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Just had Sam at Overkill put some crawler gears in the Vit and took it up to the High Country for a run on the weekend. Also had to try out the Calmini 3" suspension as well. So what did I think? The auto doesn't run away anymore down wet, steep descents. In fact low first was so slow I was using D and from time to time 2. Climbs nicely too. Downside is no more 90 to 100 km/h in low more like 30 km/h so this is where duals wins but the plus is this is just a nice and simple install with no dramas and no more runaway auto downhills. Worth the money? As for the Calmini, well it definately works better than the OME offroad but the OME was better on the road and with a load. The Calmini has a very soft spring rate. I'm running the OME struts with the Calmini Strut spacers The difference the Calmini suspension and the crawler gears made was such that I was able to go places with the diffs open that previously I would have needed to use my lockers so I am very pleased with the setup. Just need to strengthen the front end now and sort out high range as it does struggle a bit on the open road with the 31's
Oh yeah, and with the amount of rain around I got to justify putting a snorkel on the other day as I was giving the bonnet a good washing with all the river crossings. It was also nice to put the Simex Centipede M/T's to work in the mud. They've been good on the road wet and dry, in the snow, dirt roads and now mud. Seem to be a reasonable all rounder for the money and considering that they are not that aggressive with no side lugs. Would still like to look at something more aggressive for a second set down the line but the Vit is slowly becoming more capable given that it is IFS. Just need to work on the driver.
At this stage I have no pics but maybe after the Club weekend. It definately articulates more but it's no SAS. I was happy with the price Sam gave me even though I could of saved a little doing it myself it is nice that someone who knows more than me has done the job. I haven't ruled out duals in the future but I want reliability and with the auto I also wanted gearing now. 5.83's are looking like the most likely route with an Anvil and Kerry Wittigs new TORA TORA axles but $$$. A dual setup using a coily t-case would be ideal if it can be built right. Come on Antt I want to see how yours turns out.
So with the crawlers in, what gears are you using on medium / hard hills ?? as compared to LOW all the time as they come std !
Are these local gears or imported ?? very interested in getting some..
Thanx
05 Patrol GU ST Ute
3" lift, 3" exhaust, custom Garrett BB Turbo and top mount.. and electric mirrors !
It all loooks great "in the flesh", can't wait to see it "at work" on the weekend ... I'm getting soft, these vit things are lookin better every day christover
4WD SUZUKI CLUB VICTORIA
http://www.vic.suzuki4wd.com/forum/
Dick wrote:So with the crawlers in, what gears are you using on medium / hard hills ?? as compared to LOW all the time as they come std ! Are these local gears or imported ?? very interested in getting some.. Thanx
Dick, I'm running an auto so D works just fine and on the odd occasion i knocked it back to 2. 1 is way low, damn near came to a stop. As the weekend test in the High Country wasn't really about going hard but we did a couple of good descents and climbs in the wet that would of been real interesting without the gears I am very happy with my decision.
I feel I have gained more control. Talk to Sam at Overkill for more details on the gears.
Beastmavster wrote:Dunno if the Richmond gears 5.38 are available in a Vitara rear... front is available.
Is cj starting off with 4.6? I thought LWB V6 usually means 4.6's so room to move.
I emailed a US supplier about 5.38 listed on the web for Vitara and received no reply but they were deleted from their site so I guess that means no.
Regards Charlie
Dick wrote:So with the crawlers in, what gears are you using on medium / hard hills ?? as compared to LOW all the time as they come std ! Are these local gears or imported ?? very interested in getting some.. Thanx
Gear ratios for a manual V6 Vitara are 3.652,1.947,1.379,1.000 and 0.759. Rockhoppers are 120% lower whatever than means.I would be great to get some and try secong gear for a change.
Regards Charlie
more like 30 km/h so this is where duals wins but the plus is this is just a nice and simple install with no dramas and no more runaway auto downhills. Worth the money? 
As for the Calmini, well it definately works better than the OME offroad but the OME was better on the road and with a load. The Calmini has a very soft spring rate. I'm running the OME struts with the Calmini Strut spacers 
The difference the Calmini suspension and the crawler gears made was such that I was able to go places with the diffs open that previously I would have needed to use my lockers so I am very pleased with the setup. Just need to strengthen the front end now and sort out high range as it does struggle a bit on the open road with the 31's
