ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Performance / Modify => Topic started by: ebewley on January 03, 2005, 02:03:22 AM
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Question and Answer Thread Started for this month's Feature:
OPERATION: ROCKSTAR
Building A Stadium Rock Sidekick On A Club Band Budget - Part 1. Story/Photo: Mike Hagen
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_010105/feature_operationrockstar_partone.htm
Ok, we're going to try something new here and link the feature article to a forum Q&A thread for discussion purposes. Let's see how it works. :)
-Eric
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Looks like you'll got alot done in the first two days :o What weight were you'll shooting for? Looks like you cant be much over 1200# at the end of day 2 :-/.
I cant wait to see what all you do to it. My 97 2wd is longing for some use and abuse.
Zig
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wow i like it! a low budget beater with IFS so when can we expect the next update?
stu
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That's cool, Eric. Looking forward to the update...
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Damn... another Trackick buggy coming out of Mike's club :P
I like it. Cheap, light, and effective ;D
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Looking sweet!
So I understand properly ... you lowered the front frame 6", and extended 9" ... this increased wheel base and adds ground clearance past the front axel.
Any plans for increasing the articulation of the IFS? Might not be in the "plan", but just curious.
I think this is one killer buggy recipie. Add engine swap or axels to suit taste/budget.
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Looks like you'll got alot done in the first two days :o What weight were you'll shooting for? Looks like you cant be much over 1200# at the end of day 2 :-/.
Zig
I have no Idea but its light. I can currently lift any one of the four tires off the ground by myself.:o What are we shooting for.... Light as possible. When we are done we are definately going to weigh it.
Mike
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wow i like it! a low budget beater with IFS so when can we expect the next update?
stu
Next month ;)
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Looking sweet!
So I understand properly ... you lowered the front frame 6", and extended 9" ... this increased wheel base and adds ground clearance past the front axel.
Any plans for increasing the articulation of the IFS? Might not be in the "plan", but just curious.
Not in the current plan.
::)
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Next month ;)
Man I dont think I can wait till next month !!  >:( >:(
I need more pics of the buildup so far if at all possible. Ive got my parts 4wd Tracker sittin in the corner of the yard. It would be a good candidate for this mod, I have already completely gutted the interior. Ive got a few questions that will be answered in the next article, like front diff mount and how did you lift the rear suspension? I wouldnt mind cutting my frame and adding 3" more lift in addition to my Calmini lift. Geeze Im rambling on, IM EXCITED!!!!
Bill
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Really too bad you didn't have a starting weight, but alas I would guess that could be easily had. Thinking of adding some weight difference to the equation? Weight on the tires would be good, as you extended the front and left the beef back (engine/tranny/water). I would like to see the effect on that. This would filter in to when doing obstacles, weight shifting, etc. Besides, you capable of lifting any single tire just shows the difference in configuration of the center of gravity.
Adding a tube front will add weight to the front and will move the cg forward, but balance that with the weight of driver/passenger and gas so I guess it'll remain to what it's near now.
Do note, that Tracker looked pretty clean in terms of rust for a northern vehicle.....
Looks great so far.....
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Watched my First comp Nov 2nd.
 :o :o :o  My stomach is turning, Got to get to the garage quick...  Before it's too late.
 That thing is awsome, and to think I was gonna build a Sammy for Comp in April...  :P  Hit me over the HEAD
What was I thinking.  ÂÂ
What comp rules are yall following? ANy certin class.
I've found a few Buggys here that actually can't legally run with out major changes. SOme are thrown into the next class above where their intensions were just due to oversite in the rules of the build. I was looking into the Stock class for now.
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and to think I was gonna build a Sammy for Comp in April... :P Hit me over the HEAD
OK, you asked for it
(http://bbs.off-road.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/chair.gif)
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Oh yeah what CV's are you using? The yota's?
Bill
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Do note, that Tracker looked pretty clean in terms of rust for a northern vehicle.....
Yea it was a real shame to cut up a clean rig like that with only 86,000 miles on it. We felt really bad for the entire first day! BUT on the flip side it was a 2wd. Were doing it a favor.
;D Also someone left the top off of it all summer and the interior was shot.
BTW we have thought about the weight distribution...I cant let out all the secrets or I wont have anything to write about next month! :P stay tuned. ;)
Mike
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What comp rules are yall following? ANy certin class.
My rules! Im not building for any comps, just for fun.
Mike
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OK, you asked for it
([url]http://bbs.off-road.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/chair.gif[/url])
Bwhaahaaa! LOL
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Oh yeah what CV's are you using? The yota's?
Bill
Yep. ;)
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Only place I have with in 5hrs is a Comp  :-/
Comp is only 2hrs away  :-X
I understand the 9" forward, Better COG for engine, tranny, & driver.  But why 6" down, Stacking a donor frame?  Height works?  Is that the desired lift for 35's?
What about the factory aluminium housing?  I'd think a Custom or GV or anvil would be necessary for that level of abuse.
Which engine and trans, 16V / 5spd? ÂÂ
Widening the stance up front to clear the 35's with the previously mentioned Modified lower A-arm mounts?
Engine & radiator on the original frame and extend the Steering shaft to meet the new donor which mounts the Box? ÂÂ
Modified Rear lower 3-link frame mounts with longer arms?  And how about the upper link? ÂÂ
YES SMOKE IS POORING OUT OF MY EARS ABOUT NOW???  Is it Feb 01 05 YET ;D ;D
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I understand the 9" forward, Better COG for engine, tranny, & driver. But why 6" down, Stacking a donor frame? Height works? Is that the desired lift for 35's?
9inches of lift, no bodylift. This # should be close to leveling the rear also.
Welding a sutiable mount to the paper thin Suzuki stuff is nearly an art. Any more details on the frame mod?
Not at this time as it has to be welded on the back sides still. I never finish anything until Ive mocked everything in.
What about the factory aluminium housing? I'd think a Custom or GV or anvil would be necessary for that level of abuse.
Their will be an upgrade, mabey next months issue.
Which engine and trans, 16V / 5spd?
1.6 8valve 5speed
Widening the stance up front to clear the 35's with the previously mentioned Modified lower A-arm mounts?
Not sure at this time.
Engine & radiator on the original frame and extend the Steering shaft to meet the new donor which mounts the Box?
Its not a donor frame, its the stock frame. New motor mounts and radiator mounts were fabbed. The steering shaft was lengthened.
Modified Rear lower 3-link frame mounts with longer arms? And how about the upper link?
Thats next month! ;)
Mike
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Looks like local Comp rules are gonna be too strict, to folow the presented plan. BUT I might just vary the build to stay with in the limits of the modified class.  Just not sure how a kick would like 38's and my 36's might be a little short in a 38" (Toyota dominated) class...  :-X  We will see, still smoking it over.
Gotta be in modified to chop it up, cant loose any legnth or width in stock class.
Rules are at:  Should follow (Pro Rock form)
http://www.xjsrule.com/Event_Files/VehicleRequirements.htm
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Thats gonna be one sick ride.
Love it ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Only place I have with in 5hrs is a Comp  :-/
Comp is only 2hrs away  :-X
I understand the 9" forward, Better COG for engine, tranny, & driver.  But why 6" down, Stacking a donor frame?  Height works?  Is that the desired lift for 35's?
What about the factory aluminium housing?  I'd think a Custom or GV or anvil would be necessary for that level of abuse.
Which engine and trans, 16V / 5spd? ÂÂ
Widening the stance up front to clear the 35's with the previously mentioned Modified lower A-arm mounts?
Engine & radiator on the original frame and extend the Steering shaft to meet the new donor which mounts the Box? ÂÂ
Modified Rear lower 3-link frame mounts with longer arms?  And how about the upper link? ÂÂ
YES SMOKE IS POORING OUT OF MY EARS ABOUT NOW???  Is it Feb 01 05 YET ;D ;D
I had an image of Beavis trying to find TP for his.... ;D
(http://www.eye-irritant.com/august2004/Beavis.gif)
You do have it bad. ;D Did the smoke clear yet?
Zig
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Of course I Could just always run SUPER, with the big boys on 44's But they have REAL 6' clift drops
Super - Pretty much anything goes.
1.6. Frame
1.6.1. Definition: VROC considers the frame of a vehicle to be the two rails supporting the mounting of the body and drive train as the main frame, and connecting cross members as the sub frame.
1.6.2. Any OEM or custom built frame is permitted.
1.6.3. OEM unibody construction is permitted.
1.6.4. All frame material must be magnetic steel.
I had an image of Beavis trying to find TP for his....  ;D
([url]http://www.eye-irritant.com/august2004/Beavis.gif[/url])
You do have it bad.  ;D Did the smoke clear yet?
Zig
Yep that was about it...   ;D
 I am the Great Corn Holey-Ohh!!! ÂÂ
Bad thing is the kids under 20 proball don't get it.
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Yep that was about it...   ;D
 I am the Great Corn Holey-Ohh!!! ÂÂ
Bad thing is the kids under 20 proball don't get it.
are you crazy, what do you think i watched before i knew about south park? ;)
stu
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One Question Mike..
Will we see it in Moab?
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One Question Mike..
Will we see it in Moab?
I dont think so, however , its not out of the question. Im bringing my wife and 2 kids this year so The orange rig is definately going to be there. Id like to run this rig in proving grounds though. We will see what I come up with for a trailer this year.
Mike
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Cool!
:D
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I guess you didn't find the &|removethispart|@$*&^#
that took your trailer then huh
>:(
Suzuki bad juju will get them
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Mike are you running an Isuzu NPR?
I was just checking out a 87 & 88 NPR.  Only similarities seemed to be the size and brand, They changed ALOT in one year.  Looks like may be a case of nothing interchanges. ÂÂ
(http://www.zukiworld.com/month_010105/images/hagen_rockstar/12endday2.jpg)
Back to the Kick Buggy...  I see that the targa is cut, I'd guess this is because the Targa held the B-pillar structure and it must be cut to release the structurual integtiry for narrowing the rear. ÂÂ
I was amazed at the extra bracing on the  B-pillar (4-dr) once I skinned the rockers. ÂÂ
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looks like an awesome build, i liek how you tapered the rear end!
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Nicely done so far guys!
I was reading the article not realizing that it was part 1 of ? and am anxiously waiting for the rest.
Great job!
~Nate
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Yeah, great job! This really builds a lot of excitement for me! I can't wait to get started on my sammy. Of course it won't be anywhere near this extreme... :-[
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Mike are you running an Isuzu NPR?
I was just checking out a 87 & 88 NPR. Only similarities seemed to be the size and brand, They changed ALOT in one year. Looks like may be a case of nothing interchanges.
([url]http://www.zukiworld.com/month_010105/images/hagen_rockstar/12endday2.jpg[/url])
Back to the Kick Buggy... I see that the targa is cut, I'd guess this is because the Targa held the B-pillar structure and it must be cut to release the structurual integtiry for narrowing the rear.
I was amazed at the extra bracing on the B-pillar (4-dr) once I skinned the rockers.
The NPR died. I got sick of pumpin money in that POS. I bought a 99 dodge ram 1 ton dually 4x4 with a cummins and a 5 speed. ;) Texas rig just breaking 100k miles. That should last a little while.
I cut the targa to taper the rear. We had intended to weld it back in but now we are thinkin about cutting more away... Ive got to see what the guy bending the rollbar can do before I make any further decisions. ::)
Mike
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(http://www.zukiworld.com/month_010105/images/hagen_rockstar/10frameweld.jpg)
On that wedge looking peice you have between the frame rails, is that a solid steel peice or is it a fabbed up box?
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Its the original motor mount bracket flipped upsidedown with the sides capped with flat steel. Extra support will be added later to the backside. I only mock things togather until I the end just incase I want to change anything.
Mike
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The peice that the motor mount is sitting on is the peice I was meaning. Is that a solid steel peice?
Bill
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Oh! :-[ Yea thats 2x3 square tube. :P Then we plated the sides and we will be capping the bottom of the frame.
Mike
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Cant wait to see more...
   I'd guess the tube front clip will tie in to the frame up front (grill area) and then back into the cage at the frame mounted A-hoop to add extra rigidity and support for those trophy truck style landings.  ÂÂ
Due to not having all the parts lined up to build the kick i want and the frame design not meeting competition rules I'm gonna focus on the sammy comp crawler for now :-/
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Are you guys going to push the rear axle back at all? You could use a Long wheel base rear drive shaft.
I was thinking about doing this to my kick. Not that far back, but like 2 inches. I was going to cut the lower bars and sleeve them and then build a new upper "Y" bar. To keep the springs in alignment I was going to do the overrotate and move the spring perches forward like they are on a jeep TJ...
Just some food for thought..
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Something like that ::)
Mike
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Way cool!!!!
This looks like a fun project. I like how your keeping it low buget. I like the self made modes compaired to the bought bolt on one.
It make you think and invent. That's where all the fun is.
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Just a heads up to everyone following this story. Ive recived several E-mails and pms on this story. This is not a "how to" story. It is just for fun and to help spark some new Ideas. If anyone wants clerification on what was done Im happy to answer any questions. It do a 'how to' artical on a project of this size would be of rediculus magnitude. Im glad so many are enjoying this project as much as me! ;D
Mike
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Just a heads up to everyone following this story. Ive recived several E-mails and pms on this story. This is not a "how to" story. It is just for fun and to help spark some new Ideas. If anyone wants clerification on what was done Im happy to answer any questions. It do a 'how to' artical on a project of this size would be of rediculus magnitude. Im glad so many are enjoying this project as much as me! ;D
Mike
You actually had me looking at the back of my Kick this weekend thinking she would look alot better with a smaller rear ;D But would she still be legal :-/
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It would depend on your bumper laws and if your allowed to have you tires exposed.
Mabe you could make a removeable rear bumper/fender assembly?
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NICE PROJECT!
This sure looks like a shitload of work to put into a project, but it looks like it's going to be worth it in the end for you! That little thing looks like it's going to be fun to drive...
It would depend on your bumper laws and if your allowed to have you tires exposed.
Mabe you could make a removeable rear bumper/fender assembly?
I'm pretty sure this is the case here...
In Minnesota, if I recall correctly (IIRC), to be street legal you cannot have your tires exposed out the sides to keep it street legal. I think there are also other regulations to keeping a 4x4 street legal, but I cannot remember them. I'd have to look it up. Each state/region is different.
Mike, do remember what the Minnesota laws are on this?
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That's one of the cool things about Colorado - they don't have any problems with wheels that stick out.
Oh, and your tail-lights have to be under 72" off the ground.
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Posted by: Zukipilot Posted on: Today at 3:58am
on Jan 17th, 2005,
You actually had me looking at the back of my Kick this weekend thinking she would look alot better with a smaller rear But would she still be legal
I dig the Dovetailed look too. Like the Ultimate Taco..
Anyways at one Point I was thinking of doing the opposite of what Mike and those guys did.
Cutting the rear tub up of two sidekicks and welding them togeather so I almost had a sidekick equivalent to
a LWB Samuari..
Soo many good ideas soo little time
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I don't know if this applies to cars and Trucklets
too, but a Semi Trailer only needs to be covered
on the top, and a flap to the rear
Might be enough to keep you legal, then
remove the flaps to wheel :)
Wild
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You said you wouldn't have an update for us until sometime next month... It's next month now! ;D
J/K
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Yeah, it's next month now, where's part 2??? ::) ::) ::)
J/k,
I'm sure Mike is a very busy man.
Bryan
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Hey, its in Erics hands now. ;) However, Eric is also a busy man. Hopefully he's busy updating Zukiworld. ::)
Mike
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Its Feb 12th!!!!!
Part 2??????
