I just picked up a Sporty and am trying to figure out the best way to lift/build it. It is a 2001 5spd and will be a budget build. A few questions on lifting:
-What 16" rims fit these well? I have read on here grand vitara. Any specific year? I am having trouble finding backspacing info.
-I am debating installing a lift versus lots of cutting. Buying a lift would double my investment into this beast, which I am not sure I want to do. Will 31.5s fit with no lift and some cutting?
-Has anyone tried welding the front diff with bigger tires? Will I break the driveline?

Thanks! Will post some pics once I start.

I am not a Kia expert. But, I caution against immediately cutting the body to achieve clearance.

A basic lift is dome with springs. Okay, you can add spacer blocks. But, where you add the spacer can mean a lot.

Welding the front diff... that brings up the Lincoln Locker discussion.

As a matter of disclosure, I have driven a fair number of miles in a Jeeper with a welded rear end.

That said, you would be foolish to weld the front diff. Basically, that is your steering component and welding will induce steering ability in standard (non-OHV) driving.

There is a discussion thread dealing with the various TJ springs than can be adapted to fit a Kia.

Thanks for the comments John. I have lifted a few ifs and solid axle vehicles before and decided I want to keep the suspension on this one near stock for now so I can drive it harder without breaking things. I have a set of 30s and 31.5s available and am trying to decide what can fit without lifting. I would like the clearance of the bigger tires, but they are much heavier so I worry about over stressing the front end.

Not committed to welding the front; just wondering if these trucks are strong enough to handle it. If I need to turn, I can always just unlock one hub... This one was super cheap and is beat up, so not too concerned about hacking it up a bit.

It will be 99% off pavement, so I don't need to retain road manners.

Suzuki Grand Vitara &XL7. 97-04.

Offset ET 5mm positive.

I think you would want to run the steelies if you are. To to interested in aesthetics although they still look good on the sportage . I personally think the dual spoke alloys from the XL7 look the best.

I have a set of dual spoke alloys from the XL-7 on my sporty and am running 245/75 R16's

Hope that helps.

Cheers, Chris

I ended up putting a spare set of 30x9.5 geolanders on the stock rims. Didnt go with the 31.5s as the set I have are e rated and too heavy. With the 30s it works great with no lift. Also took off most of the plastic (on trees..) and clearanced the bumper with a zip disc for a better approach angle. To be honest I did not expect much out of this kia compared to other 4x4s I have owned, but it is an impressive little machine!

Now I need to sort out a few of the issues inherent in a $600 car, like the door chime stuck on and the gas tank that shoots gas back out at me when filling.

Maybe the wrong place for this, but...
-Anyone done a full belly skid on one? It looks doable, and i found some old threads with links to skidplate dimensions, but the links are down.

I am trying to lift my 99 shortage 3" front and back. How many do I need and how much?

Okay, I'll break the ice and grab onto this slow pitch...

How many of what???

Okay, your goal is 3" of lift front and back. Generallly it is done with four appropriate size springs to replace the stock springs. I am not a Kia expert. But, there are posts in the archives where Jeep Rubicon springs have been used on the Sportsge.

In addition, there are some coil spring spacers that can add to your lift. Generally they start at 1" and are in one inch increments.

See: http://upyourkia.com/

He does 3 and 4 inch lifts and has been a past contributor to the forums.

Rat rod,

Read the first post in this thread. It tells you what you need straight up to achieve lifts from 2-4 inch.

Also Dobinsons springs in Australia make a 3 inch Spring front and rear for the Kia Sportage.

This forum will just about have all the answers for your questions. It is a very good resource.

All the best with it.

Cheers, Chris

Hi All, Happy new Year

I'm looking the fast respond to confirm about the maximum suspension lift, as I got some information's that 4" still safe and will be ok for 31 10.5 15 tire
My KIa is Short 2000

Please advise - Thanks

I have to ask, have you read through the entire thread of posts? Specifically beginning with the first post?

What is provided in the thread, beginning with the first post, is information that defines amount of lift required for specific tire fitment and Year of vehicle.

These specs are provided as guidance based on user reported experiences.