ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Build Diaries, How-To, DIY => Topic started by: Trackasaurouswrex on November 14, 2010, 09:09:45 AM
-
Well, I finally found my camera charger so I guess that I should post up with shots of what I have been doing to my 90 Tracker, if anybody cares to look. I know that there are only so many ways to build these things, so I figured here is another one for the collection. I'll be adding pictures as I get them downloaded, but here are a few to get things going, including a very good replacement aircleaner assembly that is fairly common and CHEAP in the junkyards! Cheap and good are always a good thing right? ;D
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2263.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2202.jpg)
Here is a couple of shot of the front "pre-runner" bumper that I built for it, along with the foglights tucked up under the bumper to hopefully keep them from getting creamed when I go play.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2260.jpg)
A shot of the replacement airfilter housing. The factory one in my Tracker had several of the factory bolts "seized" into the threaded inserts and I broke the housing while trying to remove the bolts. time to find a new filterhousin, and cheaper on the cost of the filters.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2262.jpg)
I pulled this from a FWD G.M. car. the filter is only like $6 for a wix, which beats the h#ck out of $13 for the factory filter.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2272.jpg)
Shot of the new dome light that I put in. It is on a toggle switch that is in the black plastic piece behind/above the drivers' head.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2274.jpg)
Foglights/other lights on.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2276.jpg)
And a shot of the "Ray O' Death"ers and the rest of the lights on. And this is with the Hi-beams ON. Time to upgrade the headlights next. >:D
-
That's a nice filter housing, it will also solve the misalignment
issue when you lift the body, that the stock filter housing causes
-
Thanks, Wild. This housing is bolted on where the factory radiator overflow bottle went, so it will keep its' place with the engine when I lift the body as you all ready noted. It also is lending itself quite readily to a snorkel setup that I have in the works, also made from junkyard parts ( Nissan truck pieces, an airhorn from an old *eep, some odds & ends ). I am having to re-build my VW turbo desiel that I have for it, so that will be a farther down the road thing, unfortunately. I also have some shots of my Ford fuelpump setup to post later, along with your normal " Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention this " stuff. Keep watching... ;D
-
For those that are interested, the "Rhino" is going to be VW 1.9 Turbo Desiel powered, stock 5 speed, doubled up Xcase using aSammi Xcase for the actual case with 4.86 or there around gearing with a total of around 6" of lift on smallish 32.9.50.15 "Mud Claws" minispooled rear and heavily modded front with upgraded parts, obviously. This thing ought to be able to spank my old Cherokee on her best day, and that thing was built. Stay tuned!
-
Some more uploaded pictures:
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2197.jpg)
Front chassis brace made from 2x2x 1/4" wall tubing because that is what I had.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2198.jpg)
Braced up idler arm. Might as well do all of the "upgrades"/fix it before it breaks stuff before it even leaves the driveway right? Front diff brace for the pinion mount is in the works currently, along with other stuff.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2201.jpg)
And the new shifter knob.
-
Nice build sofare
-
Well, I got a VW desiel, but it is only a 1.6 N/A, but for $100 for the complete Rabbit truck, I can't b%tch too much, can I? I have the Acme kit on the way, so since my other 1.9 turned out to need a re-build, I am going to be running the 1.6 for awhile. I am going to be going picture heavy on the removal from the VW, clean up and install in my Tracker, if anyone wants to keep up on that part. Now, since I am ripping the old gasser out, I am thinking about doing something different with the F.I. stuff from it. We have a 1600cc VW sandrail that we are about done building, and I got to thinking that since I am throwing out the 'zuki gasser, why not see if the F.I. stuff would work on the VW engine? Hmm... ;D ???
