Calmini and bits 4 vits

[crzyfl]

Planning a project vehicle.

Who is the local Calmini agent?

If the Calmini 6" (3" body, 3" suspension) lift is installed, would the 'bits 4 hits' prop spacer and rear axle spacer be of benefit?

Anyone able to comment would be appreciated.

[mudbugga]

Who is the local Calmini agent?

4WD Accessories
http://www.4wdaccessories.co.nz/

[Heath]

The bits for vits spacers/etc are good but if you have dimensions get some made here by an engineering shop. I would imagine the postage would make any deals more expensive than local made stuff. Could be wrong though...

whether you need them or not will depend on what it is you are planning to do.

[crzyfl]

What I am planning is installing the Calmini 6" body and suspension lift.

I guess my question should be phrased,

What causes a gap in the prop causing the need for the spacer? If the gap is present, and the spacer not installed what are the negative effects?

I kind of understand the benefit of the axle spacer, although seeing it would help.

My Hilux sold last night on Trademe so all is looking good.

This project is intended to provide a vehicle that is economical, has off road ability, comfortable for on road use. I had/have? a hilux, and hope that the suzuki can be a halfway between a big truck and UTV.

I want to be thorough in the project planning and intel phase so there are no surprises during the project execution.

Any comments people have would be appreciated. I will buy everything up front and get the work done all in one hit.

My shopping list (currently) looks like;

Local Stuff
$3000 Suzuki Vitara - Automatic, 16V EFI - need to do more homework on this... Any soft tops around (good to shoot out of), are there canopies available locally? (like the calmini one?)

$400 Mudbits - R15 rims -24mm offset
$375 snorkel - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listin ... ber=594065
$204 X 2 Alloy wheel spacers x 2 4wdbits.co.nz
Tyres 31x10.5xR15 ATR (because I will be driving this to work everyday, I prefer to just use chains for more extreme 4x4ing).

From Calmini
$1059(USD) Calmini 6" combo lift + Postage
$129(USD) CALMINI STEERING STABILIZER & TRUSS KIT - + Postage
$35(USD Calmini Cam bolt kit

Bits for Vits
84 pounds Rear Axle Spacer and Prop Spacer Bundle + Postage
54 pounds front recovery bar + Postage (cheaper to have locally fabricated?)
42 pounds steering spacers + postage (cheaper to have locally fabricated?)


Winch
Winch bar (local fab?) - anyone have contacts? I was going to approach aliarc
rear recovery points
roof cage for gear - same as winch bar
under body armor - same as winch bar
chains
spotlights

If the funds are available air lockers...
What are the benefits of air lockers as opposed to other locking differentials considering that this will see a lot of on road driving?

Also need to find out about certification.
what does it cost?
what is it required for?
who can do it?

Does anyone have experience with this (below)?
Vehicle wrap - http://www.huntech.co.nz/wraps.html
$130 per metre

Also looking for one of those internal rifle mounts that attaches to the roof on the inside for two rifles, cabbalas has them, have not seen them locally.
(its a hunting vehicle)

PS extractors

[nstacey]

Nice list. Consider adding some kind of gearing to it. The 31s will turn it into a slug. If you are going auto I think they run something like 4.8diffs. You should be able to pick up some 5.125 diffs out of a manual cheap enough.

[Big-AL]

maybe manual locking front hubs?
I think the 16 valve autos have 5.125 diffs, its only the 8v auto (3 spd) which have the 4.8

[Rotazuk]

I am all for the suzuki's but with a list like that I can't help but wonder if a 92-95 swb prado would not be a better buy . Put 33's on it and away you go , not a toyota man but thought the would fit without mods .

Seems like a lot of work for what you want in the end .

Chris

[crzyfl]

What is the fuel economy like in a prado?

[Smurf]

If you can handle a bit less fuel economy then this may be a better starting platform, would cost a lot less to get to the same level as you indicate you want to mod a suzuki.
It already has a rear locker, a bit of suspension lift and body lift. Soft top for your shooting etc.
Pretty sure someone on here has it for sale

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 927895.htm

[crzyfl]

It is a nice truck, and I bet it has heaps of grunt...Definitely worth thinking about. I am quite fixed on the suzuki project though, for the sake of the project as much as for the capability.

[Pico42]

Doesn't the calmini kit come with diff spacer (if fact replaces the whole rear a arm?) and propellor shaft spacer?

There is an ORE member Loppee on here that makes winch bars, rock sliders, bash plates.

[Pico42]

...

What causes a gap in the prop causing the need for the spacer? If the gap is present, and the spacer not installed what are the negative effects?
.....

At standard suspension height, the distance between the gearbox and the rear diff is a certain length and the rear propellor shaft is matched to this length. There is a splined end to the driveshaft that goes into the gearbox that accommodates the minor changes in length associated with normal suspension travel - a slip joint.

When you lift the suspension, the distance between gearbox and diff increases and the prop shaft is no longer matched to it. For the most part with usual vitara lifts this will remain in place, but it can slip out completely under heavy articulation. The spacer restores the full amount of nominal overlap in the slip joint.

