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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Phase change on December 18, 2017, 05:49:08 PM

Title: Vitara handling issues
Post by: Phase change on December 18, 2017, 05:49:08 PM
Okay I’m sorting out my 2003 tracker and I’m womdering if anyone can help with some handling issues.  I’ve lifted it 2” with a coil spacer kit and put new shocks on back.  I ran without sway bar for a while and decided it had too much roll so I wrestled the sway bar back on.  This wasn’t easy but I managed to do it.  That improved things a lot but it still has a bit of initial lean on corners, then it takes a set and holds it fine but I’d like to get the initial turn feel to be more planted.  I don’t want to ruin the off road prowess in the process but ?

SO, the things I’m tossing around in my head are
1 wheel spacers
2 wider wheels with same tires
3 wider wheels with different tires
4 ?

The wheels are stock tracker alloys. Are they 6.5” or 7” wide?  The tires are 235/75-15 Goodyear wrangler AT. 
Title: Re: Vitara handling issues
Post by: fordem on December 19, 2017, 04:54:12 AM
You've run into the reason I don't like coil spacer lifts - a higher center of gravity with the same spring rate will always result in increased roll.
If the problem is body roll, which I suspect it is, none of the proposed changes will have any impact - you could try stiffer springs or a stiffer sway bar.
Title: Re: Vitara handling issues
Post by: WVzuk on December 19, 2017, 05:53:07 AM
The Zukination 3" springs made my Sidekick handle a lot better than with stocks springs and spacers.
Title: Re: Vitara handling issues
Post by: Phase change on December 19, 2017, 08:32:34 AM
Yeah that might be the case.  I’ve not had that problem before with spacers though, my old Suzuki was fine with them.  Maybe 2”is too much lift
Title: Re: Vitara handling issues
Post by: WVzuk on December 19, 2017, 11:01:02 AM
Its a mild amount of lift but I think maybe the method makes the handling off.  I know its expensive but I bet some 8" wheels and solid springs would transform the handling. Look into full spring options vs the spacers and I think it will improve.