Anyone know of any good tech articles on modding current model GV's/trackers 
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Not interested in the 3in cal lift but looking 1.5-2" lift that wont pop my front axle.
BTW what is the US equivalent of the UK Grad Vitara and what year did production start as there seems to be some overlap of years between the models, makes it difficult sourcing parts from the US.
cheers
Steve
In your picture, seems you have a US-looking Vitara model (3rd generation of the Trackick platform (anyone know the Suzuki # of the platform?)). You probably have a diesel also, whereas in US there is no such thing for a Suzuki. You have a 2dr version of the US 4dr version. Having something like this here in the US I think would work well, I'd like to get one. Basically you have an enclosed cabin with integral roof. US 2drs come with a conv't, w/ aftermarket available hardtops, both of which is not integral of the roof.
I'd wonder if you have a rack and pinion steering (3rd generation) or the ball/socket steering box (1st/2nd generation) off the side of the frame. The steering box will have an idler arm which is opposite it on other side of the frame and supports the idler and tie rods.
On 3rd generation, front sway bar should be located behind the front axle. 1st/2nd generation, IIRC sway bar located forward of the front axle.
In US models, there is a difference between the strut cone heights of the 1st/2nd generation and the 3rd generation. On the 3rd generation, there is a strut tower support bar which goes over the top of the engine to each strut tower. This triangulates the forces on the mounts and strenthens the functions of the frame.
Next, I've been told there is a difference between the lower control arms between the 1st/2nd generation and the 3rd generation. So something like a Calmini lift with the lower control arms won't swap between the years.
1st/2nd generation models have the advantage of using the 3rd generation coil springs for a slight lift of 2+". They fit exact and are stock manufacturer items. The 3rd generation strut has been stated to have a greater droop travel than the 1st/2nd generation. It also should be a complete easy bolt in.
For ideas on lifting your Vitara model (assuming 3rd generation platform), here are a few ideas (which I'll be implementing on my X):
* replace the taller strut cone mount with the earlier shorter one - this should provide more droop travel and keep in design travel ranges of the cv's; adapt the strut tower brace
* add a spring spacer to the top of the coils, say 3/4" to 1-1/8". The front coil spacer will have to be shorter than the rear due to the location of the spacer in reference to the wheel mount and the configuration of the link. The length and configuration of the control arm is a benefit. If lifted to high, and you have rack and pinion steering, you may have to place the outer tie rod on top of the knuckle rather than underneath.
* add longer rear shocks to get most droop travel as possible statically. Check parking brake cables, brake lines, wiring (ABS-equipped), and the diff breather for any 'shortages'. Same check for the front steering, brake lines, cv's (slight rotation of the tire to 'feel' any friction in them), ABS wiring, and tie rod. Decide if you want to add droop limiting straps.
* remove the coils and check for compression interferences and shock/strut compression lengths. Bounce stops should be the limiter on the compression. For the front, don't forget to check for turning interference with the tire and body.
* add a slight body lift of 1-2" . This has to be small to work with the stock steering shaft (3rd generation model with rack and pinion) unless you otherwise can make a spacer for the steering shaft for a taller body lift.
Hope all this helps.
