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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Jeremiah on July 02, 2006, 08:16:37 PM

Title: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 02, 2006, 08:16:37 PM
Okay,
I've been tyring to plan my upgrade path for my Samurai. Looks like what I need to do is buy a Trackick doner car - take it's motor, FI, rear 3rd member, front pinion gears, A/C and power steering. Swap them all into my Samurai (making a custom rear hybrid in the process) and get my new car "reffed" with the new motor for california SMOG.

Then I thought to myself "Wait - why don't I just sell the Samurai - and slap on a lift / armour / tires/ lockers to the Trackick and be done with it? I'll have the better axles, better power, larger tuck, and it will be WAY less work, and I'll get money BACK from my Samurai to help fund the project..."

I want a daily driver, that can keep up on the freeway - and still get me through the Rubicon. So - what do you think.... Samurai, or Trackick?
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: stock93tracker on July 02, 2006, 08:26:03 PM
I like Trackers more for daily driver cars but, Samis are nice for pure off-road.  I prefer the looks of the Tracker though   ;D
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 02, 2006, 09:23:25 PM
There's something to be said for the ladies liking the styling  ;D
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 02, 2006, 10:02:48 PM
To be honest with you, I think Trackicks are more inherently capable and quite a bit more stable as trail vehicles.

I have wheeled with quite a few Sammys in the last 6 months, and I have done everything they have, and easier too..

I am not saying my little truck is as good as a radical Sammy, but  money to money....  I find that my Tracker will go places that make lifted Sammy's turn over.. I have been with at least 6 Sammys that rolled, or got VERY untable, where the Tracker just walked right up the same obstacle.

Deep mud might be an exception, as I don't run deep mud in my little machine.. but as far as trails, hills, and such...  I rarely pick a tire, and the sammys around me have usually been on the verge of rolling over, if not already on thier side.


I am NOT a Sammy expert, but I have seen what I have seen, and they ARE more tippy than a Trackick.. no doubt..


lets see what the sammy guys say about it..

One hint is to see which vehicle Mike Hagen and the other Zukgurus have chosen....... hmmmmmmmmm trackicks.......   tells you SOMETHING... at least it did me..

Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 02, 2006, 10:19:46 PM
I don't have unlimited funds... so... I'm thinking more and more that a trackick (good one can be had for around $1,500 these days with A/C + Power Steering) is a more economical base to start from. And - all the sami guys complain about their weak diffs, and say Trackicks are better. I'm doing armour in either vehicle... but still.

And - I hear that automatic is better for wheeling. No rollbacks, and the gearing in the auto is supposed to be better for bigger tires? (I'm going 29"). For that matter - do they have t-case gears for the auto's? The t-case is internal on Trackicks aren't they?

Not sure what lift I'd do... I at least need to lift it enough to get armour under the rocker panels. I plan on armouring the hell out of it, and running lockers front + back. I don't mind scraping over obsticles if I'm protected.

One thing I'm wondering though - can I do welded in front of a trackick? I'm pretty unfirmilliar with IFS - heh.

The rollover thing makes sense (trackicks are wider).
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 02, 2006, 10:31:41 PM
The MAIN drawback to Kicks is the aluminum front IFS.  Get the GV steel stuff, or you will likely break.. especially with a welded front. In  my opinion, if you are going to weld the front, I would invest in a two wheel LOW kit, I think they are a little over $100 and allow you to use low range in 2wd, that way you could leave the front disconnected unless you really needed it.


The transfer case bolts to the back of the tranny on kicks, so yes, they do have gears for the autos..

and YES the autos seem to be better for offroading.. I wish I had one.


You don't need a lot of lift on a kick to get where others go with more lift. Remember, I only have 2" in a BDS suspension package.. with a great deal of trimming, I am running 31's just fine.

Instead of putting on a body lift  (YUK!)  I trimmed the rockers off, and put the sliders up where they would be on a body lifted Kick.   I have the same ground clearance of ANY other kick on 31's.  It just doesn't look like it.  I have less break over than a lifted sammy, but I am WAY WAY WAY more stable.. That I guarantee.

Check this picture.  I barely drug at "V rock" at the 909 trails.  I climbed stuff others couldn't, and didn't spin where Sammy's spun...
(http://www.forumsigs.com/users/quaddawg605/Daniel_Boone_Adventure_Tour/fh_andy_step.jpg)



Tires and low pressure contribute a great deal... but a stock street tired, un lifted, un locked Tracker went almost EVERYWHERE everyone else went...  It was funny as hell...

Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 02, 2006, 11:11:40 PM
Thanks again for the info. I like keeping a low center of gravity - so, I'd PERSONALLY would rather do a virtual lift than a "real" lift. I'm THINKING of doing like a 2" lift (would that replace the aluminum parts?) - and then cut fenders as necessary. Calmini has a 2" lift for $600 - is it any good? Should I look at something else?

I'll do a locker in the rear almost immediately (I know... I wish I could afford ARB, but I can't), and was thinking welded in front 'cause it's super cheap :)  I'll look for a kit that will let me do 2wd low only. Trail tough has a bunch of t-case gearing kits that give you the "H" pattern shifting as part of the kit.... I'll have to see if anyone does that for the trackicks.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 02, 2006, 11:15:28 PM
that is awesome that a stocker went all those places. when i wheeled my zuk it was hilarious because it was stock and I couldn't believe where it could go. I'm sure the 1st gen trackers are pretty similar as far as stock capabilities to my GV. some advantages to a track/kick over a sammy is the 3 link rear (not too shabb), and as quaddog says, better stability. I haven't seen too many sami's but the 3 link will be much more active than the leafs and probably easier to get good flex out of. as for the front, you can run ome struts and take the sway bar off and get some pretty decent flex there and it will ride oh so nice like that.

