Help me build my rig to drive around the world!

[Dake21]

Wow, that Grand is super sweet. I'd love to see the build and find out who did the front bumper..

One thing to consider when you're thinking about 4cyl vs 6cyl and MPG, is that the mpg of the V6 should be less effected by all the extra weight. Loading your rig down may bring the MPG numbers of each motor closer together as the 4cyl will have to work much harder to lug the bigger tires and the extra load around.

Good luck!

True, which is why I hate the fact they dropped the 3.2L. Just a note, the 2.4L with the 4 speed transmission has a better crawl ratio (30:1) than the 3.2L with the 5 speed (about 24:1 I think) I don't know about the manual and auto 2.7L.

 

[Theprofessional]

Buy a TJ
Buy tires
Buy a tent
Start driving.

 

[dcbryan]

True, which is why I hate the fact they dropped the 3.2L. Just a note, the 2.4L with the 4 speed transmission has a better crawl ratio (30:1) than the 3.2L with the 5 speed (about 24:1 I think) I don't know about the manual and auto 2.7L.

Has anyone seen a third generation (2006+) with a manual transmission in the US? I really can't stomach the body style of the 1998-2005.

 

[Freeradical]

Thanks for the info! I found a 2006 loaded with 107k miles on it. They are asking 4200 for it, with a big dent on the side.... I am looking at it tomorrow!

As for more GV porn, I would love this build:


I decided to go with a newer model as it is my understanding they are very reliable and much more capable off/on road. Plus the mpg is similar to the older 4 cylinder.

I am going to limit the modifications to a 2" lift and skid plates. Then it should be good to go!!

Any suggestions on what I should look for on this thing? Specific leaks, issues, damage, ect?
Recommendations on where to get a new door and/or moldings?
Thoughts on pricetag?

Thanks for all the help!!!

Here is the rig:

 

[Dake21]

Has anyone seen a third generation (2006+) with a manual transmission in the US? I really can't stomach the body style of the 1998-2005.

I've never seen one personally, In eastern Canada at last.

Any suggestions on what I should look for on this thing? Specific leaks, issues, damage, ect?

Yes, check the front lower control arm bushing for cracks and the rubber seals along the transmission and center differential. Some early GV had oil leaks around there. There is a possibility the valves need shimming on the 2.7L engine. Oil change a very important on Suzuki engine, if you can get a record of the maintenance that would be great.

The ironman4x4 2'' lift is what I have and it's great. I also put MOOG greasable sway bar link and it's rock solid.
Does this model have ESP? ESP works similar to jeep brake differential, when the wheel spin the brakes locks the spinning wheel which transfer power to the other one. Other than that it's a lockable open center differential with 47/53 power split and 1:97 low range gear ratio. Make sure it has four mode 4 wheel drive (you will see a knob with N, 4H, 4H lock and 4L lock on the center console) if not it's just AWD but with center LSD differential.

 

[Thirty-Nine]

Has anyone seen a third generation (2006+) with a manual transmission in the US? I really can't stomach the body style of the 1998-2005.

They did exist, but not with low-range 4WD. You could get a GV with a manual but it's going to be either RWD or AWD. There are rumors there were a few "unicorn" models made with the manual and low range, but I've never been able to find one.

Welcome to the Suzuki Cult.

There are a fair bit of us Suzuki folks here in Portland/Salem. Check out Zukiworld.com, as it's Oregon based. Not a ton of new GV stuff, but still some good info.

 

[Manutara]

They did exist, but not with low-range 4WD. You could get a GV with a manual but it's going to be either RWD or AWD. There are rumors there were a few "unicorn" models made with the manual and low range, but I've never been able to find one.

They exist, but not in the North-American market, you can purchase those ones in South-America: manual transmission and low range. My parents live in Chile and have a 2010 GV like that, last time I visited them I drove it, it has much more room than the 2001 GV I had:

 

[onemanarmy]

Around the world trips have been done with all types of vehicles. Beetles, Volvo 240s, vanagons, jeeps, land rover, land cruiser, to the big home on wheels. I'd read their blogs and go from there. It's all been covered ad nauseum.

 

[Freeradical]

I finally picked up a new to me 2007 Grand Vitara! 92,000 miles and runs like a top. My current plan is to do some suspension work which may include a lift (the ground clearance is rubbish on these). Any suggestions?

As for building a sleeping platform inside of it, I think it may be a bit tight in there, so I will have to be creative. Does anyone have any suggestions of build threads that people built a platform that expands into the front seats? Essentially having it pop out while folding down the front seats.

I have been thinking about going the offroad trailer route more and more as it doesn't seem to hit the mpg as much as a pop-top does. And I can park it and go on mini-adventures with a camp all set up. There is a Kwik Kamp trailer for sale here in Portland I could modify to be suitable for some off-roading easily.

Kwik Kamp: https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/rvs/5570181965.html

Alternatively, I could build my own custom trailer using a M100 platform. Or just do the ground tent thing too.

Thanks!! I have been daydreaming all day about hitting the road

 

[dcbryan]

Hey I saw that one on CL the other day, it was definitely the best deal I'd seen in town. You'll be a few months ahead of me on the project, good luck!

 

[Freeradical]

I am pumped I even talked him down $500!! I would love to see how your build goes too! We can bounce ideas off one another! You looking for the same generation or going for an older one? Have you seen the one going up on auto-auction?

https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/VehicleDetails.aspx?itemID=21680160&RowNumber=3

Could be a great option if you have the time to fix it up.

Also it looks like Ironman is only offering a 40 mm lift these days! From what I have read this is my best option and I should avoid the spacers from Rocky-Road.

 

[Dake21]

Sweet. For the lift I recommend ironman4x4 they have a full lift kit for the GV, 2 inches. It is what I have and it behave much better on the trails and can drive faster on badly graded dirt road without have the body rolling or jumping. The extra spring rate will help for loading as well, it's even design for a front steel bumper + winch. I find the grand vitara more level with it. If you want to pull heavier trailer you can buy airbags but I don't know if they fit inside the ironman springs, you'd have to verify that.

 

[digitaldelay]

View attachment 343827

Nice, I like that colour! Looks like 16" steel wheels, too? (perfect)

Good luck figuring out a way to sleep inside. I'm 6'3" and just couldn't make it work. I wish the GV had a fold-flat front passenger seat.

Jason


Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

 

[dcbryan]

Also it looks like Ironman is only offering a 40 mm lift these days! From what I have read this is my best option and I should avoid the spacers from Rocky-Road.

Do you mind sharing where you heard this?


I'd like to get a list of options for body lifts for the 2006+ Grand Vitara, which may be helpful to anybody planning a similar build:

Rocky Road: 2.125" Lift. $249 – Consists of steel over the top style strut spacers, steel rear spacers, camber alignment bolts, and RRO rear shocks. Link

Ironman 4x4: 40mm Lift. $839 – Consists of FRONT & REAR 40mm RAISED HEIGHT Coil Springs and L/T Nitro Gas Front Struts, L/T Nitro Gas Rear Shocks. Link 1 Link 2

Jimnybits: 2"/50mm Lift. £334 – Consists of Pro Comps ES1000 rear shocks, upgraded reasprings, 50mm solid steel billet front strut spacers. Link

Trail Master: 2"/50mm Lift. $??? – Looks like theres several different version of this kit out there, or there used to be. Some seem to come with body spacers and other don't. Link 1 Link 2 Link 3

Dodinson: 40mm-50mm Lift. $??? – Consists of Coil springs, front and rear. New shocks and camber adjustment kit. Link

Let me know if I've got any of this wrong and I'll correct/update.

 

[brbobcat]

If you are in AK now, this might be a viable option. Look for a 1991 or older Chevy crew cab (old Alyeska rig). They are old school diesel and get 20mpg loaded. They are under the radar, cheap there, bullet proof drivetrain, easy to get parts, and will haul a FWC PPP up camper. If you want more luxury, you can pick up a cheap Suburban of the same vintage and swap the interior. It's a truck that will make the trip. You can also burn black diesel or veggie oil with a little work.