96' geo tracker build - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Robert97dodge · 10-02-2011, 05:35 PM

Copying and pasting from other forum...

Ok guess its time to start my build thread finally!! Starting vehicle '96 geo tracker 2wd... Yes I said 2wd..... Over all idea was something short, narrow, dependable, and maneuverable. And hopefully drive up and down the road from time to time. I picked up the Geo about a year ago and shortly after went to San Antonio and got toyota axles from MnMstoy. Been collecting parts for the past year slowly gathering to get started on the build. Finally got my tires the other day and about to order t-case gears and will hopefully be starting soon.

Specs:
'96 Geo Tracker 1.6 16V
Auto trans divorced Sami t-case ordering 6:5:1
Yota Axles
Front '82ish 5:29 gears detroit long fields upgraded hub gear ARP studs high steer arms wheel spacers
Rear IFS rear I think '86 5:29s and locked.
Wheels are just some free 15X10" wheels I got
35" Goodyear MTR w/Kevlar sidewalls
Suspension: I got misc brackets and tabs from Ballistic. Was going to use jeep coil springs but then I found a good deal on 4 coil over springs so I'll be using those. So I picked up a set of blue torch mount coil spring mounts for front and rear.
Also got daystars new stinger bump stops f/r
I picked up a set of stock link bars off of a 4 door JK. From what measuring I did the rear links should work perfect. Lowers are already rectangle tubing and even angled for higher clearance.
The front I'll probably just use the lower links and build a upper link with a trac bar. I don't think I'll have room for a four link up there.

Looking to get about 100" wheelbase 17" ground clearance under the skid plate. I already picked up metal for skid plate and will be cutting out rockers and replace with sliders and it'll have skid from rocker to frame. Like a mini boat side. Already pulled gas tank and have it just sitting in the back. Will most likely be moving radiator to back too so I can put winch behind front grille. I know to keep it as low as I'm wanting I will need to cut some fenders plus I plan on building some protection for the fenders so I 'll probably do a flat/ tube style fender up front and a comp cut similar to a jeep on the rear. And 1.5" DOM cage on the interior around the passengers and will tie into frame and tubes around the fenders.

First 5 pics without the wheels and tires bolted up are at 100" wheel base. With the front tire pulled back it's at 95". These are just rough measurements on wheel base and ground clearance. I'm just doing some rough measuring to make sure everything can work as planned. I want it close to 100" wheel base but I will have to figure out steering because the pitman arm will be centered on the axle tube at 100". May go ahead and push the rear back a little and split the difference to get it to work.

Robert97dodge · 10-02-2011, 05:36 PM

Finally went under the knife this weekend.

Robert97dodge · 10-02-2011, 05:37 PM

Got a lot more hours into it this weekend. Doesnt look like what I did took much time but damn I forgot how time consuming building stuff from scratch can be! I got the front lower link mounts on and worked on front of the frame so that I can get the other cross member under the motor cut out. The plan was to move the gear box forward and up to clear axle but after look some more and stuffing the axle it just wont be possible so I will be going full hydro. Hopefully it will still be somewhat streetable for just around town driving. On to the pics

fully stuffed. Will have plenty of room for the upper link to go on top of the diff. The oil pan is already clearanced perfect for the diff.

Robert97dodge · 10-02-2011, 05:37 PM

Front cross member. Both sides didnt quite meet up the same. I got the angle wrong on the first on but still made it work just had to use filler on the front instead of the back. Decided to lower and winch plate in the 2X3 tubing

I ran out of wire so I couldnt finish but got close. Was able to just set it in place to get a few pics.

Robert97dodge · 10-02-2011, 05:38 PM

keller · 10-02-2011, 07:28 PM

In for more.

I like it.

but I'm kinda biased.

dcastell · 10-02-2011, 08:05 PM

Keep going on the front. I have not got there yet. Want to see how your link works out. I started in the back.

Hvy_Chevy · 10-02-2011, 08:10 PM

with some work, could mount the tierod under the steering arms

Robert97dodge · 10-03-2011, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hvy_Chevy

with some work, could mount the tierod under the steering arms

Thats probably what I will end up doing. When I go full hydro I will drill the arms out and just run hiems.

