ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: zuksofhazzard on April 23, 2009, 01:19:10 PM
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Just need a little bit of direction here.
I have the Calmini 3" suspension lift and 3" Body Lift on my 4 door Tracker and I notice the my Tires are leaning in at the Top.
When it was First installed, I modified it with the Hagen Widening Mod, then I had it aligned professionally to confirm proper installation.
Everything was fine then.
Now, after returning from Moab, I notice that the Top of the Tires are leaning in toward the Inner Fender.
I have not spent too much time troubleshooting this, as I have not been driving it, and I wanted to do a little research before I start. (maybe save me a little wrenching time or money, on unnecessary repairs) ;)
I certainly would NOT rule out worn parts. It could very well be something as silly as a ball joint, tie rod end, or bearings.
But, for some reason, I wonder if the Strut Towers are being forced to push in? Or are Bent.
Maybe you have some pointers to check first or replace as needed?
Thanks for your Help! :)
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-Check the towers (compare to a non-off road one if you can).
-Check wheel bearings.
-Check upper strut mounts (still bolted tight. inner rubber good etc)
-Check and see if algn shop used camber bolts and they have rotated out of position.
HTH,
Zig
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-Check the towers (compare to a non-off road one if you can).
-Check wheel bearings.
-Check upper strut mounts (still bolted tight. inner rubber good etc)
-Check and see if algn shop used camber bolts and they have rotated out of position.
HTH,
Zig
Good Suggestions.
That's about the line up I was thinking, except I didn't remember the Camber Bolts.
I'll keep this thread posted if...when...I figure out what it is.
Thanks...
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As above but it is also possible that the Calmini springs are stuffed.
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It's the coils in front. They have sone what most Calmini coils do: collapse. Check the free length and I'll bet you'll find there shorter.
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you figured out what the problem was in the first 3 words in your subject line HAHAHAH
sorry couldn't help it, I'm a smart ass
-Lance
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you figured out what the problem was in the first 3 words in your subject line HAHAHAH
sorry couldn't help it, I'm a smart ass
-Lance
This is the First Calmini Product I've ever put on. (I have more now, but this is the first.)
I was kinda wondering about the Lift too, heck, I even had my doubts.
I'm a Changed Man now.
Click the link and watch the rear end drop out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2BPeQ7N_Hw
I was Very Impressed with the way all of this Tracker worked!
You would be Amazed by some of the things I have climbed. (I do not have pictures or video of Everything) ;)
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Doing the widening will make the front lower/top of wheels angle in. I ended up doing some 1/2 or 3/4" spacers to level it out after the widening...... Springs (any of them including stock) settle after use (even quicker when placed into angles not designed for). I was glad when my calmini springs did and smooth out the ride of the life (even with the extra weight). That kit will give you YEARS of dependable service and is damn near indestructible.
Zig
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The Calmini\OME hybrid is still best
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I was in Moab and the same thing happened to me. What had happened is the heavy bolts through the struts were not tight enough and had slipped. I am sure that is all that is wrong. No strut tower braced needed. Just chew out the alignment shop that did not tighten the bolts enough to withstand having your Tracker on only the two diagonally opposite wheels. I had to parking lot alignment mine then when I got home in PA the alignment was under a 90 day warranty so they did it again for free.
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Here's an Update.
I dropped it off at the Alignment Shop this morning.
They called and asked if it was ever in a Wreck. I said not that I know of. He said that the Strut Towers were Bent in about 1/4 inch on one side and 1/2 inch on the other.
So...Bent Towers due to Stress and Aggressive Rock Climbing.
It doesn't Suprise me, but I wonder how well I'm going to be able to repair it?
Again...I'll keep you guys posted.
Thanks for all of your Help!
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*Lift vehicle by the frame so the wheels are off the ground and the towers will come out some.
*Build a strut brace for it that fits when in the air.
* If the camber is still off oval the top strut holes a bit and put a metal shim between the strut and knuckle to prevent it from slipping in while pounding the crap out of it.
*If you havent already installed the shy Idler arm, do it. You wont regret it.
* take it to a shop and have alligned
Then jump the wheels off of it. ;)
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*Lift vehicle by the frame so the wheels are off the ground and the towers will come out some.
*Build a strut brace for it that fits when in the air.
* If the camber is still off oval the top strut holes a bit and put a metal shim between the strut and knuckle to prevent it from slipping in while pounding the crap out of it.
*If you havent already installed the shy Idler arm, do it. You wont regret it.
* take it to a shop and have alligned
Then jump the wheels off of it. ;)
I figured if ANYone would know, it would be Mike! ;D
My rig is far from Jumping Material, I'm just trying to keep the tires from wearing goofy.
I will definately go with your Tried and True Hagen Mods. ;)
Sky Idler Arm...Check.
I had a Great Time wheeling a Tracker.
I figured it would be a great rig, but this Flat-Out Impressed me.
My next mod is BIG OL' Tires like you guys run. My little 32's did great, but I need some Clearance.
Thanks Mike! 8)
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I did a little Redneck Engineering on the Tracker today after work. :P
Since I was at work, I figured that I just as well use a couple of chains and a forklift to pull things back out. [idea]
On the Driver's Side of the Tracker, I had my F250 chained to the Strut Tower and the Chain Tension pulled with no slack. Set the Parking Brake and then attatched the other side.
On the Passenger's Side, which was worse of the 2 sides, I attatched another chain to the Strut Tower and a forklift.
Then, I proceeded to back up slowly to remove any slack. Once snug, I eased into backing the forklift up. I could see the Tracker rock back and forth. It is basically a Tug Of War with my Tracker in the Middle and my F250 on the other side.
Honestly, I didn't know how well it would work, but it did and it really does NOT take too much force from the Pulling Side. I can see how my Moab Trip would have Easily taken its toll on the Strut Towers.
On a Scale of 1 to 10, 10 being Perfect, I'd give it a B+! ;D
Just Kidding, I'd give it a Solid 8 maybe a close 9.
Overall, I think I have things Closer than they were and I'm definately on the Right Track.
Driving is Straight and Pretty Good. If I do a little more Fine Tuning, then Reinforce the Strut Towers, I'm Confident that I could go back to the Alignment Shop and Get it Pretty Dang Close to being Perfect...with some worn parts of course.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for all of the Suggestions. It has helped alot. :)
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Good job on the "tug-o-war" alignment!! I used a similar method on my olds after I smacked a guardrail. Wrapped a chain around the bumper and core support, wrapped the other end around a tree and just backed up till the bumper was in the right spot! The "chain and immovable object method" is a redneck engineering trick that goes way back!