ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Build Diaries, How-To, DIY => Topic started by: Thirty-Nine on May 22, 2011, 03:08:52 PM
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Here's my 1995 Sidekick, I joking call the "Teal Terror." When I bought it, it needed some work (new top, tune up, etc.).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/2010-11-27165603.jpg)
Since then, I've:
- Put a new Bestop on
- Full tune up (timing belt, water pump, thermostat, plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, cap, rotor)
- Replaced the soft-top hardware (it actually didn't have any previously)
- Replaced the window regulators
- Added a Kenwood stereo (the stereo had been stolen when I bought the vehicle)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/Sidekick.jpg)
Just got a set of 235/75/15 BF Goodrich All-Terrains off of craigslist:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/BFG.jpg)
Then, bought a set of 15x7 wheels. They came with half-way decent 235/75/15 Goodyear Workhorse Extra Grip tires. I'll probably swap over to the BFGs at some point.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/project_sidekick2.jpg)
Next stop is a 2" lift, bumper, winch, etc.
I've had the trucklet on a snow run, and at Sand Lake before the 235s, and it did great! Love this little truck.
Most of the stuff I've done can also be found on my website, http://www.subcompactculture.com (http://www.subcompactculture.com).
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Looks good! Are you planning on turning it into a sand runner?
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but just remember, that can turn into this........
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Looks good! Are you planning on turning it into a sand runner?
Although I really like the sand, I plan on keeping it versatile enough to do a bit of everything. Then again, after seeing locjaw's rig, it makes me think about going big! (Looks great!)
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Although I really like the sand, I plan on keeping it versatile enough to do a bit of everything. Then again, after seeing locjaw's rig, it makes me think about going big! (Looks great!)
[/quote]
trust me on this one.....with that trailslayer kit installed you will still be able to be "versatile". that kit makes trackicks handle and perform waay better that factory. I have a couple friends with this set up. I was more shocked how well they do on the street.(cornering etc.) because I already expected them to kick ass off-road.
soon.....very soon..... >:D
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Thats a nice ride, my favorite color of all the Kicks but I really like the white top better. It looks good with a big Zuliworld windshield banner.
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Although I really like the sand, I plan on keeping it versatile enough to do a bit of everything. Then again, after seeing locjaw's rig, it makes me think about going big! (Looks great!)
trust me on this one.....with that trailslayer kit installed you will still be able to be "versatile". that kit makes trackicks handle and perform waay better that factory. I have a couple friends with this set up. I was more shocked how well they do on the street.(cornering etc.) because I already expected them to kick ass off-road.
soon.....very soon..... >:D
[/quote]hmmmm, you wanting a trail slayer and me wanting a 4 door....maybe we need to chat ???
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Here's my 1995 Sidekick, I joking call the "Teal Terror." When I bought it, it needed some work (new top, tune up, etc.).
My wife calls mine the "Barbie Jeep"... haha!
-Chad
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"My wife calls mine the "Barbie Jeep"... haha!
-Chad"
I'd beat my wife's ass if she even mentioned my Suzuki and a Jeep in the same paragraph......
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Cleaned up with the BFGs on. Took the 4X4 graphics off the doors, too.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/2011-05-30-181815.jpg)
Now I need to get it dirty (and pass OR emissions!).
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"My wife calls mine the "Barbie Jeep"... haha!
-Chad"
I'd beat my wife's ass if she even mentioned my Suzuki and a Jeep in the same paragraph......
lmao!
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Cleaned up with the BFGs on. Took the 4X4 graphics off the doors, too.
([url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/2011-05-30-181815.jpg[/url])
Now I need to get it dirty (and pass OR emissions!).
That is one clean lookin ride, nicely done.
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Cleaned up with the BFGs on. Took the 4X4 graphics off the doors, too.
([url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/2011-05-30-181815.jpg[/url])
Now I need to get it dirty (and pass OR emissions!).
What did you use to get the decals off? Mine has lame purpley/pink stripes that I hate & are peeling on the passenger side anyway. I'd really like to remove them w/out ruining my paint.
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What did you use to get the decals off? Mine has lame purpley/pink stripes that I hate & are peeling on the passenger side anyway. I'd really like to remove them w/out ruining my paint.
3M makes a really neat 'eraser wheel' that goes on a drill and it'll take decals off like magic w/o hurting the paint. I use one all the time. Your local paint supply shop will have them.
-Eric
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also a heat gun and patients works wonders just don't overheat the paint. I have removed acres of that crap when I worked in the body shops during the "peeler" years.
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All I used was a hair dryer. I was quite surprised that the deacls were as pliable as they were. They pulled right off after a bit of heat. A bit of Goo Gone got rid of any residue.
Of course, after I had gotten the decals off, my buddy offered me his eraser wheel! However, it was just as easy with the hair dryier/Goo Gone.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/2011-08-21-14-07-40.jpg)
A more recent pic. Just installed the 2" BDS Lift and a Reese hitch, too.
Full write up: http://www.subcompactculture.com/2011/08/teal-terror-gets-its-lift-on-gets.html (http://www.subcompactculture.com/2011/08/teal-terror-gets-its-lift-on-gets.html)
And yes, this is my truck with another username. ;)
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Hey, that's looking good!
