Sub-Compact Overlander

[3Deserts]

I must say I have always fancied the older generation RAV4s, the ones with the hight stance little ute styling.

Yep. I like those too.

I keep looking at Rav4s and CRVs and thinking "why couldn't someone make pretty much that same vehicle, with the same size and fuel economy, but with hi/lo gears and true 4WD?" I'd be happy to give up body-on-frame construction and solid axles if they could just do that.

That, and probably because of that, there's just no aftermarket for useful expo gear.

 

[IdaSHO]

I came across a Subaru I simply could not pass up a few weeks ago.

'84 GL

4-speed manual
Dual range AWD
Carb'd 1.8L EA81
Low miles

And clean as a whistle!

Ive been working on this little Subaru. And it is nearly ready for light expo trips. Next month we will be taking it on its first run. A 3k mile trip to CA and back, with a good amount of backroad traveling. :coffeedrink:

The latest work done included a 2.5" front lift/leveling.

Amaizing what a few inches do to the stance of a vehicle. :wings:

More like a sport ute, and less like a wagon.

 

[Ala5ka]

VehiCROSS! Haha I will never stop championing this thing, every time I take it out I am amazed at how awesome it is. If you can find one in good shape that doesn't burn oil it will take you wherever you need to go.

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Yep. I like those too.

I keep looking at Rav4s and CRVs and thinking "why couldn't someone make pretty much that same vehicle, with the same size and fuel economy, but with hi/lo gears and true 4WD?" I'd be happy to give up body-on-frame construction and solid axles if they could just do that.

That, and probably because of that, there's just no aftermarket for useful expo gear.

It's called the Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara and you don't have to give up body-on-frame.

 

[3Deserts]

It's called the Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara and you don't have to give up body-on-frame.

Any of them ever come with a manual transmission? I think I remember looking at these at one point and realizing they were all autos, but I could be wrong.

 

[Warn Industries]

Any of them ever come with a manual transmission? I think I remember looking at these at one point and realizing they were all autos, but I could be wrong.

Yes, sir. They were available with manual transmissions from 1989–2005 (even some of the V-6 models could be had with a five-speed manual).

- Andy

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Yes, sir. They were available with manual transmissions from 1989–2005 (even some of the V-6 models could be had with a five-speed manual).

- Andy

You beat me too it...LOL

Here is my old one, It served me well for 6 years.
I just sold it to get a larger Montero SR.

 

[3Deserts]

Well whadyaknow!

Hmmm...may have to start looking at these.

Jeff, if I may ask, what motivated you to move from that to the Montero SR (which is what I'm looking for right now; that or a good Trooper, whichever I find first)?

Too, what kind of MPG were you getting with the Suzuki?

Any other ideas/tips on making these in to worthy, economical, light duty weekend expo rigs? I don't suppose there's any chance of putting lockers in them is there?

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Well whadyaknow!

Hmmm...may have to start looking at these.

Jeff, if I may ask, what motivated you to move from that to the Montero SR (which is what I'm looking for right now; that or a good Trooper, whichever I find first)?

Too, what kind of MPG were you getting with the Suzuki?

Any other ideas/tips on making these in to worthy, economical, light duty weekend expo rigs? I don't suppose there's any chance of putting lockers in them is there?

My family just out grew it. We really wanted something with the 3rd row seating. The Montero is an amazing vehicle!

I would get 20-22 on the hwy and 18-20 in the city. I was running 29" tires but I also regeared to 5.12's.

There is quite a bit of aftermarket support including lockers, lifts, t'case and r&p gears, bumpers, skid plates, rock rails ect...

Here is my collection of Vitara offroad pics... http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/Trucks/Grand-Vitara/1861652_WnZL7#93489063_U6UKC

 

[3Deserts]

Whoah...this is major. I'm feeling like the world just shifted under foot.:Wow1:

How come I see so little mention of these? Those pics are a game-changer for me.

I know all about Samurais and a bit about Sidekicks, but somehow I just missed these.

Who/where provides all this aftermarket support?

How much crossover is there from the Jimny aftermarket?

Can you recommend a best-model-year for a candidate vehicle? I have read that from a broader market point of view, the Vitaras and GVs were a bit underpowered, and a little bit cheap inside, but for our purposes, what is so often broadly popular ends up being irrelevant.

I'd gladly make one of these my DD as long as I know I could do at least light off road with it. A lot of my long-miles weekend trips involve getting from my house to a trailhead (for climbing, backpacking, etc.), and while I need a capable vehicle, most of those miles are on highways (waving hello at Ca's 395 especially here!), so the more fuel-efficient the better. I can save the Montero for the more ambitious expo style drives (i.e., hundreds of miles off road as opposed to dozens, i.e, Mojave Road, Saline Valley Rd. and surrounding roads, etc.).

 

[Warn Industries]

There are a number of Suzuki-specific forums you might want to check out.

http://www.zukiworld.com
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com
http://www.zukikrawlers.com
http://suzuki-forums.com

Of course, it seems we've got a decent knowledge base here with regards to Suzuki products!

There are a number of companies that make stuff for these rigs. ARB/Old Man Emu, Calmini, Low Range Off Road, and others.

FYI, WARN makes Sidekick/Tracker/Vitara locking front hubs. (Back in the day we we even made winch bumpers for the little trucklets).

- Andy

(PS - I hope it's OK to post links to other forum sites. If not, I apologize)

 

[dsk65]

Where did you find your LWB Sammy? I have been searching for a long time to no avail!

Anybody have a good source beyond waiting for one to pop up on Ebay?

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Where did you find your LWB Sammy? I have been searching for a long time to no avail!

Anybody have a good source beyond waiting for one to pop up on Ebay?

I got lucky and found mine in NY, it had been brought to the US years ago. They were never sold in the US so your best bet is in Canada. It's getting near impossible to find one that isn't totally rusted out. There are alot of people looking for them now.

 

[guy816]

cool, small and quite capable

I'd like to point out the Renault 4 being a simple, tough and exceptionally comfortable expo rig!



The Travec Tecdrah is a new light weight 4x4, made out of ABS (plastic). Introduced in the 2011 IAA. According to the company, it is designed as a work vehicle- stressing simplicity and reliability.
Looks like this could be an interesting platform..

 

[arlon]

I'd love a little Suzuki Samurai with the VW TDI conversion. I'd buy one in a heart beat if it showed up in my area for sale. Seems like the conversion is pretty straight foreward and they get 35-40mpg. Like the safety of the diesel too. Lots of parts available.. I think a lot could be done with one for relatively cheap.