Has even one had any expirense with the 3 inch calmini suspeion lift and if it worth getting it, becasue 4 wheel drive usa can do it for about $2000 for my 95 Frontera and i probly can get it from the state myself for about just under $1400, so what do you all think...
mitch
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calmini 3inch lift
Moderator: Moderators
Whilst on the topic good too see 4WD USA actually starting to fully committ to Isuzu with a half page add in 4wd Monthly that is dedicated to Isuzu. They must be getting a lot of interest of late. 
Issue Jan 2005 page 131.
Noel
Issue Jan 2005 page 131.
Noel
1992 3.2L V6 SWB Holden Jackaroo
2008 3.0L TD Holden Rodeo S/cab Trayback
2008 3.0L TD Holden Rodeo S/cab Trayback
I was (still am, just short of money) considering the Calmini kit. I got an email back from 4WD USA stating the Isuzu kit was becoming very popular.... so I suppose it's the old supply and demand concept.. all of the WA Isuzu owners frustrated with no clearence are comming out of the woodwork.. and 4WS USA see a market.
Bring it on I say... just wish there was a supplier on the east side of the world!
Frontie, have you had any feedback on the kit yet??
Rainsey
Bring it on I say... just wish there was a supplier on the east side of the world!
Frontie, have you had any feedback on the kit yet??
Rainsey
just wish there was a supplier on the east side of the world
That´s funny.....while you wanted to have
a supplier for Calmini, I wish to have here in Chile a supplier of
all Oz products for 4wd....and get those snorkels, winchs, oils, shocks, canopys, lockers, etc...it´s funny, I repeat it !!!
cheers for that !!!
`93 TFS55 4JB1T teralowed
dani4JB1T,
In a way we are not that different
I have taken a personal pigrimage to prove that the Rodeo can be a viable 4X4 as most of those around me have something of a Toyota or Landrover flavour and pay out on me respectively.
Since doing so I have had nothing but trouble getting so called reprutable vendors supplying product or even offering advice other than .. hmm.. Rodeo.. tortion bar... have you considered trading it in..
My biggest problem has been suspention related, but usually, when they ask what I have and I reply Rodeo... I see the eyes roll. Mkes me all the more determined!!
Sometimes I do not think it is much different between us, except for the fact that I can easily (and blindly in most cases) order something for mu Isuzu!!
Have a great Christmas and an even better new year!
Cheers
Rainsey
In a way we are not that different
I have taken a personal pigrimage to prove that the Rodeo can be a viable 4X4 as most of those around me have something of a Toyota or Landrover flavour and pay out on me respectively.
Since doing so I have had nothing but trouble getting so called reprutable vendors supplying product or even offering advice other than .. hmm.. Rodeo.. tortion bar... have you considered trading it in..
My biggest problem has been suspention related, but usually, when they ask what I have and I reply Rodeo... I see the eyes roll. Mkes me all the more determined!!
Sometimes I do not think it is much different between us, except for the fact that I can easily (and blindly in most cases) order something for mu Isuzu!!
Have a great Christmas and an even better new year!
Cheers
Rainsey
Hi Rainsey...
Same story for me when I tell somebody that I have a TFS/Rodeo. All
watching me so strange. It´s a bad karma that we carried all TFS/Rodeo drivers. And, as you say, I´m sure that the TFS is an excellent 4x4....hey !!!... it has 4.56 final gear ratio and very powerfull and reliable engines !!!....But you in Oz have more Rodeo entusiast people that here in Chile, That´s a good point for you.
I learned off roading in Daihatsu Feroza some years ago, then in Cherokee Pioneer, and right now also go to off roading in TJ Wrangler and Cherokee classic.....and my Ute runs so good as the Jeeps and sometimes much better....Just need a lift kit for upgrading the perfomance, and some other things like Teralows, snorkel, and michelin xzl...that´s all for me...
cheers
Same story for me when I tell somebody that I have a TFS/Rodeo. All
watching me so strange. It´s a bad karma that we carried all TFS/Rodeo drivers. And, as you say, I´m sure that the TFS is an excellent 4x4....hey !!!... it has 4.56 final gear ratio and very powerfull and reliable engines !!!....But you in Oz have more Rodeo entusiast people that here in Chile, That´s a good point for you.