Robert97dodge · 10-04-2011, 11:31 PM

More progress. Got the front cross member tacked in so that I could cut out the one under the motor. Then dropped the diff in and built a upper link bar and mounts. Still no track bar yet. Also the frame mount is just tacked on for now. I need to plate the frame and will build the plate to go up above the frame rail and the link mount will go through it.

And decided I needed to get a fender back on it. So I just did a quick trim just to see it up there. I will need to cut some more to clear but still looks cool right now.

Robert97dodge · 10-05-2011, 10:22 PM

Got about 5 more hours into it tonight. Getting started on the rear. I had to cut the fenders just to get the axle where it needs to be. Then got the frame rails cleaned up and cut all the old brackets off. Tomorrow I'll be ready to start link mounts.

This is how it is going to sit once on the ground. Thats roughly 100" wheelbase.

yotamikez · 10-05-2011, 10:28 PM

Cant wait to see how it turns out. When are you expecting to have it done? (driveable)

Robert97dodge · 10-05-2011, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yotamikez

Cant wait to see how it turns out. When are you expecting to have it done? (driveable)

Unfortunately that may still be a while. Got some big parts to get and no budget for it at the moment. I've been collecting parts for a year already... But I'm hoping to at least get it to mega run in Gilmer, Tx which is next april.

yotamikez · 10-05-2011, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert97dodge

Unfortunately that may still be a while. Got some big parts to get and no budget for it at the moment. I've been collecting parts for a year already... But I'm hoping to at least get it to mega run in Gilmer, Tx which is next april.

As in 2012?

I need to start collecting parts for my build. Still an awesome start, thing is gonna look like a tonka truck.

Robert97dodge · 10-05-2011, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yotamikez

As in 2012?

I need to start collecting parts for my build. Still an awesome start, thing is gonna look like a tonka truck.

yep 2012...

Hyde802 · 10-06-2011, 05:58 PM

I love a good tracker build. Keep up the good work!!

Robert97dodge · 10-09-2011, 07:17 AM

rear four link done got the front fender trimmed to where it will clear the tire when full stufffed and turned.

crazysammi87 · 10-09-2011, 05:02 PM

Coming together nice. Nice build.

dcastell · 10-09-2011, 07:47 PM

More pictures of the link mounts and travel cylce?

Robert97dodge · 10-10-2011, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcastell

More pictures of the link mounts and travel cylce?

will get it when I get a temporary trac bar mounted. Also can go to far in the rear because I need to trim some more around the rear door.

Robert97dodge · 10-12-2011, 03:21 PM

Put some more time in last night. I got the front of the frame plated where the new cross member attached to the frame and cut the driver side fender and put it on. I had to weld in some tubing for now to be able to move the thing around so I can take it to another buddies shop and bend up some mounts for the upper coil mount. Once I get those in and trac bar we'll see how she flexes out!!

dcastell · 10-13-2011, 10:04 PM

Bump.

So I don't have to go through all the pictures. I am ready for page two. Hopefully this gets us there.

Looking good. You mounted to the axle top house for the upper link. Did you move the fuel lines and cut the cross member? Its dark under there. Is the upper body mount link set to the inside of the frame rail or did you go to a cross member?

I got my back dialed in, but interested in the front build of yours.
Did I miss where the radiator is going? Sorry for all the questions.

skyman6529 · 10-14-2011, 08:38 AM

Subscribed to this build, looks really nice. It's also nice to see a good clean body being used as a base for a nice build.

Robert97dodge · 10-14-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcastell

Bump.

So I don't have to go through all the pictures. I am ready for page two. Hopefully this gets us there.

Looking good. You mounted to the axle top house for the upper link. Did you move the fuel lines and cut the cross member? Its dark under there. Is the upper body mount link set to the inside of the frame rail or did you go to a cross member?

I got my back dialed in, but interested in the front build of yours.
Did I miss where the radiator is going? Sorry for all the questions.

