The Heap. A Gen 2 Tracker/Vitara Build
- Thread starter IdaSHO
- Start date
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Pretty well sorted out. Still need to finish the top of the hoop, and thru bolt the over-center latch assembly (just tack welded)
Fabbed a standoff that bolts to the tailgate, as well as a latch plate that bolts to the standoff.
If the need ever arises, I can remove the carrier and latch plate, and run without the spare all together.
Fabbed a standoff that bolts to the tailgate, as well as a latch plate that bolts to the standoff.
If the need ever arises, I can remove the carrier and latch plate, and run without the spare all together.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
After doing a pre-winter service to both my DD and the truck, I pulled the Tracker in for its teardown.
Its in the shop for the duration now.
And after 2-hours with degreaser and the pressure washer, it looks like game on...
Next up is pulling the engine for a complete tear down and overhaul.
Trans will get fresh seals, transfercase will get gears and seals.
Its a good thing this rig is so small.... this small shop is feeling it....
Its in the shop for the duration now.
And after 2-hours with degreaser and the pressure washer, it looks like game on...
Next up is pulling the engine for a complete tear down and overhaul.
Trans will get fresh seals, transfercase will get gears and seals.
Its a good thing this rig is so small.... this small shop is feeling it....
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Then as I looked to yank the crankshaft, I realized that this is a 2-piece block that utilizes an engine girdle,
and the engine stand setup doesnt allow you to pull the girdle, as its bolted to it
So I need to source a side mount for it, word has it a buddy of mine in town has one...
At least in the mean time I can drop the head off at the machine shop for the basics.
Hot dip, valve job, valve stem seals, and pressure check....
This little engine is getting smaller by the minute.
and the engine stand setup doesnt allow you to pull the girdle, as its bolted to it
So I need to source a side mount for it, word has it a buddy of mine in town has one...
At least in the mean time I can drop the head off at the machine shop for the basics.
Hot dip, valve job, valve stem seals, and pressure check....
This little engine is getting smaller by the minute.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Well, final tear down complete, block and girdle sent to machine shop to hot tank, head sent to machine shop for the basics.
We are prepping for a trip, but wanted to complete the inspection of parts to verify what, if any more parts I need to order.
Seems I need pistons. Multiple cracked skirts, and one seemingly mismatched piston. Odd, as there is zero (other) evidence anyone has had this motor apart.
This motor was obviously running trash thru the oil for a while. Bearings were pretty scored, journals a bit. Bearings did their job for sure.
I was able to clean up the journals pretty well by nothing more than polishing with 1000grit and 1500gritt wet/dry, WD40, and shoelace trick.
We are prepping for a trip, but wanted to complete the inspection of parts to verify what, if any more parts I need to order.
Seems I need pistons. Multiple cracked skirts, and one seemingly mismatched piston. Odd, as there is zero (other) evidence anyone has had this motor apart.
This motor was obviously running trash thru the oil for a while. Bearings were pretty scored, journals a bit. Bearings did their job for sure.
I was able to clean up the journals pretty well by nothing more than polishing with 1000grit and 1500gritt wet/dry, WD40, and shoelace trick.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
back in town after a week and a half on the road.
While in transit I nabbed these... Promo + BlackFriday discount.... Less than $375 shipped
trailtough.com
While in transit I nabbed these... Promo + BlackFriday discount.... Less than $375 shipped
"Trail Savage" 3:1 Transfer Case Gears - Trail Tough
They’re HERE!!!!! Another TRAIL TOUGH original! “Trail Savage” low range transfer case gears for the manual or automatic Grand Vitara’s and XL7’s! They also fit all Suzuki Sidekick and Geo Trackers 1991 to 2003. Our 3 to 1 low range gears are perfect for V-6 vehicles and 4 cylinder vehicles...
trailtough.com
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Machine shop is have trouble finding some parts to rebuild the cylinder head. But I got the block back, cleaned up with a good hone.
Turns out even after 200k miles the cylinders were still straight and round. So with that I ordered some STD pistons and here we are.
DNJ standard pistons, Mellings rings, King bearings.
I was able to prep the block, gap rings, balance pistons/pins/rods, install the rings, etc....
Now once my new set of plasti-gauge shows up, the bottom end can be assembled
Turns out even after 200k miles the cylinders were still straight and round. So with that I ordered some STD pistons and here we are.
DNJ standard pistons, Mellings rings, King bearings.
I was able to prep the block, gap rings, balance pistons/pins/rods, install the rings, etc....
Now once my new set of plasti-gauge shows up, the bottom end can be assembled
Last edited:
