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Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
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Author:  Mikey1st [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Hey Guys,

I've just picked up a 98 Grand Vitara pretty cheap and im wondering what would be the best (not to expensive) mods i could do to make this thing even more fun? The main use of this car will be for weekend driving, Towing dirt bikes or boat and the odd off road fun.

Currently the suspension is stuffed (worn) so i was thinking about doing a small lift kit, Prob 1-2 inches but have been told that this will cause problems with other stuff?

Nudge bar/bull bar with spotties or roof pod with spotties?

What Tyres Would suit the driving i want to do? Something with heaps of dirt traction but wont wear out in 2 seconds on the road.



I know this is a pretty vague question but im just trying to get some ideas.

Cheers
Michael.
Author:  klutched [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
What sort of terrain will you be driving and what cars will/do you want to follow?
Author:  henno [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Speak to dank about lift and get some (somewhat) conservatively sized A/T tyres and Robert is your mother's brother for under $2k.
Author:  klutched [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Nah don't listen to him :thefinger: Just read the whole thing :oops: I tow 3 Dirt bikes every weekend with 32s 3" lift and 2" body lift. Drive along a dirt road to get to where we offload with muddies on, they seem to grip ok. Does get a bit tail happy when driving at 80kph and you hit so off camber road though..... Can't remember the last time I towed the bikes up with my 265/70R16 A/Ts on so can't really say how they go on dirt.

If you want a decent offroader and being a weekender go 3" lift with 245/75R16s. 3" is the biggest I'd go in the front and 4" in the rear, pop in diff drops and a panhard relocator too. Shouldn't have any problems with CV's unless you drive it reallly hard. Is it a manual or auto? If it's an auto good upgrade is a steel front diff, the auto will blow eventually although I did drive on 2" lift and 32s for a while before I blew the diff. Should be able to roll with pootrols on 33s easily
Author:  Mikey1st [ Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
i feel like 5' sounds more expensive then i'm willing to spend on this car.
looking to raise it for no more then about $500 - $600, only paid $2k for the car.
Author:  klutched [ Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Mikey1st wrote:
i feel like 5' sounds more expensive then i'm willing to spend on this car.
looking to raise it for no more then about $500 - $600, only paid $2k for the car.


Won't be able to lift if that cheap if you said your suspension is rooted.

Absolute cheapest way you'll be able to do it is the following:
30mm Coils - $280 delivered
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SUZUKI-GRAND ... ff8&_uhb=1

Dobinson Front Struts - $279 + postage
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dobinsons-Fr ... 0cf&_uhb=1

Or if your struts are fine then can get away with these.

2.25" strut spacers - $60 + postage
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=40378

Holden Camira Rear Shocks (will need to drill out the shock eye to 13mm I believe or get GV bushes fitted) - $111 delivered
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-Rear-Gas-S ... 037&_uhb=1

Then if you want to go higher after you've done that pop in some coil spacers from Bruce on here. Around $150 If I remember correctly
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=6

So looking at around $700+/- for a basic lift kit
Author:  Mikey1st [ Tue Feb 18, 2014 10:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
So just to clarify cause i'm a bit confused with all the links.

My shocks/struts are stuffed so will need replacing.

So best bet would be the 30mm king springs front and back?
with the dobinsons front struts / shocks. Would you recommend any other brand? (OME?)

And mix those with the Camira rear shocks?
Would i need to drill out the hole or can i press the bushes out like in the post?
http://auszookers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=26511

So based on that if my current springs are sagged a littler it should bring me up about 2 inch, what would be a good size tyre for that? 245/75r16?
Author:  klutched [ Tue Feb 18, 2014 12:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Mikey1st wrote:
So just to clarify cause i'm a bit confused with all the links.

My shocks/struts are stuffed so will need replacing.

So best bet would be the 30mm king springs front and back?
with the dobinsons front struts / shocks. Would you recommend any other brand? (OME?)

And mix those with the Camira rear shocks?
Would i need to drill out the hole or can i press the bushes out like in the post?
http://auszookers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=26511

So based on that if my current springs are sagged a littler it should bring me up about 2 inch, what would be a good size tyre for that? 245/75r16?


