Suzuki guys anybody ever thought of building an xl7

anvilrubi

anvilrubi

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I have an xl7 grand vitara that's been sitting awhile does anyone know anything about what transmissions will bolt up with it. I'm thinking I could maybe build a beater I don't know? any suggestions or ideas?
 
I have always thought it would be cool to take one and chop most of the body off, build a cage, weld the rear diff, and install about a 33-35" swamper.
 
That's kinda of what I have in mind, the one I have is 2wd so I have to figure out what kinda a tranny transfer case I can bolt up to it and maybe put a 44 in the front 35s max.
 
What motor does it have?
 
I cant remember for sure but I believe it's 5he 2.7
 
paradisePWoffrd said:
I think the XL7 has the v6... Likely has the 4spd auto. Could always stick a sami or other divorced case behind your stocker.
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That is what I was thinking. Samurai transfer case behind the stock Grand Vitara 2wd transmission. That is a lot of motor to put in front of a Sami TC. I would definitely buy/build a good mounting system for the Sami TC.
 
Sounds like I need to be on the lookout for a Sami tc
 
So I have found a 4l30e with transfer case. Maybe it will work?
 
anvilrubi said:
Sounds like I need to be on the lookout for a Sami tc
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I would do some research on Zuwharrie.com and pirate4x4.com before jumping any direction. Someone has probably done it before, so you can learn from their mistakes, lol. Good luck with the project.
 
IMHO, A Sami t-case and a Sami front axle would be fine as long as you stay with 33s or less.
The Sami t-case is extremely stout ... I've been in the Zuk world for 29 years ... and I've seen several big v6 Zuks live up to the power.
Not to mention a couple v8s.

Matt
 
Thanks for the help fellows I'll take some of these suggestions and put them to action if I can get something going I'll be sure to post it up on here.
 
Lizooki said:
IMHO, A Sami t-case and a Sami front axle would be fine as long as you stay with 33s or less.
The Sami t-case is extremely stout ... I've been in the Zuk world for 29 years ... and I've seen several big v6 Zuks live up to the power.
Not to mention a couple v8s.

Matt
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I agree with you on the case, but not the axle. Need a Toyota or Dana 44 front.
 
LBarr2002 said:
I agree with you on the case, but not the axle. Need a Toyota or Dana 44 front.
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I was thinking the same thing. I just did a quick check on Al Gore's internet, and the WMS on a Grand Vitara XL7 rear axle is supposedly about 59.5". A Sami front is only 52.5". A Yota front is only 55.5". I'm thinking a pair of D44's from a late 70's Jeep Wagoneer or even a J-truck if you want to go wider might be the best setup. Need to be passenger drop to work with the Sami TC obviously. Should be able to find a pair fairly cheap too.
 
I didn't realize the size difference in the the axles.
Yeah, something bigger is called for.

Maybe old Pinz portal axles! :rolleyes:

Matt
 
@drkelly that's good news I have a waggy 44 from a rodeo if I can get to wilmington sometime soon, I'll pick up a front
 
im not sure what the factory gear ratio is in the XL7, but most zuks are deeper. I would look at running a LP44s, so you can go to 5.89s if needed.

edit: looks like factory auto was 5.13s. stock tcase low range is 1.8. I would run a sami case and LP d44s, or use an adapter like this with Toyota cases.
 
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