Where is Suzuki Aftermarket Lacking?

[Froad'r]

We've all heard of the main suzuki aftermarket shops like Rocky-Road, Calmini, Trail Tough, Spidertrax, Petroworks, ect. Most of these companies have a pretty decent selection, but they don't have everything.

So my question goes out to all you hard core suzuki enthusiasts who beat their Zuks to a pulp then tow it back to their garage to make it "bigger, stronger, and faster". But it also goes out to the casual off road'r. They one who's just looking to make his zuk an extremely capable safari vehicle.

Think of something thats never been done before. Think of the impossible!

Think about those fab'd up rigs you see at the big events and what they had that you wish you could have.

Think about where you Zuk is now, then think about where you want it to be.


What is it going to take to get it there?
Can you find everything you need from the usual companies?
What are they missing?
What would you like see on their product listings?
What things are way over priced?

Where is Suzuki Aftermarket Lacking?

[Orionn]

Are you starting up an aftermarket line for the Zuki Enthusiest?

Other than the One-Off builds that Rockrat does....the market for the Samurai is prety well covered.
Now if your look at the Tracker/Sidekick market...that one is seriously lacking in almost everything.

[TiMe_1]

make tcase gears that people dont have to break the bank for! LoL

[Froad'r]

Are you starting up an aftermarket line for the Zuki Enthusiest?

Other than the One-Off builds that Rockrat does....the market for the Samurai is prety well covered.
Now if your look at the Tracker/Sidekick market...that one is seriously lacking in almost everything.

Actually yeah, I will be starting a company here in the next few months and would like to model it around what the people wheel'n Zuks actually need. It's going to be Suzuki specific! None of this Nissan and Jeep stuff.

[Froad'r]

make tcase gears that people dont have to break the bank for! LoL

Wouldn't that be nice!:D

[DemoMike]

dual lever t-case shifter!:laughing:

[DemoMike]

make tcase gears that people dont have to break the bank for! LoL

Injection molding work for you?:laughing:

[killerkia4x4]

x2 on the twin stick

[jerseyzuks]

x2 on the twin stick

+3 on the twin stick

I would also like to see an affordable, reliable, selectable locker. I have a Lockrite in my rig now, and I have gotten used to it on the road, but it is still not as much fun to drive on the road as it used to be (little quirky, popping etc)

I saw something on the web where you could select between a fully locked (like a spool) or an open diff by turning a fitting on the pumpkin. If that came out, and it was around the same price as a lockrite or a detroit, I would buy one.

A cable selected locker would be fine as well.

[rotozuk]

Make these items and you will be a Zuki vendor god:

Rubber axles so I don't break them anymore.

Bigger muscles so I can steer a Zuk with stock steering, and lift it out of trouble when it gets stuck.

Comfortable seating for 4 adults and space for all of their gear.

Liquid fuel treatment that will tripple the horse power of the stock motor.

A 0 inch lift kit that will fit 40 inch tires, 20 inches of suspension travel, tons of articulation, butter smooth ride on and off road.

Disco ball to hang from mirror.

Improved hydrosillators. The good ones with sealed bearings are reall hard to find these days.


*** But really, the number one mod for a Samurai that no vendor even makes or sells?*** CUP HOLDER!! Should be the first mod anyone adds to a Zuk.

-Wayne

[ammfacm]

I say wider fiberglass fenders for the front and rear like all the prerunners have!

[WA-HCRC]

i want affordable t case gears. dont really need a twin stick. :flipoff2:

[tinbeater]

I would like to see some stronger 1.6 rods.

[sj-x]

1.6 rods. pistons. weld on armor. comprettion for a dual transfer case set up *either sidekick, toyota, dana, np case doublers.* with ott's kicker line up, or rock4xfab's set up which puts a toyota tranny and therefore the option of a dual case.

[OklaK5Guy]

As A newbie, who is just doing tons of research right now, i dont have much to add. But for my .02, I will add this..... Make a copy of anything the others make, but cheaper.

