[fordem]

Does any one have (or have access to) an unmolested 2.0 Grand Vitara - a '98 would be preferable, but anything from 98~05 will do (beggars can't be choosers).

I need to know the ride height - measure from the lower edge of the wheel rim please - in a straight line through the wheel center to the arch above - on all four corners (this method eliminates the tire size & pressure as variables).

I've just discovered that none of the shocks are original - I knew the rear ones weren't (they are Monroe Adventure Series), but I've just discovered that the front have also been replaced, and I am now curious as to whether the springs are original or not.

[Built4thrashing]

I can measure the next doors V6 auto for you iof thats any help.

[MacDaddy]

Ok, just measured a stock 03 GV 2.5L Auto, as per your measurement requirements, 690mm front, and 660mm rear, hope that helps...

[fordem]

Much obliged gentlemen - that is a start - but I really don't know if a 2.0 & a 2.5 GV have the same ride height when they leave the factory.

The parts catalogue shows they both use the same rear spring, but the front springs are different - presumably to cope with the increased weight of the engine & transmission (roughly 200lbs).

I get the following

LF - 667 .... RF - 662
LR - 665 .... RR - 667

One of the things that I noted is that the measurements are pretty close - to with 5mm, so there doesn't seem to be any significant sagging.

Another question - what do your front struts have over the piston rods - the part catalogue shows an accordion style boot, but what's there right now is a "semi-rigid" plastic sleeve - imagine the metal sleeve on a rear shock, and you get the idea, except this is made of plastic, being plastic it does have some flex, but is definitely not intended to accomodate changes in length like the rubber accordion ones do.