So I have a 96 Tracker, I am looking at the 2.5 suspension kit from Rocky Road, as well as the 2 inch body lift. I want to run 31 inch tires and so far it looks like I can.

Problem is can I keep up with the big dogs? Our wheeling group consists of two xjs with 6 inches of lift and 33s , 1 yj with 4 inches and 33s, and two grand cherokees sporting 2 inch budget lifts and 31s. I wanted something different, I didnt want another jeep, I am hoping my tracker can keep up with this setup.

So I have a 96 Tracker, I am looking at the 2.5 suspension kit from Rocky Road, as well as the 2 inch body lift. I want to run 31 inch tires and so far it looks like I can.

Problem is can I keep up with the big dogs? Our wheeling group consists of two xjs with 6 inches of lift and 33s , 1 yj with 4 inches and 33s, and two grand cherokees sporting 2 inch budget lifts and 31s. I wanted something different, I didnt want another jeep, I am hoping my tracker can keep up with this setup.

Can you keep up??  Depends what the trails are like.  31 inch tires are going to affect your power on the highway and even the trails.  With 30" tires and just a locker in back. I was able to keep ahead of a couple Cherokees on Wa. trails.

Lock up at least the rear diff.  And install sliders.  Then if you got lower gears for both diff's, you would get most of your highway power back.  If you are planning on a lot of tough trails, I would install lower gears in the TC, save your clutch and slower is better on rough trails.  The list of what makes it better goes on, but with what you are planning and basics like these you won't be left in the dust.

I planned on installing sliders and I also planned on locking the rear (at the very least). The trails we hit are pretty tough, lots of terrain where only the monsters with 35s and are built strictly for wheeling glide through with ease, not to say that nothing else makes it through but those guys are the only ones who laugh at these trails.

I have a feeling im going to like my end result and I appreciate the tips! Thanks!

I was able to get in and out of many places the built up heepsters couldnt with my 4.5" suspension lift and 31's on my sidekick with open diffs. We have a swamp on the property and the heeps driopped right down to the frame, while the kick skittered right on across the muck. It could fit in between the larger boulders, though I was rather cautious around the rocks without a front skid plate yet. But there was still plenty of places the size of the heeps just ruled.

When I was in Mont. this fall, I went into Twin Lakes (Madison Co.) one of the Gnarliest 4WD roads I have been on.  I was told only the Big rigs go in there, and that I would sustain body damage.  The trees showed that there was some recent body damage.  I didn't have even a paint scratch.
I do have a very good skid pan, and have really appreciated it since installing it.  (I have really appreciated most of my modifications since doing them.)  My front skid pan cost $35 for material, and works very good.

Once I got my lockers working right (melted air line), we had a blast in Moab this year.  My wife said that when we started Poison Spider, that there were a lot of comments on where we thought that little rig was going to go, and that the group we were with was going to get tired of helping us through.  About half way through the comments were that we made it look easy, and we could sure go where we wanted.  If I could get past my bumper I could climb it.

I am in need of at least the front skid pan, with the diff drop the diff sorta sticks right out there even though there is 16" of ground clearance between the diff and ground. Rocker guards are also a must as the kicks rockers are not that rugged, it really does dictate where you can and cant go.

I've had a few different Lifted Trackers.

Calmini 3 + 3 on my Geared, Locked, 4 door with 33's and I've had a couple of them with 2" coil spacers and 2" body lift and 31's.

I'd put my 4 door up against all my Friends rigs, then IF they made whatever and I didn't, I'd remind myself how Cheap I'm into the hobby, compared to their Investment. I assure you that I can go 99.9% of the places they do.  

I now prefer the 2 + 2 with 31's on OEM rims. I kinda like 'em skinny.

If you were to lock the Front or Rear and gear the T-case, you would have something similar to the old Stomper Toys. Point it and Creep over/thru/around whatever.

My 4 door was pretty much unstoppable too, but that cost a lot more to put together.

Don't be fooled by 31's, get a Quality Tire though. I REALLY Like the BFG KM2's!



Red Tracker: V6 Tracker Coils, 3" Body lift, 31" KM2's.

Green Tracker: Calmini 3 + 3, Anvil, Ford 9", Geared T-case, Locked F/R. 32's.

 I like the red one better 

I am in need of at least the front skid pan, with the diff drop the diff sorta sticks right out there even though there is 16" of ground clearance between the diff and ground. Rocker guards are also a must as the kicks rockers are not that rugged, it really does dictate where you can and cant go.

I had my skid pans bent up for me.  Used 3/16", and they have provided the protection needed.  I used the bottom from a propane tank for the rounded diff mound.  It is not heavy enough, so will just double it.  An old disc from a field disc should work better, and have a hole already there for water and dirt to fall out.  (On Drone637's race car we found his skid pan more than full of that fine desert silt, so think about adding holes.)

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/tracker-2x4-rockers-frnt-bmper-4-dr-sprngs-lwered-frnt-diff-$30-steel-frnt-diff/120/ page 9

Quote from: talonxracer on October 14, 2011, 09:37:35 AM

I am in need of at least the front skid pan, with the diff drop the diff sorta sticks right out there even though there is 16" of ground clearance between the diff and ground. Rocker guards are also a must as the kicks rockers are not that rugged, it really does dictate where you can and cant go.

I had my skid pans bent up for me.  Used 3/16", and they have provided the protection needed.  I used the bottom from a propane tank for the rounded diff mound.  It is not heavy enough, so will just double it.  An old disc from a field disc should work better, and have a hole already there for water and dirt to fall out.  (On Drone637's race car we found his skid pan more than full of that fine desert silt, so think about adding holes.)
 

What did you pay for the steel and having it bent?

I paid $35 for the front section and had about 12" of material left over.  I know someone with a metal brake to bend it, then I had to increase the angle by using the tractor bucket on the bend and placing the metal between two 4X8's.  I welded 1/8"x1 1/2" flat bar on the sides at an angle to increase rigidity (you can almost see it on the right of photo).
The back section was bent by my nephew, who hasn't charged me yet.

Hi

I agree with others here that at least a rear diff lock, sliders and front skid plate are very smart modifications if you wish to make your Suzuki more capable. I am running a total of 5.5" of lift (3.5" suspension + 2" body) Mostly Rocky Road and Altered Ego Motorsports parts. I run 33" tires and a locker in the rear with 5.12 R&P and to date I have not come across anything I have not been able to drive over or through... Well there was that one 4-5 ft deep mud pit that left a bruised ego and different ending to a romantic evening watching the sun set out on a mountain top with my girlfriend last year. Had to call my dad up and get him to haul my Sidekick out (He has a 36" F250 1972 Big Block, Front ad rear Locked Ford. Live and learn...

I have driven quite tough highland roads/trails here in Iceland and over many glacial rivers, climbed extremely steep hills and even surprised myself at what the Sidekick can accomplish. I would tend to agree that even on 31" tires with a locker, skidplate and sliders you should be quite capable of going were ever you want to (with in reason).

Regarding tires larger than 31" such as my vehicle running 33" tires. You need extensive modifications to the wheel wells ( I am talking about cutting) so that you get full articulation without major rubbing. I hope this information helps you out with your decision making.

Best regards,
Tryggvi