I'd say trackick would have some good advantages over the sami including less work and getting your money out of the sami.

good luck.. the choice is yours
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 02, 2006, 11:20:20 PM
if you are going to do calmini you should do the 3 inch lift so you get all the new rear links. it will not replace the aluminum front axle housing quaddawg mentioned. the 3 inch kit isn't that much lift and you'll apreciate spending the extra money for the new links I think. a friend of mine had it and LOVED it. ran 31's with no trimming except the front bumper skin and had minimal rubbing. you'd probably want to trim a few things up though.. a matter of flexing it and fidning out I think

to eliminate the aluminum housing you can either get a GV housing or the calmini anvil. the calmini anvil is nice because it has a flanged axle stub for the passenger side (US) so you don't have to mess around with pulling the CV out and losing all that oil if you have to put in a new CV on the trails. you'll have to spend a bit for a new drivers side CV to go on the passenger side and have a stock passenger side one to look at when you get bored. I think the anvil would be cool

good luck man
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 03, 2006, 02:53:13 AM
Here's where I took MY stocker:

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Rubicon/PICT0016.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Rubicon/PICT0003.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jeremiah_Junkins/Rubicon/PICT0020.jpg)
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 03, 2006, 09:02:04 AM
Samurai people keep em cause they are cheap and they dont break down. Now that changes a little when you go nuts on off road mods and try to break em on big rocks, but hey what can you say.  I dont wheel hard, but it seems like the concensus is that the samurai is easier  and cheaper to lift and take off road because of the solid axles and leaf springs. 6 inches of lift is pretty cheap and will clear some decent sized tires without chopping up your ride.

What it pretty much comes down to on looks is the Samurai is a unique looking vehicle with classic styling. It gets attention where jeeps and trackers get ignored, particularly when its lifted and looks decent.

The tracker is a nice little 4x4, but the styling got worse and worse as time went on and it tried to compete with rav-4's and crv's and other small SUV's.  Now a days its hard to get any attention in a stock tracker because they are so common. Just when you think your tracker is all sweet looking some yahoo in a leased liberty with all the plastic add-ons and 19 inch wheels pulls up next to you and steals your thunder with his mall hopper. But trust me, when i drive my samurai, people notice me and not the mall hoppers.

Now this is likely to insult some tracker owners so i should say it is just my opinion. I would not mind having a nice tracker to run around in, but i just couldnt see spending money on a lot of mods for it.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Drone637 on July 03, 2006, 09:34:39 AM
I love my little SJ, but I bought a Tracker to use as a Daily driver.  It just has more room inside then the Samurai does and it doesn't require an engine swap to cruise down the highway at 70+.  They are both solid off-road vehicles, but for hard-core running I think the Tracker will take a bit more work due to the IFS front end, where you can just get new axels on the Samurai.

My next off-road project vehicle will be a Tracker though.  I want to take a 4 door and mod it into a truck, as mentioned on here a few times.  I also want just a bit longer wheelbase.   ;D

Not to mention that unless you get lucky a good Sammy cost almost as much as a Tracker these days...
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rocky on July 03, 2006, 03:31:37 PM
I,m pretty new to the zuki scene have a 90 samuri and a 90 sidekick,i love the sami,s styling but prefer the sidekicks I,m over 6 feet and find the kick much roomer and a better daily driver I,m in the process of building a tracker using a auto tranny,Much easier to find a rust free tracker and i hate rust.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: 94track on July 03, 2006, 05:02:25 PM
After owning/building numerous samurais and trackicks, I would have to say that your best bet is going for SAS on your trackick.  Samurais are a blast to drive, especially in the woods but the comforts of the tracker are not even in the same ballpark.  The only gripe I have with trackicks is the IFS, no matter where you go solid axles will kick some independant ass. If you did go with the buildup of the samurai, I would prolly not swap motors(it is amazing what a set of gears will do).  The extra power is nice, but a weber on 1.3 works wonders.  Its really all on what you want to do, yes a samurai IMO is a far better wheeler than a trackick with IFS, but swap some real axles in and you have a beast.   
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Agent Orange on July 03, 2006, 06:46:00 PM
Jeremiah,

if your tired of your samurai, and want a softer ride for the street, then sell the samurai and get a tracker. if you still like the samurai then keep it, and build it over time like i'm doing. the bonus of a tracker though is it already comes with a 1.6, and 95-98 came with the 16v version. i've never owned a sami so i can't tell you which is better.

as far as the ifs goes, you shouldn't have any problems unless you have big tires, and drive it hard off-road. i mean the aluminum front housing, as the ifs is solid otherwise.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 03, 2006, 09:08:03 PM
The other thing that should be said is that you can find a wrecked trackick as a donor. Talk to your local foreign car salvage yard and see if they will keep an eye open for a rolled trackick, rear-ended, hit side, theft recovery, etc.....  My cousins own a large local yard and said if i ever decided to do a swap they woudl keep an eye out at the auctions for what i needed.  They said it would be a reasonably good deal for them to sell me the wreck at a hundred bucks or so over their cost to cover moving it from auction to my house etc.....if i would give them back the unused part of the wreck when i was done.

Your local salvage yard may be willing to make a similar deal since it is basically free money for them.

Which actually brings up another thought......is it possible to take the samurai motor etc and swap them back into the tracker when you are done so you at least have a running rig?
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 03, 2006, 11:05:47 PM
LOL, on the "solid kicks IFS ass"

I used to believe that.. really I did.. I was a full size BEAM guy..


BUT,  I have been doing QUITE a bit of wheeling this year, almost every weekend, from Windrock TN, to Attica, to Haspin acres... to 909..

Solid axles haven't shown me anything... Maybe on hard core rocks or something... but my IFS has been doing everything the solid guys are doing, and even more.. SO... I really don't see where solid is kicking anything... and man, it pains me to say so..  you don't know and can't imagine how I used to be on the other side of this argument.. (lord if you only knew.. lol.. I am eating crow like you wouldn't believe)

Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 04, 2006, 12:08:21 AM
I haven't done that much wheeling but I have found that with the sway bar off a zuk the ifs comes alive and it's just a freaking beast even with stock supension. I think solid front is overrated but not sure which is better once you get into extreme stuff
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 04, 2006, 12:13:24 AM
Well, solids are tougher.. that's for sure...  They can flex better... but they don't give the contact patch that IFS does..

trade offs I guess...   I take it easy... I try not to break stuff...seems to work for me.

