Hi, I just bought a SWB MAVERICK.

[BigAlMAV]

Hi Forum Members,
I've been reading this site for a few weeks, and you guys seem to know your stuff :) I've been looking for a shorty for a few months and have finally splurged on a GQ Maverick short wheel base. :)

It's Built 1/89, Petrol, and has no modifications yet.
It needs a bit of work, so i have some questions...

It has some rust in the side window sills, and i was wondering if anyone has had to repair this area before. Can anyone tell me how much it cost them to get it fixed at a shop? It looks like i might need to replace the whole rail.

I'm also interested in a suspension lift kit, what brands seem to be popular/have a good rep?

Can anyone recommend a 4Wd workshop/autostore in SA that specialises in GQ/MAV? There is plenty of 4wd shops here but i don't know any of there reputations.

[sim79]

Do a search for the window frames, I posted up info about about a company that makes alloy frames and another to buy the rubbers .

[BigAlMAV]

ah Thanks i'll do a search.

[dsilvestro]

In almost all cases i've found it easier to replace the frames and rubbers as suggested.

[BigAlMAV]

I left an email with the window people and they rang me today.
They are $300 a pair for the alloy frames. thanks for the info guys.:smile:

[JemmyBubbles]

Good purchasing...

Cut the whole back section off and Ute it. : ) Thats what I am going to do.. when the windows start to fall out that is.

Fairly sure they came with that rust from factory.... ;p It is only in the frames though.

The next is my humble opinion learned from experience...

Stay mild in the lift territory, I do have a 4-5 coil " lift though (but if I had my time again I would do it differently I really believe tall coils are too much effort, also harder to get engineered), stick with 50mm suspension lift and maybe a bit in the body. Get a good set of 33's on and you will be having so much fun and also have a fairly capable truck.

Work out if you want a body lift or not and then get some bar work ASAP. I wheeled the crap out of mine in fairly standard form (an inch of lift and 33's) and had some great fun. The only downside was the damage caused made me a sad panda :( ie; sills, rear-quaters, front gaurds -evidently all stuff that could have been avoided if the appropriate barwork was in place. Try and get a winch on at the same time as your barwork.

For Lockers work out honestly what would be best for your application. Are you ever going to go into a competition ? How Much $$ are you willing to spend ? Do you like Fast Stuff or Slow Stuff ? For my application I have deemed a front auto locker to be best. I am never going to enter competitions and I hate mud/sand, I rather rockssssssszzz..

I could keep going on with ways to spend your money - I mean mods...

You did ask for help on modding you car didn't you ???

lol

[BigAlMAV]

Yeah i did ask for help. Cheers!
My Plans for the MAV have been pretty much:
1. Fix up existing problems
2. Lift it. More for travel than height.
3. get 30-33inch tyres depending on body/suspension lift (it has worn 30" tyres already)
4. Winch and barwork. (i might even do the bar work myself as i have a MIG)
(I'll be driving it daily, and I'm not cashed up like an investment banker so it may take a while before i do all this :ahah: )

A question on lockers.... I had a welded diff before in another car :naughty:

How do these auto lockers work (are they noisy etc etc)?

Do they only lock when one wheel slips? or whenever 4WD is engaged?

[JemmyBubbles]

Do a search on google, here or at www.outerlimits4x4.com to answer that question. Search for Lock Rite locker (Goes inside your current centre) or Detroit a full replacement centre like the arb air locker.

http://www.4wdmegastores.com.au/products_ak2/diff_locks

I have a selectable locker in the rear and intend to put one of these in the front.

As I was saying in another thread 33's will fit perfectly on a smaller lift say 50mm. That combo will yield great results.

[maverick8u]

hey man

welcome to the world of shorties!!

yep the rear window rust was factory fitted, mine has it too along with every one i looked at; may i ask where you got the quote from for your rubbers and frames? seems reasonable fro nissan stuff.

50mm is a good lift and will give you good travel, but you may find yourself wanting more... check with an engineer and insurance, and get some advice from different manufacturers.

mine has a magalift 3" kit with tuff dog adjustables. it required a castor adjustment kit in the front and modified trailing and locating arms in the rear. it also has detachable sway bars. i wanted travel and height, but not too much that it didnt handle well getting to the track and give me greif from defect issuing cops on the way!!

the megalift kit works a treat, awesome travel and i can dial the shocks in from the car for soft or hard. i have actually outcornered a standard gu (yes he was pushing it). you should work out what you want to use your rig for before spending the $. while i like the megalift kit, i would say to look around at prices and other options. you will just get 33's under a 50mm kit.

if you go for the 50mm, you may be able to bolt up your standard sway bars, and may not require any geometry correction (saving $$). you could then go for another 50mm bodylift (which may not require brake line extensions etc) giving you 4" of lift, allowing 35's and keeping the overall weight and centre of gravity closer to the ground.remember big tyres like 35's need gearing (low range at least) adjusted for rock crawling.

my best way of explaining lockers is:
an open diff will direct all power to a suspended wheel
an lsd (not a toyota item) tries to direct a bit of power to the wheel with traction when a wheel is suspended
an auto locker (detroit, lockright) locks the diff when a wheel is suspended
a locker (airlocker, maxidrive) allows open diff action for better cornering and only locks the diff when you press the button

i have heard auto lockers are getting better but i remember back in the suzukli club a few lockrights that made a ****load of banging noises and made them difficult to turn.

let us know how you progress

[Mavman]

If you don't need the windows to slide open you can just put a single glass sheet as a replacement. Glass replacement companies just make up a rubber to suit. A mate had it done by the local people in Melb inc tinted glass.

[Crooksey]

the megalift kit works a treat, awesome travel and i can dial the shocks in from the car for soft or hard.


Is that just 2 settings soft and hard?? is there a big difference between soft and hard ?