That's the cheapest way to replace all your suspension yes.

You can press it out if you have the tools too do so, but I just drilled it out and it's been fine for probably over a year now.

Yes could possibly bring you up around 2", if you're not happy with that like I said I'd pop in 1" coil spacers to bring it up a little.

You can run a 245/75R16 but I'd say you'd probably need to chop a fair bit with only a 30mm lift.

EDIT: Also you'll probably need camber bolts too.
Author:  Mikey1st [ Tue Feb 18, 2014 4:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Thanks for the info.
Been susing out some tyres in that size and im stuck between :
Maxxis AT-980
Mickey Thompson Baja Radial STZ
or Coopers A/T 3.


Would those cameria ones be the right ones? or just the type i should be looking for? i read some where that should go for the wagon struts over the sedan for some reason.

Also just bought a Read strut repositioner for the new struts :)
Author:  klutched [ Tue Feb 18, 2014 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Mikey1st wrote:
Thanks for the info.
Been susing out some tyres in that size and im stuck between :
Maxxis AT-980
Mickey Thompson Baja Radial STZ
or Coopers A/T 3.


Would those cameria ones be the right ones? or just the type i should be looking for? i read some where that should go for the wagon struts over the sedan for some reason.

Also just bought a Read strut repositioner for the new struts :)


No experience with A/Ts sorry.

Yep they're the ones I run on my GV. Not sure about the wagon/sedan one.
Author:  Mikey1st [ Thu Feb 20, 2014 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Soooo car went to pedders yesterday and not a good result :(

1. Struts are BEYOND stuffed, left worse then right.
2. Both front lower ball joints stuffed and need replacing, again left worse then right.
3. Lower control arm pivot rubbers stuffed and there is excess movement.
4. CV joints are starting to split.
5. Tyres are stuffed.

6. Brake fluid low.
7. Front rotors stuffed.
8. Front pads stuffed.
9. Needs wheel alignment and balance.

So with all that i got a quote for the lot without doing brakes as i can do them myself and they want $2500 :O!
Does anyone have any experience with these type of issues? Would they be to challenging for the average bloke to do himself?.
Author:  Chop [ Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Have a read here and you'll see that control arms are cheap from the U.S. The ball joints are part of the control arm and can't be replaced.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=42956&hilit=gv+control+arms
Author:  fordem [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Assuming some degree of mechanical experience, and available tools, jack stands, and jack - you can do it in a weekend, with the exception of the alignment and balancing.
Author:  Mikey1st [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 1:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Thanks, can anyone recommend a full lift kit with the control arms and all?
I've done a search on here and online and can only find 2 kits (1 i'm not sure will fit)

the first is from the link Chop posted from Alter ego, but the only one that comes with the control arms is 4.5 inch lift (bit much)
and the other kit is a Calmini but they only appear to make one for the GV 99 onward.

And stupid question, what is LWB and SWB?? google wont tell me.
Author:  Reubs [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Mikey1st wrote:
And stupid question, what is LWB and SWB?? google wont tell me.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=lwb+swb+meaning
Author:  ninjamoses [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
The calmini kit fits fine on 98 models, but I wouldnt really recommend it. The struts are junk and the diff drop brackets aren't much better. Their arms are pretty good - but don't really think the kit is worth it for them alone (I wouldn't buy it again put it that way).

That said, considering you need to buy new arms anyway it might not be such as a bad idea, just don't be surprised when the struts shit themselves within a few months. The calmini arms also have replaceable ball joints which is a pretty big benefit compared to standard ones.

Not a chance I would be paying Pedders that kind of money either. Besides the engines they are simple cars to work on, get the parts and do it all yourself.
Author:  Mikey1st [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 3:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
ninjamoses wrote:
The calmini kit fits fine on 98 models, but I wouldnt really recommend it. The struts are junk and the diff drop brackets aren't much better. Their arms are pretty good - but don't really think the kit is worth it for them alone (I wouldn't buy it again put it that way).

