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Vitara handling issues

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Vitara handling issues
« 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. 
2003 Suzuki tracker 4d 5sp 2.0 “piglet”
Deleted air 4wd system, Manual hubs, 2” lift, 235/75,

Old ride: 1997 X90 “jellybean” best lil car I’ve ever had

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Online fordem

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Re: Vitara handling issues
« Reply #1 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.
« Last Edit: December 23, 2017, 05:49:19 PM by fordem »
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Offline WVzuk

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Re: Vitara handling issues
« Reply #2 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.
1994 4dr Sidekick: 3inch Zukination lift, 30x9.50 mud tires, snorkel, ARB rear locker, homemade bumpers

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Re: Vitara handling issues
« Reply #3 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
2003 Suzuki tracker 4d 5sp 2.0 “piglet”
Deleted air 4wd system, Manual hubs, 2” lift, 235/75,

Old ride: 1997 X90 “jellybean” best lil car I’ve ever had

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Offline WVzuk

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Re: Vitara handling issues
« Reply #4 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.
1994 4dr Sidekick: 3inch Zukination lift, 30x9.50 mud tires, snorkel, ARB rear locker, homemade bumpers