-
if you need any help or pointers don"t be bashful send a pm. been there done that. (so has deeprecon1) and I WOULD NOT do it again.~jluck 8)
-
I'd like to ask what reason(s) you might have for feeling that the desiel was not the right choice for you, if you don't mind. I am willing to accept pro/con discussions on this, as I happen to love the desiel trucks that I have. I DO know that I am getting ready to play with a potential headache/ money pit, but seeing as I own and DD several Fords, including one of the biggest fuel sucking per mile Fords ever built ( 89 Bronco, thank you) I am used to the "Advetures in all things Mechanical". ::)
-
just was not impressed with power and performance of mine but that's possibly due to the problems mine came with. the cost of doing this swap and any maintenance on the vw is stupid expensive. I also have a tdi beetle that has been nothing but problems. when I think diesel, cummins instantly comes to mind (I've had a bunch) so I think bulletproof but the vw diesel is a cantankerous moody b!tch. I'm hoping I feel differently about mine when its on the road again (5000+ dollars at this time)
also the realistic fuel econ numbers are in the very low 20 range more so than 30-40 I first heard stories about. I just think this swap sounds better on paper than actually in the rig.after doing lots of research on these swaps I'm hearing the same things from others too.
also..high egts and engine temps will limit top speed to 50 or so
I hope mine impresses me when its done.........
-
Hmm. You are the first person so far to say bad about this swap. What is the reason that you had to drop 5 large on the engine, or are you refering to the new beetle? I am looking at the desiel mostly for the bootom end torque, as I live out in the woods, literally, so I like to go and play ALOT. The torque is about right for the wheeling that I get to do around here, and as far as "road time" if I have to run to town, I would, odds are, grab something different BECAUSE of the lower top end and higher RPMs'/EGTs' that come from cranking a desiel up too hard. Been there with a Cat.THAT was NOT a pretty thing at all. :o >:(
-
I had to spend the money cuz' I want to drive it. just wait until you get going on yours and watch the dollars dwindle. I also paid 2500 for just the motor. then head,arp studs,gasket (600) all new oem vw timing set (450) waterpump and silicone hoses (300) etc..(read my build and deeprecon1's)..it adds up fast. that's irrelevant as far as I'm concerned though. I also love diesels that's why i did the swap. i was not trying to self gain anything out of my post or looking for ridicule, just putting in my .02
like I said twice mine may be a different animal when its done this time. I was just trying to give you MY OPINION before you started the project.
I will use reservation before giving others my experiences.
-
For a LOT less $ I'll build you a sweet turbo kit for a 16 valve that'll give you a bunch more power >:D
-
Hey Bentparts. I like the thought of turboing my 8 valve, but I like the thought of the diesel mileage more.
-
The diesel may give you more mileage that's true, but if it's economy your after think about this: when your diesel swap is all said and done, how much have you spent on the whole thing? 3k, 4k 5k? more? That will buy a lot of gas while your trying to figure out how to make that thing work. Just sayin'.
-
2nd that, also diesel is .40 a gallon higher in my neck of the woods. If your only getting 25 mpg with a spendy conversion vs. 22 mpg with a turbo'd gasser hmm........ ::) doesn't really add up that way very good. But if ya love diesels that much the turbo whine on my 1.9 is incredible. ( almost a turn on!)(and that was the old turbo).
-
Out of curiousity, where are you guys getting the $ figures for the conversions from? Is there some stuff that I am missing? I was under the impression that the Acme kit was pretty much a bolt and run deal. I got the Rabbit truck for $100 because of the rust damage and NO title, I plan on fabbing my engine mounts and re-working the oil pan if I don't like the way it fits after I do the front diff drop/lift. I am allready planning on swapping in a GM cs130 series alt. that is one of several left from my old Jeep days, brackets are not hard to build for the alternator, and after driving a CJ5 on 35 inch rubber WITHOUT power assist for 5-6 years, I am not scared of 32" tires on a manual steering rig. So what else am I over looking? E-fan, covered from my Ford Taurus 2speed fan that I never got around to installing in my V8 Ranger, Exhaust, I have allready installed a 2.5" system from the headpipe back, because those were the pieces that I had left over from another build. Radiator "might" end up being a leftover one from a 94 Exploder, 2 core aluminum, if the factory 'kick one won't hold the heat. I tend to collect stuff from the junkyards, peoples' old rides that they want hauled off, and several "junkers" that I know that make thier living by scrapping cars out. This is how I end up with so much stuff.
-
Made a run to one of my most favorite places to be... the local salvage yard. OMG, what a beautiful, score filled day! I will be posting pictures up tomorrow, since I forgot the camera. Sorry about that. Here is a list of some of the goodies that were scored: 1) HEATED leather seats in grey, complete with armrests! $50 2) front DUAL piston brake set-up complete with hoses, rotors (vented), calipers, mouting brackets, dustshields, and needed hardware $30 3) all 4 springs and the front axle "brackets" that hold the axlehousing in place $50 4) master cylinder/booster $45. Strut tower brace FREE!!! Alll of this stuff came from a 2003 Tracker 4dr ZR2.
