Hi all,

I'm considering the "upgrade" to my kicks drivetrain as outlined here
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_090103/feature_sidekickdrivetrainimprovements.htm

In my circumstance, (a '91 tracker with automatic), I was thinking of using a 5.12 gear ratio (this is lower than the 4.62 I have with the automatic). So the stock manual ratio from a GV gets me geared ...

So, would the plan be to hunt up a GV front and rear axel assemblies, get a locker installed into the GV rear, and then when all ready, just swap the stock for the new GV components?

Any gotchas I'm going to have to consider (trackwidth?, bolt up issues?, etc)?

Do I want a GV front, but a kick rear (or are the rears identical)?

While I'm at it, should I grab the GV springs too (extra lift, but perhaps to stiff)?

Would luv to hear from someone who's done this. I'm just getting into mods on my kick (picked it up last weekend!), so I figure to sort out the drivetrain stuff this winter (hunting for parts, etc). (spring spacers, 2" BL, to run 30" or 31" ...)

Rob

AFAIK, the GV rearend is identical to the kick's. No need to swap yours out.

The front housing is identical as well, just made from a different material. Straight bolt-in.

AFAIK, the GV rearend is identical to the kick's. No need to swap yours out.

Other than I want the 5.12 gears ... plus something on the bench to fit a locker into.

The front housing is identical as well, just made from a different material. Straight bolt-in.

Sounds good to go then.

Other than I want the 5.12 gears ... plus something on the bench to fit a locker into.

All manual track/kicks minus one weirdo in 89 with the 1.3L motor come with 5.12 gears.

You can buy a 5.12 third member and have it on the bench to put a locker in. And, a track/kick is WAY easier to find in a junkyard and cheaper than a GV. You can even order third members from Brent at Trail Tough for a good price.

Heather

Hi all,

I'm considering the "upgrade" to my kicks drivetrain as outlined here
http://www.zukiworld.com/month_090103/feature_sidekickdrivetrainimprovements.htm

In my circumstance, (a '91 tracker with automatic), I was thinking of using a 5.12 gear ratio (this is lower than the 4.62 I have with the automatic). So the stock manual ratio from a GV gets me geared ...

So, would the plan be to hunt up a GV front and rear axel assemblies, get a locker installed into the GV rear, and then when all ready, just swap the stock for the new GV components?

Any gotchas I'm going to have to consider (trackwidth?, bolt up issues?, etc)?

Do I want a GV front, but a kick rear (or are the rears identical)?

While I'm at it, should I grab the GV springs too (extra lift, but perhaps to stiff)?

Would luv to hear from someone who's done this. I'm just getting into mods on my kick (picked it up last weekend!), so I figure to sort out the drivetrain stuff this winter (hunting for parts, etc). (spring spacers, 2" BL, to run 30" or 31" ...)

Rob

AFAIK for the housing you will need an XL7 housing for it to be steel, and the GV (with the manual) third member for it to work in the front. THEN you will have to install a samurai 4 pin carrier to be able to get it to work with the 22 spline front axles.

Eric, what's your take on this? I know there is an article on this site somewhere too.

Heather

I used a complete GV 2.5V6 steel axle in mine. You can retain the 22 spline shafts if you wish by fitting the complete Track/Kick diff assembly into the GV carrier. I've not heard of anyone needing to fit any Sammy parts. I had 5:83 gears fitted in the GV diff and used the 26 spline shafts - much stronger (its really only the US passenger side that matters as the other side is bolt up). As I retained the GV diff I had to fit the electric pump that engages it, the pump is wired to the 4wd switch.

That's what I was hoping to hear ... i.e. use the entire GV axle and diff, and get the 26 spline shafts as well as the steel housing. Even simpler for me since I don't plan to regear.

Thanks for the tip about the pump to engage it.

Rob

you can get 26 spline parts from 96 and up trackers.  

"As I retained the GV diff I had to fit the electric pump that engages it, the pump is wired to the 4wd switch"
why do you need a pump for?

stu

I used a complete GV 2.5V6 steel axle in mine. You can retain the 22 spline shafts if you wish by fitting the complete Track/Kick diff assembly into the GV carrier. I've not heard of anyone needing to fit any Sammy parts. I had 5:83 gears fitted in the GV diff and used the 26 spline shafts - much stronger (its really only the US passenger side that matters as the other side is bolt up). As I retained the GV diff I had to fit the electric pump that engages it, the pump is wired to the 4wd switch.

Thanks for the update.

That's what I was hoping to hear ... i.e. use the entire GV axle and diff, and get the 26 spline shafts as well as the steel housing. Even simpler for me since I don't plan to regear.

Thanks for the tip about the pump to engage it.

Rob

You'll have to regear as the GV ratios are too high (something like 4.4:1).
The GV has an air actuated diff rather than the more conventional manual/auto hubs, hence the need for the pump. You can fit FWH as well if you don't want the driveshafts turning (handy if you break one).

You'll have to regear as the GV ratios are too high (something like 4.4:1).

I had just noticed looking at www.car-part.com that the ratios were not what I originally thought. Looks like the XL-7 did have a 5.12 ...

I'm actually thinking now I might not try to do the iron  housing, and just get some 5.12's from someone who regeared to 5.83, and put them in with a locker (much cheaper probably too).