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When does this get updated again?
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When does this get updated again?
Check the front page ;D
It just popped up
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Good work so far Mike. I cant wait to see the final result 8)
One quesion though :-/ Why all the trouble with the dash for maybe 20# weight loss and to get the battery inside :-/ Why, put the battery inside any way, you still have room under the hood :-/
Zig
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Good work so far Mike. I cant wait to see the final result 8)
One quesion though :-/ Why all the trouble with the dash for maybe 20# weight loss and to get the battery inside :-/ Why, put the battery inside any way, you still have room under the hood :-/
Zig
We figured the heater was pointless with the no doors and all ::) Hey, 20 pounds is still 20 pounds. We put the battery on the inside since the inner fender was removed and under the dash was a nice dry place to put it.
Mike
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everything is pretty clear but was wondering what rear springs you used to get the highth and spring rate for it. :-/
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wondering what rear springs you used or how you got the highth and spring rate right? :-/
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everything is pretty clear but was wondering what rear springs you used to get the highth and spring rate for it. :-/
I forgot to mention it in the artical, sorry. I scored a set of rear Calmini 3 inch coils from a guy in our club that built a jumping tracker. He put the calmini 3 inch kit in the front and a set of 4 door Ome coils in the back. For the height we dropped the cup 1 incn the frame when we welded it back on. The rest of the height is just cause its so light.
Mike
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We figured the heater was pointless with the no doors and all ::) Hey, 20 pounds is still 20 pounds. We put the battery on the inside since the inner fender was removed and under the dash was a nice dry place to put it.
Mike
I see ;) Thanks 8)
Zig
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nice mod on the front third member! 8) Was wondering how the pinion bearing gets oiled now? or is that passage you cut off just a return?
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Part 2 Looks SWEET!!! NICE SEATS & Harness, too.
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nice mod on the front third member! 8) Was wondering how the pinion bearing gets oiled now? or is that passage you cut off just a return?
That oil gallery is already missing on the stock trackicks. :-/ Ive done this to several rigs now with no problems at all. 8)
Mike
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That oil gallery is already missing on the stock trackicks. :-/ Ive done this to several rigs now with no problems at all.  8)
Mike
is that a front or rear housing? i picked up a front housing a few weeks ago and now i even have intructions! thanks Mike(and Eric too!)
stu
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The stock samurai's thirds look the same to me, I think the size of the spider gears is the only diffrence. my 88's have the four pin type.
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Ok, so if I follow this correctly, you shortened the rear by 16 inches (chopped it off), and then you narrowed the tailgate by 11. did you just bend in the sides to match the 11, or how did that work...its hard to tell by the pictures.
That is impressive though....almost makes me want to take a torch to mine... ;D
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Ok, so if I follow this correctly, you shortened the rear by 16 inches (chopped it off), and then you narrowed the tailgate by 11. did you just bend in the sides to match the 11, or how did that work...its hard to tell by the pictures.
That is impressive though....almost makes me want to take a torch to mine... ;D
Yep, Cut and paste...Thats pretty much it. ::)
Mike
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is that a front or rear housing? i picked up a front housing a few weeks ago and now i even have intructions! thanks Mike(and Eric too!)
stu
Its a rear so Id have 26 spline.
Mike
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Its a rear so Id have 26 spline.
Mike
could i make the front housing work in my 93 with the 22 spline stuff W/O a locker?
stu
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could i make the front housing work in my 93 with the 22 spline stuff W/O a locker?
stu
Yea but you will need to machine one side of the carrier if you are not running an Anvil. This article shows you where. http://www.zukiworld.com/month_020103/feature_frontendupgradeswithhagen.htm
Mike
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Couple of questions Mike,
Given The light weight of the truck your building do you think the spring rates will be to high when you finished?
What procedures are you using to keep the frame straight and plumb while your cutting and welding it?
Are you worried at all about stress and fatigue in the places you have welded the frame?
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OK more front diff questions.
Why could you not use a samurai front third member. instead of a sidekick rear?
I will try to answer the obvious.
1. no mounting tab (one could be fabbed like the rockstar)
2. wrong gears (5.12s will fit in a sammi 3rd member)
3. CV won't fit in the carrier (fix that by machining the carrier)
4. does a sami front have the same interference problem as a sidekick rear on the cross member? Anyone?
Sammi's are even 26 spline so you don't have to fuss with the larger sidegear problem. All you would need is a locker and a diff can to keep the pins in place.
Sound so good,, to good.. but will it work?
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Also how much did you extend the rear frame?
Thanks,
Bill
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OK more front diff questions.
Why could you not use a samurai front third member.  instead of a sidekick rear?
I  will  try to answer the obvious.
1. no mounting tab (one could be fabbed like the rockstar)
2. wrong gears (5.12s will fit in a sammi 3rd member)
3. CV won't fit in the carrier (fix that by machining the carrier)
4. does a sami front have the same interference problem as a sidekick rear on the cross member? Anyone?
Sammi's are even 26 spline so you don't have to fuss with the larger sidegear problem. All you would need is a locker and a diff can to keep the pins in place.
Sound so good,, to good.. but will it work?
Samurai front 3rd members are 22 spline, have to change the sidegears to either Samurai rear or Sidekick late model to get 26 (if you want 26 spline that is) :).
A Sidekick rear 3rd member is too big to fit without crossmember modification or engine lift.
