ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: cammyjams on January 20, 2004, 02:14:05 PM
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Hello Zukiheads. Lets say, that in about three months you were going to get a used Zuki for the purpose of lifting and turning into a desert rat for exploring and camping trips, but that you could still drive around town (Vegas).
Lets say that you were looking at model years 95-97. Which model would you get and why? Other years? Why?
2 door or 4? Which version? JS? JLX? JX?
Please explain, I'm very confused. (but learning!)
Thanks!
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95 JLX 4 DOOR KICK.....REASON 1 95 IS PRE AIRBAG & ABS ..JLX CAUSE I LOVE ALL THOSE POWER OPTS & AIR...4 DR. CAUSE I GOT KIDS & LIKE THE LONGER LENGTH....KICK CAUSE YOU DONT NEED TO PUMP UP THE H.P.'S LIKE YOU WOULD WITH A SAMMY TO KEEP UP ON THE HIGHWAY.......& THERE ARE PLENTY OF MODS. OUT THERE & MORE BEING DEVELOPED DAILY FOR THE KICK........MATTY D.
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95 JLX 4 DOOR KICK.....REASON 1 95 IS PRE AIRBAG & ABS ..JLX CAUSE I LOVE ALL THOSE POWER OPTS & AIR...4 DR. CAUSE I GOT KIDS & LIKE THE LONGER LENGTH....KICK CAUSE YOU DONT NEED TO PUMP UP THE H.P.'S LIKE YOU WOULD WITH A SAMMY TO KEEP UP ON THE HIGHWAY.......& THERE ARE PLENTY OF MODS. OUT THERE & MORE BEING DEVELOPED DAILY FOR THE KICK........MATTY D.
Ditto. Although I prefer the manual windows, but working cruise is good to have. I'd prefer a manual trans over the auto as it's a light vehicle with a small 4cyl. 4dr over the 2dr just for the outback setup, longer wheelbase, larger incab space, better towing capabilities (think as in off-road tear drop camper), better carrying capacity especially up on top, among other.
Once you've chosen a vehicle for your needs, I'd suggest for you to look what's available for building the vehicle up for the terrain you will be in as you are not done chosing the vehicle. It'll be a push-pull senario till you actually have to live with what you've got.
I've you prefer, and can afford it, look into the XL-7. You can opt for a 00-01 without the 3rd row seating although that leaves a/c only out of the dash. If you get the 3rd row, you get rear air in the roof area. You can always remove the seat, build a shelf and have a long wheelbase vehicle.
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If you buy a 94-95 make sure its a 8 valve.
I heard that the 16 valves from those particular years had a lot of problems with the head.
(though this is second hand info so don’t quote me on this)
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Thanks for the replies! We actually already have an 02 XL-7, it's the Ltd Touring version. Got it used, runs like a champ! It's the wife's car however........
I'm looking for something (relatively) cheap that I can do some mods to and then take out in the desert & beat the s**t out of. I'm seeing 95-96 "kicks" in the 3-4k range. I'm thinking a couple of lifts and some real tires to start with. I'm seeing some mad mods done to these things! Jeez, they look awesome.
So the longer wheel base, I thought that was LESS desireable for off road?
Thanks again, still studying, C
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94 16 valve still goin strong even with wheeling just about every weekend for two years and i am not a lightfoot ;D
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You want a short 2 door for getting in and out of
those desert dips, you know the 6 foot wide and 10
feet deep ones ;) , with the short WB you can pull it
off, plus it can be build to look like this ;D
(http://wildcatent.freeyellow.com/suzuki-rock.jpg)
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Well I've had a SWB Soft top then a SWB hard top and now I've just got a LWB as I need the extra space if the family comes along but for just me I'd go back to the soft top, nothing like open air motoring and still a low COG when lifted plus it fits places others can't. Also I've gone auto this time as the 4spd auto are pretty unbreakable, great offroad, better for water crossings and mud and a set of crawler gears fixes the only downside, steep hill descents. I see Rocky Road are working with Thorley and Isky for headers and cams for the 1.6 16v so this should help with power.
