ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Samurai (All SJ Platform) 1981-1998 => Topic started by: BnjmnAlan on August 28, 2010, 03:32:33 PM
-
I just had to replace the right rear leaf spring pack on the sami this morning. I have the Calmini 5" reverse shackle kit installed since May 2008 and just noticed yesterday that the second leaf down on that pack was broken. Anyway, I've never been overly impressed with this suspension set up. Really rough ride unless fully loaded, then it is tolerable but it cannot handle any speed on anything but nicely paved roads without kicking your ars.
The samurai has been done a million times a thousand different ways, so someone has got to know by now what the ultimate suspension solution is, so lets hear it.
It's gotta be a safe and reliable Daily driver and hang with a built jeep on the rocks and rutts.
Coilover kit? http://www.rocky-road.com/coil.html (http://www.rocky-road.com/coil.html)
Wrangler spring swap? http://www.rocky-road.com/yjkit.html (http://www.rocky-road.com/yjkit.html)
Plain jane SPOA with stock springs?
What do you think??
-
For ease of install and smooth ride you can't really beat the Wrangler spring swap with a traction bar in the back.
I installed a 4 link in the back of my SJ and have been more then happy with it. It handles much better on the road and soaks up bumps at speed without issues. If I was going to spend the time to build a suspension I would recommend going straight for coils.
A samurai will never be smooth on rough surfaces though, just not enough wheelbase to soak up the bumps.
-
For ease of install and smooth ride you can't really beat the Wrangler spring swap with a traction bar in the back.
I installed a 4 link in the back of my SJ and have been more then happy with it. It handles much better on the road and soaks up bumps at speed without issues. If I was going to spend the time to build a suspension I would recommend going straight for coils.
A samurai will never be smooth on rough surfaces though, just not enough wheelbase to soak up the bumps.
Yes, I would love to try a coil suspension, but for the time and money I am really considering the Wrangler spring swap. It does need a traction bar though?
Did you build the 4 link yourself or use a kit from someone?
-
If you only drive it on the road a traction bar is not needed. But if you do any wheeling and don't have one you will twist your rear springs up. The very thing that makes it a nice ride, the long soft springs, also means you can get a lot of spring wrap when combined with large tires.
For the 4 link I built my own. You can read the build thread over at http://zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/sj-410-rear-4-link-build/ (http://zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/sj-410-rear-4-link-build/)
With just the stock SPOA on my rig doing a RUF conversion (Rear springs Up Front) made a huge difference in drive-ability.