PEAK PUTTERS

Probably the last major project for my Zuk. Well... we'll see about that.
The plan is to upgrade to a 1.6L 16-valve motor from a Sidekick. Use the Tranny from the Kick and cut the front output of the T-case to turn it into a doubler. This should give me a 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1 low range options. The tranny is a 4-speed auto however I'd like to see if I can find a 3-speed or a manual as they are a but shorter.

In addition I'm going to be moving the front axle forward approx 5-inches to stretch my wheelbase to a whopping 85 inches. Depending on the total new length of the drivetrain, I may need to more the rear axles back as well. I can probably do this with Cherokee springs as well, but might consider a quarter elliptical setup.

This Sidekick appears to have all pieces and parts and be working so I also plan to use the power steering on my street zuk since I just picked up a powersteering gear to match my pump for the off-road one. It also has AC and I debating what to do with that. I think AC in a doorless/topless off-road only rig seems a bit over the top and I don't know if converting it to an air compressor is an option or not.

Pics to follow.

Here's the donor.

Use the 4 speed trans! You can set it up with a paddle shifter.. Just stretch your wheelbase to make the rear driveline work. I have a buddy down in portland that is running the kicker 2 like you are wanting to run. He just blew the sami case apart fugly style so you'll need to get the stiffening plates that bolt to the case.


I really wish I had a good excuse to get the carcass of that donor from you but alas I can't...

Trashy: Here's your excuse. . .

chop the top, build a cage, build some longer arms for the front, bolt on all the extra shocks you have laying around and race it in the Suzuki Challenge class at Goldendale. . .

Yea I'll let you explain that to my 'ol lady...

I smell a trade in the works!!!

I'd like to get as much as I can for the extra parts, but if I got the scrap price for it I'd be happy. I'm sure you got stuff you don't need to the stuff I don't need.

I'm also curious what you know about the 3 speed vs the 4. I haven't done much research but from what I came across everyone wants the 3s. I didn't think it was ONLY due to the length. Paddle shifters sound awesome. I really would just like to be able to start in any gear like I can with a manual. Esp. since I don't use 1st gear much when in low range.

If I remember right the 3 speed is full hydraulic just like a standard older trans. The 4 speed is computerized and you can take the 'puter out of the equation. You'd have known that if you'd quit standing me up and just come down here...



A trade would be rough for me to convince her it's a good idea but we'll see. How complete will it be other than sans drivetrain?

4 speed is very similar to the 3 speed and has a computer.

4 speed would be worth doing, but 3 speed is fine.

I will be doing a 4 speed auto sooner or later in mine, with dual cases

White trash wrote:A trade would be rough for me to convince her it's a good idea but we'll see. How complete will it be other than sans drivetrain?

I might use the seats in my Green Zuk.

It's got a plexy glass rear-side window the one not in the door.
the fuel tank has a huge dent in it. Couple other dents, missing driver side mirror. All I want is the motor with all accessories, wiring harness, tranny, t-case

tenikiwon2 wrote:I might use the seats in my Green Zuk.

It's got a plexy glass rear-side window the one not in the door.
the fuel tank has a huge dent in it. Couple other dents, missing driver side mirror. All I want is the motor with all accessories, wiring harness, tranny, t-case

Now to explain this to peanut...

I'm thinking a small block would look good in there trash.

tenikiwon2 wrote:The plan is to upgrade to a 1.6L 16-valve motor

Shoot... Guess we'll have to start packing mosquito spray again

bobracing wrote:I'm thinking a small block would look good in there trash.

I think that would cause the stock junk would scatter like hippies at a drug bust..

I'm thinking more along the lines of yota axles with a tbi 4.3/700r4/241d on 35" boggers..

Trash needs to put a 4.3 and Toyota running gear under it.

tenikiwon2 wrote:Probably the last major project for my Zuk. Well... we'll see about that.
The plan is to upgrade to a 1.6L 16-valve motor from a Sidekick. Use the Tranny from the Kick and cut the front output of the T-case to turn it into a doubler. This should give me a 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1 low range options. The tranny is a 4-speed auto however I'd like to see if I can find a 3-speed or a manual as they are a but shorter.

In addition I'm going to be moving the front axle forward approx 5-inches to stretch my wheelbase to a whopping 85 inches. Depending on the total new length of the drivetrain, I may need to more the rear axles back as well. I can probably do this with Cherokee springs as well, but might consider a quarter elliptical setup.

This Sidekick appears to have all pieces and parts and be working so I also plan to use the power steering on my street zuk since I just picked up a powersteering gear to match my pump for the off-road one. It also has AC and I debating what to do with that. I think AC in a doorless/topless off-road only rig seems a bit over the top and I don't know if converting it to an air compressor is an option or not.

Pics to follow.

Here's the donor.

The dual cases will be very nice. I plan on it with my 5:1 t-case gears (9:2 low low) I think you should try to get the 4 speed to work, if not get a manual transmission, samurai flywheel and clutch will work on it, the tracker flywheel and clutch is heavier, so decide if you want a lighter or heavier setup for whatever you like.

YJs alone give ya 83" if ya want a good ride/longer wb. I will be at 84" front pushed out 1".

I'd take off the A/C and not use it.

Also look at transmission ratios.

LiftedZuki wrote:YJs alone give ya 83" if ya want a good ride/longer wb. I will be at 84" front pushed out 1".

I have YJs currently with the RRO kit and my wheelbase is 80, and that's with the offset spring perches.

tenikiwon2 wrote:

LiftedZuki wrote:YJs alone give ya 83" if ya want a good ride/longer wb. I will be at 84" front pushed out 1".

I have YJs currently with the RRO kit and my wheelbase is 80, and that's with the offset spring perches.

That sucks, I built my own YJ kit, without missing links for the front, and the rear is stock spring/location right now, and the front perch is on the middle hole and I'm at 83", I will be at 84" after YJs prings with center, center pins being used.

84" is common YJ spring WB.