Offroad-Express

I got new wheels and Tyres fitted today, 15 x 7 -15 offset with Kumho KL71 235/75/15 tyres.

Overall im stoked but Im finding that when i turn the wheel the rear of the tyre just, only just rubs in the plastic inner guard peice.

I think im going to have to get a 2" body lift done to make a bit more room, in the mean time, would people generally recommend to just pull out the plastic liners ?

Anyone got any suggestions ? I really dont want to have to go down the track of replacing shocks, is 2" body lift going to be enough ?

front (alloy) diffs on these are a known weak point, take it easy and don't let the front bounce too much

Personally Id give it a slight suspension lift but other zuki fellas will be more wiser than I, You may need to fit plastic flares too if there sticking out past your guards? for a wof. Looking good though!

I would do a suspension lift, saves on having to get a cert otherwise with body lift

lincooln wrote:I would do a suspension lift, saves on having to get a cert otherwise with body lift

Thats a good point, i hadnt thought about that... the main thing that deterred me from the suspension lift was alot of the options out there seem to be very exspensive because of all the additional peices needed.

This is all quite new to me so im having to learn as i go

best thing to do is just do as much research as possible. May take you a while but its best to be informed.

Body lift is also not as straight forward as you may think. You have airbags in your GV and I think for cert you need to prove it doesn't interfere with the airbag operation.
I have an 02 Suzuki the same, It's had an Old Man Emu lift kit in it for about 35,000 km and 5 years. Only has a quoted 1.25" lift. The offroad tyres I run on that measure about 29.5". I can't fault the suspension kit but do shop around and do some research as OME is probably the most expensive option.
You'll probably find if you flex the rear up it'll hit the inside of the guards as well.

A few other GV things for the 1.6 model
-coby extractors and replacing the cat with a resonator really wakes it up.
-you can get a Gibson Airflow snorkel to fit (as long as you don't have ABS) - although I've had mine 4-5 years and have never seen another one.
-If you have trouble with the air actuator that engages the front diff, you can get a 5.125 diff center out of a older vitara and as long as it has the correct size side gears, it'll bolt straight in- I have done this mod.

Here's a pic of mine, the dents are from when it went on its side at Rallywoods a few years ago.