Budget Lift Done Right - BDS 2.5" Suspension Lift for the Suzuki Sidekick / Geo Tracker

I've had lots of questions about my lift. I've tried to show as much detail as I can about the parts I used and how it's worked out for me.
I highly recommend this as a "budget lift done right". You can do it cheaper with suspension spacers / pucks or even a junkyard lift. You can spend a lot more for kits that include new struts, control arms, etc. This is my preference: quality springs of the right length and keep as many OEM parts as possible.
Parts:
BDS 2" spring lift kit for 1988-1998 Geo Tracker 2 Door (702H)
Daystar polyurethane 3/4" TJ spring bushings (front) (KJ09108BK)
KYB gas shocks (KG5559)
Low Range Offroad Rear Upper Control Arm Drop Bracket for Suzuki Sidekick (KSP-RUCB)
Suzuki Samurai OEM "phone dial" rims 15x5.5 (5/8" less backspacing vs. stock Sidekick)
BFG Mud Terrain KM2 235/75r15 tires (29" tall)
I got technical when looking for springs.
Here are the spring rates for the BDS kit:
Front BDS 037201 435 lb/in
Rear BDS 037209 155 lb/in
These are the OME springs in the Trail Tough kit:
Front ARB 2961 440 lb/in
Rear ARB 2959 200 lb/in
00:00 Intro & Goals
01:07 Lift Parts
02:03 New Wheels and Tires
03:07 Front Suspension
04:22 Rear Suspension
05:22 My Take After 2 Years

[@thisisnotatest2]

If you are looking for more options for a Sidekick / Tracker lift, be sure to check out @Death Toll Racing, He's got a great video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6ayfKCmbZ19oJo

[@noahdunaway]

I just bought a 1996 Tracker 2WD “survivor” bright red 5 speed manual with 78k miles and most were pulled behind a motor home. I got all the tow bar equipment but I don’t have an RV, I can’t think of a reason for it but I could pull it with my pickup truck. It’s a convertible with the fiberglass hard tops. I’ve filled it up twice after the initial full tank and it registered 31.6 and 34.2 MPG. The paint is excellent and very shiny, it looks like a 2 year old car. It drives very good and I have not found anything wrong with it so far. It’s a Texas car and I don’t find any rust at all. I like sitting high in a vehicle like my pickup and am thinking about lifting it maybe 2 inches. Oh and I want to get some wider rims and prefer to stay with 15” diameter to keep more sidewall which should help with ride quality.

[@outdoorseyfun9842]

That's awesome 👌! Love the tires, wheels and lift looks good!

[@maxdeerp]

Great videos and modifications you’ve made to the tracker. Looks good and tidy!

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm generally not a fan of modifying vehicles, so I try to keep the upgrades minimal and clean!

[@jenslingspaint3523]

This is a fantastic long term review of this do it yourself combination of lift.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful!

[@wvjon75]

I have a similar lift and 30" tires on my 4door Sidekick. It is the perfect little rig still getting decent fuel economy and good capability. Its actually more fun even on the road than stock.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Glad you like yours too! Make sure to check out my other videos!

[@JMPK23]

I really like that. I've been wanting one of these or a tracker. Seems like such a fun car

[@thisisnotatest2]

I'm having a blast with mine! Highly recommended!

[@WRxJb]

Love it , building my 95 tracker up this year !

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks! Have fun with the project - they're a pleasure to work on!

[@tufftrails]

Nice rig Jay. I love these little guys...they take me anywhere I want to go and always get me home while sipping fuel. I have 6 of them now., 4 lifted and 2 I haven't got to yet. Have fun with yours.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks! I really like driving it too. I love how small it is and the great visibility!

[@pandzon7168]

Hey man this is a great video keep up the great work!

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback!

[@tommycollier9172]

I think I'm going this route, thanks for sharing.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Glad you found it useful! I have no regrets with this lift.

[@trashpandaoffroad3548]

Nice video. You do a great job explaining things. I would love to get a couple of these rigs together with different lifts and do a drive comparison.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks! I think that would be a great idea!

[@TheJosesantiago123]

It looks perfect.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks!

[@JustinKelly]

Thanks for the review! This is exactly the wheel fitment I am looking for but I am looking to go aftermarket likely with some JDM wheels for a Jimny or something. Since I have been doing a TON of research on wheel I just wanted to post some information in case others come across this. Stock Sidekick/Tracker wheels are 15" x 5.5", 4.25" backspacing Stock Samurai/SJ rims are 15" x 5.5", 3.75" backspacing So to convert this into offset (Which is easier when searching for some wheels) it is approximately 12.7mm difference (farther out) since they are the same width.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks for the feedback and all the additional info!

[@DeathTollRacing]

This is definitely a middle lift compared to the 2 I installed!!! A great option, and I like that you can later add longer front struts when the time comes to replace them.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks DTR! Always appreciate the feedback and insights!

