ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: dbl_duck on November 23, 2005, 08:09:57 AM
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Good Morning all. I have been lurking for a while and have decided to finally register and join in. The reason for this is that I will be acquiring the Suzuki Sidekick that I had in college (back from my father). It is a 1995 4 door Sidekick JLX. While we were in college, we had this little thing off-road, in the air and everywhere in between. It is currenly completely stock with the optional skid plate (extremely well-used). I loved this little truck and even as stock, it has been there and back with over 175k on it and never once in the shop (other than maintenance). That is even after doing the Alpine Loop in the San Juans (Engineers Pass and Cinnamon Pass) as well as Big Bend.  My dad has been using it as a commuter since and is giving back to me. My plan is to transform it into an off-road machine.ÂÂ
I am thinking about what to do to it and have some questions... I am considering a Calmini 3" lift, and definately wheels and tires. From my internet voyages, I see there are some haters of the calmini product line. Are there any reasons?ÂÂ
As a newbie, what would you say to someone who wants to trick out their ride using the Calmini catalog? I plan to do all of the work myself, so it will need to be user friendly. If you were in my shoes, where would you start? What would be your first purchase, and what do I need to look out for? Thanks in advance for the input! (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-9/1084469/scan.jpg)
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Calmini makes great products, some people have complained about shipping time, but I say they're just impacient.
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I'll bite. :)
I am in the same boat you are in. I have read more posts in this forum than I even want to admit. First things first, how much money are you wanting to spend? My entire budget was around $1500 including the purchase of the vehicle. So far I am out about $800... and have a 1.5" lift on a 92 tracker w/ bad engine. I found another entire tracker with bad tranny for $400 I am planning to purchase for the engine and misc. parts. The F150 15x8/15x7 rims can be found a really reasonable prices if you just look a bit... and those are needed for any decent size tire 30" and above to get the offset right. (So I have read) I haven't decided if I am going with anything above a 235/75 just yet.
I chose to go the budget route and bought a set of Digger's 1.5" spacers and used the mount flip and crown vic shock idea'r. There are numerous sites out there for custom 2-4" body lifts. I figure a person can do a body lift and spring spacer lift for under $200. People in here are running 33" tires on this set-up... and if you need more than that, well, you are definitely gonna be getting into a bit more cash.
It's all about the budget. Good Luck.
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http://www.zuwharrie.com/content/view/11/27/
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If you want Calmini, I would do a 2" lift. http://www.zukiworld.com/month_120104/feature_calmini_2inch_install.htm
And a 2" body lift.
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_120104/feature_sky_bodylift_install.htm
Just my .02
Cwkick
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why only the 2" arms?
I figure suspension lift is waaaaaay better than body, so keep as much as your lift in teh suspension for maximum performance. That way you gain travel and flex along with lift. Rather than adding lift and raising your center of gravity.
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CW, why the 2" over 3"? Help me out... this is what I am looking for...
As far as budget goes, I am getting the car for free so I would want to do the mods in phases... first phase is to get it of the ground and I am guessing that will cost about $1,500 or so.
Mount flip and crown vic shock? I guess I missed that. ::)
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One question... does this forum have like a greatest hits thread? Or do you guys have some really good threads saved that you could share??? I sure posts like mine are a dime a dozen...
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Go with the calmini 6" (3+3) lift and be done. It opens up a lot of possibilities, and yo uwill want to go with it anyway later. Then get some 31" or maybe 33" bfg mud terrains and you will be kicking ass.
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with the body lift, what happens to the shifters inside??? just curious. DO most people pull all of the interior plastic pieces out?
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"Check these links:
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=9146.0
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=809.0
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=8693.0
And the list goes on and on... just use the search button above and type in "crown vic" You'll get plenty of answers! LOL! Wink"
This is a direct copy of a post by digger a while back... there are several links telling how to get a budget lift. If you have $1500 for the lift alone, well, you will have more in your lift than I will have in my entire vehicle, and I actually had to buy my tracker!
BTW, you can modify the shifters to work with a body lift... see the link safari gave... it gives a brief rundown of it.
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Safari, that is a great link! Is there any disadvantage to doing this lift verses a calmini lift?
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Welcome
I have the Calmini lift and have had nothing but good things. No problems with shipping or any waiting around at all. The camber will be a bit tricky to get back in alignment (I bought some camber bolts and it went fine), the transfer case shift boot fits fine with the 6" combo but the gear shift boot will need to be flipped or not put back on, the gear shifter needs to be bent a bit to shift properly as well. You might want to go with the 3" inch suspension lift and run some 30's to see how you like it. The ride is a bit stiff but it soaks up everything you through at it. The 3" susp lift is sold with the intent you are going to purchase a heavy duty winch bumper so keep that in mind as well.
Keep reading through the posts and search for specifics would be my advice.
