut bar? What effect does it have when you leave it off?
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: IanL on January 31, 2009, 02:04:12 AM
I take it the strut bar is the piece of steel tubing that extends from the top of one strut to the top of the other. What is the purpose of this strut bar? What effect does it have when you leave it off?

It adds rigidity to the chassis, by transferring the twisting torque (generated when cornering) to the other strut tower, and prevents (well, reduces) the torque twisting the tower sideways.  The upshot is better roadholding.
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: JDMCRX on January 31, 2009, 10:10:24 PM
On a lifted gv when u take this bar up the towers will sag inwards upto .25-.50" causing the truck to lower in the front.
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: eyb on February 01, 2009, 10:14:18 PM
On a lifted gv when u take this bar up the towers will sag inwards upto .25-.50" causing the truck to lower in the front.

Thank you for all the invaluable information. I have noticed this after doing the road test of my lifted GV without the strut bar, the camber/alignment did change dramatically!
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: sir lance on February 02, 2009, 12:17:27 PM
After I lifted mine, I took it off, and 1 trip around the block made me put it back on at all cost, because of the rather scary handling it caused hahaha

-Lance
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: jeff1997 on February 02, 2009, 01:56:01 PM
Guys I now make 1.5" strut spacers that will fit the newer models.  ;)
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: eyb on February 04, 2009, 01:32:28 AM
On a lifted gv when u take this bar up the towers will sag inwards upto .25-.50" causing the truck to lower in the front.
Height increase and riding comfort was remarkable doing the upper strut mount flip in combination with the OME coils and 2.5" spacer and diff drop brackets.  HOWEVER, camber alignment is off specs and will sacriifice the uneven wear of the 30' tires, thus, I will have to go back using a 3" strut spacer
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: JDMCRX on February 04, 2009, 06:54:20 AM
The 1.5" spacer will work but you have to cut the brace. Its hard to explain but ill draw a pic to explain.

Im going to be making a strut braces next year for lifted and body lifted GV if people are interested.
Title: Re: strut bar mounting modifications
Post by: eyb on February 05, 2009, 06:27:35 PM
The 1.5" spacer will work but you have to cut the brace. Its hard to explain but ill draw a pic to explain.

Im going to be making a strut braces next year for lifted and body lifted GV if people are interested.

I would love to see a photo or illustration of this.