Hey all, I have a 1996 Kia Sportage. It currently has 30 inch tires, 1.5 inch body lift and 2.5 inch suspension lift, solid rear axle but IFS. Couple of questions - I'm trying to lift it more, but the rear has a panhard rod that makes it so that if I lift it more in the rear, the rear wheels will be off center. There is a stabilizer bar on each side of the car and one on the top of the diff, is there a way to do away with the panhard rod or change it somehow so I can lift more? Also, any ideas what axle might work to swap out the IFS for a solid front axle? I don't really want to swap out the rear axle, I think it's a Dana 33, if I could put a solid axle up front that would work with it... Otherwise I guess I could swap both with Toyota axles couldn't I? Anyway this is just a long-term project, I won't be able to start on it for a long while (I am too poor) but I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas.

<font color="yellow" size="4"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0">

BWAAAAAAAA HA HA HA!!!</font>

Seriously, you're kidding - right?

No, I'm not kidding. As soon as I can save up the money there is a rear locker and 5.88 gears for front and rear that I want to buy. I don't know how to install pinion gears so that is a problem, expensive to have done... Anyway, any ideas?

My suggestion is sell that "car" and get a jeep, suzuki, toyota, chevy K5, or something else <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

It's not a car, it has a real 4wd low transfer case, a ladder frame, and an engine pretty well waterproofed, you can go through deep water with it stock. Here are a couple pictures, these are stock Kia Sportages and none of them are stuck:
http://207.108.138.190/climb.jpg
http://207.108.138.190/swim1.jpg
http://207.108.138.190/swim2.jpg
This guy has a lift on his Sportage:
http://207.108.138.190/one.jpg
http://207.108.138.190/two.jpg
So hopefully you can see that there is some potential there, Suzukis were no good either until people started making aftermarket parts for them.

Here are a couple more:
I'm going to buy this bumper, this guy makes them and he also runs 32's:
http://207.108.138.190/cool.jpg
Here's another one:
http://207.108.138.190/chris.jpg
More mud:
http://207.108.138.190/muddy.jpg
Two Kias:
http://207.108.138.190/comparo.jpg
This is the Sportage that won the Baja 2000:
http://207.108.138.190/spec.jpg

Actually, come to think of it, I don't know if that is the Sportage that won the Baja 2000, but it's what Darren Skilton does to the Sportage, and he won the Baja 2000 in a Sportage. Anyway it's cool <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Cant really help with your problem, but go with the idea! Anything can be hardcore with enough creativness. differnt is good.

hey dont worry about those people that think if its not "hardcore" it should be laughed at, but that one dude sportage is sweet. to lift the rear and not have the axle go sideways you could make some drop brakets or something, i was thinking maybe a longer rod but if you where to articulate it would push and pull the axle from under you. have fun.

oh not to be an ass or any thing but www.4x4wire.com (http://www.4x4wire.com) has a kia sportage bbs. since it has a ladder frame toy axles may not be that bad of an idea

Originally posted by Nukeiridium:
<STRONG>No, I'm not kidding. As soon as I can save up the money there is a rear locker and 5.88 gears for front and rear that I want to buy. I don't know how to install pinion gears so that is a problem, expensive to have done... Anyway, any ideas?</STRONG>

Man, don't listen to anyone but yourself. I got so many replies like some of these. I was putting a 8" lift 33x14.50's, 4.88's and a LockRight on a 2wd Pre-Runner and everyone laughed!! No everone I see with a Toyota Pre-Runner wants to lift it some how even though it is 2wd.

Lesson is: If you have an idea and want to build something different....DO IT. No matter what anyone thinks. If I were you I would swap the front out for a Toyota axle. Not sure if you transfer case out put is on the passanger side???? There is always a way to make things work. I would drop Toy axles in the front and back with some nice springs, run some 4.88's dual ARB air lockers. and have one bad Sportage.

Later......

I used to work with a guy named Louis who had a Kia Sportage. He bought it because it had a frame and a transfer case which in my book makes it better then a lot of "trucks". Anyway he torched off the stock crap and put toyota axles with coil springs under it. He used stock Jeep and Dodge control arms to save money and it turned out pretty cool. It was a white one and it always reminded me a huge marshmellow but it was cool. He used to work and the Fly-N-Hi in Cave Creek but he might have moved on. You should try hunting him down if you can I'm sure it would be helpful. If nothiing else they probably have some pictures floating around the shop. As for your panhard bar either drop the frame mount or raise the axle mount and it should get you by. Oh yeah don't call your truck a car, you're going to catch enough flack from the sheep for thinking outside the box so don't bring it on yourself. Good luck
Travis

Originally posted by Nukeiridium:
<STRONG>There is a stabilizer bar on each side of the car...</STRONG>


Originally posted by SlyDog:
<STRONG>My suggestion is sell that "car"...</STRONG>


Originally posted by Nukeiridium:
<STRONG>It's not a car...</STRONG>


So just where is that stabilizer bar <IMG SRC="smilies/question.gif" border="0">

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Pete

Ah, my mistake. Stabilizer bar on each side of the TRUCK. <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

I used to work with a guy named Louis who had a Kia Sportage. He bought it because it had a frame and a transfer case which in my book makes it better then a lot of "trucks". Anyway he torched off the stock crap and put toyota axles with coil springs under it. He used stock Jeep and Dodge control arms to save money and it turned out pretty cool. It was a white one and it always reminded me a huge marshmellow but it was cool. He used to work and the Fly-N-Hi in Cave Creek but he might have moved on. You should try hunting him down if you can I'm sure it would be helpful. If nothiing else they probably have some pictures floating around the shop. As for your panhard bar either drop the frame mount or raise the axle mount and it should get you by. Oh yeah don't call your truck a car, you're going to catch enough flack from the sheep for thinking outside the box so don't bring it on yourself. Good luck
Travis

Gawwd I gotta find this guy, anyone know him or where I can find him?

do you have any idea what web site you are on? you must be the kind of guy who strolls into a gay bar and thinks ...gee what a nice bunch of fellas, can i buy you a drink?

dude i hate to break the news to you but your KIA is a piece of crap. if you really want a trail rig go buy a used jeep,toyota,chevy pickup or anything with a soilid axle in it. put some lockers and 35" tires on it and go beat it. you will spend less money and have a better rig. and you can can keep the KIA to use as a daily driver. (that is if you don't mind real men laughing at you )

Hey all, uhhhh, I have a Suburu Outback, and I want to lift it and put 40's on it, any suggestions? <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">
<IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0">
<IMG width=300 height=178 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/sub1.jpg">

[ 11-03-2001: Message edited by: GRABBER ]

dude i hate to break the news to you but your KIA is a piece of crap.

That's not a very nice thing to say. I doubt you have any first-hand knowledge about Kias, you only know what you have heard other people say about them, and the people you heard probably heard from someone else, etc... This is exactly the kind of thing that everyone was saying about the Suzukis, it's so funny, now they are considereg legit and all. I wish the average 4 wheeler wasn't so ignorant, no wonder we all have a bad image. Does makin fun of my rig make you feel cool? I asked for help ya know, not petty brand prejudice. Anyway, I like having something different, plus, I don't want to sell it because I can only get maybe 5k out of it, and with 5k I would not be able to buy a rig that would do the same and also work for a daily driver. I can't help my financial situation, college takes a lot of $$$ out of ya. At some point I'll be able to afford a car for the commute and a project vehicle for havin fun, but for now I'm trying to do the best with what I have, comprende? <IMG SRC="smilies/shy.gif" border="0">

Ok first of all go for it. I think it could look cool, but remmber if you are gonna build it take your time and do it right otherwise not only will you get laughed at for drivin a Kia but also for being stuck.

If I understand your question about the rear you should build a triangulated top bar like on a lot of the 3 link set-ups on this board. does it have coils in the rear?
if so then build some longer arms and triangulate the top arms and ditch the panhard. But read up on the link set-up first to figure out how it works. Then get yourself a cheap front 10 bolt or toyota axle and stuff that up front. slap on some 35's and go play. What are you studying? Because if it's art or engineering you can make this a school project. good luck.

that has got to be the gayest thing ive ever seen. was that a women only run? ive never seen a hederosexual male driving one of those, i dont think....an a side not i didnt realize they made 14" mud tires. how much lift is needed to run a 15" wheel? i say go balls to the wall and when you do gears, weld up your spider gears too.

Not that I would build a KIA, but hey different is cool and if you have the time and willpower you can build anything.

Try this link for the rear trackbar.JeepZJ's Photo Album (http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1172121)

He made his own rear adjustable trackbar and you could probably do something similar

I don't want to sound like a dick or anything but I(it's my girlfriends) own a 95 sportage and I would not start building with that. Don't get me wrong , different is cool I'm just not too impressed with the Kia.
Although if you do insist on building it you should stay away from the "bolt on" or "lift kit" sort of things. I think you would have to go all out to make it a dependable and trail worthy rig. Probably end up with nothing but a Kia tub on custom built everything else.
Take all this with a grain of salt. I said the same things about Toyotas and Suzukis not that many years ago.
At any rait good luck with it. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

i saw this one at Uwharrie out here in NC, it has 31s http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1753162&a=13942034&p=55918494&f=0

You would be time and money ahead to buy a samuri or toyota pickup (without IFS) for dirt cheap use a cheap homewgrown lift used 33's some gears and a lockright or two. This would save you alot of money in the long run and give you a much more capable rig that you don't have to worry about denting or having it make the trip to work. Just something to think about

[/QUOTE]
That's not a very nice thing to say.


truth hurts does it? <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

I doubt you have any first-hand knowledge about Kias,

other than seeing the kia team in baja and watching them race. not much. by the way yes they won thier class cause there was not any body else in the class execpt the 3 kia's and if you say them race you would be laughing to.

you only know what you have heard other people say about them, and the people you heard probably heard from someone else, etc...

<IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

This is exactly the kind of thing that everyone was saying about the Suzukis, it's so funny, now they are considereg legit and all.

by who? i laugh at them every chance i get. ever wheel one? they suck


I wish the average 4 wheeler wasn't so ignorant,

me to. then idiots would not buy KIA"S


no wonder we all have a bad image. Does makin fun of my rig make you feel cool?

yes

I asked for help ya know, not petty brand prejudice. Anyway, I like having something different, plus, I don't want to sell it because I can only get maybe 5k out of it, and with 5k I would not be able to buy a rig that would do the same and also work for a daily driver. I can't help my financial situation, college takes a lot of $$$ out of ya. At some point I'll be able to afford a car for the commute and a project vehicle for havin fun, but for now I'm trying to do the best with what I have, comprende? <IMG SRC="smilies/shy.gif" border="0">[/QB][/QUOTE]

whatever..... now go away <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by NE-RokToy:
<STRONG>You would be time and money ahead to buy a samuri or toyota pickup (without IFS) for dirt cheap use a cheap homewgrown lift used 33's some gears and a lockright or two. This would save you alot of money in the long run and give you a much more capable rig that you don't have to worry about denting or having it make the trip to work. Just something to think about</STRONG>

But that wouldn't get him as DEPENDABLE of a vehicle. This thing is practically brand new, I'm gonna have to go against the grain here and say build the KIA. SORRY CAMO usually I'm with ya, but I think it's a cool IDEA.

DISCLAIMER:Don't get me wrong I would never waste my money on one, but since he has one and likes it, what the hell, see what you can/can't do with it.

kia did prety good in the paris to dakar and it wasn't only kias. i also used to laugh at sami's and toys(still do in the sand)but they turned into good trial vehicles. sure you wont get alot of people jumping on the kia bandwagon but who gives a fawk. swap in the toy or waggy axles with leaves lock it and blow peoples mind that you can do that with a kia. and get some think skin cause the laughter wont go away.

ya im with ya. i think a rav4 on 60's and 44" with a 350 and sm420 and atlas should do the trick. then i could have some cool junk and be a homo

just build it! someday people will want to do a kia too. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I won't say anything bad about Sportages, because my next door neighbor has one and she's a complete hottie MILF <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I say build what you want, but this is the wrong forum for your vehicle...Good luck with it <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by camo:
no wonder we all have a bad image. Does makin fun of my rig make you feel cool?

yes

LMAO! Damn, Camo <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by Twelve Twenty:
<STRONG>I won't say anything bad about Sportages, because my next door neighbor has one and she's a complete hottie MILF <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
</STRONG>

MILF-It does a body good!

Pete

with enough speed (which it looks like you guys had) i could drive my grandmothers '88 buick through those "mud holes". and dude 5k could buy you a hell of a trailrig/daily driver. buy a late 80s range rover- torquey V8 motor, overdrive automatic tranmission, geardriven transfer case with a 3.2:1 low range, solid front and rear axles, a SUPER beefy fully boxed ladder frame, and coils on all four with a rear 3 link and a $1100 front bolt on 3 link kit. here are some pics:

bolt on 3 link front and custom springs, on 33s:
http://www.d-90.com/bio/images/adam_way_1.jpg

this one on 35s with a 2.5" lift:
http://www.rangie.com/list/images/paullagerstedt1.jpg

on 38.5" boggers with 5" lift:
http://www.rovertym.com/photos/images/mar2000/5.jpg

who says that range rovers arent worth sheat? <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

But the first people to start to build Suzukis to wheel were not poor students...

If you build the kia, you'll never get it to wheel as good as a Toyota or a Jeep for the same amount of money/ stress.

Save your money and find somthing you can get parts for and get help from people who have done it before and have the same rig.

oh... and those "wheelin" pictures of those cars looked pretty <IMG SRC="smilies/rainbow.gif" border="0">

In addition to my Kia, I own a K3500, A GMC short box with a Caddy 500, and an IHC Scout. The Sportage has very nice off road manners and climbs surprisingly well. I believe that Kia contracted with McClaren racing to design the rear suspension. The new Jeep Liberty has a lot of similarities.

Originally posted by Nukeiridium:
<STRONG>


Gawwd I gotta find this guy, anyone know him or where I can find him?</STRONG>

I told you man your sig says you're from AZ, pick up the yellow pages and get the number for the Cave Creek Fly-N-Hi. Call them up and ask for Louis. If he doesn't work there anymore tell them your after information about his Kia. They'll probably either have some pics to help you out or tell you where you can find him. He used to work at Best Buy too, so that should be enough to get your search going. I think his truck was featured in either Off-road or 4WSU but I'm not sure.

Don't let the sheep get you down, you don't have to Staaaaay with the Floooock, a lot of the trucks on this board could have started out as a little red wagon and turned out the same. People used to laugh at Samurais, Toyotas, YJs and anything else that isn't what they drive. I'm not saying that Kias are going to be the hot new vehicle to build up but with a real transfer case, A FRAME!!, and minimal overhangs you could pick a lot worse trucks to start with. But then again what do I know, I'm just a web wheeler with a Scout. Grow a thick skin and have fun, that's why we all go wheeling.
Travis

How that that be a good off road vehicle with those awesome departure angles and light weight? <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"> The pictures look good of what you can do with that thing. Sucks that it will be hard to find aftermarket parts for it. That is the problem with trying to be different from the next guy.

Originally posted by ccj8008@msn.com:
<STRONG>In addition to my Kia, I own a K3500, A GMC short box with a Caddy 500, and an IHC Scout. The Sportage has very nice off road manners and climbs surprisingly well. I believe that Kia contracted with McClaren racing to design the rear suspension. The new Jeep Liberty has a lot of similarities.</STRONG>
uhhh huh, the liberty is a <IMG SRC="smilies/rainbow.gif" border="0"> pos too....

Originally posted by camo:
<STRONG>do you have any idea what web site you are on? you must be the kind of guy who strolls into a gay bar and thinks ...gee what a nice bunch of fellas, can i buy you a drink?

dude i hate to break the news to you but your KIA is a piece of crap. if you really want a trail rig go buy a used jeep,toyota,chevy pickup or anything with a soilid axle in it. put some lockers and 35" tires on it and go beat it. you will spend less money and have a better rig. and you can can keep the KIA to use as a daily driver. (that is if you don't mind real men laughing at you )</STRONG>


CAMO.... wtf is goin awwn... alot of pink panty'd people defending him on here....its just a disgrace to the board... <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by badassjeepguy:
<STRONG>
CAMO.... wtf is goin awwn... alot of pink panty'd people defending him on here....its just a disgrace to the board... <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

ok so in five years or so when folk have started working out the bugs in making KIA's into off road rigs like they have done sammies will you model those pink panties you will end up wearing. <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">

since when does someone with the balls to try a differen route get a pink pantie rating. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> If that were the case we would all still be ridding in stock rigs and hardcore guys would be pink pantie party dudes. <IMG SRC="smilies/innocent.gif" border="0">

[ 11-03-2001: Message edited by: coachgeo3 ]

comparing a kia to a sammy is a joke.the only reason sammys are cool...oh wait a minute they are not cool. <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"> but at least they have solid axles. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">


ok here you go: how to make a KIA into a hard core trail rig. hmmmm um well uh ah hell it's useless.

Originally posted by ccj8008@msn.com:
<STRONG>I believe that Kia contracted with McClaren racing to design the rear suspension. The new Jeep Liberty has a lot of similarities.</STRONG>

last time i checked, mc claren wasnt into building off road suspensions. and the liberty? ooooooooo im scared! IFS makes me shake in my leaf sprung SA boots! fawk the liberty, fawk your kia, get a real truck, something that has a SA, and a suspension capable of having some real travel. oh yeah, and youre bragging about fitting 32s? holy sheet man! 32s! wow! i mean, really! thats so FAWKING AMAZING!!!!

<IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by badassjeepguy:
<STRONG>Originally posted by ccj8008@msn.com:
In addition to my Kia, I own a K3500, A GMC short box with a Caddy 500, and an IHC Scout. The Sportage has very nice off road manners and climbs surprisingly well. I believe that Kia contracted with McClaren racing to design the rear suspension. The new Jeep Liberty has a lot of similarities.</STRONG>
uhhh huh, the liberty is a <IMG SRC="smilies/rainbow.gif" border="0"> pos too....


took the word right out of my mouth. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by coachgeo3:
<STRONG>ok so in five years or so when folk have started working out the bugs in making KIA's into off road rigs like they have done sammies will you model those pink panties you will end up wearing.

since when does someone with the balls to try a differen route get a pink pantie rating. If that were the case we would all still be ridding in stock rigs and hardcore guys would be pink pantie party dudes.</STRONG>


lol...offended? sorry.. <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> i have done my own thing with my rig too, and have been questioned as to why the fawk would i do this or that.. A.i dont give a 2 fawks what "they" think B. my shit works. c. he posted on here, and i gave him my fawkin opinion.....you dont like it <IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0"> as with the panty comments i made...... there has been a liberal panty'd movement goin on here for a while... ya know the well he had a ruff life, college poor boy, his momma dressed him funny.....ahhhh quit your bitchin....


btw, now that you live in ohio....... ya gonna hook up with us locals for a few good runs.. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by badassjeepguy:
<STRONG>
lol...offended? sorry.. <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> i have done my own thing with my rig too, and have been questioned as to why the fawk would i do this or that.. A.i dont give a 2 fawks what "they" think B. my shit works. c. he posted on here, and i gave him my fawkin opinion.....you dont like it <IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0"> as with the panty comments i made...... there has been a liberal panty'd movement goin on here for a while... ya know the well he had a ruff life, college poor boy, his momma dressed him funny.....ahhhh quit your bitchin....


btw, now that you live in ohio....... ya gonna hook up with us locals for a few good runs.. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

har har.. I edited my post.. it was more tounge in cheek than you interpreted it. Not offended at all. He is obviously a newbie, and I got a nasty habbit of sticking up for little guys... and at the same time, I have seen sleepers like the kia both in the sport car racing world (scca) and offroad world come out of the blue and KICK ASS then get renamed as bad ass rigs. Which was my point.. you may end up wearing those panties... Bet u would look cute.. har har har har har har <IMG SRC="smilies/jester.gif" border="0">

. Now that I know ur a wheeler here in the notheastern US that explains your nievety <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> on bad ass sammies etc. You dont know "rockcrawling" <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

as to wheeling soon... LETS GOOO but.....

Im a daily driver; well right now im a daily walker actually, and doing thousand dollar d44 repair... wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... Should be done by tues. I work Sat's... agggggg.. Sunday 11th in Wellsville? heard some folk may be going? I may have to work sun. too though.. SHITZZZZ

i didnt realize they made 14" mud tires. how much lift is needed to run a 15" wheel?

Uhhh Sportage doesn't come with 14" rims, they are 15 inch. Plus, they are 5 on 5.5, just like a Samurai, old Ford full-sizes, etc. Why did you think they were 14 inch... So many people talkin $hit without having the facts. As for the water, Sportages (stock) can ford 3.5 feet of water, enough to hydrolock most of you guys's rigs. Who cares what you redneck dip$hits think anyway, someone told me 4 wheelers were helpful, I guess they lied, you people are dumber than a sack of hammers and just as tactful. Of course I'm only not referring to those of you who were helpful, I guess not all of you are loudmouth fawkers...

Originally posted by Nukeiridium:
<STRONG>Uhhh Sportage doesn't come with 14" rims, they are 15 inch. Plus, they are 5 on 5.5, just like a Samurai, old Ford full-sizes, etc. Why did you think they were 14 inch... So many people talkin $hit without having the facts. As for the water, Sportages (stock) can ford 3.5 feet of water, enough to hydrolock most of you guys's rigs. Who cares what you redneck dip$hits think anyway, someone told me 4 wheelers were helpful, I guess they lied, you people are dumber than a sack of hammers and just as tactful. Of course I'm only not referring to those of you who were helpful, I guess not all of you are loudmouth fawkers...</STRONG>
Such a ballsy idiot. KIA's <IMG SRC="smilies/puke.gif" border="0"> do suck. Step on the floor board in front of your seat and check the flex. Check for the number of tcases that have had problems. Now, go away
<IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0">

Couple of thoughts...

1) To build an "off-brand" 4x4 you need to learn ignore the non technical negative comments.

2) Don't ask for vehicle specific advice because chances are it doesn't exist.

3) Most or all of the mods that you do will be custom.

4) Getting wrapped up in defending your choice of vehicle is a waste of energy. Talk is cheap. Action speaks volumes.

If you are really going to do this you have to decide if you an handle being the butt of all the jokes. If you can't and want your rig to be accepted by others don't spend any money on something "different." If you really want to be different then go ahead. Show us the results when you are done. I'd like to see it and I'm sure so would others.

the funny part is we are being helpful in our own kinda of dumb as a hammer redneck way.

some day you will look back and relize that the following advice is true:

sell the POS kia and get a real rig. if you want to do some real offroad trails and not just dirt roads with puddles. yes we are laughing at you but thats about all the help your gonna get in a kia.

Originally posted by Nukeiridium:
<STRONG>
i didnt realize they made 14" mud tires. how much lift is needed to run a 15" wheel?

Uhhh Sportage doesn't come with 14" rims, they are 15 inch. Plus, they are 5 on 5.5, just like a Samurai, old Ford full-sizes, etc. Why did you think they were 14 inch... So many people talkin $hit without having the facts. As for the water, Sportages (stock) can ford 3.5 feet of water, enough to hydrolock most of you guys's rigs. Who cares what you redneck dip$hits think anyway, someone told me 4 wheelers were helpful, I guess they lied, you people are dumber than a sack of hammers and just as tactful. Of course I'm only not referring to those of you who were helpful, I guess not all of you are loudmouth fawkers...</STRONG>

Not trying to be an A-hole here, but you really cant come on the board with that attitude right there or you wont get much help. Everybody here is just playful, take it with a grain of salt. You know they say "opinions are like a-holes, everybody has one and they all stink" Not many people agree with what I run on my rig, and they might be right in some cases, but its fun when they all talk shit and then you wheel with them and they eat their words, that has happened more then once.

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">


Good luck and dont take things so serious

My advice on the Kia, if your going to step it up a notch, is go solid. Don't even bother with the Ifs stuff. Leaf mounts are relativly easy to fab, especially with a frame chassis. Get a Dana front axle and have at it.

My mom had a Kia sportage, and yes, in general, build and all, it is a POS! But then as I look at my s-10 (that has IFS and I"m converting), it's really not that far behind in the POS rating.

So go ahead and do it. At least you'll be satisfied. Imagine all the double takes people will do when you show up for a run. Then take the badges off so people HAVE to ask.

ditto what overkiller said <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> say, the fly-n-hi on cave creek road has a picture book and quite a few pics of his kia in it, i havent seen it or him there in some time so he probly dont work there no more. but his buddy still does, get your ass over there i'm sure you can get in touch with him.
BTW, most of the rigs on this board are not the way they came stock including mine, and that is because they were lacking and needed to be built, so find some money and build that kia into a respectable wheeler, it can be done.

U guys are hilareous.. ahh and I cant spell. well anyway... u guys that rip em to bleed for humor remind be of east coast humor (NYorkers, Bostoians etc).... but ur trasplanted out west. hmm where was Kia man from.... east or west? I honestly dont remember.. hmmm has the polarity changed in the US..

har har

shit whats next, a kia forum <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">
please what you have is a car with a transfer case, nothing more, nothing less. <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

ok kia boy just to give you a clue. here is the kind of wheeling we do. now go back and look at your dirt road pics and then compare. now ask yourself, do i really want the advise from these dumb as a hammer rednecks? is this what you want to build your kia for?

my rig:

<IMG width=640 height=480 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/box005.jpg">

our little play ground

<IMG width=640 height=480 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/box001.jpg">

<IMG width=640 height=480 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/box003.jpg">

<IMG width=640 height=480 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/box002.jpg">

<IMG width=640 height=480 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/box004.jpg">

<IMG width=480 height=640 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/crack002.jpg">


if you still don't understand why we are laughing at your kia then even college is not going to help. <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

[ 11-03-2001: Message edited by: camo ]

Camo Camo Camo.. tsk tsk.. <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> you left out the pictures of Zuks that walk thru the little sluice etc. Mike Shafer.. of Carson City to Name one.. <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep2.gif" border="0"> granted his rig aint much zuk anymore but others more zuk do it too.

As to this post...Ok.. so he's a newbie.... but it would be nice to see the zuks get some competition from another small sized rig. They kick a lot of bigger rigs buts allready so picking on someone their own size might take the pressure of you guys.. <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> har har... hehe... (and me) <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0">

oh.. I have a TJ... and no... I wont trade it for a KIA... har har.. <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep2.gif" border="0">

ok kia boy just to give you a clue. here is the kind of wheeling we do. now go back and look at your dirt road pics and then compare. now ask yourself, do i really want the advise from these dumb as a hammer rednecks? is this what you want to build your kia for?

Yes, I did want advice, I got a little bit of good advice for a few of you guys. No, that's not what I want to build my Kia for. I didn't think ALL you guys have rigs that extreme. How much did your rig cost? Looks pretty heavily modified, gotta have lots of cash in it no? I would LOVE to have a rig like that but you think that's gonna happen any time soon? Hopefull when I get my degree I can make enough to just set up shop and start workin on a real beast. For now, what I'm trying to do with the Kia is take it as far as I can afford to take it, and without taking all my time, so I can start out with "easy" stuff and get some experience 4 wheeling. I've had a lot of fun with it so far, I don't know what your problem is with that. Plus, it's fun to have something different. I guess the thing I need to do next is see if I can do a solid axle conversion for less that it would cost to change to another vehicle, and I also have to take into consideration what a nice daily driver it is with the AC and modern stuff it has.

Hmm, just thinkin how funny it would be if I won the high-angle driveline giveaway

Originally posted by Nukeiridium:
<STRONG>Hmm, just thinkin how funny it would be if I won the high-angle driveline giveaway</STRONG>
i dont think it works in cars.... lol you need some more lift to utilize the HIGH angle.... <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by coachgeo3:
<STRONG>har har.. I edited my post.. it was more tounge in cheek than you interpreted it. Not offended at all. He is obviously a newbie, and I got a nasty habbit of sticking up for little guys... and at the same time, I have seen sleepers like the kia both in the sport car racing world (scca) and offroad world come out of the blue and KICK ASS then get renamed as bad ass rigs. Which was my point.. you may end up wearing those panties... Bet u would look cute.. har har har har har har <IMG SRC="smilies/jester.gif" border="0">

. Now that I know ur a wheeler here in the notheastern US that explains your nievety <IMG SRC="smilies/laughing.gif" border="0"> on bad ass sammies etc. You dont know "rockcrawling" <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

as to wheeling soon... LETS GOOO but.....

Im a daily driver; well right now im a daily walker actually, and doing thousand dollar d44 repair... wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... Should be done by tues. I work Sat's... agggggg.. Sunday 11th in Wellsville? heard some folk may be going? I may have to work sun. too though.. SHITZZZZ</STRONG>


ba hahahaha, you brag bout the west in one breath.....
,
,
,
,
,
,in another
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,,
you say im just a daily driver..... ahhh we will definately hook up to some "easy" east coast wheeling.... im sure we will have a blast.....
<IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0">

If you want to be weird, I say go fo it! If your really poor, but REALLY want bigger rubber on their it can be done for about $120 buck....sawzall. Dont assume it cant be whacked without ruining it, I trimmed the piss out of my last rig and you could tell unless I pointed it out.

I wouldnt pay much attention to the comments of others, heckling is what they do (and enjoy) best. Some of those macho men ripping on you make glitter for a living...if you worked on the dream sparkle barbie prototype you might have "issues" too.... <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

[ 11-04-2001: Message edited by: scwafish ]

Originally posted by badassjeepguy:
<STRONG>
ba hahahaha, you brag bout the west in one breath.....
,
,
,
,in another

,

,,
you say im just a daily driver..... ahhh we will definately hook up to some "easy" east coast wheeling.... im sure we will have a blast.....
<IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Can only afford one vehicle.... thus daily driver... ok... so it aint a very normal daily driver... and people around here sorta stare at me. <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> some think it's a bomb <IMG SRC="smilies/nuke.gif" border="0"> others think it looks bad <IMG SRC="smilies/vader.gif" border="0"> All I care is it goes from A to B even if there are some OBSTACLES in the way. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Check this out:
http://forums.jeepsunlimited.com/cgi-bin/ju/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Liberty+Forum&number=21&DaysPrune=2&LastLogin= :rasta:

Originally posted by Wheelr
Check this out:
http://forums.jeepsunlimited.com/cgi-bin/ju/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Liberty+Forum&number=21&DaysPrune=2&LastLogin= :rasta:

why? how useless is that :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Nukeiridium

No, that's not what I want to build my Kia for. I didn't think ALL you guys have rigs that extreme. How much did your rig cost? About 4 grand not counting the $2950 to buy it.

For now, what I'm trying to do with the Kia is take it as far as I can afford to take it, and without taking all my time, so I can start out with "easy" stuff and get some experience 4 wheeling. Obviously, you're on the wrong board then.

:D:D:D.

Kia's suck.
How does it make sense to tear down a Daily Driver and put in real axles? Think that will only take a weeked:rolleyes:

Sell the Kia to some limp-wristed, ass pounder, and get a YJ, or and old toy, even a Zuki. The Kia will cost a lot of $$$, and it will still be a :rainbow: Kia. In the long run it'll be much cheaper, and reliable to start with a different platform.....:flipoff2:

Originally posted by coachgeo3


Which was my point.. you may end up wearing those panties... Bet u would look cute..

Jeezus, Thanks for the visual :eek::flipoff2:

Okay, lets break down what you said...

Originally posted by Nukeiridium

Yes, I did want advice, I got a little bit of good advice for a few of you guys. No, that's not what I want to build my Kia for. I didn't think ALL you guys have rigs that extreme.

----We don't, but we have "some" money in them and can go places 99.0% of all rigs cannot.

How much did your rig cost?

----I have about $2800 total in mine. And with what i ahve done, your comment about the 3.5' of fording depth hahahah, hell my air inlet is right at 3.5 feet already!

Looks pretty heavily modified, gotta have lots of cash in it no? I would LOVE to have a rig like that but you think that's gonna happen any time soon? Hopefull when I get my degree I can make enough to just set up shop and start workin on a real beast. For now, what I'm trying to do with the Kia is take it as far as I can afford to take it, and without taking all my time

---Stop right there, Then go away!! What you are proposing in the first place is going to take up your time. This will NOT be a weekend bolt on kit you are asking for then is it? And what will you do while your rig is down for mods and you need a daily driver? Think about it.

so I can start out with "easy" stuff and get some experience 4 wheeling. I guess the thing I need to do next is see if I can do a solid axle conversion for less that it would cost to change to another vehicle,

---Never gonna happen! Think about the time and $$$ involved. Most of the guys here (and myself)do their own work and from the sounds of it, you don't. So there is more $$$ down the drain.

and I also have to take into consideration what a nice daily driver it is with the AC and modern stuff it has.

---Most of the comments here have been very helpful if you just listen! Sell what you have, get something cheaper (hell i just saw a Range Rover (80's) for around $2500 or so in Phoenix and that would be a much better platform than your KIA! And still would be a nice daily driver.

Originally posted by scwafish
If you want to be weird, I say go fo it! If your really poor, but REALLY want bigger rubber on their it can be done for about $120 buck....sawzall. Dont assume it cant be whacked without ruining it, I trimmed the piss out of my last rig and you could tell unless I pointed it out.

I wouldnt pay much attention to the comments of others, heckling is what they do (and enjoy) best. Some of those macho men ripping on you make glitter for a living...if you worked on the dream sparkle barbie prototype you might have "issues" too.... <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

[ 11-04-2001: Message edited by: scwafish ]

OMG, LMAO....this is way good

Ok dude,
First off this is a Pirate forum. Go read the newbie introduction in the general chit chat forum. Second off my stock XJ can ford 3.5' of water, so what? Next you won't be able to get 5.88 for a D33? or what ever your front IFS is. Get some real axles in their if you want a real wheeler. Then you can do some lifting, other wise get a diffrent vehicle for wheeling. And if you think you can't afford it then you had better wait till your out of college and can afford it.

---Never gonna happen! Think about the time and $$$ involved. Most of the guys here (and myself)do their own work and from the sounds of it, you don't. So there is more $$$ down the drain.
I do my own work, I have never paid anyone to do anything to any vehicle I have owned. I just don't have a welder or a sawzall, I'm new to this stuff, I just have normal old tools, I have to start somewhere
Next you won't be able to get 5.88 for a D33? or what ever your front IFS is.
I said I was gonna buy the 5.88 gears, not that I was looking for them. I already found them, all I have to do is buy them, they are made specifically for this vehicle so I know they work. Then I want to find out if I can put them in myself, or if it is too hard to measure the backlash and all that stuff and deal with the crush sleeves. I dunno yet. Off my back! :flipoff2:

c'mon guys, where's the traditional answer.......

solid axle swap using 60's 60's 60's......or is it now mogs mogs mogs.........and while your at it you might as well go 350-nv4500-atlas II


:rolleyes: :flipoff2: :rainbow:

I faced the same short sighted views on a Subaru build-up. It's great you can get gears that was the only problem that forced me to buy a Toyota. I had a great time wheeling that car and it did alot more than anyone every expected. That was half the fun, seeing all those mouths drop when I did what said couldn't be done in a Subaru.

What kind of subaru?

1985 Subaru Wagon, 4 inch lift, custom bumpers, skid plates, 28 inch Copper M/Ts and lots more.

Several guys in Washington have built them up and they are very popular in Austrila.

Any per 1985 works well they all have a true lower range and some come with LSD's

If you are on a budget, and have limited work space and tools, sell the Kia and buy a 4Runner.

Here's why -

1. Proven reliability.
2. Many, many mods available, and people have figured it all out.
3. IF it has problems on the trail, there's a very good chance you'll be able to borrow parts, or at least get good advice.
4. Makes a great daily driver.

I'm not trying to put-down your Kia like all the others, I just think this is your best bet. If you had a garage full of tools and metal working equipment, AND years of experience, I'd say go for it, but that's not the case.

Originally posted by camo
you must be the kind of guy who strolls into a gay bar and thinks ...gee what a nice bunch of fellas, can i buy you a drink?

Damn camo, quit picking up on the new guys. :flipoff2:

This has to be the gayest fawkin topic I have ever seen on POR.

My outlook:

1. Kias are gay
2. Camo is gay...but officially still my hero :flipoff2:
3. Kias are still fawkin :rainbow:

:D

i never realized how closed minded some wheelers are, the little reply about"this is the kind of wheelin we do" is bs, it is the kind of wheelin YOU do. If you are going to build a kia I suggest a solid axle up front(of coarse) with a toyota axle, they are cheep and if you can find them, they came with 4.38s one year. I am not sure what your stock r&p are but i am guessing that they are not 4.38s, so that would save you a lot of $$ and toyota diffs f&r would be very stout and give you good width. the only problem I can see is that with no aproach or departure you dont really dont have a place to put spring hangers on. I guess you could do somthing simular to a jeep and extend the frame out and then you would also have a place to put a winch to unstick all those closed minded people. So pretty much you have to just use your imagination and build somthing that works but whatever you do dont give in and sell it, BUILD IT AND BEAT IT!! good luck:D

I'm still thinkin about building the Kia, not sure. Currenly I can buy (bolt-on):
4 inches suspension lift
1.5 inch body lift
front and rear steel bumpers
rock sliders
5.88 gears for front and rear diffs
rear locker

With all of the above and a tiny bit of sawzalling, 33's will fit. That will be good enough until I learn to weld and do other things. I'll keep you all posted on how it goes just to piss you off... Just kidding, but wait until you see the new pics I have of my friend who has a Kia, you won't believe them.

Dude if you wanna build that Kia then go for it.

Personally I think they are pretty :rainbow: but a lot of people say the same thing about my truck (98 ranger) and say the same stuff about building it.

If you sell it and buy a toy or a jeep then your just gonna be following the herd.. do your own thing man... get a toy and you will just be following the herd and <B> THAT </B> is :rainbow: :rainbow:

You can fit 33" on a K5 without any modification :p :D :D

Originally posted by SlyDog
You can fit 33" on a K5 without any modification :p :D :D

Yah, but think of your breakover angle compared to his. Crap those things are just bout to touch!

Have a go and keep us posted. Different is cool, but I still would not trade the Jeep for a KIA!:flipoff2:

Originally posted by bashed4runner
i never realized how closed minded some wheelers are, the little reply about"this is the kind of wheelin we do" is bs, it is the kind of wheelin YOU do.

once again a fine example of a fawking newbie spewing shit and having no idea what he is talking about. obiviously you have not even read the whole thread. my mind is wide open and i participate in many forms of motorsports and appreciate all kinds of rigs. however this IS a hardcore rockcrawling web site and building a KIA for puddle hoping and dirt road wheeling has no place here other than for us to laugh at. :flipoff2: if this is not the kind of wheeling YOU do then we don't really need to hear any more of your spew either. maybe offroad.com is where you can find some kindered spirt if this is not how you wheel.

Hey Camo!

Nice pics...but how is that "the kind of wheeling we do..."

I don't see any wheeling....all I see is a bunch of lazy rednecks lying on their sides :flipoff2:

oh...and one guy trying a novel paint stripping technique with a winch :D

When the hell did this turn into the "give peace a chance" lets all be accepting BB??

Sheesh....

Oh...and Kia guy......you ARE getting the BEST advice.....and not from the "love your alternative style" types that are holding your hand...but from those who you think are being rude....

How many time you gotta hear it? Sell it and get a better rig if you want to "wheel". If you don't even own a welder there's no way you're making that thing capable.....

KIA dude, I have to go along with the crowd on this one, If ya really wanna wheel, especially on a budjet, need to leave the KIA
behind. Do some research, cruise the used car lots, find a lifted straight axle rig, and go learn about wheelin. Like others have said, Everything will be custom built for it, (read$$$$$$$) Most of us build our own junk, and over the years have developed a network of friends and parts sources that really keep the costs down. I have seen that trick KIA in Phoenix. Sweet rig, but he is a fabricator by trade. Everything is custom built. Hey ,down the road when you are an old pro, go for the KIA project for the fun of it. I get the feeling that once you get to learn what REAL 4 wheeling is about, you will look back on the KIA idea and laugh as much as all the rest of us has......:rolleyes:

Originally posted by BillaVista


I don't see any wheeling....all I see is a bunch of lazy rednecks lying on their sides :flipoff2:

.....

exactaly LOL

Originally posted by camo


exactaly LOL

Problem is Camo and other hard core only board purist, if u dont keep a broad enough range of wheeling types and questions on this board:

1: Who do we have fun with :flipoff2:
2. 1/2 ur board will be gone cause very few clubs/wheelers in reality wheel as hard as the POR.

I know for sure myself that I have become knowledgable in a shorter amount of time and $$ than on the job learning, to prepare myself and my rig for more agressive level of "hardcore" because of this site. If I had been banned like some would like after a few of my post then I would still be gropping along on easy trails instead of others I explore.

hmmmmm as I reread this message I guess I should be :rainbow: and actually say thanks.. to this board for all the knowledge you have imparted on me. Granted there is lots of shietz to dig thru to find the knowledge I've gotten.. buttt oh well... thats how ya dish it out guess thats what I gotta live with.

with that said ...... since Im in OH now... I guess I gonna get more shietz as I seek knowledge by asking stupid questions about MUD :tophat:

all i can say about this KIA thing is :rainbow::flipoff2:

Originally posted by coachgeo3

with that said ...... since Im in OH now... I guess I gonna get more shietz as I seek knowledge by asking stupid questions about MUD :tophat:

Hey I'm in YTO once a month on business. There is some :rainbow: poser that works at a tire shop in downtown YTO. I've noticed every time the :rainbow: :jeep: is parked on a 4" rock. I was wondering is that you :flipoff2:

Joe

Originally posted by jdjanda


Hey I'm in YTO once a month on business. There is some :rainbow: poser that works at a tire shop in downtown YTO. I've noticed every time the :rainbow: :jeep: is parked on a 4" rock. I was wondering is that you :flipoff2:

Joe

He parks on a rock.... what rocks....... gee wish I could find one! J/k

I realy am a coach, I am a monkey (gymnastic coach) but I'm not a tire monkey, so no it aint me!

U like my winch cable up front! It attaches to below to pul me when I get stuck

Originally posted by Ziptide Toy
all i can say about this KIA thing is :rainbow::flipoff2:

ahhhhh few words from a simple mind! :flipoff2:

har harrrrrrrrrrrr..... he heeeeeeeeeeee

PS.... I like the new board software. Provides more info. Info is POWERRRRRR :vader2: ckhaaaa ckhaaaa (vader breathing heavy!)