ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: SNAFU on August 30, 2005, 07:30:59 PM
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Hello all, my first post here. Awesome forum. Luckily I was referred here by some nice people on the offroad.com zuke board. I'm buying a 97 5 speed 2dr Tracker 4x4 with convertible hardtop. Its going to be a daily driver but I also would like to do some light to moderate wheeling with it. For now I don't want any lift other than what tires will provide. I'm thinking hard about 235/75/15 BFG TAs. I hear they are the biggest that will fit a stock truck. I'm also considering 30.9s as I hear only mild hammering is needed. Is this good information or am I off base? Also, if I go with the 30.9s will the 16v engine be enough to pull hills on the highway in 5th? If not will an intake/exhaust add enough power? Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks!
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In my experience, 215-75-15's on the stock silver steel wheels rubbed the frame when turning. I could have adjusted my steering stops to fix this, but I need all the turning radius I can get. That said, you might want to invest in a set of rims that sit out a little further from the frame with bigger tires. I would suggest 15x7" rims with around 3.75" of backspacing for either 235's or 30's. They'll clear better...
The 16 valve should have plenty of power to turn the bigger tires. I don't know for sure if you could pull hills in 5th still, though. Depends on the hill. LOL! And intake/exhaust upgrades certainly wont hurt at all.
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I've been running 235/75s with 15x8 rims and 3 3/4 off-set
on my 97 Kick with no lift.
It rubs a little bit on the front bottom bumper at full turn but it trims up easily.
and a little in the rear when loaded down.
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/97%20Sidekick%20close%20up%20%201%2003%2005%20(2).jpg)
Heres my 95 2dr (way back when) with 225/75s on 15x7s (whatever stock offset for the wheels where then)
NO rub anywhere and looked alot better than stock.
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/496000-496999/496556_40_full.jpg)
I really liked this pic.
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I ran 235 tires for years on stock rims,
ya, they rub a bit, who cares, they look
great and the power is still good.
Wild
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Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll go with 235s and if there is rubbing I'll deal with it. :)
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I have a 97 two door, five speed. I needed a two inch lift to clear my 235 BFG's. They still rub a little do to the wheel offset.
It drives much better with the bigger tires. You won't be disappointed!
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/Zigshot.jpg)
Cwkick
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Will you have the power to pull the hills in 5th gear?
Boy, is THAT a loaded question!
Let me tell you about MY expertise in this area.
Elevation above sea level MATTERS.
I live 9,000 feet above sea level (2,727 Meters, for you metric folks).
My STOCK 4-door with the 1.6L 16 Valve engine can't make it up to the Eisenhower tunnel on I-70 (elevation about 11,000 feet - 3,353 Meters) in 5th gear. It's down to 4th or even 3rd on STOCK TIRES.
My 2-door 1.6L 16 Valve - the Gnewt - with 31 X 10.50's (soon to be 33's) even with the 5.83:1 Ring and Pinion gears, is DEFINITELY down to 3rd gear, and maybe even 2nd on a bad day.
Don't worry so much about climbing those hills. You'll survive a downshift!