I will not exaggerate if I say that the Niva in our country is the most popular SUV. This is understandable: where else can you find a car at such a price and with such potential? Only by purchasing a Niva can you get increased cross-country ability, stable behavior on asphalt, and relative comfort. That is, it turns out that the Niva is the car that, on the whole, should suit the owner. If you don’t like something, then the car should be modified. I will tell you how to properly tune the Niva 2121 for off-road use. Of course, a serious transformation of even a field will require significant expenses on the part of the car enthusiast. Therefore, to begin with, I will give you one piece of advice:
Be sure to decide for yourself what exactly you want. Only if you have a real and clear idea of what you expect from the field after tuning, everything will work out right for you. You will save yourself from unnecessary actions and expenses. As a result, you will be able to get true pleasure from your field.
How to improve the Niva's cross-country ability?
Instead of collecting various pieces of advice, some of which sometimes turn out to be simply useless, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following information. I assure you that all of the following provisions have been tested in real life and have proven their effectiveness. So:
1. First of all, you need to modify the suspension. How to do it? To begin with, I advise you to install self-locking differentials, as well as independent mounting of the front axle gearbox.
When modifying the suspension, it will also be useful to increase the travel of the front suspension. To do this, it is necessary to install a spacer under the upper ball joint, and also purchase and install powerful and large shock absorbers;
2. Many people install large tires. I must say that this has an effect, but you need to act wisely. If you just install big wheels, it will require a lot of torque, otherwise there simply won’t be enough traction. And when there is not enough traction, the engine spins up and the transmission can fly due to serious loads. Therefore, I always recommend replacing the standard main pairs of wheels with others, with a gear ratio of 4.7 (and not the factory 3.9). This, firstly, will increase torque, and therefore compensate for the installation of large wheels. And secondly, it will prevent losses in dynamics and speed.
Here I will immediately note that wide wheels will require wide rims. What kind of discs you install: maybe cast or not, it’s not so important; in any case, the new discs should be the right size;
3. Since we are talking about installing large wheels, you will also have to cut out the arches. Then I advise you to cover the wings with soft extensions. They will also be useful externally for hiding the place of the cut, and they are very durable; you can easily climb into any jungle;
4. Next, you can install more powerful springs at the front. On the one hand, this will reduce the load, and on the other, it will actually increase the ground clearance. At the same time, the wheel arches are usually enlarged to give the car a more masculine appearance;
5. It would also be good to modify the Niva engine, otherwise the factory one does not have enough torque. I recommend installing a low-speed camshaft: it will really increase the torque and shift it towards lower speeds, so you will no longer have to worry about engine overloads.
How to prepare a Niva and Shevik for off-road use - a brief educational program on work and prices
Content
You need to be able to show off! As a child, we started this business with bicycles, hanging them with many reflectors and rattles on clothespins. Then it was the turn of the motorcycles. And then cars. But here you won’t get off with reflectors. Of course, the most “correct” tuning option is to constantly carry young “appetizing” young ladies with size 3-4 “buffers” with you. And with a deep neckline to “show off” those boobs. Then upgrading your car will be a breeze. But the wife and mother-in-law will not appreciate this “style”. Yes, and your head can get hurt. Unfortunately, the frying pans have not yet stopped being produced. So it will be safer to remodel your Niva.
Choosing wheels
The most common desire of beginners is to “shod” their car in the largest possible size of tires. And they just don’t do anything for this: they bleed air from the wheels to a minimum, and try not to turn the steering wheel all the way. But it’s all in vain! Even if the wheels fit into the arches, they still rub against the protection. So it’s better to know the sizes that will definitely “fit.”
Without “surgical intervention” the following sizes are suitable for Niva:
• 215/75/ R15 – these are models such as BFGoodrich MT or Forward Safari. • 205/70/ R16 – Cordiant OFF-ROAD will fit. • 205/80/ R16 – Kumho Road Venture M/T is also possible.
I advise you to take a closer look at these and other models of off-road and mud tires. It may turn out that buying a new set of tires is enough to satisfy your “innovation” ardor.
If this is not enough and the desire to make a first-class extreme sportsman out of your Nivushka is kindled with greater force, then we begin to “cut.” In general, wheels up to 29 inches are considered the limit for the Niva. After this it should be redone.
Although cutting is not always necessary. Sometimes you can get by by simply bending the sides of the arch outward. This makes it stylish, cheap, and practical: there is no need to install additional decorative arch extensions. In some cases, it may be appropriate to lift the vehicle.
Making a suspension lift
Now let's understand this issue in detail. They raise the car primarily to increase the clearance and in order to “shod” the Niva or Shevik with larger wheel sizes. This is achieved in several ways:
- Suspension lift - special sets of spacers are used for this. For example, a lift kit that will raise your “car” above the ground by as much as 5 cm includes:
— Spacers for front springs. — Spacers for rear springs. — Spacers for balls on top. — Shock absorber extensions. — Extension traction mount.
The photo shows a complete lift kit for the field:
This kit uses spacers whose surface is offset. This allows the spring to take an even, “native” position after lifting. Moreover, the distance between the cup and the bump stop remains unchanged. Due to this, the spring is protected from folding between the coils, and the shock absorber is protected from shocks caused by the movement of the levers.
The cost of such a “miracle kit” is only 4,500 rubles. It comes with detailed instructions with a detailed description of the lifting process. Moreover, even not very experienced connoisseurs of “automotive science” can do this. So I’m thinking, maybe I can entrust this task to my mother-in-law?
