[TheRealCJ]

Hey all. I'm thinking about getting some spring spacers and lifting my SWB Vitara another inch.

I'm running 50mm Dobinson coils and shocks designed for a GV, so I don't have to worry about longer shocks or anything, just need the spring spaces and diff drop brackets.

But my question is thus: Is it really worth it? I mean, I'm already running 235/75s, and the only reason I'd lift it further is just to allow for more ground clearance, would it actually provide any benefit, or would the cons outweigh the pros?

[DSzuke]

For the price of some spacers and a bit of your time it would be worth just giving it a go. Easily reversed if you decide to go back.

The diff brackets will set you back a bit though so you'd have to consider carefully before you shell out for them I think.


So you're running Dobinson GV springs in the front and get 50mm lift? Bulbar as well? I've been thinking of trying them in my LWB.

[Bucket]

Lifting your suspension will not increase ground clearance. It might lift the front diff a little but will create bad cv angles.

[TheRealCJ]

DSzuke wrote:

For the price of some spacers and a bit of your time it would be worth just giving it a go. Easily reversed if you decide to go back.

The diff brackets will set you back a bit though so you'd have to consider carefully before you shell out for them I think.


So you're running Dobinson GV springs in the front and get 50mm lift? Bulbar as well? I've been thinking of trying them in my LWB.

Well, I've got a alloy bullbar, quite a large one mind, and I'd say I'm getting about 40-45mm of lift. The rear I'm getting almost the fully 50mm.

[TheRealCJ]

Bucket wrote:

Lifting your suspension will not increase ground clearance. It might lift the front diff a little but will create bad cv angles.

Well, if I did I'd automatically get the drop brackets for the front, hopefully put less strain on the CVs.

[buzbox]

Just ask any chick, If having that extra inch makes a difference

I've got a 3" calmini lift and over a year or so mainly when it was the first few times I drove it offroad and mainly because I didn't know how to drive offroad, I've broken probably 2 CV's, sure it's a pain in the arse but it's not an expensive repair and since then I have lernt it's limitations, I havn't broken a CV in well over 6 months.

But I think it's well worth the extra lift, I've suprised not only myself but a few of the "big" 4WDers on which line I could take.

But again it's all about learning it's limits and knowing when to let off the go pedal. for example, If you lift a wheel, make sure that wheel isn't spinning fast when it touch's the ground otherwise you will break a CV. As well as making sure your not on full lock when your trying to get over that rock.

Do it and enjoy.

[TheRealCJ]

buzbox wrote:

Just ask any chick, If having that extra inch makes a difference

I've got a 3" calmini lift and over a year or so mainly when it was the first few times I drove it offroad and mainly because I didn't know how to drive offroad, I've broken probably 2 CV's, sure it's a pain in the arse but it's not an expensive repair and since then I have lernt it's limitations, I havn't broken a CV in well over 6 months.

But I think it's well worth the extra lift, I've suprised not only myself but a few of the "big" 4WDers on which line I could take.

But again it's all about learning it's limits and knowing when to let off the go pedal. for example, If you lift a wheel, make sure that wheel isn't spinning fast when it touch's the ground otherwise you will break a CV. As well as making sure your not on full lock when your trying to get over that rock.

Do it and enjoy.

Do you have the full Calmini kit, or just the Springs and shocks?

[buzbox]

full "super atriculation kit" expect for the truss thingy, from what i understand it's just so you can use a RTC stabaliser (which you don't need unless you don't have power steering) and somewhere to mount their bash plate.

[TheRealCJ]

Ah, cool. I was looking at that before I got my Dobinsons. Unfortunately, the price coupled with the extra strain on the CVs meant that I went with a smaller lift.

I'm starting to think that I made the right choice, as I'm more leaning into make my car a tourer rather than a hardcore off roader.

[buzbox]

Mine isn't exactly a hardcore off roader, afterall it is a Vit
I guess the only thing mine is missing is 32's and reduction gears but I mainly use it as a "tourer" and obviously some fun weekends away.

I think it was on bits4vits site that he has some good info and cheaper alternatives that you might find handy.

[TheRealCJ]

I might go take a look, thanks.

[Brett]

get some bigger tyres, you need down travel in your suspension to work well off road. with the spacers in you'll have next to none if your lucky