While I was screwing around learning how to take the front diff out of my GV, I discovered my right front strut is dead.  So I kinda need a new pair.  Heh I probably need rears too but I'll worry about them later.

For the past week I was really leaning towards Monroe Sensatrac but I was reading the Monroe site and suddenly changed my mind.  So I'd like to get some input.  I'm running stock ride height, stock tire size.  Still running with the sway bar, no intention of removing it.  It's my daily driver, but I also run club road rallies every couple months or so -- I like to drive fast briskly on icy/snowy and/or gravelly/muddy cottage roads, where they can take quite a pounding ... so a warranty would be nice too.     I don't really go off roading too often, have yet to actually go out on a mentionable trail.


Thanks for any input,
James

I think the KYB's are supposed to be okay.  Best price i've seen for them is at rockauto.com

You can get the matching KYB rear shocks there too.

i'm not sure about this but maybe the OME's would work well, even with no lift, giving the extra 50mm of downtravel, and likely ride much better for your intended usage.  i'm just not sure what would happen on the up travel?

I think the KYB's are supposed to be okay.  Best price i've seen for them is at rockauto.com

You can get the matching KYB rear shocks there too.

I can easily get KYB GR-2s at my work but I've never been impressed with them, I've put them into lots of cars, they're obviously an improvement over dead struts but otherwise they're only so-so or blah.  If I was only doing daily drive to work and back then fine, but I'm sure after two or three events they'll be dead.

I've heard nothing but praise for KYB's Gas-a-Just rear shocks, though.  I've got 3 other vehicles in the family that need shocks/struts as well and two of them are gonna get Gas-a-Justs in the back, maybe mine as well (but I'm not looking for rears on the GV right now).

Just looked at the OME things and it really seems like they belong in a lift, so I'd rather not at this point.

Konis are too pricey anyways, so now I'm thinking of Bilstein struts, unless there's anything else out there?  I heard Gabriels are even worse than KYBs.
James

I'm looking for alomost the same thing, without success.

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=20323.0

There not a lot of choice for this model, if it's not lifted.

Yep I guess I'm stuck with Sensatrac struts, and Gas-a-Just shocks.  Well at least I hear the Sensatracs have a good warranty.

Like I said I'm running stock springs and stock ride height so valving doesn't need to be improved much but what I really need is something heavy duty that can take a beating and not crap out after two events.

Oh well.

James

I have a 2002 Tracker with a  2 ltr engine.  I put a set of Gabriel Ultra struts (stock number #G56518) on it in December.  I was installing 1 1/2 inch coil spacers in the front of the truck at the time and found my struts were dead as well.  I screwed on a set of strut extenders for the extra spacing to match the coil spacers.   Also, I discovered I had a strut literally frozen to the strut mount shaft and had to replace a mount as well.  The mount had to be ordered and it brought everything to a stop for a day.  I went ahead and re-mounted my sway bar after installing the coil spacers and the strut extenders by simply cutting a piece of bar stock (I think 2.75" long by 1.25" wide by .75" thick), tapping a couple 9mm holes in them and remounting in the stock location with .75" longer 8 grade bolts.  The stock angle to the swing arms returned and it still handles fine on curves.  In fact, I really don't notice much change in its handlinig at all with the slight height increase of two inches.

I sent an e-mail to Calmini this afternoon to know if shocks and struts included in their 2,5"  suspension system are same as OEM unit and, if they are more "off-rodable" , they can sold them  separatly of their system.

System I' talking about:

http://www.puresuzuki.com/2.5%20Lift.htm

The answer of Calmin:

Hello Joel,

The strut included in the Calmini 2.5� suspension lift for your vehicle is actually a factory spec strut, so there would be no gains (beyond having a new, replacement strut) over your factory units. The rear shocks that we sell are not compatible with a factory-height Vitara. Sorry I can’t help you more with your inquiry.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your interest in Calmini Products!

Jake
Calmini Products

 

But they are fast to give answer.

Just wanted to mention that I installed Monroe Sensatrac struts two weeks ago in my GV.  I really like that style of suspension where the spring is separate from the strut, it makes changing the struts very easy.  Just put a jack or jackstand uner the control arm, remove the two bolts at the bottom of the strut, (hopefully not seized in, one on each side was on mine), and then take the big nut off the top, inpact gun works best.  Out and in no problem.  Saw the difference right away.  Already been out on a "stock friendly" hydro line trail last weekend, and they still seem to be good.

Now I know I do need rear shocks too, but at least I already have those picked out - KYB Gas-a-Just.  I just put a set of those on the back of my dad's GMC Safari and it's like a night and day difference.  The rear of that van used to bounce after every bump and now it just stays flat and solid.  Really feel the difference in the neck and back.  If you find you get neck and/or back aches, maybe you need new or upgraded rear shocks!

James