Let's go wheeling!
-Eric
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Really like those rims, are they chrome? Whole ride looks great.
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x3, it really looks sharp.
Thanks for all the advice on the stickers. I did try to get an eraser wheel locally, but they had to order it in... meh. Tried the heat & Goo Gone, but there was a lot of splitting on the strips & it was coming off in 1/8" pieces & being a royal pita! The Goo Gone didn't really soften the glue very well either. I ended up trying stuff called "Remove-It" sticker remover. That stuff & a plastic putty knife & they came right up. :D Yay! No more Barbie stripes! :laugh:
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Really like those rims, are they chrome? Whole ride looks great.
Thanks! Yes, they're chrome; I ended up picking them up used. They had come off of an F-150 and had included a set of Goodyear Workhorse tires, which were way stiff for the Kick. Swapped 'em out for a set of BFG ATs.
I've been so darn busy lately (weddings, work, house projects) I haven't had a chance to take it out yet since getting the lift. Really want to hit up Tillamook State Forest at the next opportunity. I've had it in the dunes a couple of times before it was lifted, though.
- Andy
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/shrockworksbumper.jpg)
Ran across a used Shrockworks bumper on craigslist this week, and picked it up tonight. I also found the installation how-to from Zukiworld. http://zukiworld.com/month_110106/feature_shrockworks_sidekickbumper.htm (http://zukiworld.com/month_110106/feature_shrockworks_sidekickbumper.htm)
So the bumper has the brackets (attached to thebumper), but no hardware other than that. It also doesn't have the tube mounts.
By chance, does anyone know the size bolts and quantities that I'll need? Also, the tube mounts; any idea on these?
If not, I'll give Shrockworks a holler.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/shrockworks-bumper2.jpg)
Once I get this fitted up, it'll be winch time (likely a WARN VR8000).
Thanks in advance!
- Andy
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Talked to Shrockworks -- very helpful. Got a list of the hardware. Will have to get the tube mounts--some pipe with weld nuts on the ends.
Will also need to check if the brackets I have are for the version with a body lift or not.
- Andy
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That looks similar to the mounting for a hitch setup. Nice find, are you going to repaint it?
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That looks similar to the mounting for a hitch setup. Nice find, are you going to repaint it?
I thought about repainting it, but it's actually quite a bit darker than the first picture suggests; more of a dark gunmetal color. I'll probably leave it.
Going to get the hardware this week and hopefully install it. Just hoping those brackets are the correct ones (e.g. designed for TracKicks w/o a body lift).
- Andy
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Well, the bumper brackets pictured won't fit my '95. Possibly they're for the Sidekick Sport?
Regardless, it looks like I'll need to have some new brackets fabbed.
- Andy
EDIT: Just realized I must have the brackets for a late model. Apparently the '96+ are different, ditto for four-doors.
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Tough. Can Shrockworks send you the correct brackets or do you think it will be easier to just make your own?
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Tough. Can Shrockworks send you the correct brackets or do you think it will be easier to just make your own?
Not sure yet. I e-mailed them.
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Shrockworks had a set of the correct mounts for the bumper, which is great. I just got 'em and hope to put them on this weekend.
In the meantime, finally got the Teal Terror dirty this weekend in Tillamook State Forest.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/IMG_5043.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/IMG_4972.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/IMG_5102.jpg)
- Andy
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Looks good! :)
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The Shrockworks bumper is on! Next up, the WARN lights and WARN winch. Likely going with a VR8000 (http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/VR8000_winch.shtml).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/teal_terror_bumper1.jpg)
- Andy
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Finally got around to installing the WARN VR8000-s winch on The Teal Terror. Need to stretch the rope this afternoon. Headed up to a snow run with some co-workers tomorrow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/VR8000s.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/TealTerrorWithWinch.jpg)
- Andy
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I'm jealous of that rope and fair-lead. Post some pics of the adventure is possible. Put that winch to work.
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I'm jealous of that rope and fair-lead. Post some pics of the adventure is possible. Put that winch to work.
Will do! Should be interesting tomorrow since we're in a wind advisory; could be some downed trees to winch.
- Andy
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A few pics of the rig from the WARN Employee Snow Run. The snow was pretty heavy and wet, and packed down easily. It did get pretty deep, and it was taking a long time to make progress. We didn't make it all the way up to the quarry area we were going to, so we just stopped and had some fun.
FYI, we started at Ripplebrook Ranger Station, then took NFDR 46 up into the snow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/IMG_5408.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/IMG_5430.jpg)
Getting ready to pull a stuck 4Runner
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/IMG_5452.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/lineup.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/zuki1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/teal-terror-1.jpg)
A bunch of other photos from the run (of other vehicles) can be seen on our Facebook page:
http://on.fb.me/wjN1Xd (http://on.fb.me/wjN1Xd)
- Andy
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Looks good ahead of the pack. :)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/teal_terror_mudfest.jpg)
A picture from Mud Fest.
