Holy CRAP, Rob! The more I look at that thing, the more I get the itch to rip the IFS out from under mine... I guess I'll just finish my paint job, first - er, Line-X-job (?). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Now give me you grille - I like the looks of them '02 grilles. I'll trade ya for my '97 grille. It's in great condition, except for the hole in the middle that looks like a rabbit went through it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Great pics, I miss my Kia! My boy is still taking good care of it though. I am going to try to get another one is a year or so. We just closed on a condo that needs a little work. As soon as we get it into shape I will start begging my wife. I would like to find a limited and modify the crap out of it.
Keep the pics coming, Dennis

How am I for impulsive? Right after I wrote about liking the '02 grilles I called up Rich Kia in Alb. and ordered one. I couldn't take it anymore... It looks... wierd without a grille.

The grille on mine is the stock one with a custom billet insert that I got from a wrecked Ford truck. Hopefully the winch cable does not break & blow it to pieces.

Thanks Dennis, Shakedown #2 is planned for Oct 1st & will get more pics for ya then.

hope you don't mind- i put your ride on pirate in this thread:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313561

and only because as far as the rest of the world is concerned, our two Sportages are definitely considered "unusual."

It's a good thing you got that winch there to protect the grille from rabbits. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That's a really neat little detail there, Rob. I also especially like the tail gate with all the tools you stuck on it. Looks very professional. Great job, again Rob.

yah you two definitly have the most unusual kia's in the world, keep up the good work

You obviously haven't seen some of the Sportages form Thailand and Korea. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Of course, I have yet to see any as nice as Rob's.

It is alot of work = But well worth it, I hope.

Dave, Kool deal = I will check it out = Pirate is way kool, after all they are the Kings of the Rubicon & " Rokia will do the Rubicon this coming year.

I got new himes & gunna order brackets from Bluetorch 2morrow 4 the 1/4 eliptic mounts.

Check this out = with the 5:71's & 35's it has a little lower than stock gearing. Wish we could find someone to build us some T-Case lower gears. I think Dave figured it out as a 48 2 one ratio as I got it now? I would rather be running a 100+ 2 1 Ratio but gotta wait till we get this set up to get done. T-Case gears that is.

Morgan = Did Ya get the Torch out & start on yours yet? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> Just kiddin with ya = You will out run me in a heartbeat, so dont torch it till you are ready 4 Krawlin.

L8TR4NOW, Rob Banks.

I wouldn't get too fired up about getting more than about 2.5-3:1 out of the tcase, due mainly to the chain front drive, and the splines on the front shaft not being strong enough. That is all quite apart from actually having the clearance in the case for the new gears.