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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Zukipilot on May 08, 2005, 01:10:52 PM

Title: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 08, 2005, 01:10:52 PM
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/ZigMoabs.jpg)

RIP Godzuki
1989-2005
Over 275,000 Miles of 4X4 came to an end Yesterday as we returned form thw SFWDA Trail Fest at the Windrock Off-Road Park in Olivar Springs TN. She spent her final day Kicking Ass on the trails of Windrock only to have her heart give out on the 100 mile ride home :'( About half way back I noticed a sudden loss of power as I passed an 18 wheeler at 75-80mph. When I did I turned the radio down (it was wide open due to the perfect weather and the top off and windows down) I heard the dreaded noise of a knocking drum roll coming from under the hood. Like always she got me home as we slowly crept down the shoulder of the interstate, but I beleave she has made her last trip.

At least she got to wheel moab before she gave out :'(

:'(Zig :'(
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: wildgoody on May 08, 2005, 01:31:19 PM
 :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

I have about that many miles on the whole
Trucklet, but the engine got a new heart at
about 245K

Well, time for a Turbo Motor  ;)
just don't do what I did, and go cheep
on pistons by not replacing them with
new ones, at least cast pistons for non
supercharged applications

I wonder if your oil pump gave out, that's
what has cost me both engines, well sort of,
the Turbo motor when from getting too much
piston ring and metal into the oil

Good Luck Zig

Darrin
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: locjaw on May 08, 2005, 01:56:00 PM
sorry to hear that zig. hope you have good health insurance cause those heart transplants arent cheep ;D
that thing has probably pounded more dirt than the lone ranger and tonto. :D Its due for a major overhaul. now you have the chance to do something interesting and fun with it (blown chevy 502 or something equivilant ;D)

jason
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: hcgalvin on May 08, 2005, 02:24:48 PM
Wow! 275,000 miles though!

I think she decided all was well, and that she had accomplished everything she meant to, especially after the thousand some mile trip to Moab, and then back home. Maybe she was at peace.  :-/

(http://forums.maxima.org/images/smilies/nopity.gif)

:)

So... what's next?
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: bandit86 on May 08, 2005, 02:25:37 PM
Same here.  

Spent the day wheeling a week ago, on the way home I started hearing the knockity knock. Now it's pretty bad, still might go for one last rip.  At least I picked up a parts rustbucket tracker with low ks.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: HotRod on May 08, 2005, 02:31:19 PM
Sorry to hear about the heart attack
Time for a new Ticker
Or
Time to get OverHauled
You can rebuild her
Stronger
Faster
slower
taller
bigger
The 6 million dollar Kick
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: 1bigtracker on May 08, 2005, 03:06:17 PM
i thought something bad happened(like it was rolled off a 1000ft cliff or somthing) for a sec.  i would look at it as a sign of a needed upgrade. ;)  good luck Zig

Stu
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Cwkick on May 08, 2005, 03:17:53 PM
At least I got to meet her before she died.   :'(

What are you going to do??

Cwkick
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on May 08, 2005, 03:19:49 PM
 :'( Its just not right.  :'( Im not sure if we can let this happen :-/  

Mike
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: GRVIT on May 08, 2005, 07:04:06 PM
Sorry to hear that Zig.But come on , time for an upgrade.
She didnt die.Just wants a new spare part.

I mean ,I  havent done so  many miles but I love my truck.Now that I need to throw away the damaged body and get a new one ,what should I think , same heart but another body ??? Frankenstein? No !

You lose a truck when someones steals it or when its
completely destroyed.In every other case,it lives....no matter what changes you make. :)
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Rhinoman on May 08, 2005, 11:47:49 PM
Time for a 2ltr or 2.5 maybe. Its not dead its just resting  ;)
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Bigzook on May 09, 2005, 02:29:08 AM
I guess were rollin the X huh? Its not that bad zig ya just need a motor is all. Wait dont you have a couple 16 valves sitting at your house?
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Natebert on May 09, 2005, 02:33:59 AM
Find a good, fresh replacement, and move over all of the gizmos.  
Resurrection!

~Nate
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: CBTracker on May 09, 2005, 02:47:48 AM

I vote turbo-diesel.  he he, that'd kickass!
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: ed oorklep on May 09, 2005, 03:51:29 AM
Quote
Find a good, fresh replacement, and move over all of the gizmos.  
Resurrection!

