Recent content by josh_GV

Day 6: I found a decent receiver hitch at the junk yard and welded up a $2 flat 4 pin mount from Amazon. Nice and clean. Won’t drag and bend when off-roading. I was able to also bring the flat 4 connector to the outside the body (through the black sticker cover) see very bottom of the...

DAY 5: Added the panhard bracket kit to compensate for the rear 2.5” lift

I think there is a company called TRE, but you have to modify something in the axle (using a tracker 3rd member)

DAY 4: adding Manual Hubs and 1in Wheel Spacers. I decided to add Manual hubs from a Gen 1 Geo Tracker. This allows me to unlock the CV shafts from the Wheel, and perhaps gain a little more fuel efficiency. I still have the vacuum actuator working for my automatic 4x4 engagement, so this will...

Day 3: After driving around for a few months with the spacer lift, I noticed the polyurethane spacers starting to crush. I always wanted a suspension that was 2in lift that was only springs (and no spacers) so I started looking into it and here’s what I ended up with. Upgrades include: - Front...

Day 2: Well it’s time to install the lift. I got a 2in spacer lift installed over the weekend. I chose this lift because anything taller would start effecting driveshaft angles. I also modified a set of KYB 343149 rear shocks and installed camber bolts. I noticed that the camber bolts should be...

DAY 1: NEW TIRES - After completing some regular maintenance items, this an awesome low mileage Vitara was super clean and ready for it first modification! Since I was planning on lifting an inch or two soon and the tires were worn out, I decided to get a set of Dextero All Terrains 235/70r16...

I bought a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 68,000 miles. This vehicle will be used for going down dirt roads, climbing hills to paragliding launches, and attaching a roof top tent for camping excursions. This thread will detail modifications to the vehicle to support my camping and paragliding...

Finally got the rock rails installed.

Found a set of these overland rails at the junkyard for $12 each... now just got to bolt them on.

Day 15 Badge Day My main focus for this rig was retain stock ride level (upcountry lift springs came stock) and make it more offroad capable (including articulation for a decent size tire). Lets see, the qualifications for the TrailHawk Badge; Tow hooks Upgraded Jeep wheels All-terrain tires...

Day 14 242 SWAP Well a late winter and long rainy spring has kept my favorite camping spots deep in snow and mud... In the meantime I decided to do one more upgrade to help make this 4x4 even more capable. Its time to swap out the 247 Transfer Case for a 242WJ Transfer Case. The 242 will give...

Day 13 Flex Test Day Now that the front fenders wells are all done, it was time to test the articulation. I crossed my fingers that my trimming efforts were precise, so I disconnected the front sway bar and flexed it out. The end result made me smile, no touching while flexing and turning...

Day 12 I finished my bumper modification and shallow fogs lights. Here is how much I took off. Next I use the fog light bracket for a straight edge and mark parallel to the back of the fog two center lines. This is where the main bolt will line up later on and I want it to be straight. I...

There are a few reasons I picked to do a Trailhawk Edition. The overland has some Chrome Headlights, Chrome Towhooks, Chrome Grill... And as a personal preference I stay away from chrome anything. The Overland also has a 4.7HO Engine, which my rig will never have.. So I'm happy just staying...