Tracker/Sidekick-based beater ideas

[Greg]

Hey... the Bandit is Mine!

We built it a couple years ago... It really is a pretty capable and impressive rig... (self proclaimed of course)

It is a little bit underpowered, but I didn't intend on having a rock bouncer or a point and pin it machine. I think that I am more of a driver, while visually picking my line and understanding what my rig can do.

I assure you, it is pretty impressive and I knew what to expect as the drive train was removed from my 4 door with 33's. Adding 39's and wheelbase made it pretty dang capable.

Please see my vids on youtube: zuksofhazzard - http://www.youtube.com/user/zuksofhazzard/videos

It's a great rig that does pretty good. As with anything... Everything is For Sale.

Feel free to PM or Email if you are interested. (email may be best, as I'm out of town for work and don't get online as much)

zuksofhazzard@yahoo.com

It's a neat rig for sure, I'm still impressed that the IFS (modded, of course) holds up to 39" Krawlers! I'm surprised that you found our discussion and joined the site, but think it's awesome that you did.

I'm not much for purchasing built rigs, for me building is 3/4 of the fun! But if your serious, might as well post up a classified ad and see what happens.

 

[jr4x]

I just saw this Greg, sorry I dont come in here much. Any way here is mine and yes those are actually UTV tires. The 8V is unnaceptable FYI here is a build thread on. Its currently sitting with a broken strut but I have the calmini upper A-arms to put in it. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/suzuki/1602266-faux-2-my-try-zuk-based-sxs.html

 

[jr4x]

Read that thread and if you want to come check it out you are more than welcome to. Its not close to a RZR XP or a Wildcat. But it is directly comparable to a ranger or a prowler. Its fun its little it rides nice its quiet. I love it, I bought everything new and I have less than 7K total invested in it. It could obviously be done cheaper if you didnt buy bumpers rockers winch etc. I do drive it on pavement and no I dont care that they are not DOT aproved.

 

[Marsh99]

http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/4534187398.html

 

[sixstringsteve]

It's surprising how many people swap a Sami axle into a kick. That's like swapping a tj d30 into a jk. Two steps b ackwards in my mind.

 

[Greg]

I just saw this Greg, sorry I dont come in here much. Any way here is mine and yes those are actually UTV tires. The 8V is unnaceptable FYI here is a build thread on. Its currently sitting with a broken strut but I have the calmini upper A-arms to put in it. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/suzuki/1602266-faux-2-my-try-zuk-based-sxs.html

Read that thread and if you want to come check it out you are more than welcome to. Its not close to a RZR XP or a Wildcat. But it is directly comparable to a ranger or a prowler. Its fun its little it rides nice its quiet. I love it, I bought everything new and I have less than 7K total invested in it. It could obviously be done cheaper if you didnt buy bumpers rockers winch etc. I do drive it on pavement and no I dont care that they are not DOT aproved.

No worries John, I appreciate your experience with a similar built vehicle. Like I said at the beginning of this thread, I don't expect a Sidekick to perform anything like one of the performance-oriented side by sides, more of a cheap desert explorer that would be semi capable in Moab.

I've always understood that the 16v engine is worth holding out for, while the 8v engine may get the job done, its not the best option.

http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/4534187398.html

I actually like the idea of keeping the IFS, rather than swapping in a solid axle. The idea here is to keep it cheap, simple and low. I don't think that swapping in a solid axle fits that train of thought and seeing that people are building capable IFS rigs makes me feel hopeful that the idea has merit.

 

[jr4x]

I actually like the idea of keeping the IFS, rather than swapping in a solid axle. The idea here is to keep it cheap, simple and low. I don't think that swapping in a solid axle fits that train of thought and seeing that people are building capable IFS rigs makes me feel hopeful that the idea has merit.

There are two companies that make some very good IFS replacement parts for these. Calmni has a bad reputation for service but their parts are of very good quality. If I could do anything I would use a Harsh terain lift kit and because you can opt out of using their struts, I would then mix and match the HT lift with the calmini upper A-arms and their anvil front third member housing. The harsh terain lift moves the front tires forward getting them away from rubbing on the firewall. I used the calmini lift because it was plenty of lift for my tire size and I got a good deal on a brand new kit. I took this thing on Kane Crk easter weekend and it is amazing how nimble it is. The JK's in our group struggled on the rocks where the tracker just blasted through. The JK's could tow it faster than it can drive on the highway however. I realy do like the ride of the IFS as well as the increased clearance up front over the solid axle.