With this simple “operation” you can now “tighten” tires of 29 and even 30 inches (sizes 235/75 R15 and 240/80 R15). For example, off-road models such as Cooper Discoverer or Yokohama Geolandar.
- Installation of other springs - on the Niva you can install springs from the Volga (with a sawed-off coil) or from Shevik in front. Very often they put springs from Shevik on the front of the Niva, and spacers on the rear.
- Raising the body above the frame - this way you can raise it by 5-10 cm (4 inches). For this, special spacers (rubber or metal) are used. Some craftsmen manage to insert ordinary hockey pucks between the body and frame. But it is better to use special kits. For example, a kit produced by TrailMaster will cost you only 200 “green”. The two of you can do this work on your own in a couple of days. And specialists will lift your Niva in a few hours and for 300-400 American “tugriks”.
Power kit:
Front bumper with a platform for a winch, rear power bumper - very often in the forest you will hit trees, logs and stumps.
Power thresholds are not at all for the purpose of making it convenient to climb into the car, but primarily for jacking up with a hijack and to protect the body from impacts.
Preparing the engine compartment:
Severe off-road conditions always mean deep puddles, fords and rivers. And if water gets into the motor, it’s a disaster. Therefore, it is simply necessary to protect the motor from water. We install a snorkel - it protects the motor from water getting into the engine valves. some people place the exhaust pipe on the cover; this can often be seen on UAZ cars. The pipe is removed so that when you are standing/stuck in water, exhaust gases do not enter the cabin. It also looks impressive as a tuning element, and the benefits are noticeable.
Branch cutters:
How many times have you wondered why an SUV has those cables stretched from the front bumper to the roof? Now I know - these are branch cutters (another name is trophy rails), which deflect tree branches from falling into the “lobovukha”. These cables will protect your windshield when driving through the forest. In fact, will you get out of the car every time and cut off/deflect the branches that interfere with the passage. And this attribute looks great too. You can make it yourself, you will need a 3-5mm cable, turnbuckles, and anchors. If you buy it, the kit costs around 800 rubles. Did you know that... when stretched, the cable can withstand 150 kilograms.
Expedition trunk:
The thing is also useful, you yourself know how small the trunk of the Niva is. You can load a lot of things up there, most often a spare mud tire is placed there, because there is nowhere else to put it, the dimensions do not allow it (you will have 30-31 inch wheels, you will understand what I mean). In principle, the trunk looks great, and there are even more benefits from it.
A few words about winches
In fact, a winch is a necessary thing. And not necessarily for those who are going to serious off-road competitions. A winch can be useful even during a regular trip to the country, hunting or fishing. This is better than pushing out your Niva yourself. Moreover, it is convenient. The winch is mounted on a special platform in front. And when not needed, it simply goes into the trunk.
Automotive winches are:
Manual. Electric – the electric motor receives power from the car battery. Hydraulic – connected to the steering hydraulics.
For moderate off-road use, electric drive is most suitable. A winch with a traction force of 1.7 tons and above is suitable for Niva or Shevik. The cost of such models starts from 11,000 rubles. It is worth noting that electric winches drain the battery a lot and it is very advisable to install another, additional battery.
Good luck
Off-road tuning is a contagious thing. This is where you just need to start. And then it will drag on. As a result of such an upgrade, the Nivushka or Chevy Niva becomes the “most desirable” car, and busty beauties themselves will jump into your salon. The main thing is that the wife doesn’t find out!
And finally, photos of Nivs and Cheviks, tuned for off-road use - daring, aggressive, brutal cars. And passable, which is the main thing))
Other tire and wheel reviews:
Tagaz Tager is an inexpensive frame SUV. Car review and killer tuning
Through the mud. Chevrolet Niva or Renault Duster?
What's the coolest off-road tire? That's right - Fbel 160, make a tractor out of a jeep!
Let's deal with the suspension. Dependent or independent? Advantages and disadvantages
Chinese mud extreme tires - but nothing like that, judging by the reviews.
Conquering off-road driving on Niva, UAZ and Suzuki Escudo - video and comments
Now about the necessary gadgets
Now it’s worth talking about what “bells and whistles” you will need when tuning your Niva for off-road use.
So: 1. Let's start with the little things - the trunk. In general, the luggage compartment of the Niva is terribly small, so you either need a trailer or attach the luggage rack from above. It’s clear that we don’t need a trailer off-road. Therefore, we simply install an additional roof rack. Advice: Install a reinforced trunk, with powerful fastenings to both the roof and the body. You can also add a ladder, then it will be easier to climb.
2. Since off-roading also involves overcoming water obstacles, I strongly recommend that you do the following:
- completely seal the air filter and remove the air intake to the roof;
- replace the factory fan with twin electric ones. They can be turned off from the cabin when crossing a ford;
- of course, carry out additional waterproofing of the ignition system.
3. Finally, an indispensable attribute of off-road tuning is a winch. I’ll tell you what: very often I see a winch installed on a car, but it’s of no use. Why? Everything is very simple. Some people install a winch more for show than for purpose. In order for the winch to actually perform its functions off-road, you need to do the following:
- Be sure to purchase a quality product. Don't spare money on it;
- It is advisable to install a winch not only in front, but also in the rear. Then you can easily pull your field forward when necessary, and pull it back if you get really serious.