[zuki_06]

t case gears...im in the market for some right now

[Tech Tim]

Improved hydrosillators. The good ones with sealed bearings are reall hard to find these days.-Wayne

Yes... I definitely would be on board for an improved hydrosillator, especially if you can eliminate all side fumbling.

[Rockrat]

make tcase gears that people dont have to break the bank for! LoL

For what is offered and the selection the price for gears is in line... Plus you have an option. Go by a jeep and try to put case gears with options and then find out how you break the bank.

[OKIE ZUK]

I'm with Wayne and Tim. Listen to them and they'll make you RICH! Scott are you beginning to stutter?:laughing: Damn Pirate.:D

[Chet]

sas kit for a sidekick. that and slip yoke eliminators. also lower axle gears.

[Snakeman]

sas kit for sidekick.
3 speed tcase for samurai
Toyota axle conversion (bolt on/weld on)

[shmoesmith]

Yes, an axle conversion kit for toys or d44's would kick ass.

[OKIE ZUK]

Coils or leafs?

[Froad'r]

I didn't realize there were so many kicks out there wanting to go extreme.

Definitly cup holders!


I also noticed almost everyone has a welder, so there should be more weld on stuff! (If you ask me)

[OKIE ZUK]

Guess you wasn't at the Melt this year,huh? Bunches of Kick/Tracks. Yes some DIY stuff, like SAS Track/Kicks.

[RockMolester]

Sidekick SAS kit.
Sidekick full-belly skidpan.
Sidekick rear bumper & tire carrier.
Sidekick 5.83 gears.
Sidekick t-case gears.
Sidekick SYE.
Sidekick front diff drop brackets.
Sidekick rear upper control arm drop bracket.

[PISSCAT]

I would love to see drive train stuff; adapters, tcase gears, etc. Make a little competition for the other companies. and Oh ya I am buying a new zuk and it has CUP HOLDERS. A big selling point.

[redzook]

tcase spine

same as what AZrockcrawler made for his

we have a bloke over here that sells them but i dont think any one makes them over there?

cheap easy insureance for your valuable tcase:)

[Jeff@TheQuadShop]

The Grand Vitara market is untouched. Bumpers, swingaway's, nerf bars, skid plates.....anything that has to do with off road.

[divino92]

How about a aluminum tub for the samurai. I think most zukis i have seen here in michigan are rusted out beyond repair, so a nice aluminum tub or replacement body panels for the rear would be nice too.....as for other stuff maybe a t-case housing that isnt to expensive, or a tcase housing that doesnt re use any of the samurai case just the gears . The twin stick is nice to have , so that would be nice to be able to buy.

[95geo]

i think the wheelers are doing pretty good with whats out there i would like to see a front disconnect on a sami case and toy case (because thats what i use) but thats a different forum.

i'd also like to point out the irony in your avitar pic.... i got a laugh out of it :laughing:

[catzuk]

No matter what you sell or make, all you need to suceed in the zuk market is simply............ Good Customer service and items in stock!!!!!!!! Its amazing how much business you will have if you answer the phone, return calls and e-mails and just listen to the customer. Look at trail tough. Most of the vendors are doing better, but Still lack the customer support needed apparently. Thats just from reading post here on pirate and the other boards.

I'm sure there are tons of items we need in the zuk world, Just need to think of them. I would like to see More bolt on engine and drivetrain upgrades. i would like to build up my other stock zuk with all suzuki parts. Good engines are getting harder and more expensive to find.

Soft top prices seem to be climbing, help us out there.
Better seating options would be nice.
replacement grills or grill inserts (early lj perhaps)
just a few ideas.

[zc911]

i someone had a kit to bolt on the toy front axle i would buy it RIGHT NOW

[TiMe_1]

For what is offered and the selection the price for gears is in line... Plus you have an option. Go by a jeep and try to put case gears with options and then find out how you break the bank.


I wouldnt drive a heep if it was given to me :flipoff2:

[Froad'r]

No matter what you sell or make, all you need to suceed in the zuk market is simply............ Good Customer service and items in stock!!!!!!!! ...

Now that I would definitly have to agree with! I tried to order some stuff from Rocky Road and got a 6 week wait time....:shaking:

[MorganM]

Definitly cup holders!


