Budget Lift Done Right - BDS 2.5" Suspension Lift for the Suzuki Sidekick / Geo Tracker

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Budget Lift Done Right - BDS 2.5" Suspension Lift for the Suzuki Sidekick / Geo Tracker

Рет қаралды 47,954

PDX Jay

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 100

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

If you are looking for more options for a Sidekick / Tracker lift, be sure to check out @Death Toll Racing, He's got a great video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p9t_ftChnZ6ummw.html

@noahdunaway 7 ай бұрын

I just bought a 1996 Tracker 2WD “survivor” bright red 5 speed manual with 78k miles and most were pulled behind a motor home. I got all the tow bar equipment but I don’t have an RV, I can’t think of a reason for it but I could pull it with my pickup truck. It’s a convertible with the fiberglass hard tops. I’ve filled it up twice after the initial full tank and it registered 31.6 and 34.2 MPG. The paint is excellent and very shiny, it looks like a 2 year old car. It drives very good and I have not found anything wrong with it so far. It’s a Texas car and I don’t find any rust at all. I like sitting high in a vehicle like my pickup and am thinking about lifting it maybe 2 inches. Oh and I want to get some wider rims and prefer to stay with 15” diameter to keep more sidewall which should help with ride quality.

@wvjon75 Жыл бұрын

I have a similar lift and 30" tires on my 4door Sidekick. It is the perfect little rig still getting decent fuel economy and good capability. Its actually more fun even on the road than stock.

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Glad you like yours too! Make sure to check out my other videos!

@outdoorseyfun9842 4 ай бұрын

That's awesome 👌! Love the tires, wheels and lift looks good!

@JMPK23 Жыл бұрын

I really like that. I've been wanting one of these or a tracker. Seems like such a fun car

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

I'm having a blast with mine! Highly recommended!

@jenslingspaint3523 Жыл бұрын

This is a fantastic long term review of this do it yourself combination of lift.

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you found it useful!

@JustinKelly 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! This is exactly the wheel fitment I am looking for but I am looking to go aftermarket likely with some JDM wheels for a Jimny or something. Since I have been doing a TON of research on wheel I just wanted to post some information in case others come across this. Stock Sidekick/Tracker wheels are 15" x 5.5", 4.25" backspacing Stock Samurai/SJ rims are 15" x 5.5", 3.75" backspacing So to convert this into offset (Which is easier when searching for some wheels) it is approximately 12.7mm difference (farther out) since they are the same width.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback and all the additional info!

@tufftrails 2 жыл бұрын

Nice rig Jay. I love these little guys...they take me anywhere I want to go and always get me home while sipping fuel. I have 6 of them now., 4 lifted and 2 I haven't got to yet. Have fun with yours.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I really like driving it too. I love how small it is and the great visibility!

@DeathTollRacing 2 жыл бұрын

This is definitely a middle lift compared to the 2 I installed!!! A great option, and I like that you can later add longer front struts when the time comes to replace them.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks DTR! Always appreciate the feedback and insights!

@CavemanVanDweller 6 ай бұрын

Remount? It's free

@maxdeerp 2 жыл бұрын

Great videos and modifications you’ve made to the tracker. Looks good and tidy!

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! I'm generally not a fan of modifying vehicles, so I try to keep the upgrades minimal and clean!

@thewiseguy3529 2 жыл бұрын

Tracker was assembled in Canada by CAMI (with Suzuki parts) Sidekick was built in Japan by Suzuki. But they're both lovely. I just prefer the Japanese original.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. I know the trackers were assembled in Canada, but I didn't realize the Sidekicks were imported.

@WRxJb 2 жыл бұрын

Love it , building my 95 tracker up this year !

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Have fun with the project - they're a pleasure to work on!

@tommycollier9172 2 жыл бұрын

I think I'm going this route, thanks for sharing.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it useful! I have no regrets with this lift.

@trashpandaoffroad3548 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video. You do a great job explaining things. I would love to get a couple of these rigs together with different lifts and do a drive comparison.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I think that would be a great idea!

@pandzon7168 2 жыл бұрын

Hey man this is a great video keep up the great work!

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback!

@gp9750 Жыл бұрын

Hey Jay! Great video! Inspired me to go with the same setup however I will try out the BDS rear shocks first and decide if they work for me. I shot you an email regarding the Daystar spacers and direction they face when installed. Now looking at my Tracker I see the bell end faces down. Thanks for your quick response to my email, and keep up with the great videos!

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Glad you figured it out! Thanks for the feedback too! I think I had the BDS rear shocks on for a whole week before I swapped them. I think you're going to love the lift. I've never looked back after installing it.

