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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: explosivo on March 24, 2004, 05:09:56 PM

Title: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: explosivo on March 24, 2004, 05:09:56 PM
Is there any way to just take the front differential out of, say, an XL-7 or Grand Vitara to put in the tracker, or are modifications necessary to get the driveshaft/cv-shafts bolted onto it?

I ask because I would like something more inexpensive than the Anvil, and something less complicated than what is outlined in this (http://www.zukiworld.com/month_110103/feature_zigsbeef.htm) article.
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: Kreg on March 24, 2004, 06:37:55 PM
Unless you find a smoking deal from a wreckers the front end off of an XL7 will probably cost you close to an anvil anyways. (we'll at least here in BC)


The XL7 axel housing itself will probably bolt in pretty easy, but I think you gotta swap out the gears. (higher on the difficulty scale)  
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: Zukipilot on March 24, 2004, 09:15:38 PM
It will help just replacing the 3rd member with a GV or XL-7 unit. But you will still be stuck with the weak right side half shaft. Many people have trouble with trashing the mount on the Alum. 3rd and the GV/XL-7 replacement would correct this weak point. I'm almost posative that there are frame differences in the GV's and the Kick/Tracker that would not allow you to switch the entire front unit without custom fabricating the mounts.

HTH,
Zig
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: ebewley on March 25, 2004, 12:42:43 AM
Quote
Is there any way to just take the front differential out of, say, an XL-7 or Grand Vitara to put in the tracker, or are modifications necessary to get the driveshaft/cv-shafts bolted onto it?

I ask because I would like something more inexpensive than the Anvil, and something less complicated than what is outlined in this ([url]http://www.zukiworld.com/month_110103/feature_zigsbeef.htm[/url]) article.


There are these options:

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_090103/feature_sidekickdrivetrainimprovements.htm

-Eric
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: explosivo on March 25, 2004, 11:30:46 AM
Hmm... so how much do each of the following items generally go for?

Hawk Modified Sami Carrier
XL-7 Differential casing
GV Third Member

(The Hawk site isn't much help)
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: zookiemike on March 25, 2004, 06:34:31 PM
I think the guy at hawk said that the vitara 3erd member was $250 and the housing was the same. By the way were in mi do you live? The reasin i ask is couse im going to a mud bog in durand on the 17th and id like any one i can get to go.
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: Rhinoman on March 25, 2004, 10:36:14 PM
Quote
I'm almost posative that there are frame differences in the GV's and the Kick/Tracker that would not allow you to switch the entire front unit without custom fabricating the mounts.

HTH,
Zig


Nope, straight swop  ;D (well, after you've replaced the gears :()
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: tonka-toy on March 25, 2004, 11:18:20 PM
i did it on mine
used the complete 2.5 v6 grand vitara steel axle and had the internals removed. then fitted a set of internals from a standard vitara ( well plus lsd in my case ) and bolted it in place.
works a treat
not worried about popping axles anymore ... only shafts that go now .. not as many since the suspension settled on the vitara. now i may of lost a bit of height but the articulation is cooooooooooooool  :D
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: Zukipilot on March 25, 2004, 11:41:18 PM
Quote


Nope, straight swop  ;D (well, after you've replaced the gears :()

Cool, thanks for the information 8)
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: explosivo on March 26, 2004, 10:50:44 AM
Quote
I think the guy at hawk said that the vitara 3erd member was $250 and the housing was the same. By the way were in mi do you live? The reasin i ask is couse im going to a mud bog in durand on the 17th and id like any one i can get to go.

I live about 50 miles due south of the bridge... between Gaylord and Petoskey... where's Durand?
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: Mike71 on March 26, 2004, 02:18:11 PM
gaylord..thats like a street here in sac..manlove :o
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: MB on March 26, 2004, 02:21:36 PM
Quote

I live about 50 miles due south of the bridge... between Gaylord and Petoskey... where's Durand?


Durand is a little southwest of Flint :)
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: lucszuk on March 26, 2004, 03:38:19 PM
go solid front axle man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: explosivo on March 26, 2004, 03:43:59 PM
Quote


Durand is a little southwest of Flint :)

ah... that's pretty far to drive my little beater, plus I've got no trailer. Otherwise I'd gladly swing by.

About a straight axel swap, that's something I'd love to do. Unfortunately I lack the skill, money, and time to do it. If the Tracker wasn't my daily driver, I'd start on a swap.
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: 1bigtracker on March 26, 2004, 03:46:47 PM
my tracker isn't a DD eather but i just don't wana do it cuz that takes all the fun out of haveing a IFS rig.

stu
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: explosivo on March 26, 2004, 04:14:53 PM
Quote
my tracker isn't a DD eather but i just don't wana do it cuz that takes all the fun out of haveing a IFS rig.

stu

Well that's the point of straight axeling it... the Tracker becomes an IFS rig no more :D
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: zookiemike on March 26, 2004, 04:15:08 PM
Quote

ah... that's pretty far to drive my little beater, plus I've got no trailer. Otherwise I'd gladly swing by.

About a straight axel swap, that's something I'd love to do. Unfortunately I lack the skill, money, and time to do it. If the Tracker wasn't my daily driver, I'd start on a swap.
Ya i understand dude that is a ways. by the way nice tracker seen your pics on that website of yours.
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: explosivo on March 26, 2004, 04:17:39 PM
Quote

Ya i understand dude that is a ways. by the way nice tracker seen your pics on that website of yours.

:D thanks.

It's still almost a virgin, too. I took it out for the first time to play in the mud tonight... even pulled out a few other trucks  ;D
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: 1bigtracker on March 27, 2004, 02:42:31 AM
so if you go straght axle what are you doing with the old calmini front parts?  i call it first!  lol

stu
Title: Re: More of a bolt-in front end replacement
Post by: explosivo on March 27, 2004, 03:04:46 PM
I probably won't straight axel it... I probably won't have enough ambition to go and do the GV/XL-7 front-end swap (nor the money)... I just like the additional front clearance :D