Don't get me wrong.. I want a Sammy too.. and am looking for a cheapo Sammy to fix up.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Drone637 on July 04, 2006, 12:17:13 AM
I actually like IFS, and was concidering plans for an IFS buggy for a little while.  But it is harder to build the front end for larger tires then it is on the Sammy.  :)
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 04, 2006, 12:19:52 AM
yea, that makes sense. I am gentle with my GV especially because it's my daily driver


I want a sammy just because. i wouldn't even necesarely do anything with it other than just have it because they are so tiny and wicked
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: AJMBLAZER on July 04, 2006, 07:04:24 AM
The advantage that 3-speed, non-OD auto tranny Track/Kicks have is that you can swap in the 5.12 diffs from a 5 speed or 4-speed OD auto Track/Kick and have the proper gearing for 30-32" tires.  I'm sorta in the process of doing this.



IFS gets bad reviews because of another form of it...torsion bar IFS...having had a fullsize GM with it and being spectacularily unimpressed with it's durability and 3.56739" of travel I can say some IFS is worthless.  Ever noticed your F150's lack of front travel Quaddawg?  A bone stock Tracker has twice the travel of a fullsize GM, Ford, or Dodge with a torsion bar IFS.  Toyota's torsion bar IFS turned out pretty well though, wish the Big 3 had taken a hint.  Coil sprung IFS is the current wave though and everyone's left or leaving torsion bars behind.  Good riddance in my opinion.
Wait, Suzuki went coil sprung IFS in 1989...maybe they knew something... ;D
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 04, 2006, 10:39:18 AM
LOL.... yeah, that torsion bar IFS is what had me hating..


My 150 is 2wd though... just a DD and tow rig..


My full sizes have been beam, and I really thought I had something.. lol.. NOW, I go back to the same trails I used to find hard, and feel like I did something to get up, in the Tracker and cruise to the top with radio on, kid having a conversation, arm out the window, drinking a soda, not spinning a tire.. it's really great.. lol...


Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 04, 2006, 05:02:20 PM
yea, most torsion bar ifs sytems seem completely worthless. I haven't really flexed my dad's dakota but for how high it sits it doesn't look like there is allot of travel. you can't just throw a longer shock absorber in and crank the T bars to get more travel. it's no limited by the shock like a zuk on the down travel. my grandpa's ifs chevy 2500 4 X 4 seems like a giant car... I dislike it allot

I noticed that with my stock struts with the sway bar off the ifs did a ton more than I expected. I can't wait to undo my sway bar and flex it with my ome struts!

quaddawg, I haven't wheeled a full size but they seem like the wrong way to go for off roading to me. too big and clumsy. zuks and toyotas are light and agile
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 05, 2006, 05:14:06 AM

quaddawg, I haven't wheeled a full size but they seem like the wrong way to go for off roading to me. too big and clumsy. zuks and toyotas are light and agile


LOL, yeah, that is exactly the case.. but you know... all american boy, grew up with v8's and Harley's..  Now I am driving a Geo.. lol.. and going places other can't/won't/shouldn't


lol..


Little  4x4's gottem beat..


I loved this old truck...... but it was a dog compared to my Tracky:

(http://www.forumsigs.com/users/quaddawg605/1978_Chevy/black2small.jpg)
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: keith on July 05, 2006, 06:00:23 AM
Little  4x4's gottem beat..

I loved this old truck...... but it was a dog compared to my Tracky:

([url]http://www.forumsigs.com/users/quaddawg605/1978_Chevy/black2small.jpg[/url])


It interesting to hear you say that your Tracker does better than the Chevy above.  I would think that the Chevy would have had much greater ground clearance than the Tracker and that the ground clearance would help a lot.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 05, 2006, 12:45:59 PM
Good lord NO..

My Trackick is SO SO SO much better than that Chevy (and every other fullsize I have ever run it against)  It isn't even in the same league.

It is all about the weight.

Also, the Chevy was carbureted, so it choked out on the steep stuff.

My breakover angle is probably better on the  Tracker, but I never really measured it.

The Tracker is SO much more capable than my Chevy was that I can barely stand it.

Keith, haven't you had your Tracker in the rough stuff??  Ground clearance just isn't all it's cracked up to be, really.. as long as you are smooth and protected on the bottom, you can slide over the rough stuff pretty easily.

As far as climbing, the Tracker again is MILES ahead of the Chevy.  It's not even comparable.. that, and since I didn't have one ton axles in the chevy, just half ton stuff.. it would break almost everytime I took it to the trails. 

Nope, no comparison... at all. The tracker is WAY more capable on trails and hills, and snow, etc...
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: keith on July 05, 2006, 01:03:57 PM
I've had mine in moderatly rough stuff and I'm always impressed with it.  I do need more underbody protection though.  I just thought that your Chevy looked prettly capable.   There was a woman in my club with a built up Blazer that was pretty unstopable.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 05, 2006, 01:27:40 PM
I guess it is according to what type of terrain you are on..   I rarely get high centered.. and that is about the only thing ground clearance is good for..  I guess deep mud too, but I stay out of that... I hate the friggin mud. Still it does ok in it, I just don't like it.


Where the Trackers shine is hill climbing, side hills, etc.. my Tracker is MUCH better on them than my Chevy was.


Power is great, but light weight is crucial..

Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 05, 2006, 02:22:36 PM
I hear you on the sliding over things. I've done allot of that with my GV when I was wheeling it stock. went many many places I didn't think it would. I think suspension travel is more important than clearance as well... unless you have lockers. I would be hill climbing and have to back down when I lifted a tire because I'd lose my traction. a few times I could turn the steering wheel to grab traction with the front wheels and barely finish a hill when a back tire was lifted

oh how I need to go wheeling
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 05, 2006, 04:59:49 PM
I believe that each vehicle will have a slight advantage over the other in something. But - I'm talking about "overall" what's a better daily driver / weekend warrior.