~Nate

Count in another vote for this option  ;)
Good luck with the loss   :'( And have fun building the next  ;D
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 09, 2005, 04:06:52 AM
I've gotta sit back and chill to clear the mind before I react. Last week the ol-poop hit the fan.

1- X-90 tranny and clutch went out
2- works a pain (nothing new there)
3- Dad having surgery (not major but still worrysome)
4- Found Termites in my house and shop
5- Blew up the motor in the Kick
6- no power in the house for 12-14 hours
7- now I'm back at work.

Needless to say last week SUCKED!!!!!

Right now I'm thinking of a few different options.

1- new motor and keep on rolling
a- stock 8v replacement
b- stock 16V I have in the 97 parts ride
c- find a donor XL-7
d- the turbo deisl also sounds tempting

a- would be easy
b-d would be a pain for me because I suck at electronic stuff and all would require massive rewireing (but I would rather do them more.

2- New Kick. As much as I hat to admit it this would probably be the best option. Any of you that has seen it up close realize that it has been beated and battered since 94 when I bought her. Frames bent, all crossmembers are twisted and tattered, body is rusting bad, etc...) This would be the hardest option but maybe the best over all thing to do (even though I would have HUGE ammounts of down time switching everything over to the new Ride :-/)

Any other options out there you'll can think of PLEASE let me know.

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 09, 2005, 04:09:24 AM
Greg,
Yea, we will be rolling in the X-90 to Wisconsin maybe with a 4-wheeler in tow to ride around on, I may borrow my friends Yamaha Rhino who knows, either way I'll set up the utility trailer so we can keep our stuff dry on the way.

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: 1bigtracker on May 09, 2005, 04:18:30 AM
ok zig heres what i think, its spring so down time isn't really even a option is it.(think hard about that)  just get it up and running for the rest of the summer with a engine pulled form a wrecked tracker(should be cheap, right?) and wheel it.  Then look for a new kick this fall if you still want to switch over to another year(16V i hope).  kinda like "sleep on it", just for a longer time.

just my opinion, Stu
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: SnoFalls on May 09, 2005, 04:30:03 AM
Sounds to me a new kick would be best ...

Looking at what you've got, it's move over the front axle (and "widened" calmini lift), rear axel (currie 9), BL, tcase, and misc other goodies (radios, bumpers, etc). I'd think that transplant into a 16V model kick would be just what you want anyway.

Do you know how bad the "blown" 8V is?

P.S. I think a swap (diesel 2.5, etc) into a "beaten" rig should be discounted cuz you'll do a ton of work and still have "Frames bent, all crossmembers are twisted and tattered, body is rusting bad, etc"
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: ebewley on May 09, 2005, 04:44:10 AM
Quote
I've gotta sit back and chill to clear the mind before I react. Last week the ol-poop hit the fan.


c- find a donor XL-7


Zig



If you decide to go V6, I'll help you out. It's really not that bad and well worth it. IMHO

-Eric
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: jagular7 on May 09, 2005, 05:50:59 AM
Sorry to hear of the tragedy, even the whole week!! Something better is going to happen.  ???

You mentioned a lot of known 'problems' with the current x-Kick. Not sure if you were planning to address any or all of them over some time frame. Since non-running condition is evident, simplest repair would be to get it back to running condition, plan for upgrades as usual and address all the other stuff or go back to the basics and start with another. You may find another diamond in the rough or pick up someone else's tragedy. Tough call. Sometimes you get real tired of 'fixing, working, upgrading' and just want to get out and have fun. You probably spent to some real time and effort on continuous maintenance. It's a real difficult call to make and once made, looking back only makes you feel as if the choice was not the right one.

My suggestion, get the details of the problem, weigh pro-cons-expense-time wasting-etc (your constraints you want to measure), estimate the future (5-10 years) of where, when, what wheeling, make the choice and stick with it strongly. Good luck.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: chet on May 09, 2005, 06:32:02 AM
Throw a stock cheap 8V in yours for now and find a cheap, straight body and frame to do a motor swap on (V6 or diesel) and then swap all your stuff to it?
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: toolman21 on May 09, 2005, 08:28:29 AM
I don't know, I might just throw a 8v back into it just to get it living again for the time being.  Then you have time to sit back and discuss your options, figure out what you really want to do, etc.  I mean yes it is beaten and battered...but isn't that what you will just do to a new one?  ;D

