Pikeman and his new 2004 Chevy Tracker 4 door(Suzuki Vitara)

[Pikeman]

Greetings fellow enthusiasts. I used to have a 98 4 Runner that I went everywhere with and then I bent or broke the frame, never did figure it out. Anyways I recently purchased a 2004 Chevy Tracker 4 door 2.5L V6 4x4 Automatic. So far the only thing I have changed are the tires. I went with Hankook 235/75/15 ATM on factory rims.
I also went and did a little storage area divider to help keep things in place and not slide around. I moved out to the desert so I purchased the 5 gallon jug to make sure the family and I always have plenty of water. Here are some pictures of this afternoons project. I will most likely cover in speaker box carpet to help it blend in better.


You can see the shovel and recovery bag fit nice and secure and leaves room for my bag or wrenches/tools.

Water Jug secured by bungee cords to keep from moving around. The shelf was to give a place to store a first aid kit or some other emergency device the driver is not to have easily accessible. Still leaves plenty of room for groceries or other items that need to come along.

I plan many more modifciations as my budget allows. Next I will most likely be installing my Ham radio and a OME or Trail Tough lift.

 

[Dake21]

Nice man! Any pic of the exterior?
Zooks are awesome.

 

[Pikeman]

I forgot to post one in my original and I was trying last night but kept getting an error. Let's see if it will let me post one today.

 

[AdventureHare]

So why the shift to Suzuki? Why not just move the parts to another 3rd gen 4R?

 

[Pikeman]

So why the shift to Suzuki? Why not just move the parts to another 3rd gen 4R?

Long story but the Cliffs Note version is this..... My 7 year old son had a seizure and went into a coma in my arms Oct 2013, Day after Thanksgiving the same year he was diagnosed with Leukemia and a terminal brain infection. First week December 2013 he went into another coma and when he "woke up" a few days later he was paralyzed from neck down unable to talk or eat. Some reason or other job didn't like me spending 3 months at his bedside so I lost that and then lost everything else including having to sell the 4 Runner to try to feed the family. If it wasn't for a borrowed RV trailer and campsite memberships I would have been homeless. Fast forward almost two years, I am finally back to work and was able to get this Tracker so want to do what I can to get back on the trails since that is how I escape the BS life has thrown me the past couple years, to include his mom(my ex) not honoring the custody agreement and not knowing his current condition. I do know that he is still with us and is now 9 years old and up and moving around with slight delay to right side. He started doing that just as they released him from the hospital and outside a dinner a year ago that is all I know. Law enforcement wont do anything other then say take her back to court, Court says we gave you a custody order that Law Enforcement needs to enforce so it is a stalemate.

Would love another 3rd gen or maybe double cab Tacoma to build. So far the few places I have taken the Tracker I have been impressed and very pleased by this little UTE.

Do not feel bad, everyday is a new day and a chance for better things to happen and they are, just will take time and patience.

 

[Dake21]

Sorry to hear about that. You seem to have a good attitude and that's very important. I hope you well.

About the grand vitara you can go in narrow trails with it. Trying to sneak in tight spots is fun too.

 

[Pikeman]

So far I have had some fun. I only plan on getting it out on the trail more often and Thank you.

 

[AdventureHare]

I'm very sorry for your situation about your son. I empathize with your need to escape. And thank you for sharing your story. I wish you the best of luck getting things resolved to your satisfaction.

The tracker is such an interesting vehicle. It's always overlooked because on paper it doesn't have the specs but on the trail, it will try to do everything asked of it. I'm in the market and this is on my list for the budget category (final allocation not yet set).

So what's next? If you're truly living in the desert, lights would seem appropriate.

 

[Dake21]

The grand vitara is mostly overlooked because it doesn't buy you bragging right.

 

[Pikeman]

What's next? Well that is what I am trying to figure out. I have four 5" Vision-X hybrid lights(2qty #4510 and 2qty #4512) that I did keep I might try to mount. I would really prefer a low profile LED but budget is key. The lift is most likely next on the list to gain the much need ground clearance under the oil pan and transfer case. Then bumpers and winch. However it is a group decision on budget so may have to do them in order of least expense. Mounting my HAM and CB will happen shortly as well since I have those on hand.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Sorry to hear about the crap going on in your life but I admire your attitude, keep it up! Also I sent you a PM regarding your situation.
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I have to admit I find these "budget builds" very interesting. The "money cannon" approach is boring and the uber=McGyver "I-can-fabricate-a-new-jeep-from-a-chunk-of-iron-ore" ability of some builders is just something I can't identify with (I admire it, but I can't identify with it.)
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Wife had a Grand Vitara for 4 years and liked it. It was the newer body style but apart from being somewhat noisy, it was a great vehicle. Awesome in the snow, I honestly wish she'd get something like it again (she got a little Nissan Coupe which means that whenever "we" go anywhere we always take my vehicle.)
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I'll be checking into this periodically.

 

[justcuz]

Tim Hardy is the Suzuki guru. He has done Samari's and a Vitara or two. Don't know what comes up on the internet but it may be worth checking out.

Very sorry about your family, especially your son. I hope for some happiness in your future.