This is what we were given...
This is what we were given to start wit--well, sort of. Our model is an extended cab model but you get the idea.
With the '09 Chicago Auto Show rapidly approaching, we dove right into our Project Street Shark endeavor by lowering our '09 Suzuki Equator, which was not an easy task to say the least. Well, it was difficult finding correct lowering components, which is the usual protocol with any newfangled, fresh-from-the-factory truck model. Tearing trucks apart is nothing new for us, but it always helps to have the right parts when it comes time for reassembly.
Luckily, a phone call to AIM Industries secured us some great products that would bring the Equator down closer to Mother Earth. A pair of adjustable front struts would replace the stock parts and lower the front roughly two inches. The rear, however, was a little tricky since the blocks that we ordered from AIM would have ended up lifting the rear rather than lowering it, given the Equator's axle position, which unbeknownst to us sits underneath the leaf spring's arch. No problem - a little extra work was required from the qualified technicians at The Custom Truck Shop in San Dimas, California. The leaves were yanked out from underneath the Equator and were measured and marked before they were de-arched, which provided us with a good 4-inch drop. Sacrificing ride quality for good looks was a necessary decision in this case and since there was no other product on the market for our project application, we had to. Aside from 'bags, it was our only solution. Hey, what's a custom truck without a no-guts-no-glory suspension setup?
To make the '09 Equator look and handle better, we contacted the wheel gurus at Giovanna Wheels. After an order was placed, we had Giovanna DBL-G 505 wheels measuring 22x9 inches. The matte black finish was sinister and to complement the black, we also took delivery of Koko Kuture trim bezels for the wheels. Looking to really push the Suzuki hard when driving it, the wheels were mounted inside Nitto NT420S performance tires sized 265/35R22. Creating a great combination of looks and performance, the Giovanna wheels and Nitto tires paid dividends for the Equator. Read and watch as The Custom Truck Shop rips into the Suzuki Equator and shortens its suspension, and overall appearance for the better.
 Rendering artist Nate Shrum...  Rendering artist Nate Shrum mocked up what he dreamed a Suzuki Equator could amount to. We loved his ideas down to the last detail and couldn't wait to get started! |  To get the job done, AIM Industries...  To get the job done, AIM Industries supplied a set of adjustable front struts and a pair of rear blocks that we weren't able to use on our Suzuki application. Don't fret - we still managed to get the back end down! |  Custom Truck Shop master technician,...  Custom Truck Shop master technician, Luis, put the Equator on the hydraulic lift, removed the wheels, and started the AIM strut installation by loosening and removing the stock upper and lower spindle nuts. |