HI all,

Me and my 87 Sami are just getting to know each other.. for now, it's got the orriginal 1.3L, but i would like to eventually go to the 1.6L 16V for driveability..   I plan on mostly being a Pavement pounder, with the occasional logging road, and desert adventure...

My hope is that I can obtain springs (ie Bonz-Eye Samurai 2" LIft Springs, or Old Man Emu springs for added lift and great ride quality offered by Trail Tough here in Oregon http://www.trailtough.com/ )  that I can bolt on for NON SPOA lift, and keep my equipment mostly orriginal, but improve my ride. 

any opinions, or input?

also, I have noticed the extended shackles...that are from 3/4 to 1 3/4 longer than stock.. will that help at all? or should be added to the above mentioned springs??

Next question... the Missing Link Shackles for front or rear... do they help?  would they suffice?? for improved ride? if so, do they lift for the 1.6L conversion later?

just a note, planning on replacing the bushings at the same time... Should I go stock rubber or Urethane?

The reason I ask, is I'm gonna be needing some tires here soon, and I would rather have the lift done, before spending the money on the proper tires for the appropriate lift...  I have read to go with the minimum lift needed when starting out if your planning on going with the 1.6L in the near future... that's my hopes..

thanks for taking the time to read, and for any input you may give....

mark

You don't need a suspension lift if you use the 1.3 sump and oil pick up pipe. Needs a bit of modding but its not too difficult. You might need a bulge on the bonnet/hood, depending on what intake you use.
Personally I would avoid extended shackles - they affect the steering geometry and flatten the springs. If you want a better ride consider YJ springs at the back and rear springs up front. A shackle reversal might do the job but opinion is split on those.