Hey all,

New to this forum. I've been a hard core Zooker since 1994 when I bought a new Suzuki Samurai. Since then, many others, including a 2000 Grand Vitara that's full of custom CALMINI stuff (2.5" suspension, 3" body, 5.12 R&Ps, 4.24:1 t-case gears, yada yada) It's currently undergoing a SAS swap with Toy axles.

My good freind owns CALMINI/Full Traction/Pure Jeep, but he refuses to build anything for the Kias, as he says the market is just not there to make it profitable.

We just picked up a 2002 2dr stick Shortage for $600. No, it's not a turd, actually in perfect condition with 105K. See, my wife is a Kia dealer service manager here in smAlbany, NY. This came in on trade, and she bought it for trade-in. Kinda sickening that a 2002 is fetches about a half grand in trade.

I guess if y'all might need something corporate, give me a holler and she might be able to help.

Anyhoot, I followed a thread on turbos for the 2.0L. I can make a suggestion. I'v got a supercharger off a 2.5L Toyota Previa van 4x4. These are great. They are belt driven, sealed and remote from the motor (ducted in), giving you options on placement and such. I'm putting the one I have into my GV. Chargers are much better for off-road rockcrawling, since there is no spool up delay, and you are never

As for Solid Axle swaps. there may be an option from the Zooks. The Samurai has a solid axle, and with Spidertrax wheel spacers, would be great for the front of the Sportage. It's 5on5.5", so the wheels match. Only issue is strength. On a Sammy, they are fairly bulletproof up to a 31" tire. CV Unlimited makes a moly H/D Birfield (that's the CV-type joint similar to old Toy pickups) along with 4340 innershafts. That's what I run on my Sammy and bulletproof for up to 35" tire. Sammy axles can be had cheap.

4.62 R&P ratios are available in Sidekick front axles, and they fit the Sammy 3rd member, so they can match up to the Kia. But won't correct the taller tires. But you guys being Kia owners already know you can't correct via R&P easily.

Now, for lifts. What junkyard springs work to bump it up an inch or two? I've heard Tj coils, Aerostar coils and something else. Anyone have experience with it?

And what's up with the 2dr having electric door locks, yet no switch in the truck to open said doors. I know, I know. "It's a Kia thing, even they don't understand" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />