ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: inchaos10 on February 20, 2011, 01:15:04 PM
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Left side calmini strut 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYJLpSFVWAQ#)
Right side calmini strut 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMUGfC7-Sus#)
Sorry i couldent combine them. These have been in about 3 good trail rides.
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WOW!!! whats up with that? any guess what went wrong? (quality)?
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I honestly dont know. Its only been on 3 all day trail rides and very little road, and the trails i ride is nothing severe. ive gone with my stock shocks and 29" tsl/sx and dident have this problem. So maybe a bad batch. I did come across another guy with the same problem. ??? Also calmini wouldent replace them. I kept geting the run around from them and the people i bought the kit from. So i found my new ones on ebay.. 8)
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I have to wonder about that company ??? I guess there selling so much product customer service just dont matter! ??? ???
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The problem is most likely the struts being over-extended. We have seen the OME struts die a quick death for the same reason. Look at fitting your front end with a limiting strap and it will probably help avoid such things in the future.
I did manage to get rid of all off the damping power in a set of cheap struts from Napa over a single Fall Adventure challenge. Just couldn't handle the beating on the dirt back roads. :)
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What lift are you running? I'm with Drone. It sounds like bottoming out or over extending of the strut? I wasted a couple of pair on my 3" lift when I had the upper strut mount flipped and the spacer installed. It gave me a little more drop but wasted the strut and CV.
Zig
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Its the calmini 3". I am deffenitly thinking of adding limiting straps. Any one know of a set made for it or how to go about makeing some?
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sorry... I have a 3 1/4 inch back space.
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did you have your anti-sway bar removed or disconnected?
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LIMIT STRAPS
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No. sway bar was and still is on lol.
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Drone is right. The first video.... Whoah! Second one, not the first time Ive seen it. Im on my 2nd set of stock struts right now. Looking into OME but at the same time limit its over-extenstion. Limit straps would help.
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Its the calmini 3". I am deffenitly thinking of adding limiting straps. Any one know of a set made for it or how to go about makeing some?
If if you go to Summit Racing, or similar places, you can find limiting straps in a variety of sizes. Figure out the length you need and weld a couple of tabs, on on the a-arm and one on the frame or on the strut brace. On the race rig we just fabbed something up using a couple of seat belts ends, works great. We also added some bracing on the inside of the strut tower at the same time.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_86HP5-adsWc/S8veragKqWI/AAAAAAAAGsA/d4if1yoBnUk/s512/CIMG0556.JPG)
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Just a few notes regarding the struts used in our Sidekick/Tracker suspension systems.
- We do not manufacture these units. They are the standard OE replacement units made by Gabriel/Monroe.
- In many cases, due to the quantity of units we stock, they well develop flat spots from shipping/storage and will require cycling of the shaft to eliminate flat spots in the action of the strut.
- Proper backspacing of the wheel is key to providing the correct leverage on the front suspension. Tech sheets are sent with all IFS systems with our recommended wheel size, backspacing, and tire size. ANY variation from this will lead to alignment/suspension cycling issues.
As is always the case, every one has a different idea on what wheels look best, we all have different budgets, and this affects the parts we put on our vehicles. FOR EXAMPLE: If you decide to run a 4.5" backspaced wheel when the system calls for a 2.5" unit, you should expect to have alignment/suspension issues. If you decided to run stock tires instead of the recommended taller tire, you should expect to have alignemnt/suspension issues.
That said, we are in final testing of a new long travel strut. Sample units have been in testing for over 2 years now with very good results (both street and off-road). They would effectively eliminate the need for the strut tower spacer as the entire strut is longer both in body and shaft length (travel) on our 3" suspension system. We would like to have these units available late this year. Please watch the website for updates on this project.
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Since your here,why can't single items be purchased individually? I need control arms to
Complete a suspension kit for a sidekick and was told I can't buy them. Seems counter productive to profit.
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Just a few notes regarding the struts used in our Sidekick/Tracker suspension systems.
- We do not manufacture these units. They are the standard OE replacement units made by Gabriel/Monroe.
- In many cases, due to the quantity of units we stock, they well develop flat spots from shipping/storage and will require cycling of the shaft to eliminate flat spots in the action of the strut.
- Proper backspacing of the wheel is key to providing the correct leverage on the front suspension. Tech sheets are sent with all IFS systems with our recommended wheel size, backspacing, and tire size. ANY variation from this will lead to alignment/suspension cycling issues.
As is always the case, every one has a different idea on what wheels look best, we all have different budgets, and this affects the parts we put on our vehicles. FOR EXAMPLE: If you decide to run a 4.5" backspaced wheel when the system calls for a 2.5" unit, you should expect to have alignment/suspension issues. If you decided to run stock tires instead of the recommended taller tire, you should expect to have alignemnt/suspension issues.
That said, we are in final testing of a new long travel strut. Sample units have been in testing for over 2 years now with very good results (both street and off-road). They would effectively eliminate the need for the strut tower spacer as the entire strut is longer both in body and shaft length (travel) on our 3" suspension system. We would like to have these units available late this year. Please watch the website for updates on this project.
I can understand the increased backspacing putting increased stress on components due to the increased leverage - but why should a taller/shorter tire have an impact on aligment & suspension? Do explain.
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Sounds like a cop-out loop hole for customer service/warranty too me! :-\
I wondered the same thing too about tire diameter changing alignment.
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A larger tire provides more leverage. Addtionally, the height of the tire in relation to ball joint placement will also effect alignment. We will have a full explanation up shortly...
Jluck, if you have issues, maybe they should stick to PM's. Your lack of professionalism does not belong in this thread. Thank you
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My lack of professionalism? I tried calling and was told to get screwed.and I'm not the only one. I have a right to post anything I want here. Sorry for calling you out but at least we got a response. Thanks and I won't post anything else.
After all.... Didn't you chime in to this thread??
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Look guys, I'm not trying to defend Calmini, but broken struts can happen from any number of reasons, the most common being over extending and topping out. I've gone through 3 sets of OME's and I don't think its a problem with the strut. Even after installing limit straps, my driving style, and lift mods just push them to the limit of their envolope. Just replaced another after wasting it up at Rousch. (good thing I keep finding cheap ome spares!) Now, I do agree some kind of disclaimer or at least the reccomendation of limiting straps should come with the kit, but there's enough past discussion of strut issues on this forum for anyone to be able to find solutions, like limiting straps, to strut issues. JMO. :)
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Well I am in the market for a small lift for my new to me sami. Looks like I just eliminated one company from the list. let me explain why.
Its not because of the shock that we all just watched the videos of. Its because of the piss poor C/S response to the issue posted in this thread from Calmini. Where I come from the customer is always right even if there wrong.
Dosnt matter if you get a customer with a attitude, you try everything you can to make it right, but judging from your response to jluck. Your company or the company you represent could care less.
This type of thing is how you lose a customer not gain one.
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i think it was because of Jlucks penchant for griping about them not selling components individually and feeling that he, personally, was the reason for their post. just my 2
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i think it was because of Jlucks penchant for griping about them not selling components individually and feeling that he, personally, was the reason for their post. just my 2
I can understand that, but its obvious to me that jluck has purchased product from calmini, and he needs parts. At no point did he even gat a answer.
You would think in this bad economic time that a company would be trying to bend over backwards for business. Its not like the have the market cornered or anything like that. Just my 2.
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I bet your wrong. He has been scouring the classifieds and tried to buy used components I was selling months ago. check the whole board. He likely called to try and buy components separately which they do not do as company policy.
Could you imagine the warranties and issues with all the differnet homemade setups and all the headaches that would cause? No thanks!
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I tried calling and was told to get screwed.
Really? Someone there actually told you that? Told you to "get screwed"? Yeah right. Post up how it really happened.
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I bet your wrong. He has been scouring the classifieds and tried to buy used components I was selling months ago. check the whole board. He likely called to try and buy components separately which they do not do as company policy.
Could you imagine the warranties and issues with all the differnet homemade setups and all the headaches that would cause? No thanks!
I see what your saying, but im sure im not wrong in the way I feel about the way Calmini responded to a customer on a board. On top of that they didnt attempt to own the problem on the shock. You know the one they put there name on. Instead they blame Gabriel/Monroe in a roundabout way.