1) Gastank with sender ( NO fuel pump, that's fine. I am switching to a Deisel anyways ;D ) $20 2) front calipers/mounts/ hoses' brackets and hardware $30 3) power steering setup $65 4) not so flattened out weatherstripping $10 (all of it) It was DEFINATELY a good day!
-
Okay, so no pictures of the haul. I had to take the stuff from the 03 back any ways, as the brake stuff doesn't line up correctly with the 1st gen knuckles. I DID keep the strutbrace, and I am going to be reworking the "feet" of it to fit my 90 model as the bolt pattern is quite different. Somethings just never work out as well as one hopes, do they? Oh, I also scored all of the side marker lights and both taillights for $20 when I had to take the brake stuff back.
-
Here's a shot of my $10 GM alternator that is rated at around 90a. The pulley on it is a serpitine AND V belt setup. Sweet.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2283.jpg)
And this is how I set up my dome light since the factory one didn't work worth a damn...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2278.jpg)
and the switch for it...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2277.jpg)
And a shot of how well it lights up the cab...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2272.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2317.jpg)
A shot of the bulb holder. Disregard the red lens please.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2298.jpg)
-
What is that for a light????????? My dome light is a pansy
-
I know what you mean about the factory light being a pansy. :laugh: The light is a Wally-world special, found over with the trailer stuff. You can also get it at a partshouse. THIS sucker is around 35 watts! :o plus, it uses a normal style bulb like the one that works for the reverse lights.
-
Ahhhhhh, I have seen the light and now I want it! Lol
-
Did I mention that it even has a built in switch? Just think, after installing something like this, along with other lights ( Look at the front of my Tracker with all of the lights going ) you too can justify swapping over to a bigger and better alternator! I also added another back up light in the center of the spare tire carrier. THAT one has a 100 watt bulb in it.I still need to tie it in to the wiring harness, though.
-
Well, I got finished with another little thing this morning... Hood support struts! No more having to work around the factory prop rod. I used a set of struts from the back window of a 1st gen Exploder, and had to drill one hole on each side of the engine bay, grind down the upper hinge point a little bit so that it would fit in the top of the hood hinge, and bang, no more hood prop needed! As soon as I can get my computer to quit giving me a load of crap about uploading stuff, I will be posting some pictures of this, along with the new under hood light that is retractable, has enough wiring to reach all the way down the side, around the tailgate, and back up the other side to the door handle, plus an on/off switch and a hood trigger to make it come on when you open the hood. And the progress on the 2nd gen Tracker strut tower brace mods.
-
Hood strut pictures, yea!
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2302.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2303.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2308.jpg)
And the new underhood light... now with magnetic backing to stick the bulb under the body, on the targa bar, etc...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2304.jpg)
Yeah, it clears the fuses...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2305.jpg)
Second Gen. strut tower brace
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2299.jpg)
Hmm, THAT ain't gonna work...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2300.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2301.jpg)
I need to go pick up some more cutoff and grinding wheels, so the brace is on hold for a litle bit.
Hey, looky here... a CHEAP power point to connect everything added on under the hood.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2309.jpg)
-
Chevy header flanges are a good fit for the strut tower base, then all you'll need is to extend and fit the brace a bit.
-
Thanks for the tip, Bent. I'll go see how bad those are going to crimp the wallet... You know, it is amazing how much "stuff" you can find to do/add to a project while waiting on the big ticket items.... I haven't even gotten back to the belly of this thing to build the skid plates, replace the next to last crossmember that is rotted out, rocksliders, finish the body lift, etc...
Oh, the 2nd Gen brace actually sits a good 3" ABOVE the intake tube, so I don't think that it is going to need much strecthing on the legs. I'll get a better picture of it to show you what I mean...
-
Here you go...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2312.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2313.jpg)
Also a couple of shots of my "new" License plate lights, since the "Hood" was broken off, and how a 32" tire looks mounted with NO body lift and in the center of it, my extra reverse light.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2311.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2310.jpg)
A couple of shots of how the reverse lights look now...