As long as it (or some other form of it) comes back to life, I mean it was the picture of your truck that inspired me to modify mine....you are legend around these here parts...8)
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on May 09, 2005, 09:48:38 AM
Quote
I don't know, I might just throw a 8v back into it just to get it living again for the time being.  Then you have time to sit back and discuss your options, figure out what you really want to do, etc.  I mean yes it is beaten and battered...but isn't that what you will just do to a new one?  ;D

As long as it (or some other form of it) comes back to life, I mean it was the picture of your truck that inspired me to modify mine....you are legend around these here parts...8)



Werent you working on getting a parts kick from indiana? I think you should swap in a cheap lower end into it and finish the summer at least. That will give you time to search for the next rig and start prepping it.

Mike
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: ack on May 09, 2005, 02:07:34 PM
I remember whe she threw a timing belt on the Rally course at the '02 Melt  

Came to a stop right next to me...

I thinks it be time for a new truck.  There's always one out there calling your name.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: 37kicker on May 09, 2005, 02:38:21 PM
hey zigman, all i've got to say is GIT ER DONE!! if you need parts i think i have 12 tracks laying around(lost track) whats wrong with the 97 , how far gone is it.      PS. that really sucks shes dead :'(     stan
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Fredo on May 09, 2005, 02:58:19 PM
Take the x-90 and make the most extreme  x-90 ever!

Fredo
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Bigzook on May 09, 2005, 03:43:07 PM
Zig is a legend in more parts than you know....lol ;D
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: toolman21 on May 09, 2005, 04:52:59 PM
Quote
Zig is a legend in more parts than you know....lol ;D


Not sure I want to hear about "those" stories...Ha  ;D
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Speedracer7c on May 09, 2005, 10:40:28 PM
That sucks zig. I would just find an 8v motor and slap it in there for the rest of the summer. And you better do it before you and greg have to rock the x  ;)
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 09, 2005, 11:41:28 PM
Thanks Toolman, and um I think Greg :-/

I have considered the X-90 being the next trail ride but I dont want to intentionally distroy a vehicle that is that few and far beteween. Plus it would limit me to draging a trailer everywhere I go camping. It's gonna stay a daily driver

So If I did do a 'Quick fix' of a shortblock in the Kick and kept running it I've got a question. How good would a block that has been sitting in a junkyard for a few years be? The only Kick's and trackers around here have been sitting there for a while, the motors are complete but they have been sitting there for a while.

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: adamd on May 10, 2005, 12:12:25 AM
Can u say VW Diesel?  ;D
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: 1bigtracker on May 10, 2005, 01:10:06 AM
Quote
Can u say VW Diesel?  ;D

if you mean TURBO diesel then i have one sitting in my shop. ;)

stu
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: ebewley on May 10, 2005, 01:53:39 AM
Quote
Thanks Toolman, and um I think Greg :-/

I have considered the X-90 being the next trail ride but I dont want to intentionally distroy a vehicle that is that few and far beteween. Plus it would limit me to draging a trailer everywhere I go camping. It's gonna stay a daily driver

So If I did do a 'Quick fix' of a shortblock in the Kick and kept running it I've got a question. How good would a block that has been sitting in a junkyard for a few years be? The only Kick's and trackers around here have been sitting there for a while, the motors are complete but they have been sitting there for a while.

Zig


FWIW A couple of the vendors on this site sell fresh short blocks. :)

-Eric
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 10, 2005, 02:13:29 AM
Quote


FWIW A couple of the vendors on this site sell fresh short blocks. :)

-Eric


Who? Ineed to call and get prices so I can better decide on what to do.

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Bigzook on May 10, 2005, 02:58:12 AM
I would definatley leave the X as it is. Like you said they are to hard to find. Also remember guys he HAS a 16v sitting in his shop. I would look at how much it would cost you to put that in before buying another 8v.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Uncivilized on May 10, 2005, 03:27:40 AM
I'd rebuild it, it sounds like just the crank bearings are shot. You could probably change just the bearings, and be okay for a while longer,...
A friend of mine JUST had the same problem this weekend with his Toyota, Knocking, drumroll, etc. Spent a few hours to change the crank bearings, and all is fine now.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 10, 2005, 05:34:22 AM
Quote
I would definatley leave the X as it is. Like you said they are to hard to find. Also remember guys he HAS a 16v sitting in his shop. I would look at how much it would cost you to put that in before buying another 8v.