That said, considering you need to buy new arms anyway it might not be such as a bad idea, just don't be surprised when the struts shit themselves within a few months. The calmini arms also have replaceable ball joints which is a pretty big benefit compared to standard ones.

Not a chance I would be paying Pedders that kind of money either. Besides the engines they are simple cars to work on, get the parts and do it all yourself.



The Calmini kit is tempting even if i do have to replace the struts again still alot cheaper then what pedders want.
About to take the car to my Actual mechanic to have a look and decide if all this work is really necessary .



Reubs wrote:
Mikey1st wrote:
And stupid question, what is LWB and SWB?? google wont tell me.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=lwb+swb+meaning


I googled it (not quite the same way) and just got crap. Thanks for clearing it up, and based on that im assuming mine is a SWB?
Author:  ninjamoses [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
No - in your other post you said it was a V6 so you must have the 5 door which is considered a LWB. The SWB is the 3 door Grand Vitaras.

My vote:
- Do the brakes. New pads/rotors/fluid will be $200 tops. Get the parts through 4wd_products on ebay - Greg there is super helpful
- Get a near new set of tyres off Gumtree for a few hundred bucks

Then go have fun with it. Replace the struts if/when they fail completely. If it is all over the road still get the new front arms then.
Until you know where you will be offroading and how often you plan on doing it, I'd be hesitant to spend any more money on it then you need to.
Author:  Chop [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Front arms from these guys :wink:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-LEFT- ... 43ab862732
Author:  Sco-tie [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Calmini struts and shocks aren't even worth the time of installing they die and are stupidly stiff! The kits comes with nice rear coils, fwhs, parnhard rod spacer, new poly bushes. The arms are good as they have replaceable ball joints but they don't offer any castor actually giving -2 castor when stock is +2 making the self centring pretty crappy without large tyres. I've cut and moved mine forwards to get my castor back as they don't have offset bushes for them. Have a read through all the Gv builds on here any you will quickly see what's good and bad. Most of us on here with a Gv know the Gv very well and what works and what's bad.
Author:  camskea [ Sat Feb 22, 2014 12:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Stay away from Pedders!
Is the best advice I can give you mate.
Get a 2nd, 3rd opinion.....
Author:  Mikey1st [ Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Im a bit stuck on the Calmini kit. I think i will go with it even tho the struts are rubbish, ill change them in the future.

The bit im stuck with is nothing advertises that it suits the 98 GV, i sent them an email and they replied that that Do not and have never made a kit to suit a V6 GV.

Any ideas?

Would this be the kit that fits as ive seen other v6 GV on this site running calmini kits.
http://www.calmini.com/detail.php?b=2&m=7&t=1&p=747&n=
Author:  Sco-tie [ Tue Feb 25, 2014 2:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Yep, That's the kit it will fit no problems. Seriously don't bother installing the struts and shocks get the holden ones and dobinson struts save you on labour time and an extra alignment, keep the bushes though the poly will fit on the other shocks. Also make sure you re grease the FWH before install and locktight the bolts holding it. Get camber bolts or even 2 pairs as the arms mess up the alignment. If you order the kit get it from low range off road they are helpful to avoid import tax and best price (was when I got it but the AUS $ may change it). Also the diff drop brackets are rubbish you are better getting the cast ones available, the bent steel one have zero bracing and will bend easily even though they are 10mm plate. Front springs can be a hassle if you plan on running a bull bar and winch they can compress under the load giving you no up travel and a crappy ride. Lets just say the only things from the kit I haven't removed or altered within the 2 years I've had it are the panhard rod relocation bracket, rear springs, extended break line and tie rod ends (although one of my boots has split). The rest I have had to change along the way. Also anything you do put on make sure you paint black before you install it just so you don't end up with a rainbow under the car for the plod patrol.
Author:  Mikey1st [ Tue Feb 25, 2014 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
The amount of people saying how crap the Calmini stuff is, is really turning me off them but they seem to be the only decent kit i can find with control arms etc as i don't really know what i'm looking for if i went to buy it all individually.