In no way am I asking anyone to aggree with me, or get on my bandwagon. All this is just my opinion about it. Its just bad business in my eyes, and I wont purchase from them.
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WOW THIS IS GETTING GOOD!
I tried calling and was told to get screwed.
Really? Someone there actually told you that? Told you to "get screwed"? Yeah right. Post up how it really happened.
nope your exactly correct daddydave but they were quite rude and short on the phone.(the exact "get screwed" was not used). I have always been a calmini fan and was rather shocked by there response. yes I ranted about it in other posts I thought it was a prudent topic.
I am surprised you are still bitter over the snarky comments I made to you in the past. get over it. I apologize OK!
I would not go and give any bad press unless I thought others should know. I'm not the only one that had crap service from them. After all I use forums to convey my experiences to fellow users. not to sell product for a company I cant stand behind.
my .02
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Calmini_inc you need to work on your Technical Prestige! I have herd better damage control fom BP.
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:o wow. what just happend? ??? a response from calmini, that's crazy. But any how. The strut are broke and gone. What i didn't understand is having to go back to the company i bought them from to try and get them replaced. I mean its calmini`s product, so know matter what i would think calmini should deal with the parts themselves. It would be much easier and we would get a much faster response. Making customer service alto better on there end. I just don't see the sense in it ???. I don't think the backspacing of the rim is such a big issue with failing struts. Like said in the past i think its them getting over extended/topped out. It would be awesome if the kit came with limiting straps. But that would prob Mean another couple hundred from calmini (over exaggerated) but yall know what i mean.
I cant believe they pretty much told jluck to shut up. A guy running there kit giving his opinion about them. Yeah he may have not bought it from them but SO WHAT!!. And for them to just come on the post just posting whats on there website and in the instructions that comes with the kit. So calmini im sure we are all aware of the specs we should go by.
The problem calmini needs to realize imo is the struts are being over extended/topped out. not really a backspacing issue imo. Yeah it may add more stress but its not the bigger picture. I don't see what a long travel strut will do for this problem. Its still a ifs. We still wont be able to get much more travel without binding the CV`s. The spring is so compressed that if you get any kind of airborn or anything that will cause it to rapidly extend and top out, it will more likely break imo. Maybe they should just offer different spring rates for people that's not running all the accessories like bumpers and winch`s. May not solve the strut problem but would make the ride better ;D. Who dosent like more options to customize there rig. eah it might be more money in the beginning for them but imo they would make more money in the future.
Also why wouldn't calmini sell there products separately. I mean if altered ego nation doe why not compete. If i woulda known about that kit before i bought calminis i would have deff saved a small amount more and bought there kit. You get alot more travel with that kit. Wheres that time machine at when i want it. ::)
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Hey it seems that this topic is geeting heated, as a off road fabricator I see some thing a little differant than most, I am not sticking up for Calmini or the fact that some thing in the set up is not correct , 1, the arm length and the spring strength all change the ratio of movement and if the strut is bottoming out and not the bump stop it needs to be moved up, 2, if the spring is to long it also causes problems with spring bind , and puts side load on the strut,3 , if the spring is also to long it is causing the the strut to top out to hard and then just a limit strap would help stop that issue if that is really the issue .
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A larger tire provides more leverage. Addtionally, the height of the tire in relation to ball joint placement will also effect alignment. We will have a full explanation up shortly...
Let me just say that this answer just raises more questions - it appears to fly in the face of conventional suspension theory - I WILL be looking forward to that full explanation.
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If your strut blew going over a curb there has to be something else wrong also, if the only thing that kit give you is height than there is no reason for it to do that , here I am defending them again. the point I am trying to get across is there is some thing that everybody has over looked . I will be taking my tracker apart and help you guys out, I build long travel sand cars and it dosen't fall apart |removethispart|@100mph or 10' in the air.
Where are you located at ? I am in salem or
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Its simple they need to get rid of the strut tower spacer and have the entire strut made longer both in body and shaft length.
Just like Calmini says. Funny thing is, if they actually do it we still cant buy it separately.