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Thanks for the replies! We actually already have an 02 XL-7, it's the Ltd Touring version. Got it used, runs like a champ! It's the wife's car however........
I'm looking for something (relatively) cheap that I can do some mods to and then take out in the desert & beat the s**t out of. I'm seeing 95-96 "kicks" in the 3-4k range. I'm thinking a couple of lifts and some real tires to start with. I'm seeing some mad mods done to these things! Jeez, they look awesome.
So the longer wheel base, I thought that was LESS desireable for off road?
Thanks again, still studying, C
The wheelbase thing would work out. It's all about knowing your vehicle and it's capabilities. I suggested a longer wheelbase figuring your trips would be a 2-3-4 day trip and not a out in morning return at night situation. If this is the case, I'd suggest the 2dr with a way of carrying what you plan to carry, passengers, food, drink, tools, spare parts, self-recovery, etc.
You should be able to get the vehicle cheaper than $3-4k, then mod with gears, lockers, lift (susp/body), trim fenders, then add largest size tire work with it all. Most have the tires already, then build around that with the vehicle. Either way, it'll work.
Because of the heat, get a light color vehicle.
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Thanks again guys. I see Calmini makes a roof rack for the 2 door Sidekick, so that could solve the cargo problem when taking friends/family along.
Was there only the one engine size for the 95 model? Should I look for the "sport" model from 96 with the bigger engine?
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Thanks again guys. I see Calmini makes a roof rack for the 2 door Sidekick, so that could solve the cargo problem when taking friends/family along.
Was there only the one engine size for the 95 model? Should I look for the "sport" model from 96 with the bigger engine?
I'd recommend against the sport model. It is a hybrid, an evolutionary step, between Sidekick and Vitara. Many things are different and aftermarket parts are scarce.
Econo-wise for the desert I think the early 2-door 89-94 Sidekick would be a good bet. They are the least expensive with the most aftermarket stuff available.
Good Luck and let us know how it turns out.
-Eric
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I recomend 96 through 98 2 door. I like the open air top, short wheel base, 16 valve power, and as far as the airbag... well I still havent been able to make it go off. Im thinking if you hit something hard enough to make the air bag go off then you will probabally be glad its there. ;) As for family and gear... well we drive it all over the country with the whole family(4 of us) and luggage. Im 6'4" my wife 5'6" and 2 kids 6 and a 9 year old. We arnt tight on space yet but mabey someday. :-/ Everybodys got their opinion, thats why they make so many different kinds of the same rig. What we like may not be what you like. Good luck! ;)
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All the cool kids drive 89 2-door Kicks 8) :P
Zig
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All the cool kids drive 89 2-door Kicks 8) :P
Zig
Yep...
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Yep...
Yep
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I recomend 96 through 98 2 door. I like the open air top, short wheel base, 16 valve power, and as far as the airbag... well I still havent been able to make it go off. Im thinking if you hit something hard enough to make the air bag go off then you will probabally be glad its there. ;) As for family and gear... well we drive it all over the country with the whole family(4 of us) and luggage. Im 6'4" my wife 5'6" and 2 kids 6 and a 9 year old. We arnt tight on space yet but mabey someday. :-/ Everybodys got their opinion, thats why they make so many different kinds of the same rig. What we like may not be what you like. Good luck!  ;)
No sh*t? You cram all that into your rig? Holy cow. And I thought mine was tight for space.
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No sh*t?  You cram all that into your rig?  Holy cow. And I thought mine was tight for space.
He didn't state where everyone sat? :o :o
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Personally, I like my wagon. I'd be hard pressed to buy a 2door, because of all the crap we take along. And sometimes we get sand under our butts and take off to another state in it.  ;D The wagon works out better that way. The benefit of the LWB comes when climbing steep hills, and flying across the desert at high speed.  ::)
I would also get the 16valve. It's way zippier than the 8 valve, and mine is 100k miles and running strong.
All the cool kids drive 2 Doors.. pfffft.
All the kick-butt overacheiver kids drive 4 doors.