Also, get a hi lift jack, tow rope/strap, and something to put under the tires for traction. Above all have fun and try not to get stuck....You have a Zuk now
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CW, why the 2" over 3"? Help me out... this is what I am looking for...
As far as budget goes, I am getting the car for free so I would want to do the mods in phases... first phase is to get it of the ground and I am guessing that will cost about $1,500 or so.
Mount flip and crown vic shock? I guess I missed that. ::)
My main thought on it is the 2" lift is just a tough as the 3" lift and easier to install. The 3" will have you riding front high until you put a heavy front bumper on it. If you don't plan on the bumper then plan on nose high.
The 2" body lift runs into less issues than the 3" body lift.
I am NOT saying the 3+3 kit is bad. What I am saying is you will likely have less problems installing the 2+2.
The other thing is what do you finally WANT from your truck. If you want a true off road monster, go with the 3+3 kit. If you want an all around duel purpose truck, go with the 2+2.
They are all good!
Cwkick
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on a 4 door you will not be riding front high! At least I'm not! I bought the 3+3 in the summer. So far it has been great. A little rough but it corners way better than stock. I think its over shocked though. I have 30" tires on it right now and have loads of room to go bigger.
I would go with the sky 2" body lift though. the 3" was a PITA! the suspension lift was way easier. I had to lengthen power steering hoses to the resv(not in the kit) vacuum lines, f*ck around with the tranny shifter, this included multiple bends to get it to clear the console.
With a 2" alot of these don't need to be done. Plus I am not a fan of the look of the 3" calmini, square tube under 1" alum pucks looks kinda dumb and nothing was painted.
I was under a time frame to get the lift in(which I didn't end up meeting due to long delivery) If I did it again I would just say screw it and put in a solid front axle for a little bit more $$$ A scout dana 44 with YJ springs on it could be fabbed in quite easy. or use front and back toyota axles and leafs all around.
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If you were in my shoes, where would you start? What would be your first purchase, and what do I need to look out for? Thanks in advance for the input!
I was in your shoes about a month ago. I have been putting together a little site that is documenting my Suzuki adventure. It is mostly for fun and a place for me to store things I learn. Check it out.
http://www.teamlifeforce.net/suzuki.html
I ordered from Calmini and had my stuff withen 11 days. No problems. However the 3" body-lift is a pain in the |removethispart|@$$. Here is what I started with and what it looks like now. Good luck on yours and welcome to the club.
(http://www.teamlifeforce.net/102505_ZukOEM.jpg)
(http://www.teamlifeforce.net/111905_Zuk6x31.jpg)
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Shredder, that is a great site you got... and your rig turned out really nice. Well done on the trick photography! Your 4 door is exactly what I want, only with a bumper!
As far as what I want to use it for... mainly a toy, off-roading, hunting, etc... I drive a Yukon 4x4 everyday, unless my wife's landrover is in the shop, then I am in some loaner...
Here are some other photos I dug up from a summer I lived in CO. These are of my BONE STOCK (Except Skid Plate) 4 door JLX at 13,000 feet, yep, that is some rough country above the timber line. The photos do not do justice! This was steep and very rough!
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/2183000-2183999/2183908_1_full.jpg)
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/2183000-2183999/2183908_2_full.jpg)
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/2183000-2183999/2183908_3_full.jpg)
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Shouldn't we be telling anyone contemplating the calmini 3 inch suspension lift about exploding 3rd members as well? Or does that model have a steel front axle?
Nick
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It's not the Calmini 3" lift that explodes front
3rds, it's the liberal application of the skinny
pedal.
I would also recommend a rear locker, that
alone will take your mild mannered off road
toy into some places mountain goats fear to
tread.
You are not going to like 33 inch tires without
gears, 5.83's will allow you to run 35" tires at
about stock gearing. You could also get some
5.13s from a Man Trans Track/Kick, that would
be less $$ than 5.83s at about $600 + install
235 tires on stock rims are fine, 31s you might
want 5.13 gears, anything over 31 need gears
if you want to have power to wheel.
Wild
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Wild,
I don't know anyone in the UK with the calmini 3 inch kit who hasn't exploded an ally 3rd member...
Not trying to argue with you, just a point of view is all....
cheers
Nick
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Welcome to the board Mr Duck. The guys here have all given good advice that I have nothing to add to. I have been here on here 7 months and have learned a lot. I live in pueblo, and I have been to a few 4wd passes. Here are a few pictures of my 95 jlx. The first isa goofy one one tincup pass. The next is on the south side of cumberland pass.
BTW, around here I have seen only 1 or 2 4dr kicks with a roof rack.ÂÂ
Jeff
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Shredder, that is a great site you got... and your rig turned out really nice. Well done on the trick photography! Your 4 door is exactly what I want, only with a bumper!
Just so you know there is NO "trick photography" in the picture of the 4 door lifted. That is how it looks right now. Still waiting for the ShrockWorks bumper and then I will shoot it again. Might have the custom rear done by the time it get's here too.
All the "trick" pictures were done just to see what could be. ;D Thanks for the compliment on the site. I hope when it is done it will serve as inspiration and nutshell information for other off-road minded Trackick owners. Forums like this are awesome for info and ideas and I need to link over to them soon. ;)
(http://www.teamlifeforce.net/suzuki.html)
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Wild,
I don't know anyone in the UK with the calmini 3 inch kit who hasn't exploded an ally 3rd member...
Not trying to argue with you, just a point of view is all....
cheers
Nick
this is due to people using their kicks harder. most stockers don't get wheeled as hard as one with a lift kit. I can see no reason for the kit to cause more front end issues.
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this is due to people using their kicks harder. most stockers don't get wheeled as hard as one with a lift kit. I can see no reason for the kit to cause more front end issues.
There are a LOT of lifted Track/Kicks (Vits) over here, I would say that the majority of them don't run the Calmini kit. They get used very hard, the trucks with the 3" Calmini kits do suffer the most axle breakages. It may be because the longer axle mounting brackets have more leverage on the casing but personally I think that it is because its the trucks with the most lift that run the biggest tyres. More grip = more strain through the drivetrain.
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Shredder,
I didnt mean to insinuate anything... by trick I meant fancy mouse overs ;)
If you do the body lift, is there no way to reuse the stock bumpers? Also, I may not want to admit this, but what do you mean about exploding 3rds?
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Jeff,
Nice photos! I had my roof rack added after I bought it... My kick was originally used as a tow-behind of some seniors' motor home. It had everything else I think... Around here, I have not even seen another JLX! Have you done any mods to yours?
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Wild,
I don't know anyone in the UK with the calmini 3 inch kit who hasn't exploded an ally 3rd member...
Not trying to argue with you, just a point of view is all....
cheers
Nick
Naww, you just want to pick a fight ;)
OK, I will agree that some of the UK guys have had
more than their fair share of nuked front thirds and
5.83s too, gets kind of spendy.
Here is what I have done to help prevent broken bits
1. replace stock bolts with longer ones, I wish I had
recorded the length that I used in the diff area of the
housing, if that bolt is too long it will hit the gears.
2. lock-tite, red stuff, if those bolts get loose things
move around and stuff breaks, I also filled the open
cavity under the side mount with weld, made it solid
to prevent bolts loosening and breaking the housing.
3. last is to reinforce the snout with 2 crescent shaped
pieces of 100 thou aluminum plate, no pic sorry, but it
solidifys the 2 bolt mount ear on the snout to the snout
it's self, helping to prevent cracking it open like an egg
OR you could do somthing like this
(http://wildcatent.freeyellow.com/gusset.jpg)
One of our South American Zuki Brothers came up with
this solution to nuked aluminum diffs.
Enjoy
Wild
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Shredder,
I didnt mean to insinuate anything... by trick I meant fancy mouse overs ;)
If you do the body lift, is there no way to reuse the stock bumpers? Also, I may not want to admit this, but what do you mean about exploding 3rds?
It is possible to reuse the stock bumpers. The Calmini kit comes with relocating brackets.
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Naww, you just want to pick a fight  ;)
OR you could do somthing like this
([url]http://wildcatent.freeyellow.com/gusset.jpg[/url])
One of our South American Zuki Brothers came up with
this solution to nuked aluminum diffs.
Enjoy
Wild
That wouldn't have helped me, my casing exploded at the (US) drivers side end. That was before the Calmini suspension but I had noticed a couple of weeks before that the two nuts on the centre diff mounting had come loose. On one the spring washer was missing and the the other half the spring washer was gone. I believe that the housing must have been moving slightly in the bracket and that both washers fractured. I replaced the spring washers with plain washers underneath them. Next time out the axle shattered but I suspect that it may already have had stress cracks that I couldn't see. Oh and the axle hadn't been touched since it left the factory so the bolts should have been correctly torqued.
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Naww, you just want to pick a fight  ;)
Hey Wid, Yeah you're right. Outside in 5 minutes. If I'm not there, start without me ;D
He He
Cheers
Nick
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Naww, you just want to pick a fight  ;)
Hey Wid, Yeah you're right. Outside in 5 minutes. If I'm not there, start without me ;D
He He
Cheers
Nick
Children.
DON"T MAKE ME COME OUT THERE!!!!
;) ;D
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Naww, you just want to pick a fight  ;)
Hey Wid, Yeah you're right. Outside in 5 minutes. If I'm not there, start without me ;D
He He
Cheers
Nick
Children.
DON"T MAKE ME COME OUT THERE!!!!
;) ;D
Hey Look at Hotrod's 4-door in his sig pic. It's like almost done! :)
-Eric