[robbo]

i want to modify the rear a arm on the vitara to allow more travel for my new shocks. anyone have any ideas or know of someone that has modified it similar to the calmin heim joint? or thaqt could make one up?

these are some pics sent to me on a design

[MART]

That's a fairly easy mod for any shop to do or a lot of guys on here , but not legal as rose,heim joints are not legal unless pacifically engineered for that application , also the wear and tear on that particuliar joint as it sees all the suspension movement may cause premature failure , rose,heim joints don't like sideways movement and maybe another type of joint would be more suitable , I'll post a drawing of what I mean , Cheers Paul.

[robbo]

that would be great thanks. would it be a better idea to somehow make a spacer from the top mount on the diff to the balljoint on the original arm???

[rodw]

This is the path I am going to go down. See:
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,63310.0.html
and:
http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/vi ... 0d989c7c42

There are some mixed thoughts on the drop bracket, but overall, it seems like a good idea. On the front, I was going to drop the diff 30mm, and space the springs and strut down by the same amount.

I have talked to just_cruizin about the strut spacers and the rear spacer, so we'll see if he comes up with a solution. His body lift kit I picked up today is awesome, so I know he'll do a good job...

[MART]

Don't know where your at but Glen Dobbin makes these swivel joints , much stronger than a rose,heim joint. You could weld it to your original or new top diff plate and then cut the top arm and weld in the tube , this will be tough as nails and will give you all the movement you will ever need , you grease it up and lock off the nuts and you will never have to touch it again or until the next mod , this is not the only option , hope this helps , Cheers Paul.

[11_evl]

or you could try this if you really wanted to get creative

[robbo]

thanks for the info and pics paul, looks like it could be a way to go. im in qld not far from brisbane. with the design u posted do u have any measurements or breakdown of all parts???? as well instead of the brass bushings would it be possible to use something like a swivel hub bearing???? thanks Rob

[Grantlington]

or you could do it on the cheap like that!

[MART]

Bearings arn't really suitable as you need a sealed unit to live iin that evironment so if you used tapered bearings you would need seals , even flat bearings would still fill with crap and moisture , the bronze bearing needs little lubrication and is ideal in this situation , not saying there isn't any other way but it's probably the best. What sort of dollars where you thinking of spending , Cheers Paul.

[robbo]

i was expecting somewhere from 150 - 300. not sure what its worth in parts and labour to fab up. and toying with the idea of making a spacer up for the balljoint to keep it simple. just not good with the engineering side

[Troll]

Grantlington wrote:

or you could do it on the cheap like that!

Is that a tow bar and ball??

[casper]

certainly looks like it

[the_orb]

Troll wrote:

Grantlington wrote:

or you could do it on the cheap like that!

Is that a tow bar and ball??

sigh, dodgy is always funny

[MART]

Mate you would probably get one of glen for that price if your interested , Cheers Paul

[steve]

looks like the whole thing has been at the bottom of the ocean for a while

[robbo]

would be interested. let me know. cheers rob

[MART]

I'm going to see glen next week , I will get a exact price from him and let you know , are you able to weld up the mounts for this , Cheers Paul.

[robbo]

to date my welding skills are limited to making a set of sliders. but i do have a mate that would be able to weld it up. thanks for the help

[MART]

Wasn't there last time I went past , going tommorrow to see him , let you know , Cheers Paul.

[robbo]

thanks mate. much appreciated

[MART]

Mate , $320 + postage so would be $350 tops. PM me your number and I,ll give you a call if your stiill interested , Cheers Paul.