HTH -Eric
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Couple of questions Mike,
Given The light weight of the truck your building do you think the spring rates will be to high when you finished?
What procedures are you using to keep the frame straight and plumb while your cutting and welding it?
Are you worried at all about stress and fatigue in the places you have welded the frame?
::)Well as far as spring rates I dont know what my finished weight is so I will cross that when I get there. ;)
::)Procedures to keep the frame straight.... ::) Whats the point, Im gonna beat the crap outa this thing! ;D You should see how bent the frame is on my orange rig! Even if I made it straight it wont last long the way I drive. Ive just been putting it where it fits. ;D
I am not worried about where I welded the frame. It will be trussed and the roll cage has now also been tied into it. (part 3)
Mike
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Also how much did you extend the rear frame?
Thanks,
Bill
Im sorry but I dont recall the measurement. All I remember was it was just enough to fit the 4 door driveshaft without modifying it.
Mike
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::)Procedures to keep the frame straight....  ::) Whats the point, Im gonna beat the crap outa this thing! ;D You should see how bent the frame is on my orange rig! Even if I made it straight it wont last long the way I drive. Ive just been putting it where it fits.  ;D
Mike
All I remember was it was just enough to fit the 4 door driveshaft without modifying it.
Mike
All right  ;)  This is my kind of build...  Build it, bash it, break it and rebuild it...  No .... It doesn't really matter!  This is my toy.  If the wife and kids were gonna cruise down the HWY with me it would be in the tow rig with my junk on the trailer.   ÂÂ
Glad to see that yall are not getting to technical on things.  Build it, bash it, break it.  If it looks good then research it some more, refine it, and appply it to the daily driver.  Meanwhile build on and have fun !!!  ÂÂ
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Ok, it is march now can't wait to see the rest of rockstar!!! ;D hurry up 8)
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Ok, it is march now can't wait to see the rest of rockstar!!! ;D hurry up 8)
Eric isnt planning on updating the homepage till after Moab. Some dramatic changes have happened though! We got another build day in. I dont want to say too much but the tubework is done... boy does it look fricken sweet! 8) But now its on the back burner till we get back from Moab. Gotta go through my orange rig and get it dialed back in. I havent done anything but beat it since the UA. I know Erics doing the same thing. Sorry but ya gotta wait a litle bit longer. :-/
Mike
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on pins and needles ;D
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...
But now its on the back burner till we get back from Moab. Gotta go through my orange rig and get it dialed back in. I havent done anything but beat it since the UA. I know Erics doing the same thing.
...
Mike
I think this applies to a lot of us. Getting ready for Moab.
Including all of those slow to respond, crappy customer service vendors that people are talking about on that other thread.
~Nate
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just wondering when the site was going to be updated :-/
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just wondering when the site was going to be updated  :-/
it is Moab time and everyone had been working on there rigs trying to get ready, it should be soon. ;)
stu
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just wondering when the site was going to be updated :-/
Dont quote me but I think Eric is updating over the weekend . I would guess by Monday it will be up. I talked to him last week and he was waiting on some more pics for the Moab artical. Since he is waiting on that Im also going to add some last minute stuff to the Rockstar artical too. ;)
Mike
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Dont quote me but I think Eric is updating over the weekend . I would guess by Monday it will be up. I talked to him last week and he was waiting on some more pics for the Moab artical. Since he is waiting on that Im also going to add some last minute stuff to the Rockstar artical too.  ;)
Mike
You've been quoted :P
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You've been quoted :P
;D
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does anyone know when the site is going to be updated ? ??? :(
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Soon. The Moab trip got everything delayed a bit.
\Zig
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Mike,
Great undertaking so far. I like the use of all Zuk parts. Only one thing that raised my eyebrows though, in a "budget" build up, why does the word >:(Calmini >:( keep popping up? Was your main object to do an entire "do it your self" IFS Rockbuggy, or to keep the budget as low as possible, using aftermarket parts that cost $$ when it was deemed necessary?
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Mike,
Great undertaking so far. I like the use of all Zuk parts. Only one thing that raised my eyebrows though, in a "budget" build up, why does the word >:(Calmini >:( keep popping up? Was your main object to do an entire "do it your self" IFS Rockbuggy, or to keep the budget as low as possible, using aftermarket parts that cost $$ when it was deemed necessary?
My goal is to keep this project as cheap and simple as possible without sacrificing performance. The only thing I have bought from calmini is a 4 to 1 (which I dont think I even put in the artical) and the Anvil which I think is deemed Necessary with 35s. My objective is definatly not to write a "do it yourself" artical. This is only for entertainment purposes. ;D Mainly mine! Im just sharing the experience cause I thought people might enjoy seeing something different from the standard bolt on tech. I also wanted to prove that a tracker can be built just as radical as a sami, without swapping in a straight axle.
Mike
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NOW UP DATED ;D ;D
Just sweet A looking.
Nice way to recycle the hood ;D
So, Are ya gonna do a PreRunner style suspinion now? ;D
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I love how the chopped and flat decked tracker kicks look but at the end of your build is it gonna be street legal as well? :o
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I love how the chopped and flat decked tracker kicks look but at the end of your build is it gonna be street legal as well? :o
::) I doubt it...but I can say Ive done stupider things! :-X
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lmfao I just bought a rusted out tracker stock so i'm thinking of something like you or wild weasel
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So, Are ya gonna do a PreRunner style suspinion now? ;D
All we are planning is to install is the Anvil, upgraded CVs, gas tank cover, Run rear brake lines, Re-install the seats, and paint it. Im sure their are a lot of little odds and ends that always pop up at the end of a project. ::) No custom IFS for this one.