I learned off roading in Daihatsu Feroza some years ago, then in Cherokee Pioneer, and right now also go to off roading in TJ Wrangler and Cherokee classic.....and my Ute runs so good as the Jeeps and sometimes much better....Just need a lift kit for upgrading the perfomance, and some other things like Teralows, snorkel, and michelin xzl...that´s all for me...
cheers
Last edited by dani4JB1T on Mon Nov 14, 2005 7:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
`93 TFS55 4JB1T teralowed
I´m also interested in Calmini 3" lift kit....But I have a doubt of it:
This kit was made for 2.3L and 2.6L Pu´ps....and our TFS are diesel. It means we have about 100 extra kg in the front. And the question is if Calmini kits will be OK supporting all that extra weight on it ???...I think yes, but I wish to have a Lift kit specially designed for Turbo Diesel TFS.
Cheers
Dani
This kit was made for 2.3L and 2.6L Pu´ps....and our TFS are diesel. It means we have about 100 extra kg in the front. And the question is if Calmini kits will be OK supporting all that extra weight on it ???...I think yes, but I wish to have a Lift kit specially designed for Turbo Diesel TFS.
Cheers
Dani
`93 TFS55 4JB1T teralowed
This was the email I received from Calmini last week.
Sir-
The cost of the IP2032 is $789.95 and the additional cost for shipping via Fed Ex is $276.25. We do not offer any lockers for Isuzu vehicles. The only available locker is the ARB air unit that we do not sell. Please let us know if you have any other questions or would like to place an order. Thank you for your interest in the CALMINI Isuzu line. Awaiting your reply.
Best Regards
Sales Department
CALMINI Products Mfg.
www.CALMINI.com
Sales: 800-345-3305
789.95 + 276.25 = $1066.2USD = $1332.75AUD delivered to your door. It looks like a realatively simple kit to install.
SO who wants to be the first with one of these kits installed??
Sir-
The cost of the IP2032 is $789.95 and the additional cost for shipping via Fed Ex is $276.25. We do not offer any lockers for Isuzu vehicles. The only available locker is the ARB air unit that we do not sell. Please let us know if you have any other questions or would like to place an order. Thank you for your interest in the CALMINI Isuzu line. Awaiting your reply.
Best Regards
Sales Department
CALMINI Products Mfg.
www.CALMINI.com
Sales: 800-345-3305
789.95 + 276.25 = $1066.2USD = $1332.75AUD delivered to your door. It looks like a realatively simple kit to install.
SO who wants to be the first with one of these kits installed??
2005 GU3 Patrol ST Ute
Whoo.. I'm impressed.
I sent an email off to Calmini on the 20th December re the same query and I am still waiting for a response!!
Not a bad price... about $700 cheaper than what 4WDUSA can do from WA!.
The email that I did get though from 4wdUSA was that the kits that they supply include the shock absorbers for the 'Australian Version'. Any idea what the difference in shockies would be??
Cheers
Rainsey
I sent an email off to Calmini on the 20th December re the same query and I am still waiting for a response!!
Not a bad price... about $700 cheaper than what 4WDUSA can do from WA!.
The email that I did get though from 4wdUSA was that the kits that they supply include the shock absorbers for the 'Australian Version'. Any idea what the difference in shockies would be??
Cheers
Rainsey
Yeah... I'm being a smart arse but I cannot help it..
Is the sticker green with a made in Australia?? Not.
Fair dinkum.. is there any difference with what we can get locally or can import from Calmini ourselves? A $700 difference +/- the current exchage rate can pay for my dual battery system I am still hanging out for.
I might have to talk to the Department of House and Finance (the wife!) as I have to do something with my suspension soon otherwise I will be dragging my bum on the ground!
Rainsey
Is the sticker green with a made in Australia?? Not.
