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1990 Tracker tintop build

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Offline djlantis57

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1990 Tracker tintop build
« on: May 08, 2009, 11:30:38 AM »
So I'm planning on using a Calmini 3" lift.  I don't prefer to add the 3" body lift for 6" total...it seems like the radiator is blocked by the bumper too much.  AND I'm gonna be using this thing as a local trail rider, nothing serious, and not for much crawliing either...and I like the simple look of Trackers with the 3" kit on them.  MY question for you all here is:
Calmini advertises that their 3" kit will fit a 30" tire.  I've seen guys running 31x10.50s with this kit on a lot of these forums.  FOR my practicality, without doing anything extreme, will those 31s rub horribly, or if I keep my driving mild, will they be ok?  
Or should I just stick with a 30x9.50???
Cause BFG's KM2 is available in a 30x9.50...as well as the Hankook DynaPro MT RT03...
KEEP in mind that I am running a 235/75r15 right now on a STOCK height 2dr hardtop 1990 Geo Tracker, and those 235s RUB during STREET driving.
I'm wondering what issues I'd have with the 31s...
« Last Edit: July 26, 2009, 01:39:56 AM by djlantis57 »
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things.  Right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
90 Tracker LSi 2dr tintop 5spd: slow toy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Pontiac G8 GT: fast toy
90 Tracker LSi 2dr 5spd: SOLD.......95 Tracker 2dr 5spd: parts..........90 Sidekick JX 5spd: HI, my name's DJ and I have an addiction.........93 Tracker 2dr 2wd 5spd: PS donor/poss. 4x4 swap from 95 parts

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Offline Hillbillydave

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2009, 03:59:28 PM »
I'm running 31x10.5's on 10" rims with a 2" spacer in the front and a 2 1/2" spacer in the rear. the front tires rub occasionally on full tuck. I did some slight trimming on the rear fenders, but that was due to the wide rims. I think you would be fine with the 31's.
'89 sidekick 1.3L 3" blue suspension parts, custom strut extensions 31x10.5 Mud Trac's on 10" rims rear fenders trimmed, lincoln locked rear, Rochester Carb on custom adapter
93 Sammy project, SPOA with 34's, 5.12's, welded, in the works

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Offline djlantis57

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2009, 04:16:22 PM »
Yes, I believe my rears rub right now on the top of the fender lip.  I'm running 235s on stock height now (bought that way).  I hit an intersection too fast, and the fronts rub inside lining, rears rub the fender lip when bottoming out.
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things.  Right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
90 Tracker LSi 2dr tintop 5spd: slow toy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Pontiac G8 GT: fast toy
90 Tracker LSi 2dr 5spd: SOLD.......95 Tracker 2dr 5spd: parts..........90 Sidekick JX 5spd: HI, my name's DJ and I have an addiction.........93 Tracker 2dr 2wd 5spd: PS donor/poss. 4x4 swap from 95 parts

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Offline djlantis57

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2009, 04:18:43 PM »
HillbillyDave, what is your backspacing on those 10" rims?
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things.  Right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
90 Tracker LSi 2dr tintop 5spd: slow toy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Pontiac G8 GT: fast toy
90 Tracker LSi 2dr 5spd: SOLD.......95 Tracker 2dr 5spd: parts..........90 Sidekick JX 5spd: HI, my name's DJ and I have an addiction.........93 Tracker 2dr 2wd 5spd: PS donor/poss. 4x4 swap from 95 parts

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Offline djlantis57

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2009, 11:58:11 PM »
How well would the clearance be if I installed both the Calmini 3" suspension kit and Sky Manufacturing's 1-inch body lift?  Would that fit 31x10.50 good enough?  I don't want to run into gearing issues (it's a stock 5spd=5.12:1) would 30x9.50 on 3" be better then?
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things.  Right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
90 Tracker LSi 2dr tintop 5spd: slow toy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Pontiac G8 GT: fast toy
90 Tracker LSi 2dr 5spd: SOLD.......95 Tracker 2dr 5spd: parts..........90 Sidekick JX 5spd: HI, my name's DJ and I have an addiction.........93 Tracker 2dr 2wd 5spd: PS donor/poss. 4x4 swap from 95 parts

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Offline cowboymike

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2009, 06:16:20 AM »
I have the rocky road rocksteady lift kit on my 1990 tracker. It has a 2" body lift and 2.5" suspension lift and I run 31X10.5" tires. I had to do some trimming on the front fenders but it doesn't bind in turns or under compression.  I also run 8" rims with 2.5" backspace to widen the stance and help with clearance issues. 
1990 Tracker-4.5" Rocksteady Lift, 2.5" backspace wheels, 31" tires, Centerforce Clutch, Doug Thorley header, Trail Tough bumpers, warn 9500# winch

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Offline djlantis57

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #6 on: May 13, 2009, 12:28:49 AM »
WOW so even with 4.5" the 31s rub?  I have yet to remove my rims and find out the backspacing, but I plan on keeping them...they're a 15x7 black steelie, and unless I find a few for REAL cheap...the ones I got are fine.  Maybe add wheel spacers for a cheap fix if anything.  Thanks for the info Mike
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things.  Right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
90 Tracker LSi 2dr tintop 5spd: slow toy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Pontiac G8 GT: fast toy
90 Tracker LSi 2dr 5spd: SOLD.......95 Tracker 2dr 5spd: parts..........90 Sidekick JX 5spd: HI, my name's DJ and I have an addiction.........93 Tracker 2dr 2wd 5spd: PS donor/poss. 4x4 swap from 95 parts

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Offline Bryce132

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #7 on: May 13, 2009, 01:24:00 PM »
Hey

the 1inch body lift is pretty pointless, i dont seee why the Calmini combo 6'' wouldnt be the way to go. I run 31's on mine now with 2-2.5 suspension lift and 2.5 body with no prob, trimmed them anyway to make it look right.

