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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: tooljunki on February 21, 2008, 05:48:08 AM

Title: Samurai as a tow vehicle
Post by: tooljunki on February 21, 2008, 05:48:08 AM

I am thinking about getting a Samurai as a tow car for my motorhome & wondering if there's anything I should know about before doing it. I had an 87 when it was new & just loved it. Is there any particular problems I should look for on one thats got 90-100+ thousand miles on it? Any comments or advice would be appreciated. Glen...

Title: Re: Samurai as a tow vehicle
Post by: tipover on February 21, 2008, 10:43:25 AM

I have towed a samurai all over the west behind my motor home.  When I got it is had 155,000 miles and put a rebuilt motor and tranny, and never touched the t-case. Just follow the flat towing directions, except I never worried about the "let it run every 200 miles" to lubricate the t-case.  I just went.  I also built one for my inlaws with about the same miles without rebuiolding the t-case.

Be carefull about putting lifts on these things.  because when you flat tow the front driveline is spinning.  so if you have a front driveline vibration, it could cause premature failure in the front drive train.  If anything fails while towing, you won't know untill to late.

I take the Steering wheel lock pin out so I don't have to keep the key in it to unlock the steering.

You did not say where you are from so, but I would get an EFI one especially in california as these are  difficult to keep smog 2 legal.

I have since replaced my stock samurai with a sidekick/tracker as I needed 4 doors for the kids so now I got a sidekick and it tows about the same. my inlaws liked it so much they got one too.Mike is a 5 spped and thiers is an auto.  no problems with either.

IF you need any other info let me know.

Title: Re: Samurai as a tow vehicle
Post by: bashzuk on February 21, 2008, 06:23:09 PM

If you don't put a locker in it will be just fine. would agree with pulling the steering lock as keeping the key in it is a pain.
flat towed mine for 3 years worked great.
neutral is not a true neutral at least in mine with locker in the rear and in neutral would turn front drive shaft.

Just my .02

Happy hunting.

Title: Re: Samurai as a tow vehicle
Post by: tooljunki on February 26, 2008, 05:32:35 AM

Thanks for the info, but I'm not sure what a locker is...
Glen

Title: Re: Samurai as a tow vehicle
Post by: Drone637 on February 26, 2008, 09:43:17 AM

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

I just like linking to that sight.  :)