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2315.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2316.jpg)
Can you see me NOW??? 8)
-
Good stuff, the little details are as important as the big stuff like lifts etc, imo.
-
Those Cheby exhaust flanges are only about $3 from Jegs.
-
Plus shiping/handling of, what is it now, another $10? I think that I am going to try the local Carquest/Napa before I start hacking up that much for simply "S&H" purposes. If nothing else, I can simply template the bolt pattern. Heck, I think that I will go that way, as I need to make some templates anyways for the roofrack that I want to make.
-
Okay. So it has been awhile since I have updated the thread, so here is some for now, with pictures being posted after the camera charges. The "Rhino" is now sitting on 32x11.50x15 mud tires, finishing up the exhaust system, and the fun part... re-working the shifters so that they actually DO shift, since the body lift kinda sucked the Xcase shifter through the floor, and the tranny is stuck in 1st gear. Oh, and I went ahead and stuffed the fueltank up higher. It is SO nice to not see the fueltank hanging down anymore.
-
Okay. Here are the most recent pictures, as promised last night.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2336.jpg)
What I stole the tires/wheels off of ( you can see the theft in progess, if you compare the wheels ).
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2335.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2337.jpg)
All 4 installed. FWIW, putting a B/L on by yourself BLOWS, esp. when you go to "square" the body back up on the frame.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2338.jpg)
WHAT gastank hanging down??? :-*
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/ijir/Rhino/DSCF2339.jpg)
Pretty much covers my thoughts on the subject.
Well, back to work...
-
Been playin' around with the "Rhino" and I am going to have to "adjust" the lower balljoints location to make room for the 32's to be able to turn. I also had to replace the blower fan, since it decided to lock up on me. I dug around in the parts pile and came up with a fan from a mid-90s' Cavalier. It fits in the housing, bolt holes liine up perfectly, the fan is a little bit taller, but, this thing moves some SERIOUS air. I kicked it on "high" and it moved enough air to blow the owners manual off of the dashboard. This ought to be really nice next winter!
-
Tomorrow is the big day: test drive time. Hopefully, she will do what she should, and NOT what I dread. :-\ I still need to figure out the high idle problem, but that will be after the test run. See ya' back here later with updates, and, hopefully, some pictures of the run. ;D
-
good luck with 'er
-
Well. Today DEFINATELY had mixed results. Good things about today: made it back home own her power, survived standing on her spare tire rack while trying to climb out of the creek, saw NOTHING but SKY and one lone bird. :o only blew one front axleshaft. Bad things: NEED to replace tailgate, driverside taillight, driverside seat (was grey, is now Biological Brown) one axleshaft needs replaced, engine fan decided to say hello to radiator. Oh, and the clutch is REALLY not happy with me after the attempted hill climb. All this because I decided to leave the creekbed where the sandrails do: up a 8-9 FOOT 60-65* angled slope. Lesson learned for the day: Trackers ARE NOT crazy about trying to go vertical, and WILL show their displeasure, given the chance.
-
But did you make it?
-
Yeah, about 4 feet over to the righthand side. The slope is not near as bad, but it will still get your attention. You have to run&gun to make it. I will put some pictures up later of the slopes, and the poor "Rhinos'" tail. Time for some rear armour!
-
Lets see some of those pictures!!! ;D
-
I will get some pictures up, but it might be awhile. My computer decided to make like a BIG BANK and C R A S H. I have had to dig out my old computer, and the card reader is no good, so I have to go buy a USB style card reader. I have also been working on building some rock-rails from an old twin tube bumper that I have chopped up for the tubing. I am still trying to find some decent steel to make a rear bumper out of, probably with a stinger style spare tire carrier so that I hopefully won't have to re-do the tailgate again.
-
AAGGHHH!!! STUPID F'KING rain. GO AWAY allready. >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( My garage is flooded out ( dirt floor) and I can't seem to get a break from the rain long enough to do anything. I have managed to build and install the rockrail for the drivers' side. I just need to finish welding it on, then I can start on the other side. Since I can't do much outside ( see complaint above ) I went ahead and upgraded the O2 sensor to a 3 wire style using a pigtail from a Ford truck and the O2 sensor for a 89 Bronco. Seems to work quite well, as the ECU seems to hit "open loop" quicker. Started laying out the basis of the rear bumper, will try and get some pictures of everything up soon.