Jimny/Vitara advise

Hi there.

I'm posting this in the non-model specific part. I know it's the kind of thread that can easily spark a flame war but please bare with me

I'm looking to build a new offroader based on a suzuki. I'm trying to figure out if it should be based on a Vitara or a jimny. Was hoping to be able to get some info here to make the decision easier.

Most people I have been talking to so far have suggested I base it on a jimny. Seems like a good idea, but why not a vitara?

First of all this is going to be a extreme truck. Not road legal, trailer only.
I'm really happy with the axles and the steering of my current truck. It's got Toyota 80 series axles on a shortened Range Rover chassis. I'm planning on keeping the chassis and axles and use the suzuki engine and body.

With this in mind I'm thinking the front axle setup of the vitara won't be a problem. The vitara has a bigger engine. They weigh roughly the same.

How do they compare then with regards to gear box and transfer box?

Taken into consideration I won't be using the chassis or axles, what are the benefits of one over the other?

Low weight. Simple as.

My current setup is just too heavy. I've a large diesel engine, large heavy gearbox and large heavy everything else.

I will obviously knock up a full external cage in either case. But I will need a new lighter body and engine.

Dozer Dan wrote: Low weight. Simple as.

My current setup is just too heavy. I've a large diesel engine, large heavy gearbox and large heavy everything else.

I will obviously knock up a full external cage in either case. But I will need a new lighter body and engine.

If you're so worried about weight, why stick with the heavy 80 series axles and RR chassis ?

The vitara is a slightly bigger shell and probably cheaper to buy. Engine gearbox transfer wise you need to work out wether your current gearing on your axles suits the vitara drivetrain. Rockwatt does some modifications that enable you to split the transfer and gearbox of the vitara and use a separate SJ transfer giving a wider range of ratios. Weight wise I think you might be best mounting the axles onto the vitara chassis which is way lighter than your current Range Rover chassis, many people have done it or fitted a live axle to the vit chassis .
Or fit your axles to a Jimny ... but I think you would want to change the engine to a 1600cc anyway...

Gary

Which model has the closest wheelbase to yours? The Vit engine is much stronger at lower RPM.

A V6 Vitara sounds like the best bet. Cheap as chips and nearly twice the power of a Jimny. As Funkyjimny says, ditch the RR chassis to save another 100kgs or so. Although I guess you have more suspension options with the RR chassis...?