Fair dinkum.. is there any difference with what we can get locally or can import from Calmini ourselves? A $700 difference +/- the current exchage rate can pay for my dual battery system I am still hanging out for.
I might have to talk to the Department of House and Finance (the wife!) as I have to do something with my suspension soon otherwise I will be dragging my bum on the ground!
Rainsey
I actually wanted to just buy the front end kit & re-set my rears plus but the skocks locally, to save on shipping cost.
I asked what the cost for this would be:
Sir-
Here is the pricing for the individual components to the kit.
Control Arm Kit IP2044 - $349.95
Cross Member IP2035-03 - $95.00
Brake Lines - $29.95 a piece
Torsion Bars - $219.95 pair
Bump Stop Set - $29.95 set
Polyurethane Kit - $29.95 set
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Awaiting your reply.
Best Regards
Sales Department
CALMINI Products Mfg.
www.CALMINI.com
Sales: 800-345-3305
Which works out the same cost as the full kit
So I think I will import the full kit as the shock essentially come for free anyway.
I asked what the cost for this would be:
Sir-
Here is the pricing for the individual components to the kit.
Control Arm Kit IP2044 - $349.95
Cross Member IP2035-03 - $95.00
Brake Lines - $29.95 a piece
Torsion Bars - $219.95 pair
Bump Stop Set - $29.95 set
Polyurethane Kit - $29.95 set
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Awaiting your reply.
Best Regards
Sales Department
CALMINI Products Mfg.
www.CALMINI.com
Sales: 800-345-3305
Which works out the same cost as the full kit
So I think I will import the full kit as the shock essentially come for free anyway.
2005 GU3 Patrol ST Ute
Hey, this is a valid point re the rears.
The Calmini kit does not include springs but rather a couple of new leaves. This being the case, if my standard springs are stuffed, I guess I would have to replace them also which then adds additional cost to the all over solution.
The standard Rodeo suspension is only 4 leaves. The Calmini will give it another 2 leaves. But the Holden supplied heavy duty suspension has 6 leaves so the question is then raised that can an additional 2 leaves be added to the heavy duty springs (then 8 leaves high!).
Regardless I would have to add I assume the cost of a new set of rear springs anyway.
Being a rank raw amature.. what does re setting the rear springs actualy mean? If they are re set, do I not have to replace the current sagging springs that I have before adding the 2 leaves that the Calmini set gives??
Sorry for the dumb questions!
Cheers
Rainsey
The Calmini kit does not include springs but rather a couple of new leaves. This being the case, if my standard springs are stuffed, I guess I would have to replace them also which then adds additional cost to the all over solution.
The standard Rodeo suspension is only 4 leaves. The Calmini will give it another 2 leaves. But the Holden supplied heavy duty suspension has 6 leaves so the question is then raised that can an additional 2 leaves be added to the heavy duty springs (then 8 leaves high!).
Regardless I would have to add I assume the cost of a new set of rear springs anyway.
Being a rank raw amature.. what does re setting the rear springs actualy mean? If they are re set, do I not have to replace the current sagging springs that I have before adding the 2 leaves that the Calmini set gives??
Sorry for the dumb questions!
Cheers
Rainsey
Re-setting the springs esstianlly means heating up the existing springs & re-shaping them to a new arch or "set". It is basically re-conditioning the springs back to their original shape or better.
Spring works do all them time for truck springs, as they all eventually sag under the contant load applied to them. It is much cheaper than buying new springs.
There is a limit to how far you can reset leaves, as if they are arched to much, the shackle can actually invent & go the towards the front of the car & lock up against the chassis. This is really bad news, as the leaf has no room to move & therefore you have a rigid suspension. Some of the more extreme 4x4 around actually have un-invertable shackles to stop this.
So if you want to re-set the springs much higher than standard, then you will need a new leaf pack, which could get expensive. I would personally have a look at a hilux/landcruiser/patrol spring pack & measure their length, you may find these are a cheaper option than new ones.
I can't vouch for the rodeo springs (I am currently in the market for a 97 space cab), but the hilux springs actually have what they call a miltary wrap. This is where the 1st & 2nd leaf in the pack wrap around the eyes. This is much stronger than a normal leaf pack, & helps prevent the spring eyes unfolding. Just something to keep in mind if you are going to some more extreme 4x4 than the average person.