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Looking great Mike. Good to see you'll are not getting 'picky' like the last update ::) That thing is looking bad ass. As much as you'll like getting air, are you'll going to weigh it out at the end of the build and try to balance the weight out, or just fly her and see how she lands?
Zig
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Looking great Mike. Good to see you'll are not getting 'picky' like the last update ::) That thing is looking bad ass. As much as you'll like getting air, are you'll going to weigh it out at the end of the build and try to balance the weight out, or just fly her and see how she lands?
Zig
I figured Id wait till you come up next and have you jump it... I will watch, see what went wrong, and make adjustments then. ;D
Seriosly we are making a spare tire carrier for the longer runs like moab. If the rear is too light for jumping then we can always add a spare for better balance.
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I figured Id wait till you come up next and have you jump it... I will watch, see what went wrong, and make adjustments then. ;D
Seriosly we are making a spare tire carrier for the longer runs like moab. If the rear is too light for jumping then we can always add a spare for better balance.
It's your truck, I'll try it out ;D I just have to remember to bring a helmet 8)
Zig
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(http://wildcatent.freeyellow.com/hagen_hair.gif)
I cant wait!
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Very inspiring...
Can't see letting you guys have all the fun...
Thanks for sharing ;)
Let the parts hording begin....
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I hate to be a pain in the ass but..... I really wanna see the last installment!!!!!!
Bill
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I hate to be a pain in the ass but.....  I really wanna see the last installment!!!!!!
You and me both, I've got a doner truck 94 2wd, 36" TSl SX's and a Trans T-case & Kicker III (on the way)... Now I just need to make some room and finish up a few loose ends on some other projects. Can't wait to see and read about it in action...
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Comming soon to a website near you. ;) I hate to be such a tease but it turned out better than I had ever hoped. ;D I cant say much more than that. :-X
Mike
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Come over here, Mike. I've got a few Washington's for you. Stop the teasing like such and just show us what you got. Use the pole in the middle and don't forget the mirrors in the back.
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hey ya'll just wanted to write and say that the rockstar truck is one hell of a truck me and my buddy have already built two similar trucks and have thrashed them many times with very little carnage including wheelin in the country memorial weekend !!!!!!i would post a picture of them if someone would gladly tell me how
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If you already have a pic on your PC
go to here [url]http://www.omghi2.us/upload/[/url]
EXPLOSIVO set this site up
Down load your pic.
then right click
click on properties
Copy URL Left click and hold on #s Should all turn blue
right click copy
come back here and click on the pic right below the S 4th one from the right
paste between the [img] HERE[img]
now go crazy
we need all the pics we can get ;D
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well I have tried to upload pics but I cannot compress them far enough to get a site to take them my smallest pic is 1.7 megs
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well I have tried to upload pics but I cannot compress them far enough to get a site to take them my smallest pic is 1.7 megs
Wow, your camera must bet set on super high resoloution! I keep mine on 2 mega pixel, the pix are usually about 500k - 600k
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well I have tried to upload pics but I cannot compress them far enough to get a site to take them my smallest pic is 1.7 megs
Kermit,
Email me 1-2 of your large pics (zipped up if possible) and I will shrink and post them for you ;)
Check your PM for em,ail address.
Zig
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Is zukiworld gonna get updated this month ???.....
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h i have the same problem I will have to do something with my pic just to upload them but atleast I know how now...
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Cat is out of the bag now  ;D
SPY Photos:
(http://www.godzuki.us/melt05%20(362).JPG)
(http://www.godzuki.us/melt05%20(363).JPG)
(http://www.godzuki.us/melt05%20(358).JPG)
(http://www.godzuki.us/melt05%20(355).JPG)
So how did it do.  Looks great.  Should be beter balanced.  Aproach depart are near verticle.
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More pics of this and the Melt Phots can be found at http://www.godzuki.us/melt05.html
I keep getting this error message when I post but they seem to be going thru anyway  :-X
An Error Has Occurred!
mail() [function.mail]: Failed to connect to mailserver at "localhost" port 25, verify your "SMTP" and "smtp_port" setting in php.ini or use ini_set() ÂÂ
Sorry if I'm spilling the beans, Last update was April. I can't hold my breath much longer,
I N e e d m o r e p r o j e c t R o c k S t a r F o o t a g e & I n f o ....
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eric, dunno how you have your mail sending setup, but php.ini will try to use localhost for delivery by default (edit /etc/php4/apache/php.ini as needed)
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I rode in it all day saturday with Mike and I can tell you its one kickass rig!! I broke the spider gears in my front diff Friday evening and Mike was cool enough to offer me a ride Saturday morning!!
There was a few obstacles that I was hesitant on and Mike gave me a look and asked "you goin?" but before I could say anything he answered his own question "your good" and hit it ;D :o ;D!!!! It was a BIG learning experience for me on how a Tracker can be driven.
Thanks again Mike!!