Okay - remember the idea is that I don't want to do more work, or spend more money than I have to. For tow three big reasons:
1) Cost
2) I live in an appartment. I can "borrow" a garage from time to time, but it's hard. Would rather keep the modding to a minimum. And - mods usually = more tools = more $$$.
3) At least 1/2 the time a mod becomes much harder than anticipated. I'm a big "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kinda guy.

In other words, I'm trying to AVOID swapping motors or axles in either vehicle.

Mods Either vehicle will get:
Engine goodies (header / larger exhaust)
Lift / Bigger tires
LOTS of underbelly armour
Lockright or Spooled rear, Welded diff in front

From what I can tell it's not easier, or cheaper to lift a Tracker. Most 3"+ lifts in a Samurai are going to cost about $1000 (or more) and require at least a couple days to install. Every time someone has said "No, you can do it cheaper" they're either making their own parts, or not buying parts they SHOULD get (larger shocks, bumpstops, new bushings etc). There are 3"+ lifts for trackicks available for the same price. Since I'll be running full armour + lockers, I won't need more than 3" of lift. If I do - I'll cut fenders to keep my low center of gravity - which is more important to me than lift or flex.

So, I'm looking at it like this - Samurai's and Trackicks can both be had for $1000 - $1500 for clean base vehicles (solid motors, no rust, clean inside and out). Both will require lifts that are around $1000 (quality stuff, no cutting corners). The Trackick already comes with a 1.6L and Power Steering.

I really think I can make a DD Trackick for at least $1000 cheaper (and WAY less effort) than a Sami... since... I won't need to swap power plants (I don't care WHAT kind of gearing I have - a lifted Sami is no good as a DD on the freeway around these hills).

Anyway - I guess what I should be asking is - what kind of rig do you have, how much did it cost you, and how happy are you with it? For those of you with Trackicks (like Quaddawg) have you ever had any problems wheeling it?
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 05, 2006, 05:01:41 PM
Oh - and I wanted to say - I've taken my Sami where lifted full sizes couldn't go. No lift? No problem - we have SUPER short wheelbases. Very hard to high center a Sami... and we're SUPER light, so as Quaddawg said - we can climb hills really really well.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: keith on July 05, 2006, 08:21:46 PM
One thing you didn't mention is the openess of the Sammy.  As much as I like my Tracker it doesn't feel like a true convertible because of all the permanent targa bars.  The feeling of being in a Sammy without all the metal is cool, kind of like an old CJ.  That being said I have driven a Sammy and they feel more confined inside because of being smaller.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Agent Orange on July 05, 2006, 08:54:39 PM
sounds like you want a sidekick. you won't be disappointed they ride very nice. i like all the mods i've done to mine, and it's not for sale.

i also live in an apartment so bolt on mods was my goal after deciding to go with a ifs lift, instead of sas.

cost wise i'm not telling because it's alot  ;D
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jayzuki on July 05, 2006, 10:06:17 PM
I really like Powersteering! I say Sidekicks and Trackers are the way to go. I love the fact that there's tons of them around and that you can just pull into any Import Junkyard and pick up some new parts for your RIG, whatever it is you need! Its also great how you have alot of options and models to choose from, along with being backed up with a great aftermarket world thats somewhat affordable. [ IN THIS DAY AND AGE ANYWAY!!! ]

Suzuki - A Way Of Life

Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Vagabond on July 05, 2006, 10:27:42 PM
a stock street tired, un lifted, un locked Tracker went almost EVERYWHERE everyone else went... 
They must have been taking pussy trails so you could keep up with them.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 05, 2006, 10:29:30 PM
sounds like you want a sidekick. you won't be disappointed they ride very nice.

I like the styling and jeep-like "feel" of the Sami. I don't like all the upgrading I'll have to do to get it where I want  >:(  There's something to be said for a Samurai's "feel". It's simplicity in design. It's boxy nature makes me feel more confident doing mods to it.

It just seems that Samurai's are getting harder to find - parts are more expensive at junk yards. It's got better aftermarket support for now, but I've watched the tides change on that over the last few years (I've owned a 86 sami before). As much as I love my Samurai, and hate to sell her. I really think the futre is in Trackicks.

I guess I'm just worried 'cause I've wheeled with 2 Sami's now, and been SUPER impressed with them. I've never wheeled a Trackick, so I'm a little afriad of what they can / can't do. I've heard people compleain about the IFS, and I've heard people who swear by them.

Just trying to get all the info I can before making another decision - Thank you all who have posted and shared your experiences!!!
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 05, 2006, 10:31:09 PM
a stock street tired, un lifted, un locked Tracker went almost EVERYWHERE everyone else went... 
They must have been taking pussy trails so you could keep up with them.


I've seen pics of him going through some pretty crazy stuff.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 05, 2006, 10:35:34 PM
a stock street tired, un lifted, un locked Tracker went almost EVERYWHERE everyone else went... 
They must have been taking pussy trails so you could keep up with them.


You don't know what you are talking about there Vagabond ole pal.

For one, it wasn't ME driving the stock Tracker.

I better shut up now, cause you are pissing me off.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 05, 2006, 11:28:10 PM
Okay, the "Ultimate" lift kit for Sami seems to be the Trail Tough YJ setup. What are good lifts for the Trackicks? I've heard the 3" from Calmini is way better than the 2" - what other options are out there?
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 06, 2006, 09:57:51 AM
Okay, the "Ultimate" lift kit for Sami seems to be the Trail Tough YJ setup. What are good lifts for the Trackicks? I've heard the 3" from Calmini is way better than the 2" - what other options are out there?

there is the boondox 3 inch lift that uses stock control arms and rear links, old man emu, rocky road rock steady lift or suspension lift only rocky road kit and the BDS 2 inch that I think is discontinued. on top of that there are the coil spacer lifts you can do. I did a spacer lift on my GV but wish I would have done that calmini instead. I think you would wish you did a calmini 3 inch if you got anything else for a kick. the good news is that I want to add a calmini to my spacer lift but I wish I would have done the calmini first

go to calmini.com and compare the 2 inch kit to the 3 inch price and components and you'll see that the 3 inch kit is the only way to go. the only cons are that people complain it's too stiff but others like that and they use stock length struts with mount spacers instead of doing it even better with a longer strut. the biggest problem with first and second gen track/kick/vit/escudo front suspension is that the only longer struts you can get are old man emu. I have some on my rig and it's nice to have a longer strut but they are way over priced for what they are
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 06, 2006, 02:08:37 PM
If you dont love Samurais then go mod a trackick, you can usually find a good one for sale in the projects or out at the mall. Just get rid of the sissy rims and sand the sea spray graphics off the side so we dont laugh at you.