I also noticed almost everyone has a welder, so there should be more weld on stuff! (If you ask me)

Billet aluminum cup holders!

Not everyone has a welder.... if I had a welder I wouldnt need to by your aftermarket stuff! (besides gears :( )

[cr430c]

Dana 44 Steering Kit. WITH ALL THE WORKS NEEDE TO DO STEERING WITH DANA 44 ON A SAMURAI. LIKE TOY PS BOX, PUMP AND ALL STEERING ARMS AND JUNK LIKE THAT.

[JPinAZ]

T-case gears with a 1:1 high range (for those that have a higher HP engine, and don't need the high range gear reduction)

any idea if anyone has made something like this?
Maybe not much of a market, except for me? :)

[notjeep]

aftermarket LWB frame and fiberglass or aluminum tub

[zukibrothers]

T-case gears with a 1:1 high range (for those that have a higher HP engine, and don't need the high range gear reduction)

any idea if anyone has made something like this?
Maybe not much of a market, except for me? :)

i second that.

[KEITH13]

For my Sammi,

I would like body parts and the option to buy a new tub if at all possible, a complete power steering conversion, a bumper that for sure works with my TT YJ kit, a light kit to rplace my marker/turnsignal lights that were orginially mounted in my front bumper, a fuel injection kit for my 1.3, and 4 weeks of vacation to go wheeling with :D

I just started looking at Trackicks and I was wondering if the IFS is all that bad? and are there any upgrades available to replace the stock IFS with stronger components suspension and axle wise that don't involve a SAS :confused: and does anyone make a cage for the trackicks?

[FreakAccident]

Tcase gears with NO underdrive.

[Azrckcrawler]

T-case gears with a 1:1 high range (for those that have a higher HP engine, and don't need the high range gear reduction)

any idea if anyone has made something like this?
Maybe not much of a market, except for me? :)

From what I have been told you will never see a 1:1 high range in a Zuk t-case. If the output was not offset it would be possible although I have no idea of what the ratios could be. Your other option is to run a divorced Toy case for a 1:1 high range.

[catzuk]

A good portion of us zukers have gotten into zuks because they were inexpensive and very capable. We need parts that are either re-built junkyard parts or other inexpensive ideas. An example would be steering. I read several post reguarding bolt on steering set-ups. Great ideas, but how many new zuk owners would actually pay 700 dollars for a bolt on steering set-up with hydro assist? We need other alternatives to high dollar pumps and parts. Pre-drilled boxes for hydro assist and the rams and such for zuks with stock, toy or waggy axles as they are the most popular swaps. I know there are parts out there, but not easily sourced for the guy with a zuk who may not think or want to call a toyota place for parts or can find all the little parts to make a swap possible.

I like the idea of a LWB frame option and a replacement aluminum tub would be sweet! :smokin:

So would a replacement alum windshield frame.

Wasn't there a fiberglass windshield frame option once a long time ago? Can't remember where I saw that. have to do some searching.

[FreakAccident]

From what I have been told you will never see a 1:1 high range in a Zuk t-case. If the output was not offset it would be possible although I have no idea of what the ratios could be. Your other option is to run a divorced Toy case for a 1:1 high range.

Which sucks for those of us who drive to the trails. 4300rpms at 65mph is no fun. My junk is being reduced to a tow dolly queen so I dont care too much.

[spinach]

How about a decent two-piece fiberglass top?

[Froad'r]

How about a decent two-piece fiberglass top?

You mean one that doesn't look hokey! I'd buy that!

[rotozuk]

You mean one that doesn't look hokey! I'd buy that!

I liked my 2 piece fiberglass top for a couple of reasons. It increased the top speed about 5 mph on the freeway and it made less noise then a soft top.

I didn't like the front panel popping off after wheeling.. But it was fun watching it fall back down to earth.



OH YEAH, and several vendors do a very good job of customer service. Petroworks & Trail Tough come to mind. Some of the smaller guys that also supplied excellent customer service are now gone.

