Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers
| Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216494] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 06:14  |
skip2
Messages: 544
Registered: September 2011
Location: Winter Haven,FL (center o...
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After what I saw at Dothan it looks like a GEO tracker convention could be held at GMC conventions without any trouble.
Possibly looking into getting one as a toad and daily for my wife.
Same newbee questions as when any vehicle, ie: what to look for, what to look out for, what to run from, what's the mystique of these vehicles following a TZE, parts availability,can a 4wd auto be towd 4down etc. As usuall I'm trying to learn from others instead of learning the hard way, just wish to tap into the vast database out there.
Thanks
Skip Hartline
74 Canyon Lands, FiTech,
3.7 FD LSD, Manny Tranny,
Springfield Distributor,
2001 Chevy Tracker Ragtop Towd
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| Re: Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216501 is a reply to message #216494] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 07:59  |
armandminnie
Messages: 864
Registered: May 2009
Location: Marana, AZ
Karma: 2
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I have a 2000 Chevy Tracker 4WD convertible for a towd. The automatic can be towed 4 down with the transfer case in neutral. My tracker weighs in at around 2800 pounds however - they get heavier as the years go on - sort of like most of us. Other than the weight, it is a great little car - lots of fun.
Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
visit my gmc blog
click here to visit gmcws.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216504 is a reply to message #216502] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 08:49 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
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I have 2 of them, and they are a necessary life-boat
look here for more info
http://www.gmcmotorhomeinfo.com/toad.html
gene
On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 6:46 AM, Jerry Wheeler <jrwheeler7@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4 with manual hubs and canvas top; it
> weighs in around 2600 pounds. Bought it in 1998 with just under 15k
> miles. I tow it with the transfer case in neutral and in second gear, as
> instructed by the driver's manual. I have towed it from NC to the Oregon
> coast and back at least 3 times; currently has 45k miles; still looks like
> new; about 10k miles are because I was too lazy to crawl under the Sidekick
> to unplug the speedo cable. Took it to New England and Canada last fall.
> Great little car to zip around in and easy to attach and unattach from the
> coach.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 8:59 AM, Armand Minnie <armand@minniebiz.com>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I have a 2000 Chevy Tracker 4WD convertible for a towd. The automatic can
> > be towed 4 down with the transfer case in neutral. My tracker weighs in
> at
> > around 2800 pounds however - they get heavier as the years go on - sort
> of
> > like most of us. Other than the weight, it is a great little car - lots
> of
> > fun.
> > --
> > Armand Minnie
> > Marana, AZ
> > '76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
> > http://www.minniebiz.com
> > http://www.gmcws.org
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
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> >
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--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216506 is a reply to message #216494] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 08:51 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Skip,
The Geo, Chevy Tracker and the Suzuki Vitara are all basically the same vehicle. We had a 1989 Geo Tracker 2dr 4wd rag top as our first towed and it was a light weight, but road like a tank. We then purchased a 2001 Chevy Track 4dr 4wd V6 and I also drove it as my daily driver. The V6 is a better engine as the 4 cylinder is a little underpowered in the 4dr version. The best one to get for your wife would be a 2001 thru 2004 4dr 4wd. It is a comfortable ride with good AC and interior and will work well in winter if that where you live. It tows well and weight under 3000# (book said 2885#). We towed our tracker until fall 2008 when we purchased a Honda FIT. Love the FIT is weights just at 2500# and is and is a high mpg car when driven. The FIT is flat towable even with the Automatic. Another Tracker to get is the 2000 thru 2004 2dr 4wd convertible. They are harder to find in good shape and they weight several hundred pounds less that the 4dr version. I looked at one
of these on used car lot a few weeks ago and it was in fair to good shape and they still wanted $5400. What to look for? The weak points for rust on these vehicles is the running boards on both sides and the area behind the rear wheels. Remember to be able to tow a tracker it must be 4WD. The first generation trackers had to have locking hubs to be able to flat tow in addition to being 4wd. The second generation 1999 till 2004 didn't require the hubs. I keep saying 2004, as that is the last year that the track was sold in North America.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Tracker
http://automobiles.honda.com/fits/
If you can find a tracker in good condition it would a great towed as you have already noticed.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Aug 1, 2013, at 7:14 AM, Skip Hartline <skiphartline@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> After what I saw at Dothan it looks like a GEO tracker convention could be held at GMC conventions without any trouble.
> Possibly looking into getting one as a toad and daily for my wife.
> Same newbee questions as when any vehicle, ie: what to look for, what to look out for, what to run from, what's the mystique of these vehicles following a TZE, parts availability,can a 4wd auto be towd 4down etc. As usuall I'm trying to learn from others instead of learning the hard way, just wish to tap into the vast database out there.
> Thanks
> Skip Hartline
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J.R. Wright
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GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216508 is a reply to message #216506] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 09:01 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Skip,
One things further, the early trackers you had to disconnect the speedometer to stop adding tow miles, the second generation had electric dashes and would not add miles. You towed them with the key in the first position to unlock the steering and the trans in neutral.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Aug 1, 2013, at 9:51 AM, John Wright <powerjon@chartermi.net> wrote:
> Skip,
> The Geo, Chevy Tracker and the Suzuki Vitara are all basically the same vehicle. We had a 1989 Geo Tracker 2dr 4wd rag top as our first towed and it was a light weight, but road like a tank. We then purchased a 2001 Chevy Track 4dr 4wd V6 and I also drove it as my daily driver. The V6 is a better engine as the 4 cylinder is a little underpowered in the 4dr version. The best one to get for your wife would be a 2001 thru 2004 4dr 4wd. It is a comfortable ride with good AC and interior and will work well in winter if that where you live. It tows well and weight under 3000# (book said 2885#). We towed our tracker until fall 2008 when we purchased a Honda FIT. Love the FIT is weights just at 2500# and is and is a high mpg car when driven. The FIT is flat towable even with the Automatic. Another Tracker to get is the 2000 thru 2004 2dr 4wd convertible. They are harder to find in good shape and they weight several hundred pounds less that the 4dr version. I looked at o
ne
> of these on used car lot a few weeks ago and it was in fair to good shape and they still wanted $5400. What to look for? The weak points for rust on these vehicles is the running boards on both sides and the area behind the rear wheels. Remember to be able to tow a tracker it must be 4WD. The first generation trackers had to have locking hubs to be able to flat tow in addition to being 4wd. The second generation 1999 till 2004 didn't require the hubs. I keep saying 2004, as that is the last year that the track was sold in North America.
>
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Tracker
> http://automobiles.honda.com/fits/
>
> If you can find a tracker in good condition it would a great towed as you have already noticed.
>
> JR Wright
> 78 Buskirk Stretch
> 75 Avion
> Michigan
>
> On Aug 1, 2013, at 7:14 AM, Skip Hartline <skiphartline@aol.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> After what I saw at Dothan it looks like a GEO tracker convention could be held at GMC conventions without any trouble.
>> Possibly looking into getting one as a toad and daily for my wife.
>> Same newbee questions as when any vehicle, ie: what to look for, what to look out for, what to run from, what's the mystique of these vehicles following a TZE, parts availability,can a 4wd auto be towd 4down etc. As usuall I'm trying to learn from others instead of learning the hard way, just wish to tap into the vast database out there.
>> Thanks
>> Skip Hartline
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216510 is a reply to message #216494] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 09:10 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
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>daily for my wife.
Not 4wd, but based *entirely* upon the reviews given here on gmcnet I bought a 2010 Honda Fit for towd/daily. It's one of the best car purchases I've made (and I've made a lot of purchases for my personal fleet over the years). The wife is crazy about it. It rides well for a short wheelbase vehicle. Has a lot of interior room (I'm 6-1) seating and cargo space. The wife got into hyper-miling and has the Fit doing 40 mpg consistently. I'm going to buy one for myself as soon as a wear out one of my Grand Caravan beaters.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216513 is a reply to message #216510] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 09:25 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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RC,
We have a 2009 FIT and the wife loves it too. Great towed, hardly know it is there. It also makes a great trailer when we go for the winter as it has almost 60 cuft behind the front seat when the rears are folded down, Again a great car!
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Aug 1, 2013, at 10:10 AM, RC Jordan <rc@rcjordan.com> wrote:
>
>
>> daily for my wife.
>
> Not 4wd, but based *entirely* upon the reviews given here on gmcnet I bought a 2010 Honda Fit for towd/daily. It's one of the best car purchases I've made (and I've made a lot of purchases for my personal fleet over the years). The wife is crazy about it. It rides well for a short wheelbase vehicle. Has a lot of interior room (I'm 6-1) seating and cargo space. The wife got into hyper-miling and has the Fit doing 40 mpg consistently. I'm going to buy one for myself as soon as a wear out one of my Grand Caravan beaters.
