Suzuki Sidekick suspension upgrade?

[SloppyJoe]

I'm looking at putting a small lift maybe 3 inches or so and I've got a lot of options. I've basically got my two options narrowed down.

1) Low cost spacer lift for the springs for about $130 and I do the install

2) High cost ( not really because everything is cheap on this thing ) full suspension setup for $1000+ labor on a professional install

I want a vehicle I can use as a backup so I'm keeping it street legal but I want it built for the desert. I've used it to tow my 21ft boat down to Elsinore and cart around a little utility trailer as well.

Am I throwing money away trying to make it some what of a runner that will keep me from getting left behind? Or can they actually be built to be able to handle terrain at a decent speed?

 

[DILLIGAF]

Yes.....lol

 

[pronstar]

Even built-up, these are more rock-crawlers than desert runners.

I’m sure you can up the speed a bit (compared to stock) with a crawler suspension, but I’d keep my expectations in check.


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[tankman]

The best ride improvement (in the dirt) you can do to that thing is drop the tire pressure to 10-15 lbs. Maybe even a good set of shocks. I like Bilstien 5100's. Most of the available lift kits are for appearance and will most likely stiffen the ride. Just my .02

 

[SloppyJoe]

Even built-up, these are more rock-crawlers than desert runners.

I’m sure you can up the speed a bit (compared to stock) with a crawler suspension, but I’d keep my expectations in check.


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I am put in check every time I switch into 4x4 lol

 

[SloppyJoe]

The best ride improvement (in the dirt) you can do to that thing is drop the tire pressure to 10-15 lbs. Maybe even a good set of shocks. I like Bilstien 5100's. Most of the available lift kits are for appearance and will most likely stiffen the ride. Just my .02

I'll try the tire pressure adjustment next time I take it out. I have trails I can access behind the house and have been teaching my 14yr old how to drive a stick. He wants to go everyday of course.

I've got new shocks but just some OEM replacements. It needed something quick. Slapped in an intake system and a stage 3 clutch and flywheel. Considering a small turbo but only if the suspension can handle me pushing it.

 

[EBT531]

Stay away from spacer lifts. Just more pressure on things and causes issues in the long run (at least on tundras it does) A proper suspension system is always going to perform/ride better

 

[evantwheeler]

You are better off getting rid of it and finding a Tyota mini-truck or 4 runner with pre-runner suspension. Or buying a stock one and building yourself - camburg makes a kit to long travel the front. Maybe an old Ford Ranger could be picked up cheap and do some suspension upgrades. I don't think you are going "fast" in the desert for under $10-12k nomatter which direction you go. If you're in AZ, best bet is to buy a SxS. If in CA, sorry.

 

[Shrub Lurker]

petroworks or trail tough.com not ever going to be side by side contender. ex head of production at calmini started bonin my exwife. been through all that. I know em all. mike 599-696-9247

 

[J-Bonz]

There’s also Rockyroadoutfitters.com
Went with their lift kit on my Sammy