Just wonderin, how much stuff has to be moved or exended to do the frame chop.   Mike Hagen would you be willing to give us a write up on what wires, lines, and other stuff you had to mess with.  This sounds like a great way to get cheap lift but it sounds a little intimidating.

also, did you just cut and extend the steer shaft?

Quote from: Frank84 on November 11, 2010, 09:12:37 AM

How do you like the new BFG mud terrains?  Mine is a daily driver and I'm just as concerned how they are on the road as off.  Noise is probably the biggest issue for me that kept me with all terrains last time I bought tires.

You know, I got some new KM2 last year and I am AMAZED at how quiet they are. Way better then the old BFG MT, similar but better than the BFG AT, and better than the old Goodyear MTR. ...and they work good offroad too! Tire tech has come a long way in the last few years and I think these tires benefit from new developments and technology.

YMMV

-Eric

Thats how I feel as well. These tires are by far the quietest mud terrain tire I have ever run by a wide margin. The pattern is nearly Identical to the BFG Krawlers I ran on the orange rig. I was very pleased with those as well. I had good luck with the goodyear MTRs as well but they were the loudest tire I have ever ran. Yes, I am including my radial swampers.

Just wonderin, how much stuff has to be moved or exended to do the frame chop.   Mike Hagen would you be willing to give us a write up on what wires, lines, and other stuff you had to mess with.  This sounds like a great way to get cheap lift but it sounds a little intimidating.

Really all that was done was relocate some brake/fuel line holders. I did not open any lines. There is no electrical. It should be a little intimidating.  Before you take on a project like this you should be sure that you have the fab skills to succeed.

also, did you just cut and extend the steer shaft?

Ooops, I forgot about that! Yes I did. I will post up a picture later tonight of where I cut.

Since your so kindly answering questions.....how about Driveshafts?  Another 4 dr rear shaft?

That's good news on the BFG tires.  Thanks for the info!

Since your so kindly answering questions.....how about Driveshafts?  Another 4 dr rear shaft?

I welded a pipe up in the front to lengthen it. I wasnt worried about vibration since I dont use 4wd on the street. For the rear I had a shaft made to the correct length I needed. Ive got a pretty good hook up so it didnt cost much.

BTW I forgot to get the steering shaft pic. Sorry, but it will have to wait till sunday. I have to work a long shift tommorrow with the threat of snow coming.

I've been gone for a while, but do come back ever so often to catch up, just never read into the overall Suzuki4x4 forum too deep.

Mike, what you did with RockStar, I just loved the whole build of it. That gave me ideas for my XL7. Currently, its a high school commuter for my daughter.  I would like to do the something similar once I get it back.
Now, you've gone and done it on the 3rd generation. Your time schedule you keep in builds surprises me. With all these mods, you tend to put a cap on relaxation and enjoyment of the build and complete with a stressful end time. Do you think your Mr. Foose?

Looks real nice and hope to see some wheeling pics in the next few months.

I've been gone for a while, but do come back ever so often to catch up, just never read into the overall Suzuki4x4 forum too deep.

Mike, what you did with RockStar, I just loved the whole build of it. That gave me ideas for my XL7. Currently, its a high school commuter for my daughter.  I would like to do the something similar once I get it back.
Now, you've gone and done it on the 3rd generation. Your time schedule you keep in builds surprises me. With all these mods, you tend to put a cap on relaxation and enjoyment of the build and complete with a stressful end time. Do you think your Mr. Foose?

Looks real nice and hope to see some wheeling pics in the next few months.

Foose? I wish. He has a whole team LOL! In all honesty I couldnt do it any other way. I have a really busy life. The only way I get anything done is to make time. Put everything I can on hold and go to work on whatever it is. I pretty much just went to work at my job, slept just enough to get by, and worked on this thing. While it was a lot of work I cant say that it wasnt enjoyable. I love watching a project come togather. Actually I love the beginning of project vehicles as well. The only part that kinda sucks is the middle when the end seems so far away and Im getting burned out.Seeing the look on the kids faces helped keep my eyes on the prize which kept me going. I hope to get many years of enjoyment out of this vehicle so it was worth the extra effort.


BTW with the snow we have gotten here lately Ive been putting in a ton of hours at work lately and just forgot about the picture of the steering shaft. I will get that posted on tuesday.

Mike,

Congrats, great build. Appreciate the photos and description. I just picked up a mint 2002 ZR2- Yellow in color.  My question for you is the 5.12 gears you installed were from what unit?  I just tried to order a mini spool from Trailtough and they told me the one they sell wont fit my 4.62 diff. You mention the XL-7 axle, is this comparable to the stock ZR-2 , 3rd member swappable? What parts are you using? Year ? Spline count ?  blah blah ?

Also are you using the stock Rack and Pinion or did you convert to steering box...?

Thank you very much for your time !

Marc

Mike,

Congrats, great build. Appreciate the photos and description. I just picked up a mint 2002 ZR2- Yellow in color.  My question for you is the 5.12 gears you installed were from what unit?  I just tried to order a mini spool from Trailtough and they told me the one they sell wont fit my 4.62 diff. You mention the XL-7 axle, is this comparable to the stock ZR-2 , 2rd member swappable? What parts are you using? Year ? Spline count ?  blah blah ?

Also are you using the stock Rack and Pinion or did you convert to steering box...?

Thank you very much for your time !

Marc

I believe that the Zr2 rear came with a 7.5 inch ring gear and the XL7 has a ring gear close to 9 inch. The 7.5 diffs are 26 spline and the XL7 has 28 spline rear axles. The 5.12 gears for the front were out of a early 90s tracker. I put those into a carrier from a 2001 grand vitara 5 speed which is steel. The 2003 automatic XL7 came with a 5.12 gears. I am using the stock rack and pinion.

also, did you just cut and extend the steer shaft?

Yes I know I had an oil leak.  I put a timming chain tensioner in it and I had a little weep out of the left valve cover. I clearly didnt clean it up as well as I thought I did.  Anyway, I cut the lower shaft between the isolator and the u joint at the rack and pinion. This had the least amount of angle on the Ujoints.

I was out wheeling yesterday and I had to post this pic. Running a little Wisconsin winter camo.

How is this thing going.
Is it still holding up.
Any thing break yet
Have u solved the rear locker problem yet.