LOL
Heather
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i love my 2 door convo. it goes anywhere i want it to and then some. of corse i'm running 34in swampers and a rear spool. not the hot set up for the street. what will you be doing with it. jumping, dunes, rocks?
stu
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All the cool kids drive 89 2-door Kicks 8) :P
Zig
How did I get one then?
Mike
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No sh*t? You cram all that into your rig? Holy cow. And I thought mine was tight for space.
Its all about organization.
We Have driven to Florida the last 3 years ( 4000 Miles round trip) I have got three Equal size suitcases that perfectly from side to side behind the rear seat. One for me, One for my wife, and one for my kids. Pack what you really need. We have a little cooler that fits behind the center console that holds a 12 pack of pop. The few other things I need to bring like camera cases ECT fit under the seats. Allong with my tools.
Mike
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Its all about organization.
We Have driven to Florida the last 3 years ( 4000 Miles round trip)  I have got three Equal size suitcases that perfectly from side to side behind the rear seat. One for me, One for my wife, and one for my kids. Pack what you really need. We have a little cooler that fits behind the center console that holds a 12 pack of pop. The few other things I need to bring like camera cases ECT fit under the seats. Allong with my tools.
Mike
THATS AMAZING.....EVERYTIME WE GO SOMEWHERE THE WIFE PACKS THE WHOLE HOUSE I SWEAR....... ;D
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If you buy a 94-95 make sure its a 8 valve.
I heard that the 16 valves from those particular years had a lot of problems with the head.
(though this is second hand info so don’t quote me on this)
95 16 VALVE 110,000 MILES NO HEAD HERE YET ::)
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Its all about organization.
We Have driven to Florida the last 3 years ( 4000 Miles round trip)  I have got three Equal size suitcases that perfectly from side to side behind the rear seat. One for me, One for my wife, and one for my kids. Pack what you really need. We have a little cooler that fits behind the center console that holds a 12 pack of pop. The few other things I need to bring like camera cases ECT fit under the seats. Allong with my tools.
Mike
Goddamn.......man........that is a trip. in your rig? Not to be funny but is your AC factory or 2/40?
Wow......this I gotta see.........co workers tracker is jam packed with hunting stuff, 105 lb yellow lab, chest waders, 4 or more shotguns, beer, ammo, food for us and the ****** dog. PLus decoys and game bags.
Once we came back we had to strap the birds to the roof as they were within reach of his rather powerful jaws. That's why I got the 4 door so I could fold the seats flat, get the dog cage in there, lay the guns down instead of having them poke us in the ass, plus chest waders. Its still tight, but more livable that way. And I got better AC than he does so during dove season, we can sweat it big time in the field but cool off in my hamster.
Wow............all the way to FL and back in your 2 door. And I though I had a monster trip from PA down there in my 4 door. You got big ones mike, big ones.
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1995 2 Door 24 valve dohc. ;D
(http://images.snapfish.com/3397968%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D585%3D374%3DXROQDF%3E23234845738%3B2ot1lsi)
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THERE HE GOES AGAIN MAKING US DROOL.......
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its just not fair
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So when is that swap kit going to be made available? I wish...
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I THINK IF HE'S GONNA KEEP SHOWING IT :o, THAT HE OUGHT TO LIST A PRICE TO DROP IT OFF AND HAVE IT DONE.... ;D
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No kidding, whats the bidding start at?
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How did I get one then?
Mike
You must of stolen yours from a cool kid ;D
Zig
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I recomend 96 through 98 2 door. I like the open air top, short wheel base, 16 valve power, and as far as the airbag... well I still havent been able to make it go off. Im thinking if you hit something hard enough to make the air bag go off then you will probabally be glad its there. ;) As for family and gear... well we drive it all over the country with the whole family(4 of us) and luggage. Im 6'4" my wife 5'6" and 2 kids 6 and a 9 year old. We arnt tight on space yet but mabey someday. :-/ Everybodys got their opinion, thats why they make so many different kinds of the same rig. What we like may not be what you like. Good luck!  ;)
NO KIDDING AIR BAGS STILL INTACT WITH ALL THE AB-USE YOU GIVE YOUR TRACKER...I'M IMPRESSED ...BUT MAYBE YOU SHOULD CHECK THE FUSE OR SOMETHING ;D
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I don't have to worry about air bags, I have to worry about whether or not the thing will run! lol
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Goddamn.......man........that is a trip. in your rig? Not to be funny but is your AC factory or 2/40?
