[swifty_ano]

Calmini release a new product over night.


What are everyone's thoughts on the use of this system? Any concerns?


My concerns are that even with the Diff drop brackets provided, once you install extended struts you already have a cv angle that is starting to look scary.
So what are the real advantages of a shock?

Quote:

Attachment:
SK19950.pdf [845.87 KiB]
Downloaded 3 times
EDSES - Extreme Duty Strut Eliminator System – from CALMINI Manufacturing


From the innovators that brought you the first heavy duty control arm lift system for the Suzuki Sidekick/Tracker platform. We now announce the new EDSES (Extreme Duty Strut Eliminator System) System for the Gen 1 chassis. Because the vehicle is so much more capable with our current lift system, and aftermarket drive train components allow use of tire sizes never imagined, the limits of the stock/aftermarket replacement strut have been surpassed. This new add-on application COMPLETELY eliminates the use of the stock/aftermarket strut by replacing it with an upper control arm & knuckle extension. Addition of this add-on system allows for more total caster for better on road feel, drastically improved camber curve throughout the entire range of wheel travel, and less bump steer than stock. The new conventional shock is mounted to the new upper control arm, and allows you to run any type of shock valving available. With this, a blown shock may need to be replaced, but it will never end your trip or ability to get off the trail. It is fully bolt-on, no welding required. Sold as a complete kit, it consists of: Knuckle extensions, Control Arms & brackets, shock towers & reinforcement brackets, and CALMINI twin tube shocks. Sold as a front only upgrade to the current CALMINI 3” Super Articulation System.

Part #SK19950 fits 89-98 Suzuki SideKick/Geo Tracker

Price $699.95

http://www.calmini.com

[Rhinoman]

Seems like a cool idea I wonder what that does for suspension travel though. The stock system moves in an arc so the drivshaft length doesn't change that much, if the wheel now moves more startight up and down the driveshaft will run out of travel sooner. On the Calmini lift the shaft is already more extended than stock.

[Fatzook]

Bolt on? I'd like to see pics of it fitted.....

[atari4x4]

here's one i prepared earlier

[atari4x4]

good to see they've finally got grease nipples on some of the bushes.

[Fatzook]

I reckon a strut brace would be a nice addition to all that hardware.

[atari4x4]

yeah for sure, would tie it all together nicely and the SV factory one doesn't look like it would work with that bracketometry

[Fatzook]

atari4x4 wrote:

yeah for sure, would tie it all together nicely and the SV factory one doesn't look like it would work with that bracketometry

Not even close.

But it wouldn't be hard to make one that picked up the upper shock bolt.

[joeblow]

Seems like an overcomplication of what is a very simple, well designed front end in the first place.

[Gwagensteve]

joeblow wrote:

well designed front end

Bwahahaha

I'll give you simple. Lets not confuse that with well designed.

Steve.

[got_bar_work]

Would help woth the load ur portals would put on the front end
And allow for a good shock to be run

[SierraDan]

Picture

[DarkHorse]

Fatzook wrote:

atari4x4 wrote:

yeah for sure, would tie it all together nicely and the SV factory one doesn't look like it would work with that bracketometry

Not even close.

But it wouldn't be hard to make one that picked up the upper shock bolt.

Looks like it would be getting close to the bonnet already...

[fordem]

swifty_ano wrote:

So what are the real advantages of a shock?

The OEM front end is a MacPherson strut design which uses the strut as a structural member - a failed strut, depending on the nature of the failure can immobilize the vehicle. In comparison, a shock just provides damping, so a failed shock, will, in most cases, allow the vehicle to be driven to a location where it can be conveniently replaced.

[just_cruizin]

Where does the castor and chamber adjustment come from, everything looks pretty much fixed in it's location

[Fatzook]

just_cruizin wrote:

Where does the castor and chamber adjustment come from, everything looks pretty much fixed in it's location

Shims behind the upper arm. This is how most double A-arm front ends are adjusted.

[atari4x4]

caster has never been adjustable & could camber be done with camber bolts, as per normal?

[just_cruizin]

Wouldn't think chamber bolts would do much in that configuration. Shims as Pete said, looking at it would be the only option for chamber, castor would be a bit difficult but if you say it was never an issue, would haave thought previously this could be refined through the strut tower.

[fordem]

Camber bolts will move the top of the knuckle in/out just as if it was still attached to a strut, so yes, that is still an option.

I don't see why bump steer should be reduced though.

[Polar_Bear]

Would this design now increase the angle of the cv when suspension is fully compressed as hub now moves vertically and not in an arc?

[Rhinoman]

The angle should be less but the shaft would be further extended.

[lee88]

Looks really hard to install... Even with a body lift not sure if its possible to get the bits in behind the strut tower?

[DarkHorse]

Yeah, be much harder with the body on than in those pics.

[Samwich]

Question is.... whos gonna be the first to try it?

[atari4x4]

I nominate you, seeing you don't have the kit already + your Vitara doesn't have the factory strut brace!

[Samwich]

I'll still need to buy the 3" kit haha

[atari4x4]

pretty sure they'll sell you the lot as a kit.

[sideways]

Someone buy me a decent Vitara and I'l buy the kit!

[Samwich]

got a daily driver now, so keen to give it a try. got money aside for the 3" kit anyway, so ill see if this part comes in a kit

[suzukiboy]

I have been looking over this setup thinking about buying one on there black friday sale.

But I don't know if it will fit my Vitara.

I don't think I can get the top bracket in.

I can't see there is enough gap between the shock mount and the shock cover.

Wish manufactures would post up some build/fitting pics.

Here is the bracket.