What make me mad is you have to figure it out on your own a few $Ks later.
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Strut blew going over a speed bump? ??? I pound the crap out of mine from fast, bumpy rooted woods runs to rock crawling and it usually takes many months of use before one lets go. Gotta be something else wrong there. At this point I just consider them (struts) replacable wear items, that get used up like anything else. It is a bitch to have to get realigned every time I have to replace one, and yes the cost does suck too, but once you leave the realm of stock nothing lasts as long, and we should try and remember that.
I do think that Calmini could aspire to the levels of customer service of say ARB for example. When my OME Coils clapped out after less than a year I was sent a replacement set no charge. When I broke a pressure switch through my own clumsyness, and told them so, I was sent a replacement under warrenty, NC. When my ARB compressor finally burned out after 4 years filling tires and running my lockers, I was given a new updated and more powerful one at their cost. That customer service.
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One more thing, if you only have .5" of down travel your coils are probably not broken in yet. They will eventually break in and sag, believe me, theres plenty of evidence that they do. If you don't get a chance to go off road much, you'll probably have to find another way to break them in. I hear jumping your truck helps. ;D
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Well if there was something wrong on my part then I'm sure they would have goten back to me on all the pictures i sent them months ago. This was installed by an off road shop as well. They also had a hard time with customer service as well.
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I have had the lift on for two years now. I have herd a that as well before.
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Hmmmm, thay ( Calmini) have had enough time to respond I think, and I guess there response is , "Tough shit." Don't know what else to tell you, don't by anything else from them I guess. Too bad such a well known vendor has to treat their customers this way.
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I will be taking my tracker apart and help you guys out, I build long travel sand cars and it dosen't fall apart |removethispart||removethispart|@100mph or 10' in the air.
Where are you located at ? I am in salem or
I need to spend some time down in Or. There are some "Real Movers and Shakers" there.
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Wow the stupidity in this thread is tremendous. If you don't like Calmini parts then go build the shit yourself. Then let all the internet engineers here tell you that you sucks.
Now I see why they responded they way they did. This board is becoming just as faggy as the Nissan boards.
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Ah, it looks like spring time is here for 2011.
Please re-read the welcome message at the top of this sub-forum. Pay particular attention to the paragraph on courtesy and civility and then scan on down to the open letter that was written to the forum many years ago outlining a positive path to move forward with our community as I think it has relevancy to this thread.
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/general-suzuki-forum/welcome-to-the-zukiworld-online-forum-please-read-me-first (http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/general-suzuki-forum/welcome-to-the-zukiworld-online-forum-please-read-me-first)!/
I would like to see this thread continue as it appears to me that many are trying to genuinely share their experiences with the rest of the community and that is wonderful.
Thank you, Eric
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Wow the stupidity in this thread is tremendous. If you don't like Calmini parts then go build the shit yourself. Then let all the internet engineers here tell you that you sucks.
Now I see why they responded they way they did. This board is becoming just as faggy as the Nissan boards.
looks like some one created a ghost account just to rant. humm....from so cal, and a bad Nissan reference.....sounds like nissan owners are unhappy with a certain company too.
is faggy a word? that almost sounds like jeep-owner lingo. :laugh:
that email address says it all tjon40's (at) gmail.com :P
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Isn't Calmini big into Nissan? I guess he likes his Calmini Nissan stuff, and why shouldn't he? ( aside from being a dick.)
It's pretty common knowledge that the supplied struts and shocks in the Calmini kit are regular off the shelf replacement stuff, nothing special or heavy duty inferred about them. It's also common knowledge , or should be to anyone who's frequented this forum more than once and who may be contemplating buying a lift kit, that theres plenty of past discussion of all the pros and cons of such kit. I was offered the opportunity as I believe most Calmini kit buyers are, of eliminating the shocks and struts from their kit and paying a reduced price which I thought was fair. This gives the buyer a chance to upgrade to a higher performance shock and strut without wasting money on the standard stuff and having to get rid of it later. I say do your homework first. No one with any experience using this stuff reasonably expects el-cheapo vato zone dampers to hold up to a full on lift kit, even if you only wheel in parking lots. Just sayin.