Wow......this I gotta see.........co workers tracker is jam packed with hunting stuff, 105 lb yellow lab, chest waders, 4 or more shotguns, beer, ammo, food for us and the ****** dog. PLus decoys and game bags.
Once we came back we had to strap the birds to the roof as they were within reach of his rather powerful jaws. That's why I got the 4 door so I could fold the seats flat, get the dog cage in there, lay the guns down instead of having them poke us in the ass, plus chest waders. Its still tight, but more livable that way. And I got better AC than he does so during dove season, we can sweat it big time in the field but cool off in my hamster.
Wow............all the way to FL and back in your 2 door. And I though I had a monster trip from PA down there in my 4 door. You got big ones mike, big ones.
The A/C is still stock. The trip seems shorter I think because you can pull the top off and it feels more like a scenic drive.
Mike
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Ok, when you hoof it to the sunshine state, are you still redline all the time?
How is the ride? I mean with all your mods, isn't it like riding a pogo sitck?
Tell me more, this is really fascinating. I've taken trips to cooks forest in a 2 door as a passenger and by the time I got there, I thought I lost a filling or something.
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Ok, when you hoof it to the sunshine state, are you still redline all the time?
How is the ride? I mean with all your mods, isn't it like riding a pogo sitck?
Tell me more, this is really fascinating. I've taken trips to cooks forest in a 2 door as a passenger and by the time I got there, I thought I lost a filling or something.
Redline... ALL THE TIME! ;D
Hows the ride? Plush... Very plush. I have just the right mods to make the Calmini 3 inch ride perfect. Its certainly much smoother than stock. Anybody who has rode with me I sure would certainly agree. I know Eric has driven it... I think Zig rode in it. The only downside I have is I get a little more bodyroll than I would like. Ive learned to drive it that way so it seems normal but get a new passenger in there and they always think Im gonna roll it doing nothing! :P
Mike
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Mike, you truly are the King of these machines!
For years I did not give enough credit to the fact that the trackick made worthy candidate for serious mods.
(my apologies to those who own them!)
Last year at Moab , I went flying into slick rock camp ground, lock up my brakes , because to my surprise there is a 9 inch under a black tracker!!
Then you describe the million other cool mods you've done!
The next day I am made a believer, as I am amazed by it's wheeling abilities. (Mostly amazed that it held together, with your ever so gentle driving still!!)
I promised my wife, my freak zuk was my last truck build. Sorry honey,,,, I'm build'n a trackick next!!
Jake Palmberg
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I promised my wife, my freak zuk was my last truck build. Sorry honey,,,, I'm build'n a trackick next!! ::) ;D :o ;D :o ;D ::)
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My wife says "you've done enough to the Suzuki"
I just say "for now" Never make a promise you
know you just can't keep :)
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THATS WHATS NICE WHEN I START ADDING GEARS ,LOCKERS, HEADER, ETC. YOU KNOW THE STUFF YOU CANT SEE..SHE'LL NEVER KNOW THE DIFFERANCE UNLESS I BRING IT UP...THATS ONE OF THE REASONS I DID THE COMBO LIFT 1ST...CANT HIDE THAT ::) I WAS GONNA DO THE HEADER EX.COMBO & DUAL CF CLUTCH ,AND BODY LIFT TO START ..BUT FIGURED I COULD HIDE THOSE MODS. IF I HAD TOO (YOU KNOW WHEN SHE THINKS I'VE ALLREADY SPENT TO MUCH) ;D AS I DID THEM ::)
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Gotta get a wife that works on her own Suzuki.
;)
;D
Heather
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I'VE BEEN TELLING HER ITS TIME TO GIVE UP THE ASTRO AWD 8 HAULER ...AND GET AN XL7 ;D NO LUCK YET...SHE SAYS THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ROOM IN IT WHEN WE GO ON VACATION >:(
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The astro is all wheel drive...LIFT it lol that would be quite the sight.
