OK, so I have my fiance's bone stock 2002 Chevy Tracker ZR2 2-dr convertible 4x4 (2.0 4cyl,auto), and looking to have some fun with it on the trails in Maine.  She's buying a new vehicle soon, and it's not going to carry much trade value, because it's bottom rocker, door, and a-pillar all have a nice dent in the shape of a road sign.  (SOMEONE side swiped a road sign 2 winters ago with it and never fixed it)

It's not an ideal base platform in my eyes, but it fits the budget, and is relatively without issue mechanically.  I had to replace everything in the front timing set last year, and aside from the timing being a little off right now, it's relatively without issue.

So I would appreciate if anyone can help with a list of suggested first mods after lifting.  Just due to regular maintenance, I've got to start with new front rotors, and while I'm right there, I'm considering the warn premium manual hubs.

Lift - trying to keep the budget down - probably going to Jeff's lift and a body lift.  I'm expecting that be my first things aside from the rotors and possibly hubs. (and tire upgrade)

So after the lift and tires - what next - or if something should be done WITH the lift - please start there.

Thanks in advance
Sean

there's a lot of post that will lead you in a variety of potential directions, check out the lets see your ride thread for some ideas

thanks bzzr2 - been there / done that and just did it again anyway.

I'm looking for more of discussion about what is the next weak link to go once this starts getting abused on the trail.

front diff and axle assemblies seem to be where people have problems...    i have been running 31's for 3.5 years now and the aluminum front diff is still in one piece but when i'm stuck i tend to give up sooner than just madly spinning my tires getting nowhere..  be careful in reverse, avoid pulling people out in reverse, very hard on the front end..  i've gone through a couple fan clutches from deep muddy water, rear brake shoes don't seem to last more then 12-15k now either, a lot of cleaning after mud might likely prolong the life.  all will really depend on how hard you drive it.....

a rear locker... i wish they would make one for me

a rear locker... i wish they would make one for me

+1 on the locker, and get some skids to protect your aluminum transfer case and front diff.

Skid plates, rock sliders, 4.24 t-case gears, locked rear end if you are doing some good rock crawling
5.13:1 diff gears if you want to drive nice on the road

Thanks folks, I appreciate the responses.  Since this will see very little street use after this project starts, I'm thinking of spooling the rear or welding the spiders, so the locker comments are inline with what I was thinking.  Skids/Sliders should be on my list soon thereafter.


Based on the specs I've seen, since I have the 2.0 auto - it should have 5.13's already, shouldn't it?

his zr2 comes with factory skid plates!  ya, weld that rear end up, mine is finally coming off warranty this fall and i figure to weld mine up and wait for it to blow then regear...

Factory skid plates seldom cover EVERYTHING though. He's running an auto tranny, chances are that tranny pan is as nekkid as a sorority girl on a Friday night...

i like sorority girls.

i like sorority girls.

Me too, especially ones wearing skidplates  LOL

NVR_LEVN, I believe the 2 liter auto you have has the 4.88:1 gear set in it.  The last time Trackers came with the 5.12:1 gear sets were the models with the 1.6L engine, which I believe they quite producing after the '99 model year.  At least I have never seen an '00 or newer with a 1.6 Liter engine stock from the factory.

NVR_LEVN, I believe the 2 liter auto you have has the 4.88:1 gear set in it.  The last time Trackers came with the 5.12:1 gear sets were the models with the 1.6L engine, which I believe they quite producing after the '99 model year.  At least I have never seen an '00 or newer with a 1.6 Liter engine stock from the factory.

Now I have to go research that...  I'm not doubting you, but now I need to go research that swap to see what's entailed...

I was making that assumption based on the vitara specs in the "tech specs" on the menu bar for the models with auto trans...that shows both 1.6L and 2.0L as having 5.125 diff ratio.

I have a manual tranny 2 Liter and I'm pulling 4.62 gears.  I'm lookiing to upgrade to 4.88s but if I stumble across a set of 5.12s I'll probably go that route, if the price is right.