Building the CRV for Offroad! RD1

Building the CRV for Off-Road: A RD1 Overlander
By Aaron Gaghagen and Carter Gillespie

When the first gen CRV dropped it seemed like the enthusiasts didn't really take notice. It was the mid-1990s and anybody that wanted to go off-roading wasn't choosing the new Honda CRV. But, that didn't seem to matter much to the general consumer. Even though it is based on the 6th gen Civic, people bought it up since it brought the utility that Honda is famous for. Little did we know that the CRV was a truly capable off-roader.

The suspension and the AWD system is the real star of the show. In fact, Carter found this out for himself while taking his CRV into the desert over hills and through washes where 4Runners and whatnot only dare to go. So, now we're all in and taking the CRV to the next level with Mamba wheels and a lift kit from HRG Offroad.

Like us? We’d Love Your Support!

Nothing but Hondas. That’s exactly what you’ll find at VTEC Academy. Because Soichiro Honda’s passion for motorsports and his company’s ability to express that in the machines they produce make a whole lot of sense. VTEC Academy is a place for Honda fans who feel the same way and who seek the most accurate technical information and commentary to continue that very legacy and make whatever Honda it is that they drive just a little bit better. And faster.

DISCLAIMER:

VTEC Academy videos are for educational and entertainment purposes. We can not guarantee the modifications performed in the video are legal in your locality. Do not do any modifications to your vehicle that will void your warranty or in any way violate your local laws. We assume no liability for property damage or injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information provided at your own risk.

[coolcat]

I love it. I lifted my '98 CR-V back in '03-'04 using a coilover kit that was intended for lowering. That was way before HRG and the like. I ran BFG A/T KO tires on it. It's great to see people doing this kind of upgrade now.

[Savage_D_]

Honda's rule the world. Best engines ever.

[jdmnuggets]

Ohhh hell yes rd1 crv content, such an underrated chassis. Just needs a kswap now 😉. 2011 element rear diff/vc locks up much quicker offroad compared to the rd1, bolts right up.

[BeeSta]

I wanted to do this to my crv but the amount of work i needed to do to just to fix the bad suspension. didnt make sense financially. I hope to find another crv soon. I love the chasis. beautful build and great video.

[leefhead]

When doing new top hats (or in this case, spacers) it’s easier if you bolt the shock assemblies to the chassis, then you can turn the shock body with large channel locks to get it to line up with the fork.

I had a 10.5” dropped RD1 in 2012 with a built & boosted GSR engine. In the winter I’d put a small lift over stock. I also had a lifted 2nd gen CRV. I have a special place in my heart for them.

[JD-rqil]

Love the crv, owned a few, even made one 50/50 awd by using the range rover driveshaft back in 2013! Sadly just tore my last one apart for an awd Insight swap. Sad, but not really lol. Love the overlanding stuff! Keep it up!

[jblox]

Great content here. I'm doing up a 2000 RD1 5-speed AWD. Just got mud tires and offset steelies, hopefully trimming fenders and bumpers this weekend for clearance.

[crashjump]

I just started working on my RD1 so I'm looking forward to see what other crv owners are doing to theirs..

[mannyj]

I use my crv table as my shooting table lol love the rd1

[Jason-nkyr]

Love rd1,
Do more... have a stock rd1 auto, lifted manual rd1. 235 75 15 on just strut spacer. And k-swap awd manual swap rd1.
More content please

[NWPencrawler]

Love it! Keep building and videoing this series. I'm looking for ideas on my 2000 CR-V and love what you've done so far.

[kumaSOevl]

I have a rd1 shell with a b20 and a b18 gsr head and jrsc sitting so Ty for this video

[kbvtec]

Plz keep the crv content coming. Appreciate the video. Thanks guys. Maybe put an h2b swap to combat the power loss. Lol that would be cool to see you guys do. Cheaper than going k I’m pretty sure also hahah

[thethgen_tfl]

I like it. I'm planning on doing something similar. I've just been apprehensive as I've heard so much about suspension issues with them when lifted.

[darius]

this guy looks exactly like every modified honda owner I ever met looks like

[hondaresource]

I also have a white lifted RD1, K swapped using Hasport mounts. Just do it, the tire size won't matter like it does now. 80-90 mph on the freeway is no issue. I highly doubt you guys need any insight to k swapping one but I have a complete series on K swapping mine with each little detail.

[dubzc]

Loved this one. Special vehicle imo. Would like to see more on it!!

[nealenns]

I have wanted to do a lifted AWD CRV for years. 5spd with a small turbo and big tires. Would be way funner than a Razor.

[stevekeenan]

Excited about this...b20....and the backseats are bigger than you'd think....I won't explain how I know that.

[minilogoguy]

Misfire is probably a valve seat that has beat itself deep into the head causing 0 lash on the valves. They were known for this. We would replace the entire head at the dealer when this happened. Not the best motor they made for sure.