Bill
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I rode in it all day saturday with Mike and I can tell you its one kickass rig!! I broke the spider gears in my front diff Friday evening and Mike was cool enough to offer me a ride Saturday morning!!
There was a few obstacles that I was hesitant on and Mike gave me a look and asked "you goin?" but before I could say anything he answered his own question "your good" and hit it ;D :o ;D!!!! It was a BIG learning experience for me on how a Tracker can be driven.
Thanks again Mike!!
Bill
;D His passenger seat is one hell of a ride ;D
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I rode in it all day saturday with Mike and I can tell you its one kickass rig!! I broke the spider gears in my front diff Friday evening and Mike was cool enough to offer me a ride Saturday morning!!
There was a few obstacles that I was hesitant on and Mike gave me a look and asked "you goin?" but before I could say anything he answered his own question "your good" and hit it ;D :o ;D!!!! It was a BIG learning experience for me on how a Tracker can be driven.
Thanks again Mike!!
Bill
Im glad you had a good time. This was probabaly the most fun Ive ever had at the melt.
Whitfield, you asked how did it do... ;D It does Awsome. Those pics are from the rock rage competition and I got first place in that rig. ;)
Mike
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I like it! What tires are on there? Doesn't look like the 35 MT/R's from the article.
Jim
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I like it! What tires are on there? Doesn't look like the 35 MT/R's from the article.
Jim
I borrowed my freinds Pitbull rockers. I liked them so much I just sold the MTRs today and bought a set for myself! ;)
Mike
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I like it! What tires are on there? Doesn't look like the 35 MT/R's from the article.
Jim
I borrowed my freinds Pitbull rockers. I liked them so much I just sold the MTRs today and bought a set for myself! ;)
Mike
Did you gt my PM??? Check it and see if it went through, I got an error when I posted it, but the same happned last night with a post and the post appared a few minutes later.
Zig
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I rode in it all day saturday with Mike and I can tell you its one kickass rig!! I broke the spider gears in my front diff Friday evening and Mike was cool enough to offer me a ride Saturday morning!!
There was a few obstacles that I was hesitant on and Mike gave me a look and asked "you goin?" but before I could say anything he answered his own question "your good" and hit it ;D :o ;D!!!! It was a BIG learning experience for me on how a Tracker can be driven.
Thanks again Mike!!
Bill
A day ride at the melt with Mike. That should be a Discovery channel Documentry. He was doing crazy stuff back in 02 with the black rig that I wouldn't hit with the Sammy. That thing would crawl! I can't imagine with all the inovation of three years + a purpose built rig.  I konw they can be driven hard but how hard I 'm not sure. I know I've got a few more weak links to correct.  I need to get back to the melt!
Mike First place, in a Kick :o  Thats awsome!  What class did they have you in? Were you grouped with the buggy's or by tire? ÂÂ
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It was grouped by tire size. I was in the 36 and under class. Sounds like eric is updating this weekend so im going to add some cool pics from the Melt to the artical. ;)
Mike
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Mike, you did well. I'm very impressed with the way you're constantly pushing the envelope and developing new ways to make these already sweet cars even better. you're a genius, and i really respect your ideas. Good job. THe second i saw the finished product i started looking for a new track/kick to do the same thing on. i know that wasn't your intention, but i think you've started something. Thanks for such great writeups and detailed explanations.
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Now it was..
What?
What?
What?
Thats not how to end an article.
Man, I hate cliff hangers :D ;D
Gimmme more
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I just wanted to say this was a way cool project
Well thought out, well presented and overall Well Done
Thanks Zag
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I just wanted to say this was a way cool project
   Well thought out, well presented and overall Well Done
Thanks Zag
Yes, Yes,
True, True.
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Now you just need Wild's Turbo 1.6/16v with a nitrous fogger and........oooppps got carried away again.
Zag
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Hi Mike, It looks good. I noticed that you didn't install skid plates. Over the years I have found mine to be invaluable, allowing me to slide over anything I couldn't clear. I know you have had similar experiences in the past with your trucks.
also when you widened the front end did you mod the A arms or widen the frame points?
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WHEN ARE WE GOING TO HEAR ABOUT THE YOTA CV'S?!?!?(sorry for yelling)
Stu
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Hi Mike, It looks good. I noticed that you didn't install skid plates. Over the years I have found mine to be invaluable, allowing me to slide over anything I couldn't clear. I know you have had similar experiences in the past with your trucks.
also when you widened the front end did you mod the A arms or widen the frame points?
Theres an article in the article archive on how to widen your IFS along with some other Hagen mods.
Bill
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"Theres an article in the article archive on how to widen your IFS along with some other Hagen mods"
Oh, ok I am familiar with that mod, I thought he did something more radical.
Thanks.
Dave
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Clap Clap Clap!!!!  Bravo
How did it come out... Dollars per pound? About 1:1 ratio?
....  Doesn't jump well ???
  Maybe it is closer to a Stadium truck set up, Suck up the bumps and stay low. ÂÂ
:-X Either That,  or you just aint hitting it fast enough..  ;D  ÂÂ
Red line all the time        Just Kidding!!!
I only wish my stuff could take a good jump...
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Mike, you did well. I'm very impressed with the way you're constantly pushing the envelope and developing new ways to make these already sweet cars even better. you're a genius, and i really respect your ideas. Good job. THe second i saw the finished product i started looking for a new track/kick to do the same thing on. i know that wasn't your intention, but i think you've started something. Thanks for such great writeups and detailed explanations.