BTW QUADDAWG..... I got sniped on that damn turbo diesel LWB on ebay, was typing in a higher bid with like 20 seconds left to go and it never went through.  That was a beautiful Samurai.  Was going to go 13k on it, lost it for 10600. Got to learn how to use those snipe sites.....lol
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 06, 2006, 02:45:26 PM
If you dont love Samurais then go mod a trackick, you can usually find a good one for sale in the projects or out at the mall. Just get rid of the sissy rims and sand the sea spray graphics off the side so we dont laugh at you.


BTW QUADDAWG..... I got sniped on that damn turbo diesel LWB on ebay, was typing in a higher bid with like 20 seconds left to go and it never went through.  That was a beautiful Samurai.  Was going to go 13k on it, lost it for 10600. Got to learn how to use those snipe sites.....lol

That TD was RARE. Everything that should have been done was done, and it was all done right. Beautiful truck.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 06, 2006, 03:08:12 PM
If you dont love Samurais then go mod a trackick, you can usually find a good one for sale in the projects or out at the mall. Just get rid of the sissy rims and sand the sea spray graphics off the side so we dont laugh at you.


BTW QUADDAWG..... I got sniped on that damn turbo diesel LWB on ebay, was typing in a higher bid with like 20 seconds left to go and it never went through.  That was a beautiful Samurai.  Was going to go 13k on it, lost it for 10600. Got to learn how to use those snipe sites.....lol

Oh lord, you are KIDDING me!!  I wish I had known you wanted it, cause I am CERTAIN Jeff would have sold it to you for $10K before the auction....

Yep, you had better get a sniping site.... if you can't beat'em join'em



I want a Sammy REAL bad, but I can figure out what role I want it to play.. DD?? nah...  Trail only? 

I think I might make one to be an around town truck, with good trail capabilties.. I just love the little things...  The looks are unbeatable..  Don't get me wrong, I love my Tracker, and it has proven itself an INCREDIBLE trail machine.. but they just aren't as neat as Sammys...


Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 06, 2006, 03:14:48 PM
I still may do a sami - maybe just replace the short block to reduce the power-plant swap costs. But - I won't have FI :(

I'm looking around at different lifts for Trackicks - and - from what I'm reading there isn't a kit out there that has longer A-arms AND a long-travel front strut. Looks like EMU is the only one with a longer stroke, but there's no EMU kit with longer A-arms.  What gives?
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: the_maplebar on July 06, 2006, 05:43:56 PM
If you get the Calmini kit for the longer A-arms and other suspension parts the spacers are fine on the struts.  There is so much unused uptravel on the stock struts, it's just silly.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 06, 2006, 05:53:58 PM
If you get the Calmini kit for the longer A-arms and other suspension parts the spacers are fine on the struts.  There is so much unused uptravel on the stock struts, it's just silly.

Yep, that is one reason the screw on extensions work OK.  Gives you more down, and the up is still fine..  (my opinion)

Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 06, 2006, 06:32:13 PM
If you dont love Samurais then go mod a trackick, you can usually find a good one for sale in the projects or out at the mall. Just get rid of the sissy rims and sand the sea spray graphics off the side so we dont laugh at you.


BTW QUADDAWG..... I got sniped on that damn turbo diesel LWB on ebay, was typing in a higher bid with like 20 seconds left to go and it never went through.  That was a beautiful Samurai.  Was going to go 13k on it, lost it for 10600. Got to learn how to use those snipe sites.....lol

Oh lord, you are KIDDING me!!  I wish I had known you wanted it, cause I am CERTAIN Jeff would have sold it to you for $10K before the auction....

Yep, you had better get a sniping site.... if you can't beat'em join'em



I want a Sammy REAL bad, but I can figure out what role I want it to play.. DD?? nah...  Trail only? 

I think I might make one to be an around town truck, with good trail capabilties.. I just love the little things...  The looks are unbeatable..  Don't get me wrong, I love my Tracker, and it has proven itself an INCREDIBLE trail machine.. but they just aren't as neat as Sammys...




Well crap....  If the buyer doesnt come through let me know.  I only saw it about 12 hours before the close so I relly didnt have time to think it through carefully anyway. 

As far as a samurai around town goes, i have driven them as DD for years and they never let me down.  I always wanted a tracker, but they were always too expensive....and now im too old and grumpy and all i want is my sammy.....  or jeffs sammy.....either way.,... :-)



Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: cj on July 06, 2006, 06:35:51 PM


I'm looking around at different lifts for Trackicks - and - from what I'm reading there isn't a kit out there that has longer A-arms AND a long-travel front strut. Looks like EMU is the only one with a longer stroke, but there's no EMU kit with longer A-arms. 

I run the Calmini 3" with the strut spacers and OME struts  8)
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 06, 2006, 06:40:40 PM


I'm looking around at different lifts for Trackicks - and - from what I'm reading there isn't a kit out there that has longer A-arms AND a long-travel front strut. Looks like EMU is the only one with a longer stroke, but there's no EMU kit with longer A-arms.

