[jono165]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at buying a new (used) 4wd and am after some advice on the Grand/ normal Vitara's.

I really want a SV420 manual hardtop but these seem very hard to come by so i am starting to consider other options. I want a SWB whatever i get.

I have seen a few swb SQ420 Type1 JLX advertised for a good price but have a few questions. I understand that the SV420 was essentially half grand vitara.
So are these the same as a SV420 but with a different body? Or are they completely different all together in terms of suspension, transfer case etc.

I know a SV420 on grand vitara rims can fit 225/75R16 tyres with a 2" lift would this be the same on the SQ series?

I have heard of problems with the early grand vitara's popping out of 4H. does anyone know if the SV420 has the same transfer case as a SQ420 type1 or was this only a problem with the V6 GV's

here is a SQ420 Type 1 i have seen on carsales for if anyone isnt sure which one i mean.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... &silo=1011

hope you guys can help out
- jono

[Fatzook]

I can't help you with your questions relating to the differences between models, But If you aren't in a massive rush, hold out for the SV420 IMO. It looks heaps nicer

[atari4x4]

the only advantage of the GV's is the steel front diff & thats not applicable on the SWB SQ420 as it alloy like the Vitara's.

the GV runs a 5 link rear suspension, uppers & lowers + panhard, the Vitara runs a 3 link, upper A arm & 2 lowers. the front end is very similar but the GV runs power steering with rack & peanut, the Vitara is PS with typical steering box.

i think the transfer case problem on the GV's was only really with the V6's, not 100% sure about the transfer case on the SV420 & SQ420, but seeing they're sharing the same engine i'd assume they run the same transfercase.

i'n my opinion the GV's look a bit soft/girly & look even worse as a shorty compared the the SV420.

i know you're needing one asap, but be prepared to travel interstate & wait to find the right one. there was a neat LWB SV620 on carsales that has around 80,000kms & was priced to sell.....

[fordem]

atari4x4 wrote:

i think the transfer case problem on the GV's was only really with the V6's, not 100% sure about the transfer case on the SV420 & SQ420, but seeing they're sharing the same engine i'd assume they run the same transfercase.

The SQ series & SV series use different transmissions & transfer cases.

The SQ series, both V6 & I4 share the same t/case, whilst there are two t/cases used in SV series, one for the diesels and the other shared by both the V6 & I4 gasolene engines.

[atari4x4]

thanks fordem, i was never really up to speed with the SQ's


i just noticed your from.... Guyana? as in South America!!!

G'day from South Australia.

[fordem]

Good day to you too - yes - Guyana as in South America.

I drive an SQ420 Grand Vitara, my brother in law has the SV620 V6 Vitara - I'm reasonably familiar with both, and I used the parts manuals to confirm my suspicions.

[jono165]

Thanks guys that clears a few things up. I think I'll definately just wait for a nice sv420 to come up they do look soo much better.
Thanks for your help
jono

[Fatzook]

jono165 wrote:

Thanks guys that clears a few things up. I think I'll definately just wait for a nice sv420 to come up they do look soo much better.
Thanks for your help
jono