Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the site.  I joined because I've been throwing around the idea of buying a trackick sometime this upcoming summer.  So far this seems to be a very good web forum & site, and I'd like to thank all the members for contributing to the good information exchange here from which others can learn.

I'm mainly seeking a trackick for use as a daily driver (~10 miles/day), and for a decent little 4x4 for offroading on the weekends.  I'm guessing it's safe to assume a trackick would be good for this purpose, correct?

I'm curious about Snorkels...

I've seen some vehicles on this site that have them, but how else do they benefit a trackick beside allowing them to ford waterways?

I enjoy reading the reviews & archives on installations of different products & mods, but I've not been able to find one on how to build or install a snorkel on a trackick.

For my purposes, what would be some decent mods that I should consider if I did buy a trackick.  (I'm asking this so I can get an idea of how much $$ I'm going to have to throw into a used Trackick; And how much $$ I need to save)

Well, there is (theoretically) SOME benefit to using the snokel on the highway, as it gives you a bit of a "ram air" effect - this could increase your power slightly.

But besides the water crossing benefit, I think it just looks kewl.  Well, mine has paid for itself more than once.

It's a bit scary cutting a hole in the fender the first time.  I just drilled a 3/8" hole, then cut the hole out with a metal-cutting blade in my saber saw.  It worked great.

You're in Minneapolis, so you're realtively close (I would guess) to Mike Hagen, and a whole LOT of Track/Kick wisdom, and experience.  Check out RPM Motorsports.

Well, there is (theoretically) SOME benefit to using the snokel on the highway, as it gives you a bit of a "ram air" effect - this could increase your power slightly.

But besides the water crossing benefit, I think it just looks kewl.  Well, mine has paid for itself more than once.

It's a bit scary cutting a hole in the fender the first time.  I just drilled a 3/8" hole, then cut the hole out with a metal-cutting blade in my saber saw.  It worked great.

You're in Minneapolis, so you're realtively close (I would guess) to Mike Hagen, and a whole LOT of Track/Kick wisdom, and experience.  Check out RPM Motorsports.

When reading the online articles he has written I thought "Wow, Cottage Grove isn't very far from work..."

I've already Emailed Mike, and hopefully sometime I can go see his shop and/or a couple Trackicks to learn more about what is involved in the mod process, and whether or not some 'kits' really are just "Bolt-On."  

He may have replied, but I haven't checked my email yet today.  He certainly seems like an incredibly knowlegeable person!

if there was a Zuki god, Mike would be it.

but on to your track/kick.  you can spend as little or as much as you want on it.  you could put in a body lift, coil spacers and some tires or buy a lift kit, body lift, engine parts, 33in tall tires, put lockers front and rear, ect...

there is enough aftermarket to spend a alot of green on oyur track/kick,  you just have to find out where you fit in.

stu

Thanks 1Big,

I was wondering what mods are recommended for my type of use?

I'm mostly going to use it driving to & from work (under 10 miles, light highway driving).

Then for the off-roading, I'm looking to do on private land, and this will be mostly mudding, maybe light jumping (hey, it was fun in my old chevy truck; just before it died) and driving through heavy snow in the winter months on back-roads in Rural MN.  I inquired about the snorkel issue because I might try to ford across a 3'-4' deep swamp/creek (very slow-moving water) to get to one of my favorite shooting spots.

Typically I hike or (used to dirt-bike) in my guns & stuff to get there, but if I can haul it in with a trackick that'd be much faster/easier (not to mention fun).

I do not yet OWN a trackick, but got to drive two nicely modded ones when I drove valet at Mystic Lake Casino.

I'm guessing that if I do get the $$ to buy a decent used Trackick I'll likely add the following (over time of course); Likely Mods:
3" Body Lift / 3" Suspension Lift (Calmini Combo Probably)
Tires: About 28" x 10"
Roof Rack (More Capacity)
Ditch Rear Seat for Storage Space

Possible OPTIONAL mods if $$ comes along:
Snorkel
Internal Cage
(If possible) Larger Capacity Fuel Tank (or would carrying 1 or 2 Jerry cans be a better option?)

Questions:
For my purposes, would a gear/tranny or clutch change be needed?
If so, how will this affect highway top speed?
How important is it to have protective skid plates on the bottom, or is it necessary for my use?

Hopefully I'll get to stop in |removethispart|@ Mike Hagen's place & he can let me in on some info about these concerns (or show me the best places to buy parts online), etc...

Welcome CuriousKid!

You don't need six inches of lift to install 28" tires.  You can install 29" tires with just 2" of lift.  If you stay with 30" tires or smaller, gears and such should be fine stock.

Cwkick

Ram air effect from a snorkel is something I wouldn't hold my breath for but they do give a nice clean and cool supply of air which may give a small boost but really they are all about saving big dollars being spent on engine rebuilds when you try to imitate submarines. I've got one and it has already been a great investment for when i've been doing hood deep crossings.

The air intake on most trucks now duct up front by the front fender/grill area.

So, even If you go into a not so deep water hole and water waves up onto the hood.  You could get water into your engine, lock it up (hydro lock).  Now your looking for a new enging.

This is a real problem with Jeeps.  I've know a person that happen to on the road!

For me it was a cheep insurance polacy, also it looks cool!!

How much do snorkels cost?

Is there a kit to buy & install, or did you guys build them yourselves?

I'm kind-of sold on the idea since I really want to try crossing that bog/stream sometime, but don't exactly like the idea of hydro-lock.

Is it in the ~$100 to $200 range?  Less?  Or More?  

You guys are kind of selling me on the idea.

If you want to buy one you'll have one option, The ARB Safarai snorkel I believe, BUT if you make one yourself you can do it the way YOU like it with 1/5th of the cost.....
A bought kit is in the range you said ($100/$200) but a home made one will cost about ($20/$50) so make your own choises  
IF you buy one, have fun with it (I know you will)  

There's a guy on www.ebay.de ( so: Germany ) who sells acceptable looking Stainless Steel Snorkels. Can't seem to find one of his ads right now, but if you do a search for "Samurai" you're bound to find it someday ( I'll post a link here when I see it, so you can call him to ask if he can make you a TrackKick one.  )