ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: jor on February 17, 2009, 07:31:20 AM
-
New here. I think I found a good 87 Sami (tin top, 4wd) to pull behind my RV. I'm going to go over it today and am looking for some recommendations on things to look for that are common to these little guys. This one is stock and looks to have been restored (frame painted, all new window seals and so on). Thanks.
jor (Tucson)
-
I have an old magazine article that covers this exactly. I'll have to see if I can scan and post it for prosperity. :)
Check for rust in the fenders, especially the rear. That is usually the first place they start rusting out.
Check underneath and see if there is rock rash on anything. If you see scrapes on the bottom of the axles and along the frame chances are someone was pounding on it a bit. You might also want to check the transfer case and make sure the mounts are in one piece. When you take off the transfer case shifter should have very little movement.
Listen for various noises. If the transmission is making more noise in 3rd and 5th, but not 4th, the bearings are starting to go out and will need to be replaced at some point.
There really isn't to much to these little rigs, so there isn't to much to go wrong.
-
check floorboards, in the corners especially.
-
Thanks to you both for your replies. I tool a good look at it yesterday (87 tintop) and bought it. The only thing I've found wrong is what I think is some slop in the rear end or transfer case - kind of a muffled bang when letting out the clutch a little too quickly - probably a pinion bearing or something. Other than that, it looks good with no rust (Arizona). Someone has gone completely through it and painted the frame, replaced all rubber and so on. This looks like a good site so I'll be around reading and asking questions. Today (I'm retired) I'm going to go over it all and get it all figured out. Thanks again.
jor
-
Suzuki's can NOT be flat towed without a rear-drive disconnect. This can be purchased from a vendor, or you can unbolt the rear drive shaft from the rear diff. Your other option is to stop every 100 miles and run the engine for 5 min. If you skip any of this, you will fry the driveline. It's why I don't bother buying Suzukis that were towed behind RV's - the owners were usually too lazy / cheap to do this critical step.
-
Suzuki's can NOT be flat towed without a rear-drive disconnect.
Jeremiah, I looked into this before buying my 87 and was assured by several Zuki guys that they are fine to tow. I got an owner's manual with mine and it has a section labeled 4-Wheel Towing. Here's what it says:
Your vehicle may be towed with all four wheels on the ground if the steering and drive train are in good condition. For such towing, unlock the steering, shift the transmission to neutral, transfer gear to the 2H position and release the parking brake.
This is exactly the process that was described to me by the guys I referenced above. This is a manual transmission, of course. I don't question your personal experience on this but what do you think? Thanks.
jor
-
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,42610.0.html (http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,42610.0.html)
-
I probably wasn't clear that this is a 5 spd, no an automatic. Thanks.
jor