I am a new member and a new owner of a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6 4wd. I got a great deal on it. I mostly got it for the MPG. I was looking for something with at least AWD. I was test driving a Toyota Rav4 when the GV was next to it. Then I peaked in and I saw the shifter and it had 4 low. I said this is the one!
 



The only major thing is the AC had a leak. I had replace some O-Rings and the condenser.

I got a Pioneer radio and installed it with a cool install kit with a nice pocket under the radio. I installed my XM unit too.



One speaker cover, and the jack cover was missing. I found them at a local junkyard. Out of TONS of yards only 1 had 2 GV. They are clean and look good. Now the GV looks stock inside.

I got tint on the front windows. The rears already had them on it. I got a dash cover, steering wheel cover and floor mats.

I have installed a Optima Yellow top battery. The one came came stock said Mazda on it. And it was just slightly bigger then a motorcycle battery.



I bought a new Hitch and installed it. I mostly will be using it for a hitch rack so I can load up a ice chest since I need the truck for the dogs. Or to use as a bike rack.



I also just installed an alarm with key-less entry. I fixed a few small problems like the drivers door would unlock itself when you close the door. Fixed the interior lights. The bubs were dead as well as 2 door switches.

I have a 1993 Dodge Dakota with a 5.9 V8. It sucks up gas like candy. That was my daily drive but it the gas was getting to be to much. So it stays for when I need a truck to haul or tow.


Here is the GV engine just for fun. This is the smallest V6 I had ever seen. Most 4clys are this size.



Later I will install nice speakers, fog lights, front hitch, tow hooks.

Anyone with any mod posts or hints let me know. Also does anyone know what kind of axles, transfer case, transmission these have.

One small Modification was the change holder. In its stock potion on the dash the coins would jump out at times. So I cut it down a bit to fit it near the shifter where it is falter. Now the coins don't jump out.



And just for fun here is one while a recent trip up to the mountains. I got 20MPG in the city. 26MPG highway! Also while up there I got to test drive it on some snow/ icy areas. The 4wd did good. The 4low really helped out when 4wd was not enough. It need a Locker or a LSD and some aggressive All Terrains.

For gear ratios, try Tech Specs at the top of the page.

LOL! I guess I should ask my questions.

How strong is the stock drive train (Transmission, axles, CV axles)? Is it easy to bust them on medium  to medium high trails? Is it easy to pop out a CV axle or brake it?
I'm not talking about any serious rock crawling or mud bogging. Just trail riding and when there is a good size rock or a mud pit to go through I want to be sure. Of coarse I would do it carefully and not horse beat it.

How about some of these guys with 31's or 33's? That sounds like to much tire for the stock setup.

I wanted to add a rear locker. After looking around I just found some people swapped in a Samurai locker in.
Is there any for the stock axle?

I found the specs page on the GV but it doesn't list the type of transmission, transfer case, axles. What are there model name/ number?

I believe mine is a SQ625 is that correct? With the J20 engine?  I downloaded the service manual but it doesn't specify which is which.

It is easy to download and it is free if anyone needs it. Here is the link. http://rapidshare.com/files/383728553/suzuki_manual.rar

Is there a front mount hitch available? I'm sure not, but might as well ask. I don't mind making my own.

For gear ratios, try Tech Specs at the top of the page.

Yes thanks. I already found that page. The question about the ratios was a from a copy and paste from another forum. I forgot to delete that. i just need the type of models they are.
http://www.zukiworld.com/section_technical/technical_spec_grandvitara.htm

Nice ride!

Keep the oil changed with 5W-30 (reg Dino is fine) at 3-4K intervals and they last forever, assuming it has been cared for to date and that will continue. (238K on mine thus far). Cam chain and tensioner issues on the 2.5 can arise if not judiciously maintained.

Check and change out all of your gear oils. Syn there is best. Redline my pref.

I believe mine is a SQ625 is that correct? With the J20 engine?

Yep yours is the SQ625 (2.5 liter).
The J20 is the 2.0 liter 4-banger.

Weak links in the drive train? Search / read-up on aluminum front diff housing (if applicable to you) weaknesses and the front air actuated drive engagement system on all early GV's like ours. Otherwise an OK set-up. If you plan on getting crazy w/ big mudders, lift kits, med to heavy off-roading and such...stand-by for possible carnage of components.

Keep in mind that you have bought and are driving a vehicle that was designed to be and IS a mini SUV w/ enhanced 4WD capability in light to medium snow / ice / sand / dirt adverse driving situations. It's not an off-roading / rock climbing "Jeep". 

And PLEASE chop down those battery hold down threaded rods.  

Quote

I believe mine is a SQ625 is that correct? With the J20 engine?

Yep yours is the SQ625 (2.5 liter).
The J20 is the 2.0 liter 4-banger.



And PLEASE chop down those battery hold down threaded rods. 

Thanks!



Okay so if the body model is SQ625 and S= Suzuki and Q= ?? 6=?? and the 25= 2.5L.

So the motor is a H25? What is H for?



LOL! Ya I already cut them down. I just didn't have my bolt cutters at that time.

Q? Don't know. 

6? Number of cylinders

H? Must ID their "V" series engines, where straight line engines use J's and G's for ID.

Q? Don't know. 

6? Number of cylinders

H? Must ID their "V" series engines, where straight line engines use J's and G's for ID.

Damn okay 6 sound so obvious! LOL

The H makes sense too.

Thanks!

Nice truck I love mine. I met a guy the other day at a Wawa's that had over 250,000 on the odometer and still going strong. He said for oil changes he just takes it to who ever has the cheapest deal when ever it needs one. In my mind I was like, "WOW!".

... He said for oil changes he just takes it to who ever has the cheapest deal when ever it needs one. .

Definitely stick to 5W30 for the engine, preferably fully synthetic, to avoid failure of the chain tensioners (big money repair!) and stuck valve lifters.

Definitely stick to 5W30 for the engine, preferably fully synthetic, to avoid failure of the chain tensioners (big money repair!) and stuck valve lifters.

What are the symptoms of the failed chain tensioner?

 I believe mine are good. Great performance no loud sounds. Just a few ticks or so here and there. Typical small engine noise.

Just a few ticks or so here and there. Typical small engine noise.

Pretty much the norm on an engine w/mileage.

A few seconds of light clatter at start-up is permissible as well.

A failed tensioner sound? You'll know it. Chitty-chitty-bang-bang...all stop. 

Hey that's a nice GV!  CRV's, Rav4's etc. are not even in the same ballpark as your GV. They're just cars.

Spreaking of which...you'll notice most ppl on here have theirs lifted... there's a mod that you won't regret. You might forget about your pickup when it comes to driving on trails though! Just the 2" suspension lift and tires made it soooo much more fun offroad. Now I'm not always worrying about bottoming out or getting stuck and I can keep up with my buddies in their pickups. AND I can go places they can't like quad trails and crossing ditches too..

John

.you'll notice most ppl on here have theirs lifted

Ya I did. How well does these drivetrains hold up to the larger tires.

Quote from: 97TRAKIN on May 05, 2010, 09:34:13 PM

... He said for oil changes he just takes it to who ever has the cheapest deal when ever it needs one. .

Definitely stick to 5W30 for the engine, preferably fully synthetic, to avoid failure of the chain tensioners (big money repair!) and stuck valve lifters.

I take care of mine. I was just stating what "he" told me about his.

Nice looking ride, very clean. I love the black. I agree that lifting it is the best mod you can do. I say that because I make the lift kits!!  .