Also, the Teal Terror is being featured on Expedition Portal. Showin' some 'Zuki love! LOL
http://expeditionportal.com/vehicules/58-other/950-vehicle-feature-the-teal-terror.html (http://expeditionportal.com/vehicules/58-other/950-vehicle-feature-the-teal-terror.html)
- Andy
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I love that website. Nice Job !
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The Overland Rallies?
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The Overland Rallies?
Yep.
http://www.overlandrally.com/Overland_Rallies_and_Workshops/Home.html (http://www.overlandrally.com/Overland_Rallies_and_Workshops/Home.html)
- Andy
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(http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k569/WarnPhotos/IMG_7744.jpg)
A few more bits and pieces added. Replaced inside door handles, radio bezel, and a few other bits and pieces. I also had to replace a blown driver's side strut mount, but that was quick, easy, and cheap ($25 at NAPA).
Added some 15x7 black steel wheels for the Kumho MT tires, too.
Also added a set of WARN WXT200-S halogen spot beam (http://www.warn.com/atv/lights/W200XT-S_Spot_Beams.shtml) lights. Although we say they're for ATVs/Side x Sides, they work great on the Sidekick. I've got them mounted with our Univeral Light Mounts (http://www.warn.com/adventuretouring/universal_lights_mounts.shtml).
I also added a Grant GT Challenger steering wheel. With the 13.5" diameter wheel, I feel like I've got a good bit more control over the vehicle. Worth the cash.
The pic above was from Sunday's Tillamook State Forest run.
- Andy
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Looking good! I'm surprised you have kept your rockers clean.
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where did you get the grant steering wheel. how much did it cost and did you have to get the install kit to?
thanks
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where did you get the grant steering wheel. how much did it cost and did you have to get the install kit to?
thanks
I got it at Baxter Auto Parts here in Portland. I think the wheel was $57 on sale and the adapter was $25. Easy install.
- Andy
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okay thanks
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Looking real nice!
How is she performing offroad now?
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Looking real nice!
How is she performing offroad now?
Doing well; rock sliders are next on the list. Someday I'd love some lower gears in the t-case, too.
More realistically, I'd like to add a roof rack and a swingaway rear tire carrier (with custom bumper). All in due time.
- Andy
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do you have t-case gears in this. looks really good
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/11295859_10153354194204851_5713175918037402724_n_zpssrx6su0k.jpg)
Well, since the ZW crash, I figured I'd post up my latest pic with our Dinoot trailer.
FYI, yesterday I installed OME N32 shocks to replace the BDS 5500s that came with the kit. The good news is the OMEs ride like a dream and are very well built. They are quite a bit more comfortable than the BDS ones. The bad news is, as many may know, they are a bit shorter than the BDS 5500s, so articulation won't be quite as good. However, for what we use the rig for, I think we'll be very happy with the OMEs, which I now have on all corners with the BDS 2" lift springs, which have been great.
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Nice trailer!
Depending on the stroke and compressed length of the OME's you can use a mod to extend the theoretical length of them, it's a lower repositioning mount. From personal experience the OME's are short and still have useable travel when the suspension is fully compressed so an extension is a viable option to help maximize rear travel. A UK sight had pics of them, sorry for no link.
~S
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Nice trailer!
Depending on the stroke and compressed length of the OME's you can use a mod to extend the theoretical length of them, it's a lower repositioning mount. From personal experience the OME's are short and still have useable travel when the suspension is fully compressed so an extension is a viable option to help maximize rear travel. A UK sight had pics of them, sorry for no link.
~S
Interesting; I'll have to take a look. They do appear to be about 1/2 to and inch shorter (I didn't measure). However, the ride might be worth the trade-off.
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I was referring to the rear OME shocks having a short OAL but having decent overall travel. The mod I mentioned 'helps' about 1.5" of travel, probably not suited for your existing set-up though without a 1" bump spacer.
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I was referring to the rear OME shocks having a short OAL but having decent overall travel. The mod I mentioned 'helps' about 1.5" of travel, probably not suited for your existing set-up though without a 1" bump spacer.
Sorry; what's OAL stand for?
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over all length I think
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The Sidekick on the Bonneville Salt Flats! No, we didn't set a record. :P
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That is a good looking rig and trailer.
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Thanks! I just need to fix the pesky code 51 (egr) and it'll be a champ again.
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What were you doing at Bonneville?
We have a friend that races a bike there, and we're planning to go to speed week next year.
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What were you doing at Bonneville?
We have a friend that races a bike there, and we're planning to go to speed week next year.
Just passin' through.
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How was the trailer on the trip? Any updates to the trailer or the rig?
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How was the trailer on the trip? Any updates to the trailer or the rig?
Trailer was flawless. You can check out http://subcompactculture.com (http://subcompactculture.com) for more trip updates.
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"the aerodynamics of a brick pulling a shoebox"
I found this phrase extremely funny, when I was reading your trip report. I often describe my Sidekick as being brick shaped, when talking about over the road driving.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/Sidekick/TealFlex_zpseop0iigs.jpg)
Little bit of wheeling out at Tahuya State Forest in Belfair, WA last weekend. Nice little trail system.