ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Mikerpm4x4 on January 15, 2004, 07:20:47 AM
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If Sky wants to sell these they ougta tell us they make it! :o
http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/sidekick.htm
I wonder how long the idler has been avalible?
Mike
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humm. i like it. if break mine i might just buy one
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This look good, and tough!
Fredo
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The only thing I see wrong with it is that it doesn't have a double shear mount...I wonder if the bolt is long enough to slip one in...ie the Calmini mount...hmmmmm
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no double shear, but take into consideration this has been heavily beefed up...maybe there is no need for a double shear point ???
shane
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Im gonna buy one today so I will let you all know if it works with the Calmini Idler brace. Even if it is stronger Id still like the peace of mind of having the additional strength. Besides I already own the Calmini brace. :P
Mike
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Lets us know mike it looks like it might solve the problem.
Mac
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When you call them ask is they know about the bracket or not.  Maby they can make one with a longer bolt for us to use with the bracket?
Let us know because I'm interested.
I checked out the picture again and it looks like it would be easy to make the top bracket with just a bolt hole instead of the stud. Then drill out the Calimini bracket and get a grade 8 bolt to bolt it all together.
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Ok, let's place bets on the next part that's going to fail now that the idler arm weak link looks like it's fixed?
- Center link
- Pitman arm
- Tie Rod
- Steering Box
- Other
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My money is on the centre link.
Mac
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I had an Idler made by a machinist last year but this wasnt really his specialty. It worked great for a while but wore out fast. It wasnt machined very smooth and basicly ground itself out so it got pretty sloppy. He didnt seem too interested in making a second one so I didnt push it.
Besides that, I had no other problems with steering components. I dont belive that we will see any other problems. I did bend a center link after hitting a dirt wall at a high rate of speed. ( I was a little further to the right that I was shooting for :P ) Gotta keep in mind that they are tough... not indistructable.
Mike
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I was thinking about a custom center link made
of DOM, and eliminate the ball joints on the link
to get rid of the twisting up and down, would DOM
be strong enough ??? or a solid bar be better???
isn't the stock center link cast iron or steel ???
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Its steel. I do think that a new centerlink would be a good Idea. Not because its weak, but poor design for being lifted. It shouldnt rotate.
Mike
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Agreed, I notice alot of steering wheel play
with the 33s on, tho I might have a worn
set of Ball Joints, I think elimination of the
rotating would firm up control.
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Hey Mike, I know 2 years ago you had moved your tie rods from the bottom to the top of your spindles. Did I notice right this year that you moved them back to the factory position?
If so why?
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Hey Mike, I know 2 years ago you had moved your tie rods from the bottom to the top of your spindles. Did I notice right this year that you moved them back to the factory position?
If so why?
I actually have the knuckles tapered both ways. For street use I run the tie rods in the stock location.
For offroad use I flip the tierods to the top. Many reasons for that. With them on top their is less angle on the center link. The more angle on the center link the more the front end will "plow" up on uphill climbs. This is obviosly a bad thing. Also, this creates a drastic toe change during suspension travel. In steep downhill situations when the front end would normally squat the toe is plowing agains itself to lift the front. (Top view/ \ ) The oposite happens when going uphill. As the suspension lifts the tires do this \ / pulling the nose down. Its really noticable, especally in moab.
Downside is that Im constantly doing "roadside" allignments. You have to "roadside" allign it each time they are flipped. It doesnt bother me cause Im pretty good at it. None the less it can be a deturant for those who arent so good at it. Another downside is that before I can go home from an event I have to pull the front tires and flip em again. I generally flip em before I go to an event and undo it when I get home. Unless its a lond road trip like Zukimelt or Moab.
If that doesnt make sense let me know. :P
Mike
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When their on top, how does it handle? I understand why you do it. Why not leave it that way was my biggest question.
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has anyne bent the link on the pass. side thats going into the tie rod?
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When their on top, how does it handle? I understand why you do it. Why not leave it that way was my biggest question.
Oh. :-[ Its a little more squirlly on some roads. Nice smooth roads its hardly noticable. Roads with a lot of .... I dont know how to describe it. :P Ya know when the road had "ruts" in it from all the traffic? Well, those roads will keep you on your toes.
Mike
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has anyne bent the link on the pass. side thats going into the tie rod?
??? The sleeve? If so then Ive never heard of it.
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BTW I ordered an Idler. It was in stock and its on the way. ;D
Mike
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BTW I ordered an Idler. It was in stock and its on the way. ;D
Mike
Very interested to see if it works with the Calmini idler support...if it does I'll be on the phone for both in prep for my lift and larger tires.
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I second that..