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Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets

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Offline entities

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Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« on: April 17, 2011, 04:16:11 PM »
So I pretty much pieced together an entire 3" Calmini kit (wasn't really expecting to) minus the front third rear mount.  I didn't know I was missing it until I went to install the front dif drop brackets, it puts the front third rear mount at least an inch too far back to get it mounted to the subframe.  Looking around a bit I've heard some people say to loosely mount the rear first and then pry the front dif into position to get the drop brackets to fit.  Has anyone else dont this?

Other things I was thinking was to see if Alter Ego would sell me just the mount they sell with their diff drop kit.
http://www.alteredegomotorsports.com/tracker-suspension.html

Or try this solution from Mud Child.
http://www.srcustoms.ca/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=21&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=56

I've heard getting individual parts from Calmini is about impossible, so I'm not evening going to try to get their mount from them.

-Chad
1992 Suzuki Sidekick 8V - 3" Calmini (widened and moved forward)- 2" BL - 31"s - 4.24:1 Transfer Case gears - Rear Lockrite locker

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Offline bentparts

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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2011, 04:24:56 AM »
Try using the stock mount, but remove some of the rubber so it drops the rear of the diff. In my home made diff drop I made my own front drop brackets and did that with the rear. works fine.
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Offline Drone637

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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2011, 07:48:18 AM »
BRD HNTR found the easiest way to make extended diff mounts was just to cut the mount off the frame and move it down two inches. 
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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2011, 02:22:57 PM »
My mount went missing, I just cut down the stock rubber and the metal sleeve - its not great but it works.
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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2011, 03:23:55 PM »
Thanks all, I had tried cutting a bit of rubber but probably not near enough, will hopefully get some garage time tonight to work on it a bit more.

-Chad
1992 Suzuki Sidekick 8V - 3" Calmini (widened and moved forward)- 2" BL - 31"s - 4.24:1 Transfer Case gears - Rear Lockrite locker

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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2011, 08:31:06 PM »
Finally got it!  Quite the pain...  In there really tight now.

Thanks for the advice and knowledge that it was possible!

Truck is getting close to be ready!

-Chad
1992 Suzuki Sidekick 8V - 3" Calmini (widened and moved forward)- 2" BL - 31"s - 4.24:1 Transfer Case gears - Rear Lockrite locker

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Offline bentparts

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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2011, 05:26:26 AM »
Should have mentioned while your down there, build a brace for the diff, similar to mudchilds or several others here, to keep that diff from twisting and breaking.
The usual stuff, and 2nd generation Air to liquid intercooled TURBOCHARGER

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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #7 on: April 23, 2011, 02:24:45 PM »
Should have mentioned while your down there, build a brace for the diff, similar to mudchilds or several others here, to keep that diff from twisting and breaking.

Yeah, I've looked at a lot of the stronger solutions but I got plenty to do yet so I'll just fix it if/when I break it...

Chad
1992 Suzuki Sidekick 8V - 3" Calmini (widened and moved forward)- 2" BL - 31"s - 4.24:1 Transfer Case gears - Rear Lockrite locker

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Offline ncspack7civic

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Re: Help with Calmini Front Diff Drop Brackets
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2011, 02:13:02 AM »
Should have mentioned while your down there, build a brace for the diff, similar to mudchilds or several others here, to keep that diff from twisting and breaking.

This is a must if you run the aluminum housing! I broke mine in no time at all. Also make sure you lock tight bolts into the housing!!