As I understand it, the basic 2" (or thereabouts) TrackKick suspension lift involves a combination of longer springs, longer struts (or reversed top mount) and brackets to lower the front axle.

The Old Man Emu system uses longer coils and struts while the Calmini uses the original length struts with reversed top mounts along with the axle lowering brackets. Both use longer springs in the rear.

Okay so far?

So the burning question is this:  What is the significance of Calmini's lowering brackets in terms of driveline wear?  I see the potential increase in flex from the longer OME, but not lowering the axle would (with Calmini's brackets) would cause sharper angles of articulation on the halfshafts during flex.  It would seem to me that OME struts in combination with Calmini brackets would give better halfshaft wear along with improved front flex.

Anyone got a comment on all this?  I'm thinking of a suspension lift on my '93 Sidekick 4dr JLX


Ack

get 2" spacer for ur coils, flip the strut mounts and new rear shocks it will be fine. rocky roads lift does the same thing but there struts r longer and don't use spacers. many people here and on other sites run this combo. tj coils and drill out the centers or pick up some that r made for kicks. however none of them r 2". also the rocky road struts correct the camber and u will need to pick up a set of camber bolts. good luck

I'd think that adding the OME struts and springs to the Calmini 2 inch lift might just be the best of both worlds for the front.

For the rear end, I'd probably stick with an all Calmini 3" lift configuration.  The Calmini A-arms and Control arms just can't be beat.

~Nate

Expensive, paying for 3 lifts...  But you'd get the most travel out of this arrangement for bolt on, manufactured parts.

The 2" Calmini kit doesn't lower the front diff casing as far as the 3" (apparently).  Lowering the diff casing puts a better angle on the CVs but seems to put more leverage on the casing's mountings leading to more failures. The Calmini arms are wider which restricts the maximum drop (the CVs are further extended) so strut spacers and longer struts might not be viable. I am not convinced that the Calmini rear arm is a better solution than a spacer but it does look better. There are pros and cons to all set ups, whatever you choose if you deviate from a 'stock' set up then you should assemble everything loosely without the springs and lower/raise the suspension while turning the steering so you make absolutely sure you're not going to break anything.

Go with the Calmini 3" and you'll be happy.


Kevin

So the burning question is this:  What is the significance of Calmini's lowering brackets in terms of driveline wear?  

as stated above the CV shafts in trac/kicks are not very strong and the only takes alittle to break one.  the more of a angle you put the CV at the higher risk of it breaking.  the diff drops ARE NOT OPTIONAL on lifts over 2 inches.  below 2 inchs they are still stressed but not as likely to break.

stu

I also forgot to mention that this will be mostly a daily driver.

That said, If I just do the longer springs (XL7s) and reverse the mounts on the front, will this screw up the handling much?

I also forgot to mention that this will be mostly a daily driver.

That said, If I just do the longer springs (XL7s) and reverse the mounts on the front, will this screw up the handling much?

How much drop have you got on the back at present? The front should be OK but you will get uneven tyre wear unless you fit the camber correction bolts.

How much drop have you got on the back at present? The front should be OK but you will get uneven tyre wear unless you fit the camber correction bolts.

Right now, everything is bone stock suspension-wise so I don't quite know how to answer your question Rhino.

Where do you get Camber correction bolts?

Right now, everything is bone stock suspension-wise so I don't quite know how to answer your question Rhino.

Where do you get Camber correction bolts?

Jack up the frame and see how far you can get until the tyre lifts off the ground.  If you do a search on the forum I'm sure there were a few suppliers given in a previous thread. Mine wer made in the US but I don't have the number to hand. It is on my website though, under mods, spring lift
http://www.rhinoman.org

ACK, The best set up for you in my opinion would be the Calmini 2 inch kit. It rides great with no bad angles. OME struts could be a good addition if you want more. If you do so you will need to keep the strut plate in the stock position.

Mike

I have the Calmini 2" lift on my Tracker and I love it.  There is an article in the Article Archive that says Topeka Ks.  It is all about how to install the lift.


Cwkick