I run the Calmini 3" with the strut spacers and OME struts  8)

How you like the Calmini 3"?
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: cj on July 06, 2006, 06:49:53 PM
Good and bad but mainly good. I wish that they would offer a range of spring rate options to suit swb or lwb with or without a front bar and winch. Also it would be great if they used the OME struts. They could use something better than the heim joint they currently use in the rear. Also I had a problem with a broken front diff due to the movement caused by the use of 1/2" holes in the diff brackets for 12mm bolts. What's with that?  ::) Too much play allowed movement to occur  >:( Bang! Other than that it works and is strong. If you want the most out of it for offroad work with a bolt-on IFS kit then it is the way to go.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 06, 2006, 07:09:28 PM
I don't think there is much unused travel in the stock suspension setup. I thought there was on my GV but when I took the old struts off I could tell they had gone through thier max travel up and down many times. I've managed to hit my front tires on the insides of my front fender flares with the sway bar on.. there is ALLOT of travel there I'd say. the calmini spacers, flipped strut mounts and extenders should mostly just put your travel in a better spot for the lift. I think the only way to truely get more travel out of the front of these things is to get ome struts. the only problem with them is that they are way overpriced and too freaking soft.. not adjustable either which they should be for the price I payed. the travel situation could be different on a 1st gen but I wouldn't imagine it being much different. with strut extenders or anything like that you might gain an inch of travel tops if you're really lucky.

if I were you I'd just get the calmini and run thier stock length struts till they blow out then add some coil spacers and ome struts to the lift
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 06, 2006, 07:11:22 PM
Yeah - I've noticed it doesn't seem like there's a good hands-down-winner kit out there (like the Trail Tough YJ SPOA kit for Sami's). I wonder how hard it would be to make one? I bet someone could make an aweful lot of money if they made a better all-around kit?
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Jeremiah on July 06, 2006, 07:15:01 PM
I think I'll avoid spacers - I hear they actually make things stiffer, and HURT artriculation. Since I'll be running the Rubicon - I'll need all the artriculation I can get. Maybe I'll get the Calmini setup (looks like it beats everything else out there for wheel travel?) and spend the $$$ for OME's *ouch*.

Well - time to put all this stuff in a spreadsheet and see how much it's going to be to build a Trackick vs Samurai.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 06, 2006, 08:43:35 PM
coil spacers help you be able to run bigger struts and shocks without unseating the coils.. they help articulation if you run longer stuff. my spacers didn't seem to stiffen the ride at all. I think the only significant factor for stiffness was the new shocks and struts and the ome struts are pretty soft. calmini's kit's are heard to be really stiff but flexy like crazy. remember, it's not like leaf springs. if you have non-progressive coils which most avaliable for that are they will just keep on compressing until you hit the shock or bump stop. for the down travel you go down until the shock limits it. my coils unseat a little on the down travel with full flex.. it's funny

coil spacers may be a little harder on the coils because in most cases you'll probably end up compressing it a bit more when you fully flex but those calmini coils are way stiff from what I hear and are definately much more substantial than stock and will definately take more of a beating before sagging than stock

a friend of mine has a pro comp 3 inch lift on his grand cherokee and did spacers and longer shocks on top of it and it's doing great.. has a ton of flex... freaking unbelievable flex shock and strut length are key to good flex
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: andyt87 on July 07, 2006, 05:35:35 AM
ill be honest.... i read what u said u wanted to do... and read the first few replies.... and all im gonna say is... GO WITH THE SAMI!!!!! sooooo much cooler.... yes i like vitaras or kicks or whatever.... but a sami is soo much more capable as standard. they are just better, look alot more 4x4... just better...

i havent really read anyone elses replies... so sorry if someone has written that already... anyways...




SAMI!!!


:D
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 07, 2006, 03:53:41 PM
.... but a sami is soo much more capable as standard. they are just better, ... just better...


:D

I don't want to start an argument, cause I LOVE Sammys.. but the statement above is about as far from the truth as anything I have ever heard. LOL..

I wheeled with MOSTLY Sammys today... (and many times in the past)  and they are NOT more capable.

There is something inherently stable and capable about trackicks...   I am not sure WHAT it is.. but I think part of it is the IFS.. I really really do.

ANYWAY... for what J says he wants... a Trackick is much better suited to provide it.

Compared to Trackicks, Sammy's are tippy as hell too.. anyone that doubts that has never been wheeling with a Trackick and a Sammy on the same trails...


That being said, once again, I am not bashing, cause I WANT A SAMMY!!!


Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 07, 2006, 07:06:39 PM
quaddawg.. I agree. I've flexed my GV allot stock. I've seen pics of stock sami's flexing and it seems like nothing.

sami's and 1st and 2nd gen trackers have huge potential, don't get me wrong
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 07, 2006, 07:36:06 PM
You know.. Flex is overated too... with lockers, flex is less important than you think...

I have seen super flexy vehicles be very very unstable too...


Man, it's all up to person taste, driving style, etc.. all I know is that I keep up with Sammys at most modification levels, and the honest truth is, I can usually make hills and off cambers that most Sammys have a hard time with.. I ain't bragging on my little truck, cause there is a lot it can't do.. and there are WAY more capable rigs out there that are Sammys (several here this weekend)  BUT... take Hagen and his cohorts... they have modified thier Trackicks to the degree that many Sammy owners have... and those things are just unreal.... I am seeing it first hand this weekend.   And Hagen doesn't have all that much cash wrapped up in his.. tons of time, don't get me wrong.. but from what I have seen,  not all that much (relatively speaking)  But now we are way off topic... LOL...

Daily Driver? with the qualities that Jer.  states in his post??? That is the definition of Track/Kick.


Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 07, 2006, 10:09:38 PM
i see your point, your tracker is pretty modestly modified and to hear that it does so well makes me feel great about my GV with coil spacers, ome struts, and 2 inch lift pro comp shocks. I don't have lockers so flex is not overrated for me yet. my friend got his audi way up our RTI pile of dirt with a tire way off the ground because he has a center diff and rear diff locker (awd car) lockers are great and I wish I had a front and rear one.. at least I have a center locker unlike most 06 "GV's" as they call those imposters.... getting off topic but oh well
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: zukisidekick on July 10, 2006, 08:40:54 PM
I have to agree with Quaddog on that statement...Flex isn't the end all-be all to wheeling....This past Fall I took a friend down to Uwharrie National forest in NC to Zuwharrie....We wheeled the easy and moderate trails (since it was my first time down there)....It had rained quite a bit the previous week leading up the the run....My friend has an awesome lifted Cherokee (6" lift, 33" MTRs).  It's flexes like crazy.....

