XL-7 Tech. advice ?'s

[MetalToyMaker]

First time posted here. Been lurking for a while and thought it's about time to sign up and start asking ?'s.

Without going in to a big long speal about my situation...it's pretty much breaks down to this....Avid Toyota owner and off roader. Recently single with custody of my 2 gurls. I had a pretty nice and capable 4Runna for taking kids and friends wheelin' but the X got it so stuck wheelin' my standard cab 84 Toyota SR5 truck. Thing is.....I need something to build and wheel with more seats! I thought of building another 4Runner but I've already been there and done that...a few times. Besides, like most medium sized SUV'z, they only seat 5. This got me searching for something with more seats and viola....the XL-7 seems to be the choice right now. Thing is....there's not that many used ones around here to check out so I have some questions.......

Dos the XL-7 have a frame under it?
From reading, it looks like the earlier model years had frames but they've slowly got away from them and have gone the ladder/unibody route. Can anyone out there give me the scoop on it? Did they come with frames until a certain year?

Right now I'm wondering what years would offer the best option for building up.

I'm basically wanting to mount my solid Toyota axles under it. This is why I ask about a frame. I require one for this project as I'm not going to sub frame a unibody vehicle for an axle swap again.

I'm sure I'll come up with more ?'s after I find out about frames (if they have one and I can proceed with plans) and whatnot but right now....the frame issue is the main ? I have.

Also, what side of the vehicle is the front driveshaft on? Passenger or Drivers?


TIA for any help or advice.

~MTM

[evo]

The XL-7 has a "real" frame through the 06 year. After that it's just like a Chevy Equinox.

[XL7Limited]

The XL7 from 01 to 05 has a full robust frame, 2 speed transfer case,(01 and 02 it is controlled by a reliable lever) 5.13 factory diff gears, skid plates and tow points.. In all it could be transformed into a capible off roader..

[MetalToyMaker]

Thanks yaul!

I took a 45 min (per way) drive last night to look at an 02. The lot was closed, the doors were lokt and the windows were black so I couldn't see in it except through the windshield...even with a flashlight. Anyways...Found a frame and the front drive shaft to a passenger side drop. So, the frames continue to 06. That's good to know. Thanks EVO.

So the 01 and 02 have a mechanical lever t-case. Me likes that! Thanks XL7Limited. I prefer mechanical function over electric or vacuum actuated solenoids any day.

Looks like the 01 or 02 is the likely build candidate so far.
Having a frame and a passenger side drop front d-shaft makes it perfect for linkin' up some Toy axles.

This brings up more questions though...

XL7Limited....By 2 speed t-case you mean...
4H & 4L
or
2H, 4H & 4L?
I'm not stupid, I just want clarification as I'm kinda Suzuki ignorant.

I'll be looking for an Auto and I'm not sure if'n it uses a different t-case than the manual.
Anybody know the T-case designations or model numbers?
Is it chain or gear driven?
Is it the same as the sammy or sidekicks t-case?

XL7Limited...5.13 axle gears stock???
That kinda scares me! If that's true, it sure don't leave much room for correcting gear ratio for bigger tires.
According to this I was counting on them having 4.30's

[evo]

my manual shift transfer case has 2hi, 4hi, 4lo, and neutral just like most 4wd vehicles. Check out some of the lifted xl7 pics on calmini.com

[MetalToyMaker]

Originally Posted by evo

my manual shift transfer case has 2hi, 4hi, 4lo, and neutral just like most 4wd vehicles. Check out some of the lifted xl7 pics on calmini.com

Thanks!

Looks like 2.5" is about max for the stock suspension. I like the camo one on their site.


So far, the only hicup I see is the axle gearing. They really come stock with 5.13's? That will only leave me with 2 gearing options for bigger tires. 5.29's which are roughly the same as the 5.13's or 5.71's.
I guess I need to calculate just how big of tire I can go and keep close to stock ratio with the 5.71's in Toy axles. Hmmmmmmm...more pondering to do.

[XL7Limited]

yup 5.13 for the automatic is the stock gearing on the 01 and 02's. 03's with the 5 speed automatic has the 4.30 I believe.. But then you get the electronic 4wd with the 03's..
The transfer case is chain driven..

[fartfignewtons]

Originally Posted by MetalToyMaker

Thanks!

Looks like 2.5" is about max for the stock suspension. I like the camo one on their site.


So far, the only hicup I see is the axle gearing. They really come stock with 5.13's? That will only leave me with 2 gearing options for bigger tires. 5.29's which are roughly the same as the 5.13's or 5.71's.
I guess I need to calculate just how big of tire I can go and keep close to stock ratio with the 5.71's in Toy axles. Hmmmmmmm...more pondering to do.

I would give cal-mini a call, they should have all the answers to your off road questions!

[MetalToyMaker]

Back at it again. Sorry for the delay. With the holidays and no power for a week due to the ice storm, I've been busy.

Anyways...

I need to know the gear ratios for the 4sp Auto and the 5sp Manual tranys.

I also like to verify what the t-case ratio is. I heard 1.8/1 and know Calamini offers a 4.24/1 but they don't list the stock ratio.

Sure appreciate any help or a point in the direction of the information.

Thanks Yaul!

[XL7Limited]

I ALREADY told you. 5.13 for the 4 speed automatic.. scroll up..