[crzyfl]

Thanks for the knowledge.

I am currently in the market for a Vitara to begin on. Slight delay on selling the lux while the starter motor is repaired.

[tomsoffroad]

Where abouts are you fella?

[loppee]

With 31s you can do a 2" body lift you can get them on trade me for $250. I think the calmini 3" body lift kit is crap, not worth getting.
As Pico42 said I make winch bars, Bumper bars, Rocksliders etc just for Suzuki Vitras/Escudos . If ya want more infro pm me.
Cheers Woody

[suzookyman]

Having had lifted Vitara's ( Escudo ) and smashing numerous front diffs I would highly recommend a soft top Samurai as the base truck then repower with the Escudo 16v ( easy conversion ).This would be a great start

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 218685.htm
Al

[crzyfl]

Located at Ohakune...
Woody I will contact you when we are ready for the bars. Do you have some pics?

[loppee]

Yes I have photos of my bars and winch bars that I make,pm me and I will email some to you.
Cheers Woody

[crzyfl]

Can someone please point me to a page or info about gearing?

What size tyres need gearing changes?

What gearing modification options are there?
diff
transfer case
others?

suppliers?

[zukmeista]

Basically as soon as you go bigger than standard you need gearing changes. For vitaras there is only one option which is an underdrive from the U.S. but that is $$$.

[crzyfl]

So what would the effect of an undertaker be on an automatic (i.e. with the diffs that come on an automatic)?

Is there a local distributer?

[crzyfl]

Ok, I picked up a 93 auto with 220kms on TM.

Looking at various suspension options now to get 31s on

Not having had experience, who can do certification, what mods is it required for, and how much?

Got prices back for stuff from Calmini, see below.

- SK19500 Sidekick/Tracker/Vitara (1.6-Liter, Petrol) 2” Suspension Lift System: $639.95
- SK19604 Sidekick/Tracker/Vitara 3” Body Lift System: $159.95
- SK1995 Suzuki I.F.S. Camber Bolt Set: $34.95
- SK10035RH Sidekick/Tracker/Vitara (Right-Hand Steering) Steering Stabilizer & Truss Kit: $129.95
- Shipping cost to your location via FedEx International Economy Service: $390.75
- TOTAL: $1,355.55 USD *

[zukmeista]

I would advise strongly against buying a calmini bodylift. A: 3" is too much and looks dodgy imo. B: The calmini kit quality is rather questionable.
And if your only going to go for a 2" suspension lift why not just go OME or EFS?

[crzyfl]

Yes,
I am leaning away from Calmini myself due to the cost, and various comments about the quality.

Rocky road quoted $275 USD for shipping of their $800 USD 4.5" suspension and body lift kit.

Waiting on a price from Ironman NZ
Waiting on a price from Autokraft, ARB
Who else should I ask. I intend to list all of the supplier prices etc on here to make it a bit easier for the next guy...

[zukmeista]

4WDbits?

[crzyfl]

4wdbits only seem to offer a 1" lift?
Here is the shocks and springs cart from 4wd bits...

Product Name Model Quantity Price Subtotal Remove
Vitara 1.6, 2.0 Std - 30mm Lift Rear Shock Absorbers 36-5485 $231.09 $462.18

Vitara 1.6, 2.0 25mm Lift Front Coil Springs, 1 Pair SUZ-102E $277.09 $277.09

Vitara 1.6, 2.0 25mm Lift Rear Coil Springs, 1 Pair SUZ-108E $277.09 $277.09


Freight to rural areas may have to be collected from the freight company depot.

Cart Total:$1016.36

It appears that the rocky road kit is better value? Will find out exactly what is in the kit from them.

[crzyfl]

Regarding gearing, Does anyone have experience with transfer case gearing?
My father in law is a wholesale car parts distributer in Sydney, and suggested this site,

http://store.snakeracing.com.au/~snaker ... 76741803ca

[zukmeista]

I wouldn't buy from them cos they are a rip off Buy stuff straight from www.lowrangeoffroad.com way cheaper and they have lots of cool stuff and they won't rip you off like rocky road have a reputation for doing.

[churchill]

Cobra springs 50mm lift $400
Commodore rear shocks extra 55mm down ~$150
Crush tubes for rear shocks ~$25
Bits 4 vit's Heim joint spacer ~$100 + post
Bits 4 vit's 50mm front strut extender $60 + post (I had some made for $140 in NZ)
50mm body lift ~$250

I have most of this on my truck if you want to check it out.

[crzyfl]

Cobra springs 50mm lift $400
Commodore rear shocks extra 55mm down ~$150
Crush tubes for rear shocks ~$25
Bits 4 vit's Heim joint spacer ~$100 + post
Bits 4 vit's 50mm front strut extender $60 + post (I had some made for $140 in NZ)
50mm body lift ~$250

I have most of this on my truck if you want to check it out.

How is the front? Do you think the spacer would be better than the strut flip?

Bit confused about the 'Commodore rear shocks extra 55mm down'
does this mean standard commodore rear shocks? any specific years of commodore?