At the time, I was running a 2" coil lifted Kick with a 3" body lift and 31 ltbs....Locked in the rear....

One climb in particular that stands out, is called Dickey Bell...Pretty steep, with some slick rocks that make forward progress pretty tough....  My friend Terry was first up....He was on that climb for nearly 10 minutes, trying to go forward....Even with huge articulation, he couldn't get his rig up...... He eventually made his way up (via an alternative trail).....

My kick pretty much walked up the climb, slipped a little, but made it look relatively easy..... 

The lightweight Zuks, and the right combination of equipment, locked, etc...Can outperform a SAS rig even if the IFS lacks alot of flex....

(http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/fall_2005/normal_DSCN0450.JPG)

(http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/fall_2005/normal_DSCN0447.JPG)


I have a Sammy too that I haven't done alot of mods too yet.....I won't sell it, and plan to set it up to be a great trail rig.....I think each vehicle has a pro and a con....It depends on what you want to use it for....I do agree that the trackicks have a significantly better stability due to the wider stance..... 

Here's an old pic of my three rigs....

(http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11310/DSC01216.jpg)
-Zukisidekick
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 11, 2006, 01:01:46 AM
XJ's weigh about the same as my GV. like 100 pounds more. my GV is like 3600 poundsish and my friends XJ is like 37 or 3800

but that's pretty cool your kick walked right up that
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 11, 2006, 02:57:32 PM
I have to agree with Quaddog on that statement...Flex isn't the end all-be all to wheeling....This past Fall I took a friend down to Uwharrie National forest in NC to Zuwharrie....We wheeled the easy and moderate trails (since it was my first time down there)....It had rained quite a bit the previous week leading up the the run....My friend has an awesome lifted Cherokee (6" lift, 33" MTRs).  It's flexes like crazy.....

At the time, I was running a 2" coil lifted Kick with a 3" body lift and 31 ltbs....Locked in the rear....

One climb in particular that stands out, is called Dickey Bell...Pretty steep, with some slick rocks that make forward progress pretty tough....  My friend Terry was first up....He was on that climb for nearly 10 minutes, trying to go forward....Even with huge articulation, he couldn't get his rig up...... He eventually made his way up (via an alternative trail).....

My kick pretty much walked up the climb, slipped a little, but made it look relatively easy..... 

The lightweight Zuks, and the right combination of equipment, locked, etc...Can outperform a SAS rig even if the IFS lacks alot of flex....

([url]http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/fall_2005/normal_DSCN0450.JPG[/url])

([url]http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/fall_2005/normal_DSCN0447.JPG[/url])


I have a Sammy too that I haven't done alot of mods too yet.....I won't sell it, and plan to set it up to be a great trail rig.....I think each vehicle has a pro and a con....It depends on what you want to use it for....I do agree that the trackicks have a significantly better stability due to the wider stance..... 

Here's an old pic of my three rigs....

([url]http://www.zuwharrie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11310/DSC01216.jpg[/url])
-Zukisidekick


Looks to me like your buddy has some AT tires on his cherokee.....he's never going to climb a hill like that with those tiny treads.  I love cherokees, had a 2001 limited for a couple years but it never got old enough to off road it. They look enough like samurais to pass my style test and they already have a great engine in them.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 11, 2006, 03:32:21 PM
yea, XJ's are awesome but I personally don't like ther unibody or rear leafs instead of coils like a grand cherokee
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: purpletracker on July 11, 2006, 04:23:48 PM
i like the look of the sammy . i still want a sammy  :P
 i built my truck to have fun  not to get attention   from jeep guys .   i read thru the post   and agrred withQuaddawg and he can back me up on this . 
if  3 trackers can crawl up on rock that the sammy with more lift and tires couldn't the first couple try  . what i'm saying is money for money you can not beat a trackick .  here 's my prove
this sammy tried to climb this rock  with many try
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/bad18.jpg)
so he backed out .  and said " i'll be dam if these trackers make it"
then quaddawg   walk up
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/bad19.jpg)
then Hman  walk up
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/bad17.jpg)
then i walk up too
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/bad20.jpg)
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: purpletracker on July 11, 2006, 04:35:28 PM
the trackick are more stable too  ;D

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/melt19s.jpg)

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/bad10.jpg)

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/bad15.jpg)
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 11, 2006, 05:06:33 PM
after seeing that post I fully agree that track/kicks are the best value. they are really freaking awesome it seems. I have to admit to quaddawg that I didn't gain much flex at all without hte sway bar now that I'm looking at pics but it does drive nicer on rough terrain without it
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 11, 2006, 05:46:21 PM
PurpleTracker.. you rule.. Glad you got that series of shots!!

Yep, total agreement after firsthand experience.

I have a SHORT video of me crawling that rock.. takes a while to load, let it play through first, then go back and watch it again:

http://media.putfile.com/Turtlecrawl

(the engine revving in the background is NOT me....sounds good though)


Here is one of me climbing a loose hill that was stopping a LOT of vehicles..

http://media.putfile.com/Turtle-Climb
Same deal, let it play through then go back and hit play again.


That hole in the bottom pictures is right at the start of Orange, and it had the Sammys tipping like mad, but the Trackers just dropped in and went on with it... no extreme tippyness.. as a matter of fact, I saw one Sammy roll there, and another almost roll..  Yep, MUCH more drama in a Sammy on the same trails, as compared to the Kicks..


MM, I am not saying you don't GET flex by removing the sway, I am saying I (not everyone else.. just I) don't  need it, don't want it, won't be bothered not having it.. LOL.

Hey it's all good. I want a Sammy TOO!!!  I just love the little trucklets.. but the Kicks will always be my favorite when the going gets rough.


