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Reno'd my Calmini 2.5" lift

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Offline 4D-SPUDS

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Reno'd my Calmini 2.5" lift
« on: March 30, 2007, 06:16:33 PM »
Well after about 40,000 kms on this kit it was necessary to do a little work.  Thanks to all the info on this forum it was easy.  There are few issues about the Calmini kit that should be reiterated:  The kit does NOT maintain proper wheel alignment, the springs just don't seem right (stiff/oversprung), the struts are el cheapo.  Another potential problem occurs when one wheel is fully loaded and compressed and that same wheel is turned in, the steering tie rod hits the control arm.  Another issue is that the springs slowly settle over time starting at about 4.5" lift down to 2.5".  (Yes Calmini, I used a forklift to jounce the vehicle after installation like your condescending customer agent said and that did nothing - twits)  As this change occurs the camber and toe changes, camber moves in the negative direction and the toe opens up - The geometry causes the effective length of the steering tie rod to lengthen as the Control Arm angle flattens.  This causes excess wear on the inside edge of your front tires.  I realigned the front end 3 times over that 40,000 kms.

So the basic maintenance done was to replace tires, struts and wheel hub/bearing units and torque all fasteners.  I decided to try ARB's Old Man Emu struts.  ;D I can not belive the difference ;D.  I think Calmini puts those crappy struts and springs in the kit so you can break it in and replace it with real parts.  I will definitely be buying the O.M.E. springs.  The interesting thing is that the O.M.E. strut is 1.5" longer than stock and the Calmini strut spacer is 1" this makes about 2.5" increase.   hmmmmmmmmm.

I will post some pics :)
2003 ChevZuki ViTraka: 2.0 L4 M/T, Calmini 2.5", O.M.E. Struts, Spider Trax 1" Wheel Spacer, 30X9.5R15 BFG All-Terrain TA's

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Offline 4D-SPUDS

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Re: Reno'd my Calmini 2.5" lift
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2007, 05:33:55 PM »
Okay, finally got some time to upload some pics for those who don't know :)

I have attached some photo's
#1 shows blown Calmini strut from under.  Notice the amount of travel the system gets from the dust line.
#2 shows how the inside tire will where from the gradual settling of the springs
#3 this shows the comparison between the O.M.E. and the Calmini strut.  After installing the O.M.E. product is far superior
#4 junk for the scrap heap

I am stooopid and can not make nice looking photos on my write up.
2003 ChevZuki ViTraka: 2.0 L4 M/T, Calmini 2.5", O.M.E. Struts, Spider Trax 1" Wheel Spacer, 30X9.5R15 BFG All-Terrain TA's

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Offline 4D-SPUDS

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Re: Reno'd my Calmini 2.5" lift
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2007, 05:47:18 PM »
And here is some more photo's of fun

#1 Getting struts ready to ovalize mount holes that Camber can be adjust for proper wheel alignment.  Notice how I protected these expensive but entirely worth it struts from the menacing teeth of the vice.
#2 Ovalized and ready to put in.  You will probably also have to grind a little bit off the back of the wheel spindle to allow it to move inwards toward the strut.
#3 Here we are reinstalled and ready to align again.... Damn camber
#4 Here is a photo of the front control arm mount/stabilizer that someone mentioned seems to rust faster than the rest of the body.  IT MOST DEFINATELY SEEMS TO.  I am getting the RustCheck out and going to treat the whole vehicle this weekend.  The Magnesium Chloride salt must react with the type of metal they used for that part
2003 ChevZuki ViTraka: 2.0 L4 M/T, Calmini 2.5", O.M.E. Struts, Spider Trax 1" Wheel Spacer, 30X9.5R15 BFG All-Terrain TA's

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Offline 4D-SPUDS

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Re: Reno'd my Calmini 2.5" lift
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2007, 05:55:20 PM »
Final pics for today.  Ready to roll again  ;D .  I think I am going to put on an RRO body lift next and maybe some of the Spidertrax wheels.  I will definitely have to update the springs and rear shocks too.  And since no one offers any steel front and rear bumpers, I may have to have some made.  I also have plans to update the exhaust system.
2003 ChevZuki ViTraka: 2.0 L4 M/T, Calmini 2.5", O.M.E. Struts, Spider Trax 1" Wheel Spacer, 30X9.5R15 BFG All-Terrain TA's

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Offline Trackerprts

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Re: Reno'd my Calmini 2.5" lift
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2007, 06:19:56 PM »
Dont get the RRO body lift .It is only a sky mfrg. sidekick lift. You will need 2 10x1.25x6"bolts.
YOU WILL SAVE MONEY! THERE COSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS TOO!
The break extenders will not work on the Tracker. Just drill a hole 2" below the line and lower it on the front fender.

2" Sidekick Kit - Part # SIDE-BL-02
Price - $119.95
99 Tracker pieced together out of 3 cars.             RR Body and suspension lift ,31 10.5r15
winch bumper,rock sliders