I guess I better introduce myself to clear up a little confusion.

My name is Scott, I am from upstate/central New York.

I just bought my first Sportage. Its a 99' that had/has a few minor issues. Nothing so far that can't be fixed with a BFH and a few strips of duck tape.

I picked it up for a buck and a half in pieces. The kid thought there was something wrong with the trany so he took that out and let it sit for the next 8 months. (this is were the BFH came in) So anyways, 2 hours of sorting bolts and finding were they go then another 15 minutes of putting the trany back in I was able to recreate the symptoms. (its nice working on a lift)

Needless to say a phone call to Autopart International and $60 clams later I had it up and running and shifting nice and smooth. (new clutch master)

Onto other minor issues. Drivers rear spring is broke (oooh I feel a lift coming on <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />) Figure its going to be just as cheap to make it the way I want then to just keep it stock.

Another issue is the fuel tank (shocking?) Big ol rot spot on the bottom of the tank (Kia going to take care of it?) I hope the get their computers up and running.

Last of the minor issues is the kid broke a bolt off in the caliper bracket flush. Might be able to get it out with some heat and a prayer and replace it.


So anyway, sorry about the long post. I have a feeling I'll be here more often, asking questions and hopefully be able to answer a few.

Sounds to me like you got a fun project! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

For someone like you who knows what the hell they are doing and can really work with their hands, the Sportage is a fun project. The more handy you are the more fun it can get <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I dunno how much money you are looking to spend for a lift, but for $100 you can get some spacers that lift the front about 3" and then you find some Jeep TJ rear springs to put in the rear, that should lift the rear maybe 3-4" I think?

There's more to it though, you need longer rear shocks when you do the lift, if you use TJ springs then you can use RAV4 rear shocks, but you will need an adapter sleeve as they are different thread... I think...

That's the cheap way to get it lifted and there's nothing wrong with doing it that way. However if you are picky there is a full kit for $750 from RSG that includes more parts and is more like a 4" lift, and comes with everything you need, takes all the guesswork out of it.

There is also a guy who makes 1.4" body lift pucks if you are interested in that, to help clear larger tires, but you will be hard pressed to run any larger than 31" tires even if you do the suspension lift and the body lift. But again that depends on how handy you are, if you don't mind some sawzall customization of the body sheetmetal... However you will run into the issue of it being too underpowered to turn really big tires, with the stock gearing, so most people don't try to go bigger than 31" tires.

Anyway I'm just kind of rambling but welcome, it's nice to see someone new join the club, especially someone who has skills with the wrenching...

Welcome Scott!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Welcome Scott,
Sounds like you got a real great deal!!! Is it 2 or 4 door? If you need a Used stock rear spring I'll sell ya one cheap but personally, I'd go for a lift or TJ's.
Remember: KIA...more dirt for ya dollar!!!
Everet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Hey, I might be getting into an 02 Sportage 4X4 and need the in and outs of a 4" lift. I read your post on the 21st of Jan 08 and was curious what RSG stood for. The lift you mentioned for $750.00. The body lifts seem a bit costly with the application and a suspension lift looks like it would be more effective.
I did a Suzuki Samurai ground-up project and now I'm looking at this Kai.
Let me know, if you could, some guys that can help with some details.

Everet Its a 2 door convertible. I ended up picking up a stock spring from the dealer. It was only 82 after tax so it wasn't to bad.

My wifes transmission went out in her car so I had to get this together asap so we could have another vehicle on the road. Once I get her car back up and running I'll be looking to lift the sportage.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />:(:(:(:( $82?

that's almost the price of buying the front 2" tall lift spacers... they are only $100...

Then for the rear you would use Jeep TJ rear springs. You could probably find those almost free from some jeep owner who got taller ones.

Just sad to see $85 wasted when the money could have gone towards a lift... these Sportages look WAY better lifted, its a night and day difference, everyone notices how much better it is when you lift it.

JC Whitney also has the spacers.

web page

oh, and Nuke, I just noticed you're from Mesa, I was just there last week visiting my son. He lives on Country Club and drives a 4x4 Ram Pickup. I did some 4 wheeling with him when I was down there last year. Lots of fun places to go.

Would buy DENNIS Spacers any day (He knows our Sporty's)! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

that's not a spacer, its a rubber isolator. it just keeps weakened coil winds from touching the next wind when compressed, and may help keep them from over-working and snapping. if you're putting these in, you best be on your way to the shop to get a new set of springs.