ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Performance / Modify => Topic started by: Joeyf on July 07, 2017, 07:04:17 PM
-
Hello all, this is my first post here. Ive been researching for a few months now but haven't had much luck finding an exact amswer to my question. Now i have to ask...
My nephew bought a '95 tracker, and i am helping him build it for strictly offroad use. So far we have fozzy locked the rear, and lifted it using TJ coils F150 shocks and a 3rd link spacer.
We are now working on lifting the front, our goal is to lift it 3 inches. Ive read that Ford Ranger coils work, so i had him order some from rockauto. Unfortunately, at the time i did not stop to realize that there are different springs for different Rangers, and he ended up ordering the ones for a V6 extended cab. It took everything we had to get one in, then when it came time to close up the suspension it wouldnt budge.
I happened to have another pair or TJ springs, so we put one of those in. It went in, BUT its not straight. It bulges and the spring is rubbing against the CV boot and strut. It did gain 2 inches of total lift though, it does seem quite soft to haha.
Could someone please reccomend me an OEM spring that would net 3 inches of lift for a first gen tracker?
He has a set of 31" side by side tires on their way as we speak.
Yes, we have the strut spacers from Low Range. And yes, we are aware that 3" of lift is pushing the limits of an IFS setup. Also, we intend to cut sheet metal for added tire clearance.
Thanks in advance
-
Now that you are into building, here is a truth "Every modification begets another modification". Welcome to Zukiworld, and the endless world of modifying your toy.
Lifting a Tracker above two inches usually also requires using extended differential brackets (diff drop brackets) to lower the differential and decrease the angle of the CV joints. There are various springs that can be used to increase the ride height, but finding a set that gives lift without making the ride to harsh changes with what else has been done. When you push the A-arm down you will notice the angle of the spring seat points outward, causing the spring base to be at a different angle than the upper spring seat. You now have a forced a bow in the spring. One of the results of this bow in the spring can be that when stuffing the front end (cause by climbing over large objects) or turning can result in the spring contacting the brake caliper and pushing it outward. This means that when you step on the brakes there are none until the caliper has been refilled, usually one or two strokes. (Kind of spooky first couple of times.) My solution was to raise the outside of the lower spring seat 1" to decrease the difference in spring seat angles.
You might look through my build thread (very long) and realize what you are getting into, might even find a solution or two.
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/tracker-2x4-rockers-frnt-bmper-4-dr-sprngs-lwered-frnt-diff-$30-steel-frnt-diff/ (http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/tracker-2x4-rockers-frnt-bmper-4-dr-sprngs-lwered-frnt-diff-$30-steel-frnt-diff/)
Where are you?
-
Thank you for the advice. That spring perch mod is a great idea! Maybe make some sort of wedge design would help. I havent read your thread yet, but i will asap.
Most likely we will just get the ford springs, and make up for the rest via sawzall.
-
We are in Upstate New York
-
The way I did the spring perch was to cut 80% of the outside of the spring seat with a torch. Then bend that up, clean it up and weld a ring made from 1" x 1/8" flat stock into the cutout (with the spring seat on top of outer edge, and bottom of ring on the edge of the cut piece). The outer side would be 1" tapering around the sides to nothing at the inner side. It stopped the spring hitting the caliper, and gives you 1" of lift. Combined with the two inches of spring you already have it may be what you are looking for.
-
I've also heard of guys putting Tacoma/4Runner front coils in for approx 3" lift.