newbie with a few questions.

[285cupramatty]

Hi all,

As title says really im new to all this I have a few questions if people could spare the time to shed some light that would be great.

1) I was told my vitara has manual hub locks, what are these for?
2) I am looking at lifting it I was only planning on the block method is there any do's and don'ts with these?
3) I need to replace the drivers front shaft and have been told I need to count the splines on it is that correct?
4) I have also been told when lifting it i will need longer rear shocks, what do i get them off of? And depending on how high need longer brake lines again what would i get them from.

That's all i can think of for now lol. Sorry for all the question.
Any help would be much appreciated.

[twiss]

The locking hubs are on the end of front axles... they allow you to disconnect the front wheels from the rest of the axle and the front prop.
When set to free, driving along the axle shafts wont be turning round.
When set to lock, everything is connected and it all spins round
Obviously 4 wheel drive when they are set to free
Good for road driving as it will give you a bit better performance and economy in free mode

You can use suspension spacers, check out bits for vits, they have all that kind of stuff available.
You will probably also need strut extensions for the front.
You can also use their shock relocators instead of longer shocks.

[285cupramatty]

Hi thanks for that. And with regards to the suspension spacers is this what you mean?
http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara ... _1025.html

Thanks for your reply.

[twiss]

you need the smaller 1.5" spacers.... those spacers are for if you have a 3" lift and diff drop brackets.
in my opinion a problem with modifying a vitara is more annoying, as you should really lift it 3" in one go, but it can cost £350ish

http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara ... d_880.html

This kit has all the bits needed for the 1.5" lift but I think if you shop around and but the bits from different places you can get it slightly cheaper (not much though)

http://www.bits4vits.co.uk/store/vitara ... d_934.html

[285cupramatty]

Thanks for your reply. Would this be a better buy for a 3" lift seems to have everything I was only going to go for a 2" lift but as someone pointed out im looking at a winch bumper and winch thus bringing the front down a bit.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/271198623554?nav=SEARCH

I know I will need longer brake lines, is there anything else?

[twiss]

Sounds like a good deal but I've never seen the parasource kit.
Id be interested to know if it's any good as my mate is looking to upgrade his vit as well

[285cupramatty]

Think im going to go for that kit. I shall report back on them once fitted and tested.

As for the brake lines is it a case of trial an error or is there specific ones to use.

[Ladaman]

I've just done some suspension mods. I just measured the new lengths I needed and rang Dave at Llama 4x4. He made some very fetching blue SS braided ones to order at a fair price.

[Hodgie812]

I've got a 3" lift on my vit, you can get away with just dropping the front left hose mount on the inner wing. I think there is a thred on bits4vits how to do it. You will find you get brake fade though as on full lock it stretches the hoses slightly. So i'd recommend longer hoses.

[285cupramatty]

Ok cool I shall have a look into that. Thanks.