I came across two zukinations lift threads, one was for the 4", and i don't remember really any of it, and the other is for their crazy 4.5" "alter ego" kit, which is sweet, and way over priced. http://www.zookpower.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=8890

I was reading this thread and thinking to myself; Are there any other options for springs? Theres Calmini (too stiff), Zukination (too darn expensive), Is there anybody else? Can you get custom length OME stuff?

Zukination sells individual parts of their kits, right? What if you could get their new 4.5" control arms, and the front dif lowering stuff to correct cv angles and what not. That moves the front axle center line forward 1.5", for better approach angle, and more tire clearance without cutting up yer zuk, or using cheezy body lifts to clear tires. And then use some different springs. Then maybe, depending on how high you wanna go, somebody elses links/ shocks for the rear.

I think it could work. Im up against the same thing for lift options. I want some more height, and tire clearance, and approach angle (dont we all). But I still drive it on the road, and I wanna keep some kind of reliability and economy too. And I cant afford to spend the price of buying another zuk, for a lift system.

Both Calmini and Zukination use Stock length struts with spacers on top too. And from what Ive heard they arent the best either. You could use OME struts which are longer and travel better, with the correct height spacer for the springs you choose on top, for a longer travel front end too.

I haven't been able to find the write up on the Zukination kit. It is pissing me off now because I can't remember where I read it

Derek

It was here, I remember that.  I tried looking for it as well and couldn't find anything.  The guy liked it though.

I'm honestly shocked people aren't making their own control arms. I'd really love to get the dimensions off the Calmini, but no one wants to share. It can't be that hard to fab your own. I'm eyeballing a whole Toyota front diff swap. Getting dual A-arms, the stronger diff & CV's. It'll also open up locker, gearing and *gasp* long travel options. I'm hoping I can get lucky and find someone that's "throwing away" their old stuff when they do an SAS on their own rig.

When i had my Pickup, i was looking at some long travel suspension and my buddy really wanted to just try and make some A-arms.  This guy here http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9156&start=100 made his own A arms, but different application.  Just have to triangulate everything and make sure its all even and straight, otherwise you'll get a lot of vibration.  If i ever get around to getting a calmini lift, i'll make some measurements of the A arms.  Lol, a total chaos kit on a tracker would be wicked, but look around and Yotatech.com, there are more SAS swaps done there, and i'd imagine people just trash their IFS stuff.

A note on gearing.  I have a set of the 5.83's R&P and the 4.25 T/C.

After all was said and done I added up everything that went with the cost of the R&P's and then compaired it to the Kicker (sami adapter).  That's the way I should have went.  It's cheaper.

R&P about $300 dollar a piece (I set them up myself or you can add a lot more)
4.25 T/C gears about $900
That's $1500 and thats on the conservitive side.

Kicker (it gives you a double T/C) about $850
New/reworked drive shafts about $50
That's $950 total

A difference of $550 SAVED by going with the Kicker.

I love the doubler too (having low low ratio is NICE), but remember there's the added cost of an additional t-case too (about $200 to the door usually). And, the Tracker / Sidekick low range gears are around $650 now I think.

That said - dual cases is the way to fly!

Not to get off topic but would the dual cases (Trackick/Samurai) work on a 2 door. i mean the driveshaft would be really short and at a pretty bad angle. All the doublers I have read about have all been on 4 doors. If it works then that is the way I am going to go.

There is actually a good amount of driveshaft back there, a lot more than whats on a Wrangler, and wranglers run dual cases.

I've seen several 2 dr Sami's and Trackicks with duel cases.  Like said above look at the lenth of a Jeeps rear drive shaft.  Very short.

The 2-door guys are the ones that pioneered the dual case setup. They're all happy with 'em and report no vibes.

I haven't been able to find the write up on the Zukination kit. It is pissing me off now because I can't remember where I read it

Derek

Found the write up I was talking about http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=21202.15
Bottom of 2nd page.

Derek

hmm, guess it seems all good, but i'm still skeptical, however, he did say that he has some remaining issues to work out after installation.  So it doesn't seem like it would be very streetable.

I'd avoid the zukination kit. The Calmini's fine, more people have it (better support), and they're easy to come by. Calmini's customer support is supposedly questionable, but you can buy their stuff from someone like Sean & lowrangeoffroad.com who reportedly has super-fantabulious customer support & generally has them in stock.