Project Jimny

My client wanted a fun 4 x 4 that was very capable yet not expensive to buy or run and that is very reliable and simple.

I recommended a Suzuki Jimny because they are so good. I happened across one Facebook that the client agreed was good and bought. 02 plate in green with a small lift, big alloys, off-road wheels, snorkel and light bar and rock sliders. Low mileage, 3 owners from you, a year’s MOT with no advisories and good MOT history.

For the kind of driving he has in mind the client wanted something that rode better, with better articulation off road and better road manners and was not keen on the very aggressive off road Insa Turbos and very wide wheels.

We treated surface rust on the underside with Hydrate 80, and Dynax for the seams then sprayed over with matt black paint. Decided against undersealing in this instance so client can check progress of any corrosion and deal with it when noticed. The work we did will slow it down.

Removed the plywood and re-fitted the back seats.

Replaced a worn prop shaft universal joint, with a greasable unit.

Replaced a tie rod end.

Rebuilt the front swivels and king pins with new seals and bearings, all oem parts, and waterproof grease.

New slider pins in the front brake calipers – replacing the seized units.

Extended the breathers in the diffs and transfer case to terminate at the top of the snorkel to improve wading depth.

Replaced oils in diffs, transfer case and gearbox. Oil and filter, air filter and cabin filter were fine.

Replaced the worn out auxilliary belts.

Flushed the cooling system and replaced with the correct spec water / anti freeze mixture.

The front vacuum hubs were not working so client decided that fixed hubs would be fine. We did this very simply and effectivley with an M8 x 20mm bolt in each side.

Sourced and fitted rubber floor mats.

Fitted a very bright warm white LED panel in the interior light.

Fixed the stereo unit that was not correctly seated in the dash.

Designed and fitted a hand throttle for use when off road.

Fitted extra aux power points.

Fitted Heko wind deflectors.

Next was to get more suitable wheels and tyres. Hankook Dynapro ATM’s were chosen, and some factory steel wheels. These have been repainted in ivory to complement the green body work. The client still has the fatboy alloys and aggressive off road Insa Turbo’s.

Finally for better road manners and better ride offroad with improved articulation the worn and tired original suspension was upgraded with Trail Master 2 comfort set comprising extended shocks and springs, extended bump stops, bracket to adjust the rear brake bias and a longer brake line for the back axle. We fitted caster correction bushes to maintian the steering feel and self centering after the lift. All items came from Trail Master in Germany.

We are agents for Trail Master suspension who make higher end customs raised suspension kits that are created for specific models. They are one of the few after market suspension suppliers who have customs lift kits for Japanese made vehicles.

We will also extend the front anti roll bar mount points to allow more flex at the front.

This work has transformed the car into something very capable, yet much nicer to drive on and off road. It also looks more subtle and will serve the client well in the years to come.