Hope this helps.
Spring works do all them time for truck springs, as they all eventually sag under the contant load applied to them. It is much cheaper than buying new springs.
There is a limit to how far you can reset leaves, as if they are arched to much, the shackle can actually invent & go the towards the front of the car & lock up against the chassis. This is really bad news, as the leaf has no room to move & therefore you have a rigid suspension. Some of the more extreme 4x4 around actually have un-invertable shackles to stop this.
So if you want to re-set the springs much higher than standard, then you will need a new leaf pack, which could get expensive. I would personally have a look at a hilux/landcruiser/patrol spring pack & measure their length, you may find these are a cheaper option than new ones.
I can't vouch for the rodeo springs (I am currently in the market for a 97 space cab), but the hilux springs actually have what they call a miltary wrap. This is where the 1st & 2nd leaf in the pack wrap around the eyes. This is much stronger than a normal leaf pack, & helps prevent the spring eyes unfolding. Just something to keep in mind if you are going to some more extreme 4x4 than the average person.
Hope this helps.
2005 GU3 Patrol ST Ute
Dude, Helps heaps, thankyou!
Just had a look at my springs and only the 1st leaf wraps around the eye. In fact the whole set up looks pretty lame if you ask me in regards to strength.
The re setting must restore the natural elastic state of the steel spring back to what was originally formed at manufature.
The logic therefore is that I reset the springs that I have thus bringing them back to the original level ( or close to) then apply the Calmini 2 leaf expansion to bring themup to what would be the normal heavy duty specification.. then with the extended shackles and other bits an piceces, I have the requisite lift.
The only prob I have then is that my truck is out of actiom during the resetting stage!.
I might ring up the local wrecker and see what they have on hand for heavy duty springs. This would get me out of hot water while I wait for the existing springs to be reset. I order the Calmini kit and behold... 3 inches.
And who says that size does not matter!
Cheers
Rainsey
Just had a look at my springs and only the 1st leaf wraps around the eye. In fact the whole set up looks pretty lame if you ask me in regards to strength.
The re setting must restore the natural elastic state of the steel spring back to what was originally formed at manufature.
The logic therefore is that I reset the springs that I have thus bringing them back to the original level ( or close to) then apply the Calmini 2 leaf expansion to bring themup to what would be the normal heavy duty specification.. then with the extended shackles and other bits an piceces, I have the requisite lift.
The only prob I have then is that my truck is out of actiom during the resetting stage!.
I might ring up the local wrecker and see what they have on hand for heavy duty springs. This would get me out of hot water while I wait for the existing springs to be reset. I order the Calmini kit and behold... 3 inches.
And who says that size does not matter!
Cheers
Rainsey
You may find that by adding the additional two leaf springs that you will limit the flex you get in the rear, as these will add to the stiffness.
The only portion that looks like providing the rear lift in the CALMINI system is the extended shackles. These are not quite legal to use as far as I know, but I may be wrong. The two addition leaves dont look like they provide a lift, so I dont actually know why they are provided. Maybe they are put under the existing leaves & force the existing leaves into a new shape??
I would get your rear springs reset higher than standard & if you find them too soft, then add the other two from CALMINI.
As for the time frame, I have had the springs on a 24 hr turn around, so the best bet wuld be to pull them on a wednesday night, hand them in on thurs morning, get them back friday, and spend all weekend putting the new gear in, ready for monday.
The only portion that looks like providing the rear lift in the CALMINI system is the extended shackles. These are not quite legal to use as far as I know, but I may be wrong. The two addition leaves dont look like they provide a lift, so I dont actually know why they are provided. Maybe they are put under the existing leaves & force the existing leaves into a new shape??
I would get your rear springs reset higher than standard & if you find them too soft, then add the other two from CALMINI.
As for the time frame, I have had the springs on a 24 hr turn around, so the best bet wuld be to pull them on a wednesday night, hand them in on thurs morning, get them back friday, and spend all weekend putting the new gear in, ready for monday.
2005 GU3 Patrol ST Ute
I am no mechanic (embarred to say I work in IT) but I agree that the extra leaves would not add lift and yep.. the extended shackles are the beasties that add the lift. Then again I see all these posts and adds re 2" lift using new springs without extended shackles so someone else in this group may be able to set us straight!
I agree inyour comments... get the existing springs reset ( based on what you have taught me tonight). Re the softness, I have a couple of other initiatives underway and that is to put in a long range tank, and secondly, to move the spare tyre onto a carrier off the rear tow bar and place a stainless Steel water tank where the spare used to go. This would increase the fuel weight in the rear to whatever 120 litres of Deisel is, plus the extra weight of an esitmated 50 litres of water. I woulsd estimate that this would bring the rear end up to an extra 200Kg of load . Add to this the other crap that I would carry around when I and the family go camping, thus making the rear end of my truck needing a major overhaul.
Based on this caveat, the extra leaves would probably strengthen up the rear to cater for the extra weight associated with fluid when the fuel and water tanks are both full.
I guess the first thing to do before spending $2K on a Calmini upgrade is to get the truck back to standard first. Make this the base line.. add the tanks that I want, then re asses the whole 3" upgrade.
Ohhhh.. this is sounding expensive!
Cheers
Rainsey
I agree inyour comments... get the existing springs reset ( based on what you have taught me tonight). Re the softness, I have a couple of other initiatives underway and that is to put in a long range tank, and secondly, to move the spare tyre onto a carrier off the rear tow bar and place a stainless Steel water tank where the spare used to go. This would increase the fuel weight in the rear to whatever 120 litres of Deisel is, plus the extra weight of an esitmated 50 litres of water. I woulsd estimate that this would bring the rear end up to an extra 200Kg of load . Add to this the other crap that I would carry around when I and the family go camping, thus making the rear end of my truck needing a major overhaul.
Based on this caveat, the extra leaves would probably strengthen up the rear to cater for the extra weight associated with fluid when the fuel and water tanks are both full.
I guess the first thing to do before spending $2K on a Calmini upgrade is to get the truck back to standard first. Make this the base line.. add the tanks that I want, then re asses the whole 3" upgrade.
Ohhhh.. this is sounding expensive!
Cheers
Rainsey
Aren't the rodeo's rated at 1ton from the factory & then you can get the extra heavy duty springs if you tow or constantly carry the max payload.
If so I wouldn't think that you would come close to the 1000kg of camping gear even with the added fuel & water.
As a side note, why dont you move the exhaust to the side & put the water tank in the opposite side to the fuel tank. It would be less prone to damage there, plus be better in terms of weight distribution.
If so I wouldn't think that you would come close to the 1000kg of camping gear even with the added fuel & water.
As a side note, why dont you move the exhaust to the side & put the water tank in the opposite side to the fuel tank. It would be less prone to damage there, plus be better in terms of weight distribution.
2005 GU3 Patrol ST Ute
Re the rating ... by george a valid point, hence the reason for the online news groups. I have the Holden workshop manual and in looking at the rear suspension specs I am totally confused .. so this is a job for the morning (being 1am in the morning I am not all there at the moment).
Now re the exhaust and so on. I am assuming that the replacement longrange tank takes over the extra space that would normally be there from the standard tank. The muffler sits fare and square where you are presuming so a revamp of the exhaust system would be needed.
This is not out of the question as my current system is a wee bit rusty and will soon need replacing anyway. I think I will blow the dust off the drawing board and plan out the fuel and water tanks and then figure out there the best place foe the exhaust system is.
Thanks for your insight and help.
Cheers
Rainsey
Thankyou for supplying the new tagent on my problem!!
Now re the exhaust and so on. I am assuming that the replacement longrange tank takes over the extra space that would normally be there from the standard tank. The muffler sits fare and square where you are presuming so a revamp of the exhaust system would be needed.
