AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 1/22/2008 Subject: Suzuki Vitara Free Wheel Hubs
Question I have a 1993 Vitara Sport. I have heard about free wheeling hubs but I don't know if my car has got them, and how to switch them off and on. Also, my accelerator is very stiff and although my car sounds to have a lot of power I have to floor it to get it moving. Any ideas?
Answer Most 4wd vehicles have one of three types of front hub arrangements.
GM and some other domestics have a device that allows the front differential to not drive the front wheels unless 4wd is engaged.
Other older vehicles have manual hubs which must be manually switched from free wheel to engaged by getting out of the vehicle at a stop and making the change.
Many have "auto" hubs which engage when the vehicle is driven a few feet with the transfer case in 4wd, and disengage when the vehicle is backed up five to fifteen feet with the transfer case in 2wd.
The throttle issue is something that a mechanic will have to be there to diagnose.
scotty
