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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Samurai (All SJ Platform) 1981-1998 => Topic started by: wooky on December 05, 2010, 02:18:59 PM

Title: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 05, 2010, 02:18:59 PM
I have ran some searches on this site and cant seem to find the answer I am looking for.

So I will ask in this thread, I have just purchased a 87 Samurai. (carburated)

I would like to know what is the best tire size/wheel offset and lift? (With best ride quality)

I am a hunter not a rock crawler but I do get in some tough places. I will also need to drive on the frwy to get to where I need to go. (So running hwy speeds is a must)

I would like to run a nice set of tires like some 31" or 33"x12.50".

Until I do a motor swap what gears/rearend should I use or tranfer case change?

I am building the bumpers for it now then I will do the fender flares then on to some rock sliders. Then on to the lift and maybe some engine mods to get some more HP until the engine swap.

Motor swap will come but since this little 1.3L only has 4000 miles on it I want to get some use out of it before i do a 1.6L engine swap.

Any help would be appreciated.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tipover on December 05, 2010, 03:41:16 PM
Boy, you sounded like I did years ago.  before there were side by sides, quads were the thing to buy for hunting.  I had a quad but it was not enough and I had to trailer it from spot to spot.  So here you are.

You need a lift for 31s.  I would not go bigger than that as to go to 33s it takes alot more to get them too fit.

Im sure there are other opinions, but Ill give you mine.  I think that 31s is the best bet for hunting, road driving and offroad mix.  However, to get a good ride, thats the hard part.  I just built a "hunting samurai" for a buddy and did a spring over with stock springs. Used the stock shocks with the stock mounts, driveline spacers, and a dropped pitman arm. I put 31 alterrain with 7 inch wide wheels 3 or 3.5 backspacing. It road a little better than stock becuase the tires were a little bigger.  We put a removable tow bar to flat to it behind motor home.  We put a 4 to 1 transfercase in it. the gearing was about stock in high range for the road, and you can pick up the 4 to 1s for cheap and most crawlers upgrade to the 6 to 1s.  no need to regear your diffs.

to make it ride better you may shop for aftermarket springs, but with out redoing the spring mounts you will probably not be happy with the stock length springs.

I think that rock sliders are the most important armor you can put on.  really thats the only part of the body that is vulnerable to damage.

So theres my opinion, I hope that helps. I think you can to the rght place for help.  let us know your progress.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 06, 2010, 09:25:03 AM
So a SPOA is the best way to go? I was thinking of using the 3" OME lift as I have been told its the best lift/ride out there. However i see that I may need at least a 2" body lift as well, unless I put the Bushwacker fender flares cause I will have to cut the fender wells for clearence.

Tipover you also stated that I would need 3-3.5" wheel spacers? Using a 7" wheel as you said how wide of tires are you talking about?

The goal behind this lift was to be able to do it just once. I still have not figured out what motor swap I am wanting