This is not out of the question as my current system is a wee bit rusty and will soon need replacing anyway. I think I will blow the dust off the drawing board and plan out the fuel and water tanks and then figure out there the best place foe the exhaust system is.
Thanks for your insight and help.
Cheers
Rainsey
Thankyou for supplying the new tagent on my problem!!
Well to confuse you even more, this is what I planned with mine. Mine will have a flat tray, not a styleside.
Lift the tray 2" to suit the body lift.
Removed the existing tank, & fabricate a replacement of approx 140L. This will have an internal baffel, so essentially it will be 2 x 70L tanks. This means the most you can loose from a hole is 70L not the whole 140L. Also limits fuel contamination, & makes filling up week - week a little less painful on the hip pocket.
Remove the existing exhaust & replace with a 2.5" system with no muffler. As these engines have a turbo already, this greatly reduces the noise. The new exhaust will run on the outside of the chassis rails (HJ75 landcruiser style) and then exit in front of the rear wheel. This also lets the turbo spool up quicker & gives more low down grunt.
Fabricate a stainless water tank & battery cradle to mount on the opposite site to the fuel tank.
Plus a long list of other things, but these are the ones that are appropiate for this thread.
Lift the tray 2" to suit the body lift.
Removed the existing tank, & fabricate a replacement of approx 140L. This will have an internal baffel, so essentially it will be 2 x 70L tanks. This means the most you can loose from a hole is 70L not the whole 140L. Also limits fuel contamination, & makes filling up week - week a little less painful on the hip pocket.
Remove the existing exhaust & replace with a 2.5" system with no muffler. As these engines have a turbo already, this greatly reduces the noise. The new exhaust will run on the outside of the chassis rails (HJ75 landcruiser style) and then exit in front of the rear wheel. This also lets the turbo spool up quicker & gives more low down grunt.
Fabricate a stainless water tank & battery cradle to mount on the opposite site to the fuel tank.
Plus a long list of other things, but these are the ones that are appropiate for this thread.
2005 GU3 Patrol ST Ute
i got a email back off them and they said there will be a tax on it and the change over came it about 1400 at the time. after al cals it would be cheaper to get it from USA parts. they said about 2000.
also, i rang snake racing in sydney and when i said Holden Frontera he said WHAT.. WOW thats different.. and i said well thats what i would some thing no one else has..
also, i rang snake racing in sydney and when i said Holden Frontera he said WHAT.. WOW thats different.. and i said well thats what i would some thing no one else has..
Hey Rainsie, mate when i was at holden we were forever pulling the rear springs out of rodeos and getting them re-set under warranty, they are hopeless, i dont know where they get the load rating from (wheeties box??) eg- one bloke was a fencing contractor who carried a steel lockbox with tools etc on the back the whole time, weighed about 400kg tops. he had his re-set twice in the year i was there, and suffice to say he was not a happy chappie.
Go and see a dedicated springworks like carrols etc. with the GVM details and load requirements, and get a custom decent set made up, not as expensive as you might think.
I would go for springs to handle the load in a light state, eg no water in the tank, etc.. and fit a set of airbags from www.truckspring.com in the states, to keep it level when loaded. that way you wont have as bad a bone jarring ride when empty. And fit some urethane greasable bushes as the standard rubber ones chew out really easy.
Dont know if the front end kit is worth it unless you want to go really crazy, you can easily get 2 inches over standard height, flipping the balljoints if needed etc. without loosing too much down travell.
sounds like a nice rig so far.
Go and see a dedicated springworks like carrols etc. with the GVM details and load requirements, and get a custom decent set made up, not as expensive as you might think.
I would go for springs to handle the load in a light state, eg no water in the tank, etc.. and fit a set of airbags from www.truckspring.com in the states, to keep it level when loaded. that way you wont have as bad a bone jarring ride when empty. And fit some urethane greasable bushes as the standard rubber ones chew out really easy.
Dont know if the front end kit is worth it unless you want to go really crazy, you can easily get 2 inches over standard height, flipping the balljoints if needed etc. without loosing too much down travell.
sounds like a nice rig so far.
cheerssite is www.kaos4x4.com.au i think
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