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More stupid questions:
What's a 'spool' and why do you need one?
With WAY bigger tires, don't you need to mod the gear box as well?
It never ends! :-)
Thanks guys, still learning', C
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More stupid questions:
What's a 'spool' and why do you need one?
With WAY bigger tires, don't you need to mod the gear box as well?
It never ends! :-)
Thanks guys, still learning', C
NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID ???.....A SPOOL LOCKS UP THE REAR SO BOTH TIRES SPIN SAME SPEED ALL THE TIME...WHICH CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR PAVEMENT DRIVING, ESPECIALLY CORNERING...SOME LIKE IT SOME DON'T SOME HAVE BROKEN A REAR AXEL & SOME HAVEN'T ......YOU NEED TO CHANGE THE RING & PINION GEARS IN THE 3RD MEMBERS FOR BETTER POWER RATIO'S...........
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The astro is all wheel drive...LIFT it lol that would be quite the sight.
YOU MEAN LIKE THIS (http:// http://www.overlandvans.com/files/BillMeyer97awd.JPG ) OR THIS (http:// http://www.overlandvans.com/files/4x4stro1.jpg ) PICTURES FROM OVERLANDVANS.COM ;D I ALLREADY TRIED TO TELL HER SHE NEEDED THIS ;D
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Yeah that and a V8...easiest V8 swap there is, dropping a 350 into an Astro!!
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THATS WHATS NICE WHEN I START ADDING GEARS ,LOCKERS, HEADER, ETC. YOU KNOW THE STUFF YOU CANT SEE..SHE'LL NEVER KNOW THE DIFFERANCE UNLESS I BRING IT UP...THATS ONE OF THE REASONS I DID THE COMBO LIFT 1ST...CANT HIDE THAT  ::)  I WAS GONNA DO THE HEADER EX.COMBO & DUAL CF CLUTCH ,AND BODY LIFT TO START ..BUT FIGURED I COULD HIDE THOSE MODS. IF I HAD TOO (YOU KNOW WHEN SHE THINKS I'VE ALLREADY SPENT TO MUCH) ;D AS I DID THEM  ::)
What's funny is I drove home on the 33's after having
been on 31's and my wife never noticed until she came
out to the garage and saw the pile of 31's stacked up
about 3 weeks later, :D
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My zuk started with spoa, 31's!
I sent my wife to our house on the lake for a week.
When she came back my zuk had mog axles and 44 inch boggers.
Let's just say "She noticed" :-[
Jake Palmberg
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Mike, you truly are the King of these machines!
For years I did not give enough credit to the fact that the trackick made worthy candidate for serious mods.
(my apologies to those who own them!)
Last year at Moab , I went flying into slick rock camp ground, lock up my brakes , because to my surprise there is a 9 inch under a black tracker!!
Then you describe the million other cool mods you've done!
The next day I am made a believer, as I am amazed by it's wheeling abilities. (Mostly amazed that it held together, with your ever so gentle driving still!!)
I promised my wife, my freak zuk was my last truck build. Sorry honey,,,, I'm build'n a trackick next!!
Jake Palmberg
:-[ Thanks :-[
Wait till you see it this year... Ive got a few subtle tweaks that most wouldnt notice unless you knew what to look for. Im sure youll apreciate them. Im hoping to get it back from paint this week so I can finish some front end mods Im going to test at an event on Feb 7-8th. I will take pics and share when I get it all figured out.
Mike
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What's funny is I drove home on the 33's after having
been on 31's and my wife never noticed until she came
out to the garage and saw the pile of 31's stacked up
about 3 weeks later,  :D
SWEET.. ;D
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My wife just knows, winter = Tracker mods. She's always been great that way!! ;D
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Gotta get a wife that works on her own Suzuki.