Cross memeber under the motor is gone. No way everything would cleaer with it in. I will be putting in a different cross member under the trans.

Front upper link goes to a mount that is just temporarily welded piece of a tube off the top of the frame. Once I plate the frame there it will have to tabs that come off the top of the frame and the tube will go through the plates.

Radiator is going in the rear behind the driver seat.

Robert97dodge · 10-14-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcastell

Bump.

So I don't have to go through all the pictures. I am ready for page two. Hopefully this gets us there.

Looking good. You mounted to the axle top house for the upper link. Did you move the fuel lines and cut the cross member? Its dark under there. Is the upper body mount link set to the inside of the frame rail or did you go to a cross member?

I got my back dialed in, but interested in the front build of yours.
Did I miss where the radiator is going? Sorry for all the questions.

And yes all the fuel lines and brake lines are pulled off of the frame for now. I will be re plumbing all the brakes from the master cylinder. I didnt like all the distribution blocks and stuff this thing had.

10-02-2011, 05:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	96' geo tracker build Copying and pasting from other forum... Ok guess its time to start my build thread finally!! Starting vehicle '96 geo tracker 2wd... Yes I said 2wd..... Over all idea was something short, narrow, dependable, and maneuverable. And hopefully drive up and down the road from time to time. I picked up the Geo about a year ago and shortly after went to San Antonio and got toyota axles from MnMstoy. Been collecting parts for the past year slowly gathering to get started on the build. Finally got my tires the other day and about to order t-case gears and will hopefully be starting soon. Specs: '96 Geo Tracker 1.6 16V Auto trans divorced Sami t-case ordering 6:5:1 Yota Axles Front '82ish 5:29 gears detroit long fields upgraded hub gear ARP studs high steer arms wheel spacers Rear IFS rear I think '86 5:29s and locked. Wheels are just some free 15X10" wheels I got 35" Goodyear MTR w/Kevlar sidewalls Suspension: I got misc brackets and tabs from Ballistic. Was going to use jeep coil springs but then I found a good deal on 4 coil over springs so I'll be using those. So I picked up a set of blue torch mount coil spring mounts for front and rear. Also got daystars new stinger bump stops f/r I picked up a set of stock link bars off of a 4 door JK. From what measuring I did the rear links should work perfect. Lowers are already rectangle tubing and even angled for higher clearance. The front I'll probably just use the lower links and build a upper link with a trac bar. I don't think I'll have room for a four link up there. Looking to get about 100" wheelbase 17" ground clearance under the skid plate. I already picked up metal for skid plate and will be cutting out rockers and replace with sliders and it'll have skid from rocker to frame. Like a mini boat side. Already pulled gas tank and have it just sitting in the back. Will most likely be moving radiator to back too so I can put winch behind front grille. I know to keep it as low as I'm wanting I will need to cut some fenders plus I plan on building some protection for the fenders so I 'll probably do a flat/ tube style fender up front and a comp cut similar to a jeep on the rear. And 1.5" DOM cage on the interior around the passengers and will tie into frame and tubes around the fenders. First 5 pics without the wheels and tires bolted up are at 100" wheel base. With the front tire pulled back it's at 95". These are just rough measurements on wheel base and ground clearance. I'm just doing some rough measuring to make sure everything can work as planned. I want it close to 100" wheel base but I will have to figure out steering because the pitman arm will be centered on the axle tube at 100". May go ahead and push the rear back a little and split the difference to get it to work.

10-02-2011, 07:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
keller You Dumb Bastard Join Date: Aug 2004 Member # 34281 Location: Sullivan, MO Posts: 1,505	In for more. I like it. but I'm kinda biased. __________________ Shop build Thread 91 Tracker--38s--Doubler--Build Thread 05 CTD reg cab 6speed emiller22207 is a huge pile of inhuman shit.

10-02-2011, 08:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
dcastell Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Member # 109545 Location: Denver Posts: 536	Keep going on the front. I have not got there yet. Want to see how your link works out. I started in the back. __________________ 94 Geo Tracker

10-02-2011, 08:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
Hvy_Chevy Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14094 Location: Maine Posts: 4,463	with some work, could mount the tierod under the steering arms __________________ Size does matter. Leave the Zukes to those who really understand.

