Suzuki Steve's '97 4-door Sidekick Build (the real build thread)

[meach4x4]

Thanks for all the good info.

Even before I read your friend's stage 3, I was thinking that the most logical route would be to have something like a 225 14" in front and a 200 16" in back. I would think that would give you a fairly level stance, softer ride, and more spring before the shocks bottom on compression.

I'm about ready to do something here to get started. I'll let you know when it all begins.

Gil

 

[sixstringsteve]

well, I picked up my wheels tonight. Brandon did a great job of cutting out the centers with his plasma. Thank you brandon! it looks like i will have my 33s installed tomorrow so I can see how it looks with the right wheels and tires.


Hopefully I can finish up the loose ends and drive it around the block tomorrow. BUt that may be wishful thinking. I think it all depends on if I can kick this cold or not.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I added pics to post #237 for those who wanted to see other trail slayer sidekicks with different spring setups.

 

[iamsparticus]

So what will your frame height be with 33's? The other pics you added on page 16 don't look very tall. Im all for keeping your rig low as possible, if you've ever seen my rig it shows that. At the same time even if you avoid the hard stuff you still might hit the bottom or axles on stuff. I hope it turns out good steve need to wheel it to feel it though

 

[pELYgroso]

page 16 of which thread? there are only 14 pages on this thread...

 

[SAMI]

It's better to navigate by post #, as people may have their setting on how many posts per page different than others.

 

[sixstringsteve]

oops, I forgot. Fixed. it's post 237 that I updated with pictures.

 

[sixstringsteve]

So what will your frame height be with 33's? The other pics you added on page 16 don't look very tall. Im all for keeping your rig low as possible, if you've ever seen my rig it shows that. At the same time even if you avoid the hard stuff you still might hit the bottom or axles on stuff. I hope it turns out good steve need to wheel it to feel it though

I don't know what my frame height will be 'till I get the wheels on it. Don't worry, it'll turn out good. Just remember that I didn't build it to be the most capable vehicle on the trail. I built it for camping, wheeling, crawling, and weekend trips. Kind of a jack of all trades. It'll get me through rattlesnake, possibly constrictor, and 90% of the trails in Moab, so that's good enough for me. that was my goal, I'm sure it'll do that at a min.

 

[nrspence]

Great build thread Steve. It looks like your going to have an awesome multipurpose rig. Im excited to see it in action.
Nate

 

[Bart]

Thanks for all the good info.

Even before I read your friend's stage 3, I was thinking that the most logical route would be to have something like a 225 14" in front and a 200 16" in back. I would think that would give you a fairly level stance, softer ride, and more spring before the shocks bottom on compression.

I'm about ready to do something here to get started. I'll let you know when it all begins.

Gil

MEACH, welcome to the forum. I thought you'd be interested in this build.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'm about ready to do something here to get started. I'll let you know when it all begins.

If all goes according to plan (which it never does), then I'll be able to test it out this weekend at the snakes and let you know what I think of the spring setup.

Steve

 

[THSDragoon]

DANG! this little sidekick is coming along great! i only wish i had been able to be over to learn more instead of having work, and that i had money and a place to do this type of thing. oh well, such is life.

 

[sixstringsteve]

you'll have plenty of time to do all that when you get back.

 

[THSDragoon]

thats true. for all you who dont know what Steve's talking about, i am leaving on my mission soon.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I didn't start wheeling and building rigs 'till after my mission, so you'll have PLENTY of time.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Ok, I need to get this thing drivable by saturday so I can make the snakes trip. But I'm coming down with that stupid cold that everyone's been passing around lately.

So I need help from the locals tonight to finish off a few things because I don't have the physical strength to get it done tonight. Here's what needs to be done:

- Fill diffs and t-case with fluid (I have fluid and a pump
- connect front brake lines
- Connect rear brake lines
- bleed brakes
- attach shocks
- clearance front driveshaft
- attach driveshafts - this may require re-drilling the holes in the pinion flange on the axles.
- Attach airbox

Most of these are 20 min projects, but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to complete it in time without some help (especially now that I'm getting sick).

So if you're local to Lehi/AF/Highland, I'd LOVE some help tonight to get it all buttoned up.

My wife took the tires to get mounted today, so there's a good chance I'll be ready to take it out and test it on saturday.

 

[Marsh99]

Did get those wheels painted already?

 

[sixstringsteve]

No, not yet. I'll probably paint them on Thursday or Friday.

Discount was saying they'd be tough to balance, but I hadn't cleaned them up yet. I'm sure they'll be fine.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks for stopping by to help Mike, I appreciate it.

Tonight was a frustrating night. I got the rear shocks installed, and the airbox put back on, but that's it.

I started to install the front shocks, but they hit the panhard bracket. Maybe my links aren't adjusted right yet and I need to angle my front axle up more. I hope that's the ticket because I"m not sure what I'm going to do if the shock hits the panhard mount.

I broke a hardline on the front caliper (rusted solid), and one of the hydraulic lines was sliced when I got it, so I need to order new front brake lines.

There's no way I'm going to be done by Friday night, so I'm just going to take it easy, take a break, and take my time.

 

[YOUKNOW]

bummer, I wanted to see this in action.