Bryce

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Offline Drone637

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #8 on: May 13, 2009, 05:33:29 PM »
With a 1" lift you don't have to do a lot of extra modifications like you do with a 3" lift, such as the steering column , brake lines, etc.  It gives you just the extra bit of space you need.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline Bryce132

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2009, 07:10:48 PM »
I just think its silly to go through all the hassel of it for only 1'' of lift which is not much on these things, need alot to clear just 31's
The efford/reward ratio is just not there. Dont have to mess with much for 2'' atleast.

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Offline lui

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2009, 03:58:10 PM »
I'm new to this forum. Not happy with my 1.6 motor, thinking of replacing for more power, any suggestions. Not mechanically inclined and will have to get mechanic to do the job. lui

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Offline Jeremiah

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2009, 05:24:40 PM »
djlantis57,
The problem is manufacturers lie. A lot. It's common practice for tire manufacturers to be off by +/-1", and a few are +/-2". So, your 31" might fit, and someone else's might rub. That's why the manufacturer only claims to clear 30" tires.

That said, a 3" lift should be more than adequate for MOST 31" tires. Some will even fit with the OME 1.5" lift kit. I have 29" tires on my 4-door and don't need any more clearance or larger tires. If anything I need a locker. There's a guy around here on 29" tires in a samurai that can kick my butt all day long (in my SPOA'd 31" tire rig) because he's locked front and rear. And a locker (and $200 2" spacer lift) is WAY cheaper than new tires, and Calmini's kit. If you go Calmini (or 2" spacer lift) and experience some rubbing, it's either because your backspacing is wrong, and your rubbing the frame (which lifts won't really help with), or your rubbing a fender / bumper. Just do a little trimming. It's virtually free (if you have basic tools), keeps your center of gravity lower, and looks better anyway.
'96 4 door kick: 29" Pep-Boys M/T, 1.5" OME
'83 SJ410: 31" Toyo M/T, SPOA, 1.3L
'08 Yamaha FZ6

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Offline Jeremiah

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2009, 05:33:04 PM »
I'm new to this forum. Not happy with my 1.6 motor, thinking of replacing for more power, any suggestions. Not mechanically inclined and will have to get mechanic to do the job. lui

If you can't do an engine swap yourself, I hope you've got money to burn. Before you dive into this, you may want to consider a Jeep or Toyota which has more power to begin with, and may end up being cheaper than an engine swap. Or maybe a newer Suzuki with a bigger engine.

The most popular engine swap options are:
2.0L Suzuki, 130 Hp / Torque
2.5L V6, 142HP / 150 Torque
2.7L V6 181HP / 185 Torque
4.3L Chevy
22R Toyota

I don't know why the Buick 318 isn't more popular of a swap. It's close to the 4.3L in power, but lighter and smaller. As I said - unless you're getting a good deal on the engine swap, it's going to be expensive. There's a few who specialize on that kind of thing here (trail tough, aftermarket 4x4). Give them a call to find out pricing.
'96 4 door kick: 29" Pep-Boys M/T, 1.5" OME
'83 SJ410: 31" Toyo M/T, SPOA, 1.3L
'08 Yamaha FZ6

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Offline djlantis57

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #13 on: May 19, 2009, 03:05:42 PM »
I'm about 90% ready to order my parts.  3" calmini suspension.  and some other goodies.  main thing is to get it UP right now, then work on the other smaller items as time goes on this summer.  plan to run open diffs for awhile, i'm pretty confident that I can do what i want with open diffs.  Not doing anything extreme.  Plus, at least for keeping it simple right now, it gives me a chance to enjoy it instead of being torn apart always working on it.  I figure use it, if something breaks, then upgrade.  but use it first to find out where my weakest links are, then go from there. 
My hurry is that I found 30x9.50r15 goodyear wrangler mt/r's for 140 each...and they won't last at the distributor.  so I gotta get those and lift it so it's still driveable
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things.  Right now I am so far behind, I will never die.
90 Tracker LSi 2dr tintop 5spd: slow toy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Pontiac G8 GT: fast toy
90 Tracker LSi 2dr 5spd: SOLD.......95 Tracker 2dr 5spd: parts..........90 Sidekick JX 5spd: HI, my name's DJ and I have an addiction.........93 Tracker 2dr 2wd 5spd: PS donor/poss. 4x4 swap from 95 parts

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Offline BRD HNTR

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Re: NEW USER...1990 Hardtop Buildup
« Reply #14 on: May 19, 2009, 05:35:49 PM »
I am running 30X9.50X15 and lots of lift.  I spaced, increased spring height, and spaced and sprung, and increased springs again.  A good kit will get you there in ONE move.  (Not that I didn't enjoy the process.)  And it really doesn't take too much to run 30".  If you don't have the equipment to modify, or the space to take your time, go with a Kit.  And at least lock up the rear.
93 Tracker,XL7 springs & 1" raised spring pads in front with YJ springs in back, home built bumpers rear & front (w/winch), 2" x 4" rock tubes,  ARB front & rear, converted Sami rear to IFS, 33x12.5x15  aluminum rims, roll cage, 2.7L w/5 speed auto.