Genius! Im no genius. Im definately passionate about these rigs and I like to think outside the box. To be perfectly honest this was loosly based on my freind Jays kick. I know several people who are building simalar rigs after seeing the finished product go. Heck we didnt even get finished before Dan had to have one of his own! The pornstar was born! Chunk also has his black rig under the knife. he calls it the darkstar. Stan (37Kicker on the board) also has one halfway built. I cant remember what he was calling his...i think it was the deathstar. see what Eric started. ;D For those who didnt know Eric named the project Operation Rockstar.
Mike
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Now it was..
What?
What?
What?
Thats not how to end an article.
Man, I hate cliff hangers :D ;D
Gimmme more
We are going to do an add on to that artical in the next couple of days about the Zukimelt ride and I think a final spec sheet might be a good Idea too. I guess the finally is not finished!
:P
Mike
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I just wanted to say this was a way cool project
Well thought out, well presented and overall Well Done
Thanks Zag
Yes, Yes,
True, True.
thanks guys ;)
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Hi Mike, It looks good. I noticed that you didn't install skid plates. Over the years I have found mine to be invaluable, allowing me to slide over anything I couldn't clear. I know you have had similar experiences in the past with your trucks.
also when you widened the front end did you mod the A arms or widen the frame points?
It is going to get a skidplate over the front diff but thats where it will stop. I just havent got that far yet. :P As for the widening its the standard widening as in the archives
Mike
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Clap Clap Clap!!!! Bravo
How did it come out... Dollars per pound? About 1:1 ratio?
.... Doesn't jump well ???
Maybe it is closer to a Stadium truck set up, Suck up the bumps and stay low.
:-X Either That, or you just aint hitting it fast enough.. ;D
Red line all the time Just Kidding!!!
I only wish my stuff could take a good jump...
Dollars per pound gotta be close! As for the jumping im not sure. I think its either the rear shocks are too soft or its the wheelbase, but the ass keeps chasing up the front.
Mike
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Yea, I've been looking at my parts tracker in an all new light now :o I was just a parts truck possibably heading to the scrap yard, now it may be the start of another project :-\
BTW. I had the privilage of driving the Rock Star and the Porn Star during the Zukiworld on Holliday ride and they both drove/rode/performed AWESOME!!!! My only question is how quick could you do a buggy with Godzuki ;D
Zig
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With the forging of a new direction for the Track kick as a hard core off road performer. Maybe now the aftermarket can refine their long held ideias and finally make a few runs of quality hard core suspension and armor products.  I believe that most vendor's promising suspension kits and other itmes were afraid that they'd make a big investment on pieces only to loose out by some guy with a cool ideia that worked better for less.
Now that the initial hard core build is done... Done well and Done cheap. Hopefully they and everyone else can work form their. Variations will spring off like a wild computer virus for years to come.
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Someone asked about the toyota axils. I beleave that mike broke only one will all the hammering he was doing at the melt.
I was lucky enof to get ahold of stan, and get his toyota axil set up mated with my Anvil just before the melt.
Before, It seemed like I was blowing CV's every other time I was going out wheeling. After four days of wheeling at the Badlands during Zuki Melt I didn't have one problem the whole time.
Drive train Spects: 4.24:1 T/C with 5.83 R&P, tire: 32 x 11.5 MTR's
Next spring a 9" rear and then the lil truck will be sporting 35's ;D
Note: Very, Very, Very impressed with Stan's adapters. Very easy to install. He is also a very nice guy to talk to and I was disappointed he couldn't make the Melt.
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hi mike. can u post some pics of the front frame drop? cant seem to find any here. ;D
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hi mike. can u post some pics of the front frame drop? cant seem to find any here. ;D
Check the archives.
http://www.zukiworld.com/main_departments_archive.htm
Operation RockStar
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_010105/feature_operationrockstar_partone.htm
-Eric
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Mike... Seriously man, You got a son? You want one? Im 17, 18 in June and need somewhere to stay while I go to college. And yes I love my tools, luckily my girlfriend understands I would rather buy a plasma cutter than go to prom, LMAO!
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hi mike. can u post some pics of the front frame drop? cant seem to find any here. ;D
I only have the pics from the artical. We have done several but I dont have any pics.
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_010105/images/hagen_rockstar/9framecut.jpg
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_010105/images/hagen_rockstar/10frameweld.jpg
I also capped the bottom of the frame but it was done after that last photo.
Mike
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Mike... Seriously man, You got a son? You want one? Im 17, 18 in June and need somewhere to stay while I go to college. And yes I love my tools, luckily my girlfriend understands I would rather buy a plasma cutter than go to prom, LMAO!
I do have a son, and a daughter...and a wife, If I had another son :-X Might not go over so well.
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Ohh DANG! Anyone have a plasma cutter, Barn or Garage and want a son? Please send pics of Garage and plasma cutter... LOL
Seriously though, nice work Mike and Chunk? LOL, I just wish I could have that much fun...
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So is the Rockstar still around? Or anyone of its variants? I'm curious to the trail manners and experiences (negative or positive), seems like a quite capable setup for what it is. Would you have changed anything on this project?
I am still amazed of the execution of this project, grats to everyone involved, and of coarse Mike H. It has me thinking about this route for my "next" tracker...