Building the CRV for Offroad! RD1

Building the CRV for Off-Road: A RD1 Overlander
By Aaron Gaghagen and Carter Gillespie
When the first gen CRV dropped it seemed like the enthusiasts didn't really take notice. It was the mid-1990s and anybody that wanted to go off-roading wasn't choosing the new Honda CRV. But, that didn't seem to matter much to the general consumer. Even though it is based on the 6th gen Civic, people bought it up since it brought the utility that Honda is famous for. Little did we know that the CRV was a truly capable off-roader.
The suspension and the AWD system is the real star of the show. In fact, Carter found this out for himself while taking his CRV into the desert over hills and through washes where 4Runners and whatnot only dare to go. So, now we're all in and taking the CRV to the next level with Mamba wheels and a lift kit from HRG Offroad.
Like us? We’d Love Your Support!
Help Support VTEC Academy by hitting up our store for gear at vtec.academy/shop/ or help us by sharing (it’s free!) this post or others with other cool Honda people.
You can also help support VTEC Academy by shopping for your Acuity Instruments parts using our link at acuityinstruments.com/?ref=vt...
Nothing but Hondas. That’s exactly what you’ll find at VTEC Academy. Because Soichiro Honda’s passion for motorsports and his company’s ability to express that in the machines they produce make a whole lot of sense. VTEC Academy is a place for Honda fans who feel the same way and who seek the most accurate technical information and commentary to continue that very legacy and make whatever Honda it is that they drive just a little bit better. And faster.
The editors and contributors of VTEC Academy are some of the industry’s most experienced and trusted, which means the informative, unique perspectives you need are all right here. And, like you, we’re also obsessed with Hondas. So, subscribe to our channel and hit us up at vtecacademy.com or, if you’re into social media, you can get your daily dose of VTEC Academy on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We’re always on the lookout for cool, fast Hondas.
DISCLAIMER:
VTEC Academy videos are for educational and entertainment purposes. We can not guarantee the modifications performed in the video are legal in your locality. Do not do any modifications to your vehicle that will void your warranty or in any way violate your local laws. We assume no liability for property damage or injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information provided at your own risk.

[@Savage_D_508]

Honda's rule the world. Best engines ever.

[@VTECAcademy]

Yes!

[@kingmarz3635]

Hard to disagree especially considering they are absolutely dominating the 4 top classes of motorsport including F1 and that’s why they’re the most successful name in motorsport history

[@goosebread4560]

Tell that to all the R18 owners with cracked blocks

[@IanThecrackerstacker]

Gm 3.8 disagrees

[@marsarmory6236]

Toyota makes the best engines, Honda second

[@coolcat312]

I love it. I lifted my '98 CR-V back in '03-'04 using a coilover kit that was intended for lowering. That was way before HRG and the like. I ran BFG A/T KO tires on it. It's great to see people doing this kind of upgrade now.

[@VTECAcademy]

Wow! That's cool. How'd it drive?

[@coolcat312]

@@VTECAcademy It drove great! The BFGs were amazing and when I sold it after 80k miles on them they still looked practically new. Truck tires on such a light vehicle last forever!

[@jdmnuggets]

Ohhh hell yes rd1 crv content, such an underrated chassis. Just needs a kswap now 😉. 2011 element rear diff/vc locks up much quicker offroad compared to the rd1, bolts right up.

[@seley4866]

I hope you do a video about 8th gen civic k swap correct axles, Si axles will not fit on the R18 knuckles , not every body has the capability to purchase Si knuckles .

[@VTECAcademy]

You like RD1s?

[@jdmnuggets]

@@VTECAcademy i have a disease, recovery is slow. Nice video editing / story mate

[@VTECAcademy]

Good idea, @seley

[@addiresells7832]

i need more info on this

[@NWPencrawler]

Love it! Keep building and videoing this series. I'm looking for ideas on my 2000 CR-V and love what you've done so far.