And oh yeah.. how much does Hman have in his kick?? Something like $250.00 total??  LOFL>>!!!>>>

Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 11, 2006, 06:15:28 PM
some cool vids there, didn't come out that great but that's the putfule people not putting the file well enough.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: purpletracker on July 11, 2006, 06:59:06 PM



And oh yeah.. how much does Hman have in his kick?? Something like $250.00 total??  LOFL>>!!!>>>



Hman  have close to nothing on his rig ..lol  the most expensive part was worn down swampers
  i  have   total of  $420  into mine ..$300 for tracker  $120 for used bfg MT ...the lift was  shopping cart casters that hole saw out ,and weld diff ..but a nicely built sammy will out climb alot of stuff..but i don't have that kind of money :-[
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 11, 2006, 07:20:01 PM
$420??  That's a nice "number" to have in it.. HA!

A nicely built Sammy won't outclimb a cheaply built Tracker, until you start stretching it, or putting the axles out near the ends of the frame.. and a Kick will do just as good if you do that to it too... once again, not opinion, but experience talking here.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: purpletracker on July 11, 2006, 07:25:21 PM
like i said  $$for $$ ;D   if you put a same amount of money .......
can you imagine t case gears  and lock front on your track? :D
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 12, 2006, 11:08:09 AM
like i said  $$for $$ ;D   if you put a same amount of money .......
can you imagine t case gears  and lock front on your track? :D

yea, I agree fully, track/kick all the way over a sami. especially with $420 for such a decent rig. did you turn the shopping kart wheels on thier side and use them as coil spacers or something? sounds like a mastered redneck technique of lifting that works well. you're my hero if that's what you did and it works so well. good job man
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: purpletracker on July 12, 2006, 05:12:16 PM
lol...you re  a funny guy monsoon ..
i used a smaller shooping cart wheels and hole saw the center out and used them as spring spacers.. we did the same thing to Hman track  ;D    those caster are 1"thick  so i double stack them to get 2" spacer
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 13, 2006, 11:23:10 AM
lol...you re  a funny guy monsoon ..
i used a smaller shooping cart wheels and hole saw the center out and used them as spring spacers.. we did the same thing to Hman track  ;D    those caster are 1"thick  so i double stack them to get 2" spacer

dude, that is so freaking awesome. you win the award for best free mod that's for sure
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: strvger on July 13, 2006, 03:24:32 PM
wow!!   so many posts to this thread, i might have missed it...  Jeremiah, what did you decide to do  ???
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 16, 2006, 08:54:12 PM
i like the look of the sammy . i still want a sammy  :P
 i built my truck to have fun  not to get attention   from jeep guys .   i read thru the post   and agrred withQuaddawg and he can back me up on this . 
if  3 trackers can crawl up on rock that the sammy with more lift and tires couldn't the first couple try  . what i'm saying is money for money you can not beat a trackick .  here 's my prove
this sammy tried to climb this rock  with many try
([url]http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/slow86crx/bad18.jpg[/url])
so he backed out .  and said " i'll be dam if these trackers make it"
then quaddawg   walk up



Looks like that Sammy doesnt have a locker.... And also lets face it experience counts, Just gunning the engine and pointing your samurai up a hill isnt always the best way to do it.

But seriously, You cant claim that all trackers are better than all samurais, a lot has to do with the build and experience.

Plus the tracker IS the newer vehicle, with more power and lessons learned from the samurai. In order for the Samurai to be the superior machine you would have to argue that Suzuki was stupid and screwed up the Kick.

I think the argument for samurais started with the cheapness of the build up, but of course everyyear the tracker/kick gets less expensive and every year scarcity makes sammys more expensive. SO in time the Tracker will obviously be the better choice.

Unfortunently for tracker guys, time will not make the Tracker as fun and cute as the samurai.
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Quaddawg on July 17, 2006, 07:23:39 AM
LOL..... Tracker not as fun??

Cute?  OK, a Sammy is cute...  cool.. glad we settled that.  I am a  300 pound, six foot plus, bald, grey bearded ex bike club enforcer.. what do I need with "Cute"

LOL... just kidding.


A $250 Tracker will go most places... how cheap do you need??


I hear ya rkteckt.......  just playing.


By the way, that Sammy WAS locked, and so was the full tube rock crawler buggy that spun more on that that rock than the Trackers did.. AND the Trackers weren't locked in front either..


AND, I am not claiming that Trackers are "BETTER" than Sammys.. that would be silly of me.  I am just saying that Trackers SEEM to go places easier than Sammys, with less spinning and less tippyness.. I have seen that time and time again.

99% of Trackicks have Fuel Injection, most have power steering, some have AC!! (I would love to have AC in my Track) Those two things alone make a Tracker better in some situations, and it's there stock.


Let's just say that if there were a STOCK Suzuki shoot out, my money would be on a Tracker.
Change that to Stock plus $1000 of mods? Still a Trackick.

But this is all in fun, as I am NOT DOGGING SAMMYS... I love the "Cute" little things...   :P




Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 17, 2006, 10:25:35 AM
 I agree with quadawg
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 17, 2006, 08:12:00 PM
I guess if we had suzuki jimnys here we could make a better comparison, since the Samurai is an old design.

And im not saying Samurais are better, cause they arent, but I am saying that for years and years the Samurai was the cheaper build up because Trackicks were newer and worth more.  Now that Samurais are getting expensive they are becoming a cult classic instead of a cheap off roader.

And on the cute issue, Trogdor was in a parade recently and got more attention than hummers, vettes, old fire trucks and horse drawn wagons.....though the budweiser clydesdales stole the show. Kids were running out in the street and yelling 'I love your jeep!'

(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/815000-815999/815975_47_full.jpg)
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on July 17, 2006, 10:58:10 PM
was it a really tricked out jeep? if not they are idiots cause the yellow sami is wicked
Title: Re: Samurai or Trackick?
Post by: rkteckt on July 18, 2006, 06:38:22 PM
was it a really tricked out jeep? if not they are idiots cause the yellow sami is wicked

You know kids, if its a 4x4 and convertible its a 'jeep'