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Note that I removed the thin rubber OEM bushing above the spring when I put the spacer in. I think I mentioned this in the video. I was able to sell the BDS shocks for the same price I paid for the KYBs. There is a market for them as they fit many other applications.

@gp9750 Жыл бұрын

@@thisisnotatest2 yes, I believe you had mentioned it. With this winter weather we're now receiving, I won't be installing until spring. I'm sure you're getting similar conditions? Snow that is??

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

No snow in Portland, but it's definitely winter here, as there's snow in the mountains. The Suzuki loves the snow - chews right through it! It's fun to pull out expensive SUVs when our neighborhood gets snow!

@gp9750 Жыл бұрын

@@thisisnotatest2 awesome!

@TheJosesantiago123 2 жыл бұрын

It looks perfect.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@Kamikaze_Samurai90 4 ай бұрын

I believe those are 1 of 3 types of original rims for a sidekick. Samurai rims were all the same.

@a.r7688 2 жыл бұрын

Great job, it's the best on KZfaq. I'm just wondering, from where you got the tires and the rims...Please send the link if possible.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! The tires are widely available, but I ordered mine from Simple Tire. The rims are all used, found on Offer Up and Craig's List. I had them powder coated at Les Schwab.

@19schneider85 Жыл бұрын

i just picked up my first geo tracker i previously had a chevy tracker and i did a small lift looking to run the same setup as this one!

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Thats awesome! Enjoy it!

@joepurdy9707 Жыл бұрын

Why did the lift only achieve 1in.,in the rear? Maybe because you didn't use the 3/4 spring pads? I'm looking for just the opposite, an extra inch in the rear so it doesn't sit any lower when fully loaded down with gear.

@USdefender1 Жыл бұрын

So am I.

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the delayed response! I added the spacers to the front to get the truck level. There was a lot of rake in the stock suspension and this combination got it very close to what I was looking for. You could add the same spacers in the back to keep the rake. You will need to make sure the rear shocks are long enough to handle the total lift height.

@kyana3374 Жыл бұрын

I noticed my back tires wouldn't drop down in order to get traction. Spinning in the air ain't going to get you nowhere. You're going to need a spacer on top of the rear end in the center. I don't like to steel one from Amazon Because it's 2in thick. 1 inch spacer is enough. I found out my upper control arm is worn out. Total cost for both 250

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

I agree. I added the upper control arm spacer in the rear. It's hard to see, but it's the aluminum block above the diff at 04:32. I ordered it from Low Range Off Road for ~$50.

@cotaretreat3681 Жыл бұрын

Did you have to change anything from lower mounting point of kyb shocks?

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the delayed response! I selected the KYBs specifically because they were longer than stock. That allowed me to keep the original mounting points - no mods required!

@briannelson8819 Жыл бұрын

Why didn’t you use the Daystar pucks on the rear springs as well? Just curious.

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

@peterodriguez3078 Ай бұрын

trying to find the BDS kit online, no luck. Any idea where I can buy this BDS spring kit?

@user-bt1mu4hg3l 11 ай бұрын

What is the best backspacing to get wheels similar to yours? I havent been able to track down any used samurai 15x5.5 yet.

@thisisnotatest2 10 ай бұрын

Just found the info: Stock Sidekick/Tracker wheels are 15" x 5.5", 4.25" backspacing Stock Samurai/SJ rims are 15" x 5.5", 3.75" backspacing

@XaviarJS 2 жыл бұрын

I with the bds kit would work on my 2004 tracker

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

The BDS catalog lists this kit for short wheelbase 88-98 Sidekicks and Trackers. I wouldn't expect it to work on later models.

@markmanley8673 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 97 that i want to get back on the road . like your ideas. Bought it brand new . put 303, 000 miles on. All of a sudden it would not run right. Took it to dealer i bought it from . told me i needed a computer 4000 $ . got one at junk yard . changed it . it ran just the same. They traded me another .same result. Took it to several other people no results. Changed oxygen sensors , timing belt, no luck .one guy told me it was main bairing . ??? You start it up it ldles fine .put it in drive it runs rough with no power ? Should i try to rebuild or replace engine ?

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

These trucks have a pretty decent on-board diagnostic system. Buy a good quality scanner and start looking at the codes, if you haven't already. I'd recommend trying to solve engine control issues yourself, as there aren't many mechanics out there with familiarity with these trucks, and it might take some time to track the issue down. I have another video where I go through the codes I solved to get my truck running right: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gKh8eMuens3dfWQ.html. I also include details on the scanner that worked great for me. I wouldn't start changing parts without knowing the codes, but changing the timing belt is part of the scheduled maintenance, so you needed to do that anyway.

