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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: 83sj410 on January 19, 2008, 06:59:14 PM

Title: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: 83sj410 on January 19, 2008, 06:59:14 PM
I found a 83 or 84?(not sure on year but it has a solid front axle for sure) Toyota that has been rolled. It has the 22re engine. I wanted to do a complete powertrain swap into a 87 Samurai. Can I use the Toyota leaf springs? It has a 3 or 4 inch spring lift so I would like to use them.I would like to run 33s. I am a mechanic so I know I can make them work, but I just haven't seen any Samurais using the Toyota leaf springs just the differentials.I just want to know what the downfall of using them is.I would like to use as much of this parts truck as possible. Anyone else using Toyota running gear that can give me a few pointers?
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: J-Ron on January 20, 2008, 06:14:26 PM
it probably helps that you're a mechanic. but for me, any interface between samurai and toyota has been a real pain. right now im stuck on driveshaft angles, but if you're swapping out everything, you might be on the right track
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: ROSS on January 20, 2008, 06:25:05 PM
do a search it has been done many times by many people
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: 83sj410 on January 20, 2008, 06:28:12 PM
Tried a search,not much there.
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on January 20, 2008, 11:55:08 PM
if it were me, I'd just start installing them and hack and weld if you need to.
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: 83sj410 on January 21, 2008, 07:03:53 AM
That's what I was thinking , but I wondered if they were maybe too stiff for good articulation and maybe would give a rough ride. I know they are longer so I think I will make some two part shackles for both ends for more flex and to help with the extra length.
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: MaD.72 on January 21, 2008, 08:46:37 AM
Have you ever consider a 3"body lift??

Whit the axle flip over and a 3" body lift, there enough place to run the 33"!!
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: MaD.72 on January 21, 2008, 08:48:32 AM
Oh yeah BTW keep the OEM leaf spring, or use Jeep leaf spring there perfect for that swap!!!
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: Element on January 21, 2008, 08:50:04 AM
The yj's are amazing on a samurai!!!! Great plush ride and flex!!!!
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: MaD.72 on January 21, 2008, 08:52:37 AM
In case you wonder, i have a 87 sammi whit a V6 4.3L vortec 700r4 tranny NP205 t-case and toyota axle...and just to stiffup the suspension i ad International Scout leaf spring!!
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on January 21, 2008, 09:08:46 AM
That's what I was thinking , but I wondered if they were maybe too stiff for good articulation and maybe would give a rough ride. I know they are longer so I think I will make some two part shackles for both ends for more flex and to help with the extra length.

I personally wouldn't do two part shackles. I've heard of people's rigs being pretty unstable because of them. I wouldn't be surprised if the springs were stiffer than the sami leafs since a yota more than likely weighs more, but you can always add and subtract leafs if need be.
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: 83sj410 on January 21, 2008, 05:28:24 PM
Wow MaD.72 you run a 205 t-case on a sammi. That thing would weigh more than the original engine. You aren't going to break it that's for sure. If I make 2 piece shackles i will make them so I can lock them to the frame for road driving.I would really like to see how that 4.3 fits in there. That was my second option if the Toy 22re deal fell through. Maybe I should just go with a 4.3 auto trans and a 208 t-case I am a Chevy guy after all. Decisions..... decisions???????
Title: Re: Can I use Toyota leaf springs on my Samurai?
Post by: Maroon Monsoon on January 21, 2008, 07:27:15 PM
I think that's a good idea to lock the shackles in place for raod driving.