ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: btrebil666 on April 03, 2008, 11:03:53 AM
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OK, so I am all gung-ho about getting a samurai and want to build it into a nice offroad machine. SO, THE QUESTION IS: WHAT IS A GOOD STARTING POINT?
Are certain year samurai's better than others?
WHat should I watch out for when looking to buy a samurai, what are common problems?
Any suggestions that will help in my search would be great.
Thank you,
Brett
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First thing I would do is look at www.craigslist.com and see about what they are going for in your area.
Decide how much you are willing to spend.
Decide how hard you want to search for a Fuel injected one?
Then I would make sure the axles aren't sagging and that it fires right up when you turn the key.
Also I would make sure the floor pan is not rusted out.
Those are the things I would look at if I were looking for one again.
Bash
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Any Sami is a good starting point. Depends on your fab skills or your pocket book. The more damage and rust it has will end up costing that much more to straighten out.
And I know where a nicely built Sami is. It has YJ springs on Breeze adaptors, a 1.6 8V with Weber and tri-y header with a Flow master, can't remember the gears in the TC, and no rust. Green and straight. And not abused, it is a DD.
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You haven't filled in a location. If you're in the US then a non-rusty one would probably be best Outside the US the late model coil sprung EFI models are nice.
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Outside the US the late model coil sprung EFI models are nice.
Thanks , Rub it in why don't ya :)
Ryan
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mine grew up in LAS VEGAS no rust , just dust
look for one from the desert
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Pre 88.5's have better springs....and 2 rear break lines! ;D
I also like the dash set up better.
Amilla
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Sorry I took so long for me to get back to you. I live in Los Angeles, CA. So the way I read this is that any one with fuel injection and no rust is the way to go. any thing on the suspentions that I will need to look out for? Thanks again for all your help and suggestions, I will take that into account as I look.
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1994 to 1995's
Strongest t-case design. Better driveshaft flanges, that are correctly compatable if you install taller Sidekick gears, lower 5th gear tranny, best EFI, better front brakes, no rear seat to deal with, and a few other things that make them preferable.
This is of course if you can find one. 1994-95 are the rarest of Sammies. Many dealers stopped stocking them and only sold on special order. Going into the dealer and ordering my 1994 was the only way for me to get one.
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Depends on how much you want to modify it. The more aftermarket stuff you swap on, the more you negate any benefit of the different years. Fuel injection is nice, but very rare (read hard to find / expensive). I've owned 3 carbed sami's and they run just fine.
And honestly - look into getting a 2 door tracker / sidekick. They're a MUCH better value than the samurais these days. Better power, better fuel economy, much more room (while still retaining the small footpring / lightweight), better suspension (coil), and better interior bits (cup holders, radio, seats etc) - and, they're CHEAPER! You can lift one 2" for around $300, and slap 29/30" tires under it and be good to go for all but the most extreme / insane of obstacles.
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WHat is the suspension on the tracker/sidekick's? Do they have a solid axle? Can you get lockers front and rear?
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Tracks and kicks don't have solid front axles on them just IFS
You can get lockers front and rear for them.
I do agree, a track or kick is really a kush ride compared to a sami...they ride like a brick truck!
Amilla
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Personally I think the Samurai looks better. Not many around where I live too so that adds to my affection for them. I guess some people have their own likes. (I like kicks and tracks too dont hate me) :laugh:
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So what is so, much better about the kicks and trackers? Do they still have the solid axle design?
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So what is so, much better about the kicks and trackers? Do they still have the solid axle design?
It was pretty well summarized in a post above. I have had both a Sami and a Tracker. The Tracker is Fuel injected, has a bit more interior room, more comfortable seats, more comfortable ride, and with a little lift and a set of 29 or 30 in. tires can handle the trails pretty well. They are not solid axle in front. They have independent front suspension (IFS). My Stock '96 Tracker will get 30MPG in 2wd on the street (if you keep the tires pumped to 32 psi). The best the '87 Sami would do is 25MPG. The Tracker has a better top. The top on the Sami had velcro that wrapped around the upper door frame and blew loose every time a truck went by. The Tracker top stays on in high winds.
I liked my Sami, but I really like the Tracker.