[@jblox1990]

Great content here. I'm doing up a 2000 RD1 5-speed AWD. Just got mud tires and offset steelies, hopefully trimming fenders and bumpers this weekend for clearance.

[@BeeSta2009]

I wanted to do this to my crv but the amount of work i needed to do to just to fix the bad suspension. didnt make sense financially. I hope to find another crv soon. I love the chasis. beautful build and great video.

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks, it's an underrated platform for sure.

[@dubzc5895]

Loved this one. Special vehicle imo. Would like to see more on it!!

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks! We hope to have more on it soon-ish.

[@leefhead1]

When doing new top hats (or in this case, spacers) it’s easier if you bolt the shock assemblies to the chassis, then you can turn the shock body with large channel locks to get it to line up with the fork. I had a 10.5” dropped RD1 in 2012 with a built & boosted GSR engine. In the winter I’d put a small lift over stock. I also had a lifted 2nd gen CRV. I have a special place in my heart for them.

[@VTECAcademy]

Now you tell us!

[@leefhead1]

@@VTECAcademy tagged you on Instagram on some pics of my old CRVs. Might give you some inspiration!

[@crashjump1849]

I just started working on my RD1 so I'm looking forward to see what other crv owners are doing to theirs..

[@mannyj5862]

I use my crv table as my shooting table lol love the rd1

[@JD-rq7il]

Love the crv, owned a few, even made one 50/50 awd by using the range rover driveshaft back in 2013! Sadly just tore my last one apart for an awd Insight swap. Sad, but not really lol. Love the overlanding stuff! Keep it up!

[@nobodynoone2500]

If you still have the driveshaft hmu, i'm lookin for one.

[@VTECAcademy]

Right on! Thanks!

[@JD-rq7il]

@@nobodynoone2500 that setup went away back in 2014, haha. Now that shit is like gold...

[@darius2640]

this guy looks exactly like every modified honda owner I ever met looks like

[@VTECAcademy]

Ahahahahaha!!!

[@9kb20vtec]

Plz keep the crv content coming. Appreciate the video. Thanks guys. Maybe put an h2b swap to combat the power loss. Lol that would be cool to see you guys do. Cheaper than going k I’m pretty sure also hahah

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks! The H would be pretty comparable to a K with more scarce parts available.

[@kumaSOevl]

I have a rd1 shell with a b20 and a b18 gsr head and jrsc sitting so Ty for this video

[@VTECAcademy]

That sounds awesome!

[@victorwilks88]

This channel is so underrated

[@alexandrealain]

Dude y’all are the coolest, I’m in az I shoot, and love Hondas

[@the4thgen_tfl]

I like it. I'm planning on doing something similar. I've just been apprehensive as I've heard so much about suspension issues with them when lifted.

[@VTECAcademy]

No issues yet, although it's only been a month or so.

[@the4thgen_tfl]

@@VTECAcademy Nice. I’ll keep my eye out for updates on this

[@Jason-nk4yr]

Love rd1, Do more... have a stock rd1 auto, lifted manual rd1. 235 75 15 on just strut spacer. And k-swap awd manual swap rd1. More content please

[@VTECAcademy]

More to come, for sure.

[@greeenteeee]

Nice direction. I have a 2nd gen for the same purpose

[@VTECAcademy]

Nice, they're so capable.

[@stevekeenan9673]

Excited about this...b20....and the backseats are bigger than you'd think....I won't explain how I know that.

[@VTECAcademy]

Don't hold out on us!

[@jsr3793]

I love it. Is there any options to regear it for the bigger tires and extra weight?

[@nealenns7869]

I have wanted to do a lifted AWD CRV for years. 5spd with a small turbo and big tires. Would be way funner than a Razor.

[@VTECAcademy]

Boost would really help!

[@minilogoguy18]

Misfire is probably a valve seat that has beat itself deep into the head causing 0 lash on the valves. They were known for this. We would replace the entire head at the dealer when this happened. Not the best motor they made for sure.

[@VTECAcademy]

Hmmm... A K swap would solve that issue.

[@Clutch_cargo_]

Nice license plate 😎

[@GaryWold]

If I undersnad the specs I've seen, the automatics are a 4 speed automatic with a lock-up of the Torque converter which is the psudo O/D. You have a really clean good looking rig. ;-)

[@zmoorer]

Yes, this the CR-V had a 4 speed automatic until 2005. Then it got a 5 speed auto.

[@GF-nm1cl]

They also had a 5 speed automatic with no overdrive, with D3

[@buddy8225]

Nice. 🐸

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks 😅

[@nobodynoone2500]

A big lift sucks on em, as does the high 1st gear ratio offroad, only made worse by the bigger tires. Better as a fast trailrunner with the wishbone suspension than a crawler. I'd just fit a 215/75R15 from a good brand. The lift just makes the CV axles fail faster and make handling kinda meh. I do like those offset balljoints way better than the dodgy s2/truhurt style that clamp poorly and weight too much. Cool build none the less. The beauty of these are that you can do about anything with em.

[@VTECAcademy]

Good to know, we have another CRV getting a lift too.

[@teamaxlestands]

There's a bloke in new Zealand yelling out K swap K swap right now 😜

[@VTECAcademy]

Us do a K swap? Never!

[@dustinturley8149]

highly suggest a new set of struts. i usually use monroe quick struts, they are cheap and have done great for me. it will help with the rear sag!

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks for the tip!

[@CaptainTexas92]

@@VTECAcademy they also actually add about an inch or so in overall height.

[@shaneberckman]

I did this to my 2000 CRV and my engine was doing the same thing so I put a JDM high compression B20 and now it has plenty of power. And it really wasn't much more than rebuilding the head.

[@dauntewimbush1939]

I really miss my CRV it got totaled in an accident, I got a ford ranger and it’s fallen apart on me in 4 months! Never go American always stay foreign!

[@VTECAcademy]

Oh man, sorry to hear that.

[@williamgates392]

#1 having a bigger tire increases your final drive,which increases top speed. if head wind is a problem, time for a trans swap or more power. #2 auto CR-Vs have a 4 speed.

[@quintonnava1441]

Mud flaps would look dope.

[@VTECAcademy]

With Yosemite Sam on them?

[@TonyCanones]

0:27 That sounds like a great life philosophy

[@pudermcgavin4462]

I've seen sketch spring compressors before but holy janky!

[@kikezurek34]

I got a cr v ex 2003 what tires you recommend for traction and little Offroad

[@EnriqueSanchez-vi5lg]

Tryna figure out where to order oem parts for my crv any advice?

[@supermaniac5]

My 2000 Crv had a misfire code. It was a simple valve adjustment. It can through many systems out of wack. Including the transmission shift sensor. Mine was shunting into gear before the valve adjustment.

[@VTECAcademy]

This one was only running on 3 cylinders. Since we have swapped the head.

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

Have you done any engine mods for more power like camshafts turbo?

[@borjaevo]

What stock traction system has this car? It's like haldex?

[@christophercain8749]

I mean overlanding is just extreme rally at a slower pace with no trophies so yes definitely still pertinent to the channel and Hondas in general.

[@eduardogonzalez3875]

Whats the best build for a rd1 something that will let me keep my awd

[@lawncykamali3319]

Were can I find the honda crv heavy duty suspension kit for crv..can some help me out

[@hondaresource]

I also have a white lifted RD1, K swapped using Hasport mounts. Just do it, the tire size won't matter like it does now. 80-90 mph on the freeway is no issue. I highly doubt you guys need any insight to k swapping one but I have a complete series on K swapping mine with each little detail.

[@VTECAcademy]

Awesome!

[@1stGenCRXs]

That poor B20 is like help me! Down 25% I am sure!

[@VTECAcademy]

Needs a K!

[@grpAfactory]

@@VTECAcademy Would love to see some CRV kswap content. I'm still debating b20v or k24 in my RD1..

[@1stGenCRXs]

@@VTECAcademy K24a2 order up! I believe I saw a few of those kicking around down there. 🤔

[@brayannahun5954]

Que kit de suspensión me recomiendas para crv 2003

[@fern_v]

iM EmBarerAsses BrONkO! (Sits in parking lot on a spacer lift) lol nice try guys.

[@VTECAcademy]

It was out in the desert when it was stock. The Bronco still had paper plates. Very low effort.

[@dirtycommtroop]

I hope these older CRVs have gears and not a CVT. My wife's CRV has a CVT and lacks low end and the traction control doesnt really let you get on it much. Cant imagine these go anywhere with a lift and huge tires.

[@VTECAcademy]

Nope, no CVT here. Still struggling with the bigger tires, but hopefully the K swap will help.

[@ElReySupr3me]

What upper ball joints are those for the upper control arms?

[@VTECAcademy]

HRG Offroad

[@ElReySupr3me]

@@VTECAcademy thank you 🙌🏽

[@andrea91maffi]

Link for front camber adj?

[@colinshum5216]

Forget the misfire, it’s not VTEC Academy if it’s not K-swapped 😂

[@tonymontana6368]

Dam l should had kept my moms old crv 99

[@VTECAcademy]

Totally! They're so fun.

[@phaxiong95]

What if I lift 2” in rear 1.5 up front be good with 216-70/75-15

[@VTECAcademy]

We haven’t tried all combinations, but that should work.

[@sinisterritesofxano-humair68]

Poor acceleration in fourth and fifth sounds pretty standard to me for an RD1 at least in the standard transmissions though you mentioned it’s an auto. In the standards I know that fifth was geared really oddly and it made it impractical to use unless you’re at highway speeds and don’t need acceleration almost whatsoever.

[@dantheman3426]

Are getting driveline vibration now at low speed

[@alex-hf1ei]

HRG spacers are the most hack lift you could have done... you could have got the old man emu kit and had a real lift kit for around the same price....

[@VTECAcademy]

What kind of problems have you had with the HRG Offroad kit? This is our first foray into lifts.

[@BlessedVet]

Yeah. Might as well get the truhart lifted coilovers.

[@JDA77]

Just get a 3500/4000 lbs winch from harbor freight works great

[@jessemaguilar]

it kinda looks like a mini 4runner

[@j_mars_cars]

Been wanting to modified an early crv for a long time. I want an automatic since my fiancé can’t drive stick yet(I have the 4runner for that), and I want a clean one that isn’t rusted to pieces like Wisconsin cars are. My bachelor party then shall involve a trip to Oregon and back to get a clean rust free, sun damage free crv. I can get a mint one for $4000~ or so. Can’t wait! Might lift it. Might lower. Might leave height alone. I really want a 1320 Unequal length header to make it sound like a forester lol

[@solo71606]

Did u buy that off a guy from circle k You work down the street from me definitely like it

[@VTECAcademy]

Yes, we did

[@solo71606]

@@VTECAcademy thought it looked just like it

[@tracy2762]

wondering why you went for 2001 versus a 2006..is it price ..availabilty or the year? if year why that year

[@VTECAcademy]

Price mainly. It was $1500. We do plan to upgrade it with the 03-06 engine and transmission.

[@tracy2762]

@@VTECAcademy curious if you are familar with hondas dealings when the older ones that are traded in and dont pass their inspection sending them to auction...are these oldies getting a good home or are they junking them..i seen a few on their websites get listed then taken down to go to auctions...so it seems it may happen a lot.

[@VTECAcademy]

@@tracy2762 Unfortunately they are often sent to salvage. Cars this old and more specifically the first gen CRV will get totaled if the Catalytic convert goes bad or is stolen. Another problem is the head and valves. Often as they get old the maintenance is ignored and that causes the valves to go bad and shortens the life of the catalytic converter.

