My sidekick is a DD, but it is looking for some bigger tires and more clearance for an off road run every once in a while. My question is what is the best way to lift it and keep it easy and cheap at the same time?

Front and rear springs from about a 2004 XL-7... It gives you a great ride and around 2" of lift... Use the rear shocks as well, they are about 2" longer than the Sidekick rear shocks and bolt right on...

from what i know the xl7 REAR springs work (i run them but still use a 1.5inch spacer) for the FRONT you will want GV springs.

Will this work on a '98 4 door Sidekick as well?

IHMO, 29" (or metric equivalent) is the tallest I think most people will be happy with on a 4-door. I have them on my 5-speed and I'm on the bleeding edge of having too little power (ESPECIALLY when loaded down with camping gear). But, I do live where there are twists, turns, and some hills. That said, some people are happy as pie with 31" tires. If you go with 29" tires, you may not need a lift at all, and can probably stick with your stock wheels.

If you do need a lift, it will probably be because your tires rub the frame at full turn. I recommend Jeff's spacer lift - it's by far the most bang of the buck lift for your 4-door. If you can afford to shell out $700 on a lift, the OME is hands-down the most comfortable lift money can buy. Calmini, and body lifts are options too, but I don't prefer either of them. I've ridden in a Calmini setup, and it's nowhere near as plush as my OME suspension.

I like the idea of a smoother ride. Will the XL-7 springs fit with no modifications? What are GV springs?

What are GV springs?
Grand Vitara

I am running OME XL-7 springs in the front of my 2 door. OME springs are usually 1-1.5" taller than stock. I get just under 3 inches of lift with those springs. I went with them because the spring rate is closer to stock than GV springs are, so you get a smoother ride, and they are slightly taller. It rides and handles very well, I like it.

The one thing that will cause problems is that after installing taller springs or even a big spacer your truck is probably gonna look pretty pigeon toed due to the amount camber change. You can usually correct most of it with a set of camber bolts in the bottom hole.

does anyone have any pictures of your creations?

does anyone have any pictures of your creations?

All kinds of "eye candy" here
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=35.0

I have a 2" suspension lift that I sell for sidekicks and trackers. It comes with 4 aluminum coil spacers, 2 strut spacers, rear diff third link spacer and all hardwear. You will need to buy longer rear shocks wnen you install the lift. I sell the kit for $275 U.S or $300 CND

Does your rear link spacer use longer bolts, or does it use two sets of bolts?

Does your rear link spacer use longer bolts, or does it use two sets of bolts?

It uses two sets of bolts. You reuse your 4 original bolts to bolt it to the third member, and I supply 4 new bolts and nuts to bolt it to the third link.

XL7 OME fronts eh... i had read somewhere they didn't fit properly or was too much lift...  interesting news!  to the question about the XL7 rear springs fitment, yes, no mods.  the reason i use them is that when i carry weight i don't want to lose ride height, i almost certainly lose ride quality but i get what i'm looking for..

Quote from: trevorsride on May 12, 2009, 10:37:14 AM

Does your rear link spacer use longer bolts, or does it use two sets of bolts?

It uses two sets of bolts. You reuse your 4 original bolts to bolt it to the third member, and I supply 4 new bolts and nuts to bolt it to the third link.

How much for just the 2" Diff spacer? And is it steel, or aluminum?