@markmanley8673 2 жыл бұрын

@@thisisnotatest2 i gave up several years ago. Had codes read several times . can not remember for sure but the cures everybody tried did not help. I even have chiltons manual. Its sitting in my garage for years. Want to get it running again.

@chrispclimbs 2 жыл бұрын

@@markmanley8673 you most likely have the dreaded 'loosened crank bolt' and wallowed out crank pulley keyway. From factory they didn't put locktite and didn't torque the crank pulley bolt on tight enough. It is disastrous. If it is bad enough, you have to replace the crank (full rebuild), if you are lucky you might be able to get a new woodruff key jbwelded back in or actually welded back in, with a new crank pulley. red loctite and torque to 95ftlbs. But yea sounds like your timing is off because of this.

@markmanley8673 2 жыл бұрын

@@chrispclimbs Thanks for the advice. But i only got half of it ?

@markmanley8673 2 жыл бұрын

@@chrispclimbs Let me know if possible.

@mickeyfrey2529 2 жыл бұрын

Hi. Really amazing job and looks very decent 👌 I would like to do same with my sport sidekick 97 model please advise me the details and which items I have to order. tanx 🙏

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! The Sport is a different beast - the frame width and suspension are different from the regular sidekick. I've never seen a lift kit specifically for it. There is one video I know of where the owner worked with a fabricator to create a kit: kzfaq.infovideos The simplest option would be to source aftermarket springs like ARB and/or spring spacers. That should get you 2 inches of lift without custom parts.

@michaelvimazal5012 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid, How is the ride when it comes to "washboard" roads? Better than stock or worse?

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback It's basically like stock, no better, no worse. I've had a lot of success airing down to 12psi on sand for traction and a much smoother ride. I expect this would help some with long sections of washboards.

@joelclmt 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Jay Video Is very helpful. I am doing the same to my rig. Do you have a part number on the daystar spacers by chance?

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Just found it: Daystar KJ09108BK

@faris504 2 жыл бұрын

100% KYB

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Yep, they made a huge difference. I'll likely try KYB if I ever have to replace the front struts.

@marting6445 2 жыл бұрын

Could you post the part numbers for the rear shocks and TJ bushings that you added?

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

I've included the part number for the shocks and all the details I have for the bushings in the description.

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Just found more details: Daystar KJ09108BK

@kenxichko 2 жыл бұрын

How did you make the spare tire fit for that size? any mods or kit you bought? thanks

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

The spare fit like a glove. There is just enough room with the 235 tires to clear the bumper and the 3rd brake light. No mods required.

@jremeee1599 Жыл бұрын

Hey man. Where’s the next episode?! 😊

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

It's in the can! Will post it over Thanksgiving!

@user-xz8zu9np2w Жыл бұрын

did u use 2 or 4 of the daystar bushings 2 ea front and rear

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

I'm only using 2 spacers in the front. That gave me a level lift.

@colefoster5662 2 жыл бұрын

so with this exact setup those tires didnt rub inside or outside on full tilt?

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

That's the advantage of a conservative tires size - there's no body rub at full lock or full articulation. Reduced wheel backspacing is key to avoiding frame rub as the tires get bigger. The front tires come very close to the frame at full lock. There are limiting screws on the steering linkage, but I didn't have to use them.

@arthursims6709 6 ай бұрын

Where did you order your new rims from???

@markmanley8673 2 жыл бұрын

Kewl

@thisisnotatest2 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@brianschultz5696 Жыл бұрын

Are you running the original length front struts?

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

The struts themselves are original, but the lift kit comes with a set of extenders that screw on to the tops of the struts. They are black. You can see them in the parts inlay at 01:07 and above the tires in a few shots.

@user-xz8zu9np2w Жыл бұрын

if anyone is starting down this path i have 2 bushings 2 give away

@kirkjohnson408 Жыл бұрын

I'd take them if you still have em!

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for helping out another Zuki fan!

@dullylaventure4277 Жыл бұрын

Please someone help me to buy one😢😢😢

@thisisnotatest2 Жыл бұрын

I've had success on Craigslist and Offerup finding these trucks. I'm on the west coast, so rust usually isn't an issue. There's lots for sale in Arizona the last time I checked.

@dullylaventure4277 Жыл бұрын

@@thisisnotatest2 okay sir thank you

@dullylaventure4277 Жыл бұрын

@@thisisnotatest2 you haven't a rav 4 2 doors please i haven't money but i need the car please help me