just wonderin is calmini makin a straight axle conversion?

....snip....

As for t-case options, we will go with the Kick/Sammy case combo as we've already invested in Kick t-case gears and also already have a Sammy t-case in possesion.  

I agree that the Toyota case solution would be a great way to go, especially if we go with Toyota axles.   But since this is a minimal cash out of pocket project and we are trying to keep it all Suzuki parts, we'll give the Kicker 3 a try.

We are indeed looking for the 1.4:1 reduction in high with the Sammy case.  This will allow for larger tires in the long run, and the ability to go back to stock 5.12 gears.

Thanks for all of your feed back.

~Nate

Now, the output of the Sami case is offset to the right. Are you planning to keep the stock Trackick centered rear axle, or are you stepping up to an offset rear axle, still using the Trackick hardware; sort of like the Sky-Manu Toyota axle offset for the Sami? Keeping the centered rear axle, you'll have to run a cv rear ds, correct?

The last time I spoke with Chris at Calmini, he said Steve has commited to building the lift, this was about a week and a half ago.


Mac

Now, the output of the Sami case is offset to the right. Are you planning to keep the stock Trackick centered rear axle, or are you stepping up to an offset rear axle, still using the Trackick hardware; sort of like the Sky-Manu Toyota axle offset for the Sami? Keeping the centered rear axle, you'll have to run a cv rear ds, correct?

With the sammy case in a longer wheelbase, it isn't as much of a big deal as a shorter wheelbase truck. I have a kick rear end in my lwb sammy, I have no problem with driveline angle causing vibration or anything. I have over 10" of lift and run 35s with no problem.

 I believe that Calmini lost a potential customer for that product when they 'teased' us and didn't deliver.

Gee, next time an automaker "teases" us with a new concept car (i.e.  the Suzuki XL Pickup) and doesn't bring it to market, we should stop being thier customer.

Frankly, I'm glad they are testing the set-up and doing the proper R&D, and not rushing to market with it.  This "prototype-to-product" rush has a checkered past in the Zook world.  In my chatting with CALMINI, I've learned that they are refining the product from many angles, from functionality in making it a better system to streamlining it's design to reduce production costs, making the product as competitive as possible.  I've been assured that it will be the definative SAS kit for the Kick, and bolt-on to boot.

Didn't your momma teach yous that good things come to those who wait?


Otherwise, kudos on the front axle!  You gonna run 26 spline inner shafts? I think those with a treated birf and cup/rings is fairly stout for tires in the 32-33" range.

What did you use for the tube?  Did you sleeve the Kick tube then slide the Sammy tubes into the Kick tubes?  I know the Sammy rear tube fits inside the Kick tube with a little pretty persuasion.  This helps keep the tubes red-neck straight.  We have one in Yankee Bob's rig and  ZERO locker problems, so we know it's straight.

Do tell, man!

Gee, next time an automaker "teases" us with a new concept car (i.e.  the Suzuki XL Pickup) and doesn't bring it to market, we should stop being thier customer.

Frankly, I'm glad they are testing the set-up and doing the proper R&D, and not rushing to market with it.  This "prototype-to-product" rush has a checkered past in the Zook world.  In my chatting with CALMINI, I've learned that they are refining the product from many angles, from functionality in making it a better system to streamlining it's design to reduce production costs, making the product as competitive as possible.  I've been assured that it will be the definative SAS kit for the Kick, and bolt-on to boot.

Didn't your momma teach yous that good things come to those who wait?


Otherwise, kudos on the front axle!  You gonna run 26 spline inner shafts? I think those with a treated birf and cup/rings is fairly stout for tires in the 32-33" range.

What did you use for the tube?  Did you sleeve the Kick tube then slide the Sammy tubes into the Kick tubes?  I know the Sammy rear tube fits inside the Kick tube with a little pretty persuasion.  This helps keep the tubes red-neck straight.  We have one in Yankee Bob's rig and  ZERO locker problems, so we know it's straight.

Do tell, man!

Awh, the Calmini bash wasn't that bad.  Heck we've still got lots of Calmini products bolted on the truck right now and will be purchasing a few more in the future.  Just kinda sad to have products flouted and invariably people set expectatations that weren't met, intentional or not.

In the software world, this is whats called vapor-ware, until it's actually a marketable product.  Sure somebody thought of it, and made a proto, but until it's for sale, it doesn't exist.

Glad to hear that somebody has the 'inside' scoop from Calmini.  I'll be holding my breath until it's available and then be glad that all of my fellow Zukiteers can catch up to what I'll already be having.
*grin*

NE WAY.
Yup 26 spline inners (sidekick rear up front) for now, we'll see how the stock Sammy birfs hold up.  If I go through too many birfs, we'll try the treated ones, if those don't hold up then we may upgrade to 26 inner, 26 middle, and 26 outter.  (custom job)

Yup, we sleaved the kick tube, then slipped in the Sammy stuff inside.  I think that the housing will hold up just fine.  Only worries are the birfs.

Hopefully this weekend we can hang springs, build steering, and get ner 80% complete.

We'll keep everybody updated.