Also, Couple questions:
FWH stands for???
Do you have a link to somewhere that sells the dobinson struts that will fit? again i've been searching on these and cannot find any to suit the 98 GV.
Did you change the calmini control arms?
Author:  Sco-tie [ Tue Feb 25, 2014 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Sorry forgot you were a newbie. Fwh stands for free wheeling hubs. Outdoor auto is a stockist of Gv stuff and dobbinsons stuff, also I believe dank on here has suspension stuff you can also look on websites like giz4x4, bits4vits, jimnybits and stores like opposite lock. All those places have kits. What's wrong with getting new arms separate? I cut and shortened the front of te arms to bring the hub forward and put my camber and castor back into line. Stupid as they claim the arms are meat to correct caste and camber without needing camber bolts.
Author:  Mikey1st [ Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
So its been raining in canberra a bit and though i would go to a popular little stuff around mud pit near my house... Had a great time got through all the mud no worries, but need lift kit and muddies BAD!

Then i decided to go down another track..... the entrance to this track had a little bit bigger wash out (basically a big ants nest).... was rolling over it then BANG.... stuck with the mound under then middle of the car with the front left and rear right tyre spinning.
After 30 mins of stuffing around and pumping all the tyre up to about 35 psi to try get them on the ground i manage to get off.
Which brings me to another question, to get off i went full lock to the left, and nudged a bit forward, enough so i could put it in reserve and slam it backward and pop off, The question is will it was in left lock and reverse everything i started to accelerate there was a loud bang coming from the front of the car, Any ideas?

Here is some pictures for a laugh....
Car stuck.
Image

Mound i was stuck on (after getting off)
Image

Dirty car at carwash
Image

Clean car at carwash.
Image
Author:  Sco-tie [ Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Bangs aren't good! Sound like it could be a cv it the diff. Does it make noise when turning in 4 now? Like a clicking sound? Check for play in the cv and front drive shaft
Author:  Mikey1st [ Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Nah no noises or any change to anything driving wise. Sorry other noise it made while on the mound was as if someone was blocking the exhaust ( i was thinking i may have dented it) sorta like no air could get through.

Ill climb under tonight and have a look around. but the bangs were quite loud to the point the misses walked over and said "Im pretty sure you just f**ked your car"
Author:  Mikey1st [ Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
How does this set up for the suspension sound instead of the Calmini kit??


Ebay lower control arms with tie rod ends $510 delivered - downside is these ball joints dont appear replaceable.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LOWER-CONTRO ... 7f1&_uhb=1

Jimnybits 2" / 50mm Extra Articulation Lift Kit - $825 delivered - has 4x springs, rear shocks, diff drops, extended rear brake hose and front strut spacers.
http://www.jimnybits.co.uk/shop/grand-v ... _1182.html

Dobinsons front struts from Outdoorauto4x4 - $345 delivered.
http://www.outdoorauto4x4.com/p/4901097 ... ruts-.html

$1680 total, compared to $1300 total for the Calmini Low Range also advised 3-6 week wait for the calmini which means 6-10 week wait to receive it :( .... grrrrr not sure what to do!!!!!

Does that cover everything?

Ive also ordered DBA rotors and bendex pads :D
Author:  fordem [ Thu Feb 27, 2014 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 98 GV - Need tips on mods.
Mikey1st wrote:
The question is will it was in left lock and reverse everything i started to accelerate there was a loud bang coming from the front of the car, Any ideas?


The GV has a pneumatic front freewheel clutch assembly built into the front differential - under high load circumstances it is possible to get the clutch to slip - depending on the load when it slips, the noise ranges from a relatively mild clunk to a bang that sounds like you broke something expensive - if you were backing up with both front wheels on the ground and one rear in the air, you would have had the full torque load on that clutch assembly - if that slipped it would have been pretty loud.

I believe Suzuki redesigned the clutch assembly a couple of times during the early years, but a 98 GV could have the original mechanism fitted - there are a couple of different fixes, one is to weld the clutch in the engaged position, another is to replace the diff center with one from an earlier Vitara (you need one with a 26 spline side gears - I believe that means 96 or later) along with hybrid axles - part Vitara/part Grand Vitara.
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