[jono165]

To fit a trimatic you will still need a vit trimatic to start with, the external casing and bell housing is different and they don't have an extension housing on the back, you can just rip a th-180 from a Holden and chuck it on a g16.

Internally the vit trimatic and Holden ones are pretty much the same. I'm pretty sure the bit trimatic can be upgraded to take more clutch packs like the v8 Holden versions.

[stem1]

Does the rear GV diff setup (its 5 link isn't it?) provide more scope for droop that the Vitara 3 link?
Is it feasible to set up the rear diff with more articulation while maintaining the front end within its comfort zone? (maybe set it up so it has the same static 2 ' lift as the front, and how ever much you can get on the droop side, allowing a locked rear to be the business end of the vehicle?

[Bugsta]

Interesting. Never thought to look. That opens up a whole market to sell some of them off

[Gwagensteve]

Stem, I don't really think the rear axle articulation is a weak point in the vitara. There is more than enough flex in the rear bushes and A arm to cause the springs to go loose, at which point any more flex isn't adding any meaningful traction and may actually be harming capability.

Manufacturers design the suspension geometry and links to work within the travel limitations of the spring. GV's have the same spring design, so the suspension is built to work with about 200mm of travel, in the case of both cars.

The upper links on a GV are very short, and fitting it all would be a truck load of work. If you really wanted to gain much travel, it would be wise to consider fitting the whole rear suspension from a car with more travel designed into it, like a Range Rover A arm or Jackeroo three link. (it would be no more work than fitting a GV 5 link) The problem will still be getting springs that are long enough free, but short enough compressed, to work in stock mounts. I've seen plenty of GV's and vitaras that can throw their springs on the ground with stock arms, so I'm not sure if all the work wold be worth it, unless you went to coil overs, where you can stack springs to get the travel range required.

Steve.

[stem1]

so unless you get serious, lockers trump flex.

[Gwagensteve]

No, I'd say regardless, lockers trump flex. More flex makes inexperienced drivers feel secure whilst they are asking for the strap.

Steve.

[stem1]

and their wallet the strap shall have...

[Gwagensteve]

Well, adding significant, properly controlled flex is far more expensive than lockers in any case.

Steve.

[stem1]

Thanks Steve, "I've bin learned"

[stem1]

What year did the swb auto GVs start with the steel diff in the front?

[atari4x4]

never had them due to being 4 cylinder as far as i know.