> --
> 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
> 76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
> http://www.gmcmotorhomesforsale.com/
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216515 is a reply to message #216494] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 09:40 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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| skip2 wrote on Thu, 01 August 2013 04:14 |
After what I saw at Dothan it looks like a GEO tracker convention could be held at GMC conventions without any trouble.
Possibly looking into getting one as a toad and daily for my wife.
Same newbee questions as when any vehicle, ie: what to look for, what to look out for, what to run from, what's the mystique of these vehicles following a TZE, parts availability,can a 4wd auto be towd 4down etc. As usuall I'm trying to learn from others instead of learning the hard way, just wish to tap into the vast database out there.
Thanks
Skip Hartline
|
Skip,
We traded in a 2002 Chrysler 300-M Special for a 2003 Chevy Tracker four door, 4WD to do exactly what you have in mind. It was a HUGE letdown in terms of power and luxury, but is a much more versatile vehicle. They are really a little truck, with body on frame construction and can be towed four down with an automatic, with the transfer case in neutral and the key in the ignition (not on or in the acc. position) The curb weight is listed at somewhere around 2,950# IIRC, so a bit heavier than a Saturn or an earlier Tracker/Sidekick, but about 1,000# lighter than my Jeep Cherokee. It tows well and is a fun vehicle to use for exploring back roads and light four wheeling.
Ours has a 2.0-l four cylinder engine and it is peppy enough, I guess, but if I were to do it over again, I would be looking for a one with a 2.5-l V-6. The replacement parts are more expensive than most cars for some reason, bordering on the excessive prices that Isuzu charges. Things like brake pads etc are available aftermarket and are reasonable. Aftermarket suspensions are available from Old Man Emu and Cal Mini as are drop in lockers for the rear differential.
Overall, we like ours in spite of the rather spartan interior, the lack of power, and the not-so-great gas mileage (about 18 - 20 in spite of the small engine) It has over 110,000 miles on it (had 103,000 when we bought it) and the only things I have had to do to it were front brakes, an IAS motor for the fuel injection, and a new charcoal canister for the fuel evap system. Can't really complain.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216524 is a reply to message #216494] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 11:02 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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We had a 4x4 Suzuki Vitara (same as the tin top Samurai / Tracker) when we lived in Australia, and it was a great vehicle. It was the long (relative term!) wheelbase JLX model with the big (relative term again!) engine. With a five speed and a set of BF Goodrich A/T tires it got a real-world 30mpg on the road. We loved it, even if it was a little on the "toy car" end of the spectrum. And shifting a five speed with the left hand was a hoot.
In fact, after I got my GMC, I started looking for another one as a towd. I was surprised at how few good ones were out there. And then finally, I realized that my existing Jeep Cherokee (straight six cylinder, five speed, two door, electric nothin') only weighs about 300 pounds more than a tin top Suzuki (and of course, also has the transfer case that can be switched to neutral). So if you're looking for a common vehicle that's a bit bigger than a Suzuki but that still has a transfer case (at least the 4x4 versions do), you might consider a Jeep Cherokee. There are a gazillion of them out there, and you can get a nice one for peanuts (another relative term, of course).
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers [message #216553 is a reply to message #216501] |
Thu, 01 August 2013 17:39 |
Gary Worobec
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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We have a 91 Tracker 4X4 manual 5 speed. Certainly can tow it 4 down with
the trans and transfer case in neutral. We have 150,000 on it. I put a
Detroit locker in ours and added a winch, power windows and a hardtop. Did a
valve job about 10,000 miles ago, Nice little tow car. Only issue we had was
the ECU went out in the middle of Arches National Park on us. New one was
200 bucks but other than that no issues.
Thanks,
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Armand Minnie
Sent: Thursday, August 01, 2013 5:59 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Sorta GMC-GEO Trackers
I have a 2000 Chevy Tracker 4WD convertible for a towd. The automatic can be
towed 4 down with the transfer case in neutral. My tracker weighs in at
around 2800 pounds however - they get heavier as the years go on - sort of
like most of us. Other than the weight, it is a great little car - lots of
fun.
--
Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
http://www.minniebiz.com
http://www.gmcws.org
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