[@tracy2762]

@@VTECAcademy its sad like old dogs going to the pound or mustangs getting sold for their meat. 2nd generation should be treated better..i wish i could start a rescue..i know honda will give 500 dollars towards a trade in.

[@FelixCenac-du5bb]

Can I see the strainer in the bottom pan

[@texomahondaelement3722]

So ,my interest is in transferring CRV suspension to my Element. I need to know if the suspension, axles, shocks etc, can interchange. I am buying a 04 CRV for a parts car for my 04 Element and my wife 06 Element. I'm buying the CRV for $750, delivered. 120k miles decent condition and great motor and drive train. So what's your thouvhts?

[@VTECAcademy]

A lot of the suspension parts have the same part numbers. I imagine a lot of it is interchangeable.

[@hoopla1414]

you are VTEC academy.....I think it is only fitting....vtec head swap!

[@VTECAcademy]

I think so.

[@americanmade422]

Was this the 2inch lift?

[@cartergillespie5942]

Yes it was

[@VTECAcademy]

Yup!

[@phxrsx]

Swap a K in that thing.

[@VTECAcademy]

Agree!

[@littlerayofsunshine69]

So, how exactly did the crv embarrass the bronco? She lift her skirt and show her cute little exhaust?

[@slavikrybka]

Will it have K24 swap?

[@VTECAcademy]

Yes it will.

[@rowan_my_boat]

I'm guessing your CV axles are going to die much quicker?

[@VTECAcademy]

Or require periodic maintenance.

[@Bpr2000civicsi]

Join the Honda rd1 crv enthusiasts (96-01) if you haven’t already.

[@spunkmire2664]

its unfortunate the awd doesnt kick in unless moving. it won't work from a dead stop

[@VTECAcademy]

It will if the front wheels start to slip.

[@spunkmire2664]

I've owned one for over ten years. I am aware of what it can and cannot do. It cannot engage the 70/30 from a dead stop, even if the wheels slip. Confirmed by my honda tech friend as well and years of honda Real time AWD usage. Not looking for a argument, I'm just clarifying the technology's disadvantage. @@VTECAcademy

[@thisismypickle5164]

The hardest part of lowering a car is putting on the dress.

[@jaysohiphop1356]

Looks just like mine lol but mine is silver

[@VTECAcademy]

Hell yeah!

[@civicdev]

I have a white one too. I wish it was silver.

[@Earth2FullGone2Space]

Can just the average Joe in their backyard install the lift kit?

[@VTECAcademy]

It took a couple of people to muscle the suspension in. But, yes it can be done in the back yard.

[@Earth2FullGone2Space]

@@VTECAcademy thanks for the reply. I need to get to work then 👍🏽

[@austinhunter2864]

So u never embarrassed a new ford bronco 😢

[@toothpicdinosaur3777]

It's not work unless you catch yourself on fire once or twice.

[@VTECAcademy]

Then Scot works every day!

[@andyle5730]

first gen crvs dont have a 5 speed auto

[@VTECAcademy]

Ahh, thanks!

[@civicdev]

You caught that too. 👍

[@Watchman-At-The-Gate]

all that extra gonna work your trans???

[@VTECAcademy]

It does.

[@peaceandlove8984]

I'm a Honda nerd but the crv is pathetic offroad. We had a guy come to our local offroad park in one and needed a pull to get unstuck on the access road to the trails.. he had a rough day lol.

[@VTECAcademy]

LOL Yikes!

[@civicdev]

Don't hate. Honda forever.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Ah, have you ever driven one ???? There is a large fan base for a reason... They are very good off road, they are not rock crawlers but do very well otherwise, I should no I drive one.

[@peaceandlove8984]

@SJC4WD Offroad. yes I've owned two :) no they suck off road lol.

[@maxxfargo4282]

Hers

[@FunkyTown___]

Jerking twisting motion

[@1992pv]

throw a v8 into it