;)
;D
Heather
We all cant be so lucky. >:(
Zig
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I'LL 2ND THAT  ;D  BUT PERMISSION HAS BEEN GRANTED FOR GONZOOKIN 2004  :o.... MATTY D. 8)
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So correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the order in which things should proceed to build my desert rat mobile:
1.Find 16 valve 2 door Kick
2.Do both suspension and body lift from Calmini, 6" total lift, Include steering stiffener in this package.
3. Larger tires, (I really like those AT KO's) Question: if I don't go too big say 31" or so do I still need to change gears around? It's going to be driven on the street a lot too.
3. Skid plates
4. Winch/bumper
5. Roof rack
6. Laser cannon :-)
What else would you guys consider esential to this project? Is my order of mods correct there? Thank you all for your input! I've almost got 'the warden' talked into it.
Almost.
Cheers, C. (Vegas)
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So correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the order in which things should proceed to build my desert rat mobile:
1.Find 16 valve 2 door Kick
2.Do both suspension and body lift from Calmini, 6" total lift, Include steering stiffener in this package.
3. Larger tires, (I really like those AT KO's) Question: if I don't go too big say 31" or so do I still need to change gears around? It's going to be driven on the street a lot too.
3. Skid plates
4. Winch/bumper
5. Roof rack
6. Laser cannon :-)
What else would you guys consider esential to this project? Is my order of mods correct there? Thank you all for your input! I've almost got 'the warden' talked into it.
Almost.
Cheers, C. (Vegas)
SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD START.....DON'T FORGET TO UPGRADE THE CLUTCH THOUGH..I THINK MINE IS STARTING TO STRAIN A LITTLE FROM THE BIGGER TIRES WITH OUT LOWER GEARS.... I've almost got 'the warden' talked into it.
Almost. ............... ;D :o ;D :o ;D............ I FIRST MENTIONED I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA LOOK FOR A NEW 4X4 ....SO NOW SHE SAYS YES OK, THEN I SAY IT'S GONNA BE 5 GRANDISH, OK...THEN I GET A $ 3000. ZUKE, WITH MONEY LEFT FOR THE LIFT ;D HOW COULD SHE SAY NO ::) I MEAN THE MONEY WAS ALLREADY SET ASIDE......BUT AS FOR SQUEAKING OUT ANY MORE CASH FOR MODS. HAS BEEN TOUGH...BUT IT IS TAX TIME SOON ;D.....MATTY D.
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SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD START.....DON'T FORGET TO UPGRADE THE CLUTCH THOUGH..I THINK MINE IS STARTING TO STRAIN A LITTLE FROM THE BIGGER TIRES WITH OUT LOWER GEARS.... I've almost got 'the warden' talked into it.
Almost.  ............... ;D :o ;D :o ;D............  I FIRST MENTIONED I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA LOOK FOR A NEW 4X4 ....SO NOW SHE SAYS YES OK, THEN I SAY IT'S GONNA BE 5 GRANDISH, OK...THEN I GET A $ 3000. ZUKE, WITH MONEY LEFT FOR THE LIFT  ;D HOW COULD SHE SAY NO  ::) I MEAN THE MONEY WAS ALLREADY SET ASIDE......BUT AS FOR SQUEAKING OUT ANY MORE CASH FOR MODS. HAS BEEN TOUGH...BUT IT IS TAX TIME SOON  ;D.....MATTY D.
When you say upgrade the clutch, what do you mean? Just get a new one installed? What is a clutch upgrade?
As always, THANKS!, C
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Upgrading the clutch would be getting one with more holding power. Calmini sells its, its pricey but it would be well worth it.
http://www.puresuzuki.com/CF%20II%20Clutch.htm
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THIS APPLIES TO THE SATNDARD NOT AUTO. KICK (http:// http://www.puresuzuki.com/P0000882.jpg ) This ultra heavy duty unit delivers 90% more clamping power than stock. Clutch disc face features metallic compound that delivers better wear and heat management characteristics than stock factory. This unit can handle the stresses off larger tires, towing, or just running with a modified engine.
89 - 95 1600cc 8 valve engine SKDF517020 95 - 98 1600cc 16 valve engine SKDF519021
Price $ 269.95 Price $ 369.95