[@CavemanVanDweller]

Remount? It's free

[@thewiseguy3529]

Tracker was assembled in Canada by CAMI (with Suzuki parts) Sidekick was built in Japan by Suzuki. But they're both lovely. I just prefer the Japanese original.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks for the info. I know the trackers were assembled in Canada, but I didn't realize the Sidekicks were imported.

[@Kamikaze_Samurai90]

I believe those are 1 of 3 types of original rims for a sidekick. Samurai rims were all the same.

[@gp9750]

Hey Jay! Great video! Inspired me to go with the same setup however I will try out the BDS rear shocks first and decide if they work for me. I shot you an email regarding the Daystar spacers and direction they face when installed. Now looking at my Tracker I see the bell end faces down. Thanks for your quick response to my email, and keep up with the great videos!

[@thisisnotatest2]

Glad you figured it out! Thanks for the feedback too! I think I had the BDS rear shocks on for a whole week before I swapped them. I think you're going to love the lift. I've never looked back after installing it.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Note that I removed the thin rubber OEM bushing above the spring when I put the spacer in. I think I mentioned this in the video. I was able to sell the BDS shocks for the same price I paid for the KYBs. There is a market for them as they fit many other applications.

[@gp9750]

@@thisisnotatest2 yes, I believe you had mentioned it. With this winter weather we're now receiving, I won't be installing until spring. I'm sure you're getting similar conditions? Snow that is??

[@thisisnotatest2]

No snow in Portland, but it's definitely winter here, as there's snow in the mountains. The Suzuki loves the snow - chews right through it! It's fun to pull out expensive SUVs when our neighborhood gets snow!

[@gp9750]

@@thisisnotatest2 awesome!

[@a.r7688]

Great job, it's the best on KZbin. I'm just wondering, from where you got the tires and the rims...Please send the link if possible.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks for the feedback! The tires are widely available, but I ordered mine from Simple Tire. The rims are all used, found on Offer Up and Craig's List. I had them powder coated at Les Schwab.

[@19schneider85]

i just picked up my first geo tracker i previously had a chevy tracker and i did a small lift looking to run the same setup as this one!

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thats awesome! Enjoy it!

[@joelclmt]

Hey Jay Video Is very helpful. I am doing the same to my rig. Do you have a part number on the daystar spacers by chance?

[@thisisnotatest2]

Just found it: Daystar KJ09108BK

[@mickeyfrey2529]

Hi. Really amazing job and looks very decent 👌 I would like to do same with my sport sidekick 97 model please advise me the details and which items I have to order. tanx 🙏

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks for the feedback! The Sport is a different beast - the frame width and suspension are different from the regular sidekick. I've never seen a lift kit specifically for it. There is one video I know of where the owner worked with a fabricator to create a kit: kzbin.infovideos The simplest option would be to source aftermarket springs like ARB and/or spring spacers. That should get you 2 inches of lift without custom parts.

[@XaviarJS]

I with the bds kit would work on my 2004 tracker

[@thisisnotatest2]

The BDS catalog lists this kit for short wheelbase 88-98 Sidekicks and Trackers. I wouldn't expect it to work on later models.

[@user-bt1mu4hg3l]

What is the best backspacing to get wheels similar to yours? I havent been able to track down any used samurai 15x5.5 yet.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Just found the info: Stock Sidekick/Tracker wheels are 15" x 5.5", 4.25" backspacing Stock Samurai/SJ rims are 15" x 5.5", 3.75" backspacing

[@cotaretreat3681]

Did you have to change anything from lower mounting point of kyb shocks?

[@thisisnotatest2]

Sorry for the delayed response! I selected the KYBs specifically because they were longer than stock. That allowed me to keep the original mounting points - no mods required!

[@briannelson8819]

Why didn’t you use the Daystar pucks on the rear springs as well? Just curious.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Sorry for the delayed response! I added the spacers to the front to get the truck level. There was a lot of rake in the stock suspension and this combination got it very close to what I was looking for. You could add spacers in the back to keep the rake.

[@kyana3374]

I noticed my back tires wouldn't drop down in order to get traction. Spinning in the air ain't going to get you nowhere. You're going to need a spacer on top of the rear end in the center. I don't like to steel one from Amazon Because it's 2in thick. 1 inch spacer is enough. I found out my upper control arm is worn out. Total cost for both 250

[@thisisnotatest2]

I agree. I added the upper control arm spacer in the rear. It's hard to see, but it's the aluminum block above the diff at 04:32. I ordered it from Low Range Off Road for ~$50.

[@joepurdy9707]

Why did the lift only achieve 1in.,in the rear? Maybe because you didn't use the 3/4 spring pads? I'm looking for just the opposite, an extra inch in the rear so it doesn't sit any lower when fully loaded down with gear.

[@USdefender1]

So am I.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Sorry for the delayed response! I added the spacers to the front to get the truck level. There was a lot of rake in the stock suspension and this combination got it very close to what I was looking for. You could add the same spacers in the back to keep the rake. You will need to make sure the rear shocks are long enough to handle the total lift height.

[@michaelvimazal5012]

Great vid, How is the ride when it comes to "washboard" roads? Better than stock or worse?

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks for the feedback It's basically like stock, no better, no worse. I've had a lot of success airing down to 12psi on sand for traction and a much smoother ride. I expect this would help some with long sections of washboards.

[@faris504]

100% KYB

[@thisisnotatest2]

Yep, they made a huge difference. I'll likely try KYB if I ever have to replace the front struts.

[@kenxichko]

How did you make the spare tire fit for that size? any mods or kit you bought? thanks

[@thisisnotatest2]

The spare fit like a glove. There is just enough room with the 235 tires to clear the bumper and the 3rd brake light. No mods required.

[@marting6445]

Could you post the part numbers for the rear shocks and TJ bushings that you added?

[@thisisnotatest2]

I've included the part number for the shocks and all the details I have for the bushings in the description.

[@thisisnotatest2]

Just found more details: Daystar KJ09108BK

[@arthursims6709]

Where did you order your new rims from???

[@jremeee1599]

Hey man. Where’s the next episode?! 😊

[@thisisnotatest2]

It's in the can! Will post it over Thanksgiving!

[@colefoster5662]

so with this exact setup those tires didnt rub inside or outside on full tilt?

[@thisisnotatest2]

That's the advantage of a conservative tires size - there's no body rub at full lock or full articulation. Reduced wheel backspacing is key to avoiding frame rub as the tires get bigger. The front tires come very close to the frame at full lock. There are limiting screws on the steering linkage, but I didn't have to use them.

[@markmanley8673]

Kewl

[@thisisnotatest2]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-xz8zu9np2w]

did u use 2 or 4 of the daystar bushings 2 ea front and rear

[@thisisnotatest2]

I'm only using 2 spacers in the front. That gave me a level lift.

[@markmanley8673]

I have a 97 that i want to get back on the road . like your ideas. Bought it brand new . put 303, 000 miles on. All of a sudden it would not run right. Took it to dealer i bought it from . told me i needed a computer 4000 $ . got one at junk yard . changed it . it ran just the same. They traded me another .same result. Took it to several other people no results. Changed oxygen sensors , timing belt, no luck .one guy told me it was main bairing . ??? You start it up it ldles fine .put it in drive it runs rough with no power ? Should i try to rebuild or replace engine ?

[@thisisnotatest2]

These trucks have a pretty decent on-board diagnostic system. Buy a good quality scanner and start looking at the codes, if you haven't already. I'd recommend trying to solve engine control issues yourself, as there aren't many mechanics out there with familiarity with these trucks, and it might take some time to track the issue down. I have another video where I go through the codes I solved to get my truck running right: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHOvdpujbsysg5I. I also include details on the scanner that worked great for me. I wouldn't start changing parts without knowing the codes, but changing the timing belt is part of the scheduled maintenance, so you needed to do that anyway.

[@markmanley8673]

@@thisisnotatest2 i gave up several years ago. Had codes read several times . can not remember for sure but the cures everybody tried did not help. I even have chiltons manual. Its sitting in my garage for years. Want to get it running again.

[@chrispclimbs]

@@markmanley8673 you most likely have the dreaded 'loosened crank bolt' and wallowed out crank pulley keyway. From factory they didn't put locktite and didn't torque the crank pulley bolt on tight enough. It is disastrous. If it is bad enough, you have to replace the crank (full rebuild), if you are lucky you might be able to get a new woodruff key jbwelded back in or actually welded back in, with a new crank pulley. red loctite and torque to 95ftlbs. But yea sounds like your timing is off because of this.

[@markmanley8673]

@@chrispclimbs Thanks for the advice. But i only got half of it ?

[@markmanley8673]

@@chrispclimbs Let me know if possible.

[@brianschultz5696]

Are you running the original length front struts?

[@thisisnotatest2]

The struts themselves are original, but the lift kit comes with a set of extenders that screw on to the tops of the struts. They are black. You can see them in the parts inlay at 01:07 and above the tires in a few shots.

[@darioushg.877]

How’s ride quality?

[@thisisnotatest2]

It's pretty much identical to stock, which is what I wanted. Definitely not too stiff, but I had to swap the rear shocks to achieve this.

[@georgezimmerman3334]

Did you ever get a truck?

[@user-xz8zu9np2w]

if anyone is starting down this path i have 2 bushings 2 give away

[@kirkjohnson408]

I'd take them if you still have em!

[@thisisnotatest2]

Thanks for helping out another Zuki fan!

[@dullylaventure4277]

Please someone help me to buy one😢😢😢

[@thisisnotatest2]

I've had success on Craigslist and Offerup finding these trucks. I'm on the west coast, so rust usually isn't an issue. There's lots for sale in Arizona the last time I checked.

[@dullylaventure4277]

@@thisisnotatest2 okay sir thank you

[@dullylaventure4277]

@@thisisnotatest2 you haven't a rav 4 2 doors please i haven't money but i need the car please help me

[@joepurdy9707]

Why

[@thisisnotatest2]

Because you can!