I was planning on leaving the 16v for the X-90 if/when needed. Plus It would have to be completely rewired and the 16V computer installed (that is probably WAY above my head) and I know without a doubt I could not do that by the 25th

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: trackermad on May 10, 2005, 06:04:01 AM
When I swaped in my 16v I had the entire donor wiring harness and it was super easy.  Its all just plug and play; pull out the old, put the new in the same spot, then plug everything back together. I had the whole thing done in a weekend plus a couple nights after work.  That includes pulling the donor motor and harness out.

There was only one rough spot because I was going from a 4door to a 2door but even that wasn't bad.  I just had to change the connector going to the rear harness but everything is color-coded.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Natebert on May 10, 2005, 07:29:20 AM
Quote


Who? Ineed to call and get prices so I can better decide on what to do.

Zig



I'm sure that Hawk Strictly Suzuki would have some.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 10, 2005, 01:37:08 PM
OK, Thanks alot for all of the info comments and support 8) You guys ROCK!!!!!! After a few days of chillin' and thinkin' I think I am heading towards a path (still not definate though)
1- Get an 8V that will bolt streight into the Kick and get her alive again for the Memorial day trip.

2- Start searching for a newer lower mileage new project vehicle to taker her to the next level.

3- Slowly prep the new ride as I still use  and abuse the Kick till it is readt for retirement.  ( I think she still diserves anoher good trip or two ;)

This would allow me to keep riding through the summer, prep everything on the new ride before transfering all of my cool Calmini stuff over, to reduce downtime during the switch.


Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: toolman21 on May 10, 2005, 05:28:48 PM
Have you checked http://car-part.com/ for a used engine to get you by?  I know you are from Cookeville, but there was one at the top of OH last time I looked for 300 bucks...not sure how many miles were on it, but as long as it runs to get you by....never know, worth looking.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 12, 2005, 08:45:55 AM
Ok so here is the Plan.

I'm heading to Savannah in the morning to pick up a factory 8V with 30k miles on it (Thanks Jagular7 for finding it for me 8))

I plan on driving the Kick as is while I find a good project vehicle to switch my stuff over too. I'm thinking that I will be able to have minimum down time if I do alot of my mods to the new ride and then have one long weekend to switch my stuff over to it.

I can't wait to see her reveved again. ;D

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: jagular7 on May 12, 2005, 08:58:26 AM
You are welcome. Glad the heart of the Zukipi is getting a newer beat to it.
Next, is the exterior body work to play with. Hmmm, thinking,....ouch the apple fell and hit me...lol

Anyways, how about something along the lines of Mike's newish 2seater beater or Wildweasel type of thing. You have another body sitting. What's a little sheetmetal clip here, seam weld there.....bar stock added......
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Mythose on May 12, 2005, 10:39:07 AM
hay zig what part of the country are you in?
i think that i woul get it  running, I mean if you can push it and it rolls, then it can be rebuilt,  fix it then go find the year ect that you want, and start rebuilding Her, I have a 57 chevy pickup off road rig at my dads hous in NC "i live in "WA" there is more welding and bondo on that thing then there are from most totaled and rebuilt trucks, i mean i SMASHED the drivers door on a stump in the swamp, and took 2 54 ford doors sliced them and welded them back together, and it looks like a 57 chevy door. have blown 2 motors in it  have a spare tranny under the seet, and have lost more parts in the swamps of chowan county NC then i could shake a stick at, but never had to walk home. Soon as i can get a somone that can  tow it 3400 miles weighing in at over 2 tons , do to the Military mopar 1 3/4 ton full posi running gear "still brass bushings thoe"  i will make the trip to bring it back to were it was built

it is the spirit of the rig, new motor, or body, or any other piecs, its just a little like plastic surgery!

sorry for rambling but that is my opinion.
ps it will live agin,  as said before  it is only dead when it is beyond recognition "bieng hit by a train" see that happen to a jeep once and it was dead. the guy driving it liveed but his truck was rosted tosted and left in the rain.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 12, 2005, 01:14:43 PM
Quote
You are welcome. Glad the heart of the Zukipi is getting a newer beat to it.
Next, is the exterior body work to play with. Hmmm, thinking,....ouch the apple fell and hit me...lol

Anyways, how about something along the lines of Mike's newish 2seater beater or Wildweasel type of thing. You have another body sitting. What's a little sheetmetal clip here, seam weld there.....bar stock added......


I'm thinking of doing something more tubish but still street legal that I can drive to events and back. It will definately be a better revision of what I already have. Thanks again for the hook up 8)

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 12, 2005, 01:17:46 PM
Quote
hay zig what part of the country are you in?
i think that i woul get it  running, I mean if you can push it and it rolls, then it can be rebuilt,  fix it then go find the year ect that you want, and start rebuilding Her, I have a 57 chevy pickup off road rig at my dads hous in NC "i live in "WA" there is more welding and bondo on that thing then there are from most totaled and rebuilt trucks, i mean i SMASHED the drivers door on a stump in the swamp, and took 2 54 ford doors sliced them and welded them back together, and it looks like a 57 chevy door. have blown 2 motors in it  have a spare tranny under the seet, and have lost more parts in the swamps of chowan county NC then i could shake a stick at, but never had to walk home. Soon as i can get a somone that can  tow it 3400 miles weighing in at over 2 tons , do to the Military mopar 1 3/4 ton full posi running gear "still brass bushings thoe"  i will make the trip to bring it back to were it was built

it is the spirit of the rig, new motor, or body, or any other piecs, its just a little like plastic surgery!

sorry for rambling but that is my opinion.
ps it will live agin,  as said before  it is only dead when it is beyond recognition "bieng hit by a train" see that happen to a jeep once and it was dead. the guy driving it liveed but his truck was rosted tosted and left in the rain.


Nah your 'rambling' is what I have spent the last week convinencing myself of 8) She's gonna live, after the heart transplant next week she will be back kicking ass again ;) My next level will be slowly developing another level of Kick to adapt all of my existing stuff to to make it even better ;D

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: ZeusZuki on May 12, 2005, 02:30:43 PM
Good decision Zig. Ressurect her and go have some fun for the summer. It is legendary that rig - I even keep an eye out for it when I am surfing the net over here in New Zealand. i have an old Kick that has been "bush / rock bashing" now for 8 years and it is pretty banged up but it still delivers and I don not lose any sleep when she gets another dent or two.
These rigs are cheap enough that you just retire them when it is time and move on. Good luck with your next project, I will look out for it. Thought about building a more trail type rig? :- - eg: with a little less panels to worry about?
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Mythose on May 13, 2005, 02:47:31 AM
Good to here that Zig, i look forward to seeing a hellish zuk emerge,  taking it to the next level with tubing, Humm maby somthing like a rally truck type suspension, street legal and massive articulation, in a zuk it would be like a spider, you could go over anything.

anyway i cannot wait to see what will come of taking it to the next level.
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Natebert on May 13, 2005, 09:49:29 AM
Have you dialed in what happened yet?
Broken connecting rod?  Bad bearings?

~Nate
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 13, 2005, 03:15:01 PM
I dont have time to mess with it right now, but I am having Jimmy put it in for me. After the chaos (know as my life) settles down a bit I will pull it apart in the shop and see what gave way. Right now I'm just trying to arrange fir it to be mobile in two weeks.

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 13, 2005, 03:16:57 PM
Quote
Good decision Zig. Ressurect her and go have some fun for the summer. It is legendary that rig - I even keep an eye out for it when I am surfing the net over here in New Zealand. i have an old Kick that has been "bush / rock bashing" now for 8 years and it is pretty banged up but it still delivers and I don not lose any sleep when she gets another dent or two.
These rigs are cheap enough that you just retire them when it is time and move on. Good luck with your next project, I will look out for it. Thought about building a more trail type rig? :- - eg: with a little less panels to worry about?


Thanks ;) What ever I build will have to still be street legal (and IFS ;D)

Zig
Title: Re: The end of of an ERA
Post by: Zukipilot on May 13, 2005, 03:18:23 PM
Quote
Good to here that Zig, i look forward to seeing a hellish zuk emerge,  taking it to the next level with tubing, Humm maby somthing like a rally truck type suspension, street legal and massive articulation, in a zuk it would be like a spider, you could go over anything.

anyway i cannot wait to see what will come of taking it to the next level.


If I can achieve something like that and still legally drive it down the road, it sounds like a great goal 8)

Zig