Recipe for a Cheap Track / Kick Beater:  Applies for 2wd or 4wd

It's sorta like a SPOA for IFS (quick & cheap) or quality by design.  Look it over, think it thru, and make it happen.  

1.   Flip / modify the strut mount up top  (search)

2.   Install a set of 86 Ranger 4wd front coils up front (Flip the Ford coils top  to bottom and cut 2" off of the narrow pig tail) Ex cab or Explorer will work too.   Big end will be LARGE but will stay put on the lower control arm ok as is.

As pictured left to right.  1994 4dr, 99 4dr GV, Ranger, 92 Explorer +2"


3.   Add a set of TJ front coils in the rear  (TJ's, Xj's, ZJ's,  aftermarket lift ect...)  or 2" - 3" coil spacers.  Jeep legnth coils will not work with out the modified upper link listed below.  
Jeep Tj ft. to Kick 4dr

4.  Fab up a modified upper rear link spacer at the top of the rear diff (drop 2-3" reward 1"-2") trim the wheel well to fit and add a rear d-shaft spacer.  May Require welding...






5.  Adjust height with Ebay Jeep coils spacers to taste / cut the id to 2 1/4".   Not necessary as the listed items should give 2" -3".   Or these can be used in place of the Listed Springs.  I often see (4) 2" for $40.  
Picture of modified XJ coil spacer

6.  Make sure that you have the 5.13:1 rears, Weld the rear diff.  Best OPTION for Off-road.


7.  Modify the Bump stops, add limit straps.   O P T I O N A L

8.  Get the alignment out of left field (slot/move/washer/weld)lower strut to knuckle bolt hole.

9.   Body lifts available 2" -3" Ho-maid or Store bought (SEARCH)  Cal-Mini  RRO Sky MFG.  ect.

10.  Reinforce the idler arm, O P T I O N A L
see Zukiworld tech article "Sidekick Tech: Strengthening the Sidekick Idler Arm"  
Cal Mini offers a nice reinforcment, Sky Mfg. offers a Nicer new HD unit but at greater $$$.


11.  Add a strut tower brace for High Speed Pre running, Dune running, or jumping, and Get it on!!!  O P T I O N A L

2wd & 4wd are nearly the same platform.

Disclaimer :
  Not for use on your Daily Driver, Trail trucks only!  Steering and CV angles will be (NOT IDEIAL) but useable.  The steering with this lift may require a tie rod flip depending on the actual height.  Beware that increased lift height & tire size will break CV's much faster.   Individual results will very, trim the wheels to match your size tires, may not be street worthy.  I take no claim or responsiablity for your building actions this method is not yet proven...    

No I have not tried this yet, But in building my 4-dr it looks legit.  Next beater 4wd Kick that comes thru get it.

                                          MW

Gett'n er done  [smirk]

He said cheap not easy folks!

He said cheap not easy folks!

Not everything's cheap... and everything cheap's worth doing

 Yup, pretty much sums it up.

i didn't want to start a new thread, so can i ask this here?

i also tried searching, but its not really working for me. honestly.

can someone link me to or tell me how to strengthen the vitara/sidekick idler arm(s)?

and i read a while back something about flipping the steering tie rods from underneath to the top? what is this about?

thanks.
steve

Here is a pic for comparison of the ZJ coils versus an XL-7 front coil. http://community.webshots.com/photo/107940331/196223147mZEBhs

Comparison to a Ranger FabTech 5-1/2" lift front spring. http://community.webshots.com/photo/107940331/196223546mxepsM

i didn't want to start a new thread, so can i ask this here?

i also tried searching, but its not really working for me. honestly.

can someone link me to or tell me how to strengthen the vitara/sidekick idler arm(s)?

and i read a while back something about flipping the steering tie rods from underneath to the top? what is this about?

thanks.
steve

First, dont bother with strengthening the stock arm. Even if you can strengthen the bracket, and the arm the bushing will go out. Get one of Sky MFG Idler arms. Less than $100 and never look back. It cant be distroyed.

On the tie rod flip, only do this if its off road only. Its, too squirlly on the street. For short distances it aint so bad but not for lots a highway. Ideally for off road you want the tie rod ends as straight as possible.

Mike