Some of you seem to think the current prices on stuff is to high. I suggest you compare the prices to Jeep and Toyota parts. We have had a lot of small vendors attempt to start up, but they have all died, or shrunk a lot.

There is a good mix of vendors that do a good job of suppling product and keeping prices in check. Some of this stuff listed is either impossible, very expensive (and would not sell enough to cover development) or best purchased from someone like Rockrat that can custom build to your requests. But it is always fun to see ideas.

Don't get me wrong, some of the products could actually be made, and maybe even sold.

-Wayne

[HUMZUKI]

i someone had a kit to bolt on the toy front axle i would buy it RIGHT NOW


Guys its pretty much a bolt on as-is with RockRats adapters Sky-Toy to Zuk steering and make a few ubolt plates (unless you cant figure out how to drill holes) And the break lines are at any Napa:flipoff2:

"Fast back" hard top?
Low profile gas tank? For rear extended WB customs
X10 on the twin stick but isnt someone sleepin on there patent?!:flipoff2:
Clear plexi hood?:smokin: :D Then you could see the water level under the hood and itd be lighter
A nice modernized backlit high quality Gauge cluster?

LOL,,,I cant really think of anything Id really change (or cant myself) about a zuk. Guess thats why there so damn dope!!! Things are a price for a reason you cant just "Make" cheaper gears:shaking: Guess you could with cheaper material but then theyd break.

[Froad'r]

Some thing on here are definitely either not possible or flat out unreasonable, but it gives me a good idea of the concerns and needs people have with Suzuki Aftermarket.

Its all about the customers.

[Niko]

I'd love to see an all ready comp cut(front and rear) tin top aluminum tub. That would be the cats ass.

[bigflex]

i would say qa1 coils,nitrogen shocks, heim and jonny/superflex joints,beadlock kits and or wheels, and hydro assist and full hydro stearing parts! all the stuff we use to fully build our buggies and comp crawlers!
i know all that stuff is available but not on a zuki based site! well except for spidertrax but another option would be nice!

[zc911]

Guys its pretty much a bolt on as-is with RockRats adapters Sky-Toy to Zuk steering and make a few ubolt plates (unless you cant figure out how to drill holes) And the break lines are at any Napa:flipoff2:



Ok let me clarify, that works with YJ springs :D

[elfoozo]

Fold up soft top doors that can be taken off, folded up and put behind the seat.

And the window lines shouldn't be gay looking like the soft doors Calmini used to sell (that didn't fold up).

[shmoesmith]

I would like additional seating options.

[RgdL]

I'd love to see an all ready comp cut(front and rear) tin top aluminum tub. That would be the cats ass.
X2.
Hell, any aftermarket tub replacement would be nice be it fibreglass, aluminum or metal, but I sure like Niko's idea of it coming already cut.:D

[crikeymike]

More sidekick protection, like what aftermarket4x4 is doing, would be great.
Sidekick rear bars + belly skid plates are still lacking in options, and SAS kits are building much more interest. SYE kit would be nice too.

[ZONA]

To my knowledge, there is only one aftermarket dash and it happens to be made of all shiney metal panels. Too much sun here in AZ for that, we'll be blind after having that for a few months, even with sunglasses.

I'd like to see more selections for bolt on dashes with instrument clusters already in them for the sami's.

[JPinAZ]

From what I have been told you will never see a 1:1 high range in a Zuk t-case. If the output was not offset it would be possible although I have no idea of what the ratios could be. Your other option is to run a divorced Toy case for a 1:1 high range.
(not trying to hijack thread)
Chris,
How hard is it to run a divorse toy T-case? I am putting in a ford 2.3L Turbo and a t-5 tranny (from a car), so will need a divorse case.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[xanthias]

x1000 on twin-stick
half-doors/soft doors
a reasonably priced production version of the reduction intermediate shaft
ready to run CV drive-shafts for Toy/full-width conversions
a 'one-stop shopping' Weber setup that has everything you need - "Sargified" [look up user name Sarge on Zuwharrie if you don't know what I'm talking about] weber, fuel pump, mechanical pump block-off, regulator all in one package
Manufacture a mechanical pump block-off specific to the 1.3L for cheap (most people mod a chevy big-block plate and a cleaner solution would be 'nice')
A screw replacement kit that would replace all the vexatious body screws for doors/tailgate, etc.
A fuel cell and mounting solution that could be mounted along the interior side of the body so you could still get an ice chest/tiny bit of cargo in the back
A turn-key propane conversion kit for the 1.3/1.6

[zukatude]

I would like a low profile or modified stock gas tank that fits in the stock location. Give me enough clearance to move the axle back a foot. I don't want to put a fuel cell on the bed because I still need seats for the kids and a little bit of cargo.

[TX_Zuki]

I would like a low profile or modified stock gas tank that fits in the stock location. Give me enough clearance to move the axle back a foot. I don't want to put a fuel cell on the bed because I still need seats for the kids and a little bit of cargo.

Here is a fuel cell behind a back seat. I will have to get him to take some pics...

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/407518/fullsize/family.jpg

[Froad'r]

Now that I like!!!

How's it go'n TX? I hope the guys from the 'other forum' are able to put in their .02

[sj-x]

with the pathetic shape of most zuk bodies rust wise... it would REALLY be nice for new tubs to be bought.. or at least the front fenders. weld in rear wells?

[91sammi]

any body parts that are cheap would be nice, bolt on axle swap kits too would be nice for us folks that cant afford a welder because the economy sucks!! and all the good paying jobs r gone

[KEITH13]

Fold up soft top doors that can be taken off, folded up and put behind the seat.

And the window lines shouldn't be gay looking like the soft doors Calmini used to sell (that didn't fold up).

Any soft door is OK by me :goofball: gay or not it doesn't matter I just hate my steel doors :p

[vengancedx]

You should really make some replacement tubs. Since no one else makes them, you could make some nice cash. Also 2-piece hardtops would be nice. And most importantly, keep it cheap.:D

[Propane]

A turn-key propane conversion kit for the 1.3/1.6



Got that one covered:beer: :beer:

[stoneyxj]

how bout cromolly axles and stronger birfields!!

[CTBrent]

Each time I open this thread the only thing that comes to mind is an aftermarket hood that has the fenders molded into it... like the heeps have.

Something with the grill integrated would be nice and would be nicer than tube fenders IMO.

[sj-x]

bolt on full flipping front clip made from fiberglass. we've made em, but they lose too much strength when you remove the parts nessary to make it work.

[CTBrent]

bolt on full flipping front clip made from fiberglass. we've made em, but they lose too much strength when you remove the parts nessary to make it work.

I don't think a full front kit is necessary. Just a hood with the fender tops and the grill would be great (maybe even the 410 grill). Adds clearance for bigger tires and retains some of the sammy look.

[zukidave]

Make the hood look like thishttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l232/zukidave/S5000111.jpg

[psychobilly]

Maybe adapters to put yoter tranny and or t-cases behind the 2.0 and v-6's. Ummm...Weld on brackets to put a conventional power steering box on the second gen (rack and pinion) trackers. Be handy for folks doing a sas. Spacers for the driveshafts. CV rear shafts, maybe even just the hard parts cuz most folks these days dont mind putting their own shafts together. Put another vote in for affordale t-csae gearing options for the tracker/kicker/viagra's also.

[Rockrat]

Maybe adapters to put yoter tranny and or t-cases behind the 2.0 and v-6's. We have it already . Be handy for folks doing a sas. Spacers for the driveshafts. CV rear shafts, This also maybe even just the hard parts cuz most folks these days dont mind putting their own shafts together. Put another vote in for affordale t-csae gearing options for the tracker/kicker/viagra's also.

Reading through this thread 90% of the stuff listed is already available.

[KEITH13]

Reading through this thread 90% of the stuff listed is already available.

A cheap plane ticket so I can fly Rockrat out to put a cage in my Zuk :D

[loosey]

aftermarket LWB frame and fiberglass or aluminum tub

I'd probably consider buying this if it was available.

[toykilla5150]

aftermarket LWB frame and fiberglass or aluminum tub
X2 with tintop option

[konacaliboy]

consider a differant steering system. The track/kick is to weak, and the celica set up is getting very hard to find all the needed parts in the wrecking yards. A bracket kit for some other bolt on steering system similar to RRO celica system.

tube doors is a good idea

low profile fuel tank

beat competition prices and be reliable and available for tech assistance. That is why I only buy from Brent.

[Ranger88Den]

Body Tub.

[0ILBURNER]

You REALLY want to hear where the Zuki market is suffering?
How is it so many people can import the Suzuki Carry pickups (as well as the other brands) all the way up to year 2000 models, but they can't (or won't?) import Samurai's from Japan...

[HUMZUKI]

There not street legal.

[0ILBURNER]

There not street legal.

Then why have I seen them tagged & driving on the road?
Those trucks can be licensed in some states.

Doesn't effect my point, anyway.

[RockMolester]

Then why have I seen them tagged & driving on the road?
Those trucks can be licensed in some states.

Doesn't effect my point, anyway.

So what state are you in that you've seen the Carrys driving around? Memfrica isn't in my atlas.

[HUMZUKI]

Then why have I seen them tagged & driving on the road?
Those trucks can be licensed in some states.

Doesn't effect my point, anyway.

There running around center city Philly but there state utilliy vehicles. So are the John deer 6 wheeler jawns they have to,,,,all with gov plates

[Shrock]

Where is Suzuki Aftermarket Lacking?


That's easy. Lot's of customers with plenty of money to spend!

A little vendor humor. Just kidding....sorta. :flipoff2: :D

[TX_Zuki]

That's easy. Lot's of customers with a plenty of money to spend!

A little vendor humor. Just kidding....sorta. :flipoff2: :D
You are not kidding. Everyone wants the best but doesn't want to pay for it.

[671bugsley]

aftermarket LWB frame and fiberglass or aluminum tub


yup, it would be nice to get a new tub... most sammys in our area have been visited by the rust fairy...

[KEITH13]

You are not kidding. Everyone wants the best but doesn't want to pay for it.

I have heard the word "CHEAP" in a lot of these responses and I think for the most part the suzuki after market is cheaper than the Jeeps and i am not sure about the rest of the brands, you gotta pay to play, I was out with my Zuk yesterday and at a price tag of 3,600'ish $ I was playing with the 35,000'ish +$ jeeps and the super BLING landrover.

consider a differant steering system. The track/kick is to weak, and the celica set up is getting very hard to find all the needed parts in the wrecking yards. A bracket kit for some other bolt on steering system similar to RRO celica system.


is there a diffferent steering kit other than these ?

I would love to see some soft doors offered if it is economically feesable

and imported modern Suzuki's would be cool if possible but I won't hold my breath for too long :D

[samzuki]

The one area I think is really lacking is in the body area. You can buy tubs for Jeeps, FJ's,and Broncos. They come in fibreglass, steel, and aluminum. The North American aftermarket has pretty well ignored Suzuki's when it comes to body parts. Oh sure, you can buy fenders, and rockers, and windshield frames, but it's tubs we need! I understand it's based on supply and demand, but you asked.

[RockMolester]

Samurai snorkel kit.
99+ Vitara/Grand Vitara snorkel kit.
Suzuki portal axle ends.
Kit to add stock Samurai t-case to stock Sidekick drivetrain.
Fiberglass body tubs for Samurais (LWB & SWB & pickup), Sidekicks (LWB & SWB & pickup), fiberglass doors & tops.
Easy Samurai EFI conversion (MI-FI).

[kingmick217]

fiberglass tubs

soft doors

a bolt-on turbo kit utilizing an existing turbo "no sense in reinventing the wheel"

on board air compressor

new dash options, I could dig an injection molded plastic dash with simplified lines. something easily cut to accomidate the buyer's own gauge layout design.

maybe some half doors of the same style.

definately a new heater solution, VW's used to have a gasoline heater for the bugs back in the day, of course they used to burn alot of them up too.

a decent block heater would be nice.

just a couple of ideas.

[Ranger88Den]

Tracker body tub & body parts.