10-06-2011, 05:58 PM	#16 (permalink)
Hyde802 I Lovermont Join Date: Jan 2011 Member # 181835 Location: Berlin, VT Posts: 344	I love a good tracker build. Keep up the good work!! __________________ 92 Toyota Xtracab 3vze, spooled, bobbed, beat on 35s Were all mad here

10-02-2011, 05:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	Finally went under the knife this weekend.

10-02-2011, 05:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	Got a lot more hours into it this weekend. Doesnt look like what I did took much time but damn I forgot how time consuming building stuff from scratch can be! I got the front lower link mounts on and worked on front of the frame so that I can get the other cross member under the motor cut out. The plan was to move the gear box forward and up to clear axle but after look some more and stuffing the axle it just wont be possible so I will be going full hydro. Hopefully it will still be somewhat streetable for just around town driving. On to the pics fully stuffed. Will have plenty of room for the upper link to go on top of the diff. The oil pan is already clearanced perfect for the diff.

10-02-2011, 05:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	Front cross member. Both sides didnt quite meet up the same. I got the angle wrong on the first on but still made it work just had to use filler on the front instead of the back. Decided to lower and winch plate in the 2X3 tubing I ran out of wire so I couldnt finish but got close. Was able to just set it in place to get a few pics.

10-02-2011, 05:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424

10-04-2011, 11:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	More progress. Got the front cross member tacked in so that I could cut out the one under the motor. Then dropped the diff in and built a upper link bar and mounts. Still no track bar yet. Also the frame mount is just tacked on for now. I need to plate the frame and will build the plate to go up above the frame rail and the link mount will go through it. And decided I needed to get a fender back on it. So I just did a quick trim just to see it up there. I will need to cut some more to clear but still looks cool right now.

10-05-2011, 10:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	Got about 5 more hours into it tonight. Getting started on the rear. I had to cut the fenders just to get the axle where it needs to be. Then got the frame rails cleaned up and cut all the old brackets off. Tomorrow I'll be ready to start link mounts. This is how it is going to sit once on the ground. Thats roughly 100" wheelbase.

10-05-2011, 10:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
yotamikez Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Member # 195143 Location: FL Posts: 29	Cant wait to see how it turns out. When are you expecting to have it done? (driveable)

10-09-2011, 07:17 AM	#17 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	rear four link done got the front fender trimmed to where it will clear the tire when full stufffed and turned.

10-09-2011, 05:02 PM	#18 (permalink)
crazysammi87 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Member # 160505 Location: york, pa Posts: 176	Coming together nice. Nice build.

10-09-2011, 07:47 PM	#19 (permalink)
dcastell Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Member # 109545 Location: Denver Posts: 536	More pictures of the link mounts and travel cylce? __________________ 94 Geo Tracker

10-12-2011, 03:21 PM	#21 (permalink)
Robert97dodge Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47210 Location: Lufkin, Tx Posts: 424	Put some more time in last night. I got the front of the frame plated where the new cross member attached to the frame and cut the driver side fender and put it on. I had to weld in some tubing for now to be able to move the thing around so I can take it to another buddies shop and bend up some mounts for the upper coil mount. Once I get those in and trac bar we'll see how she flexes out!!

10-13-2011, 10:04 PM	#22 (permalink)
dcastell Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Member # 109545 Location: Denver Posts: 536	Bump. So I don't have to go through all the pictures. I am ready for page two. Hopefully this gets us there. Looking good. You mounted to the axle top house for the upper link. Did you move the fuel lines and cut the cross member? Its dark under there. Is the upper body mount link set to the inside of the frame rail or did you go to a cross member? I got my back dialed in, but interested in the front build of yours. Did I miss where the radiator is going? Sorry for all the questions. __________________ 94 Geo Tracker

10-14-2011, 08:38 AM	#23 (permalink)
skyman6529 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Member # 89104 Posts: 1,004	Subscribed to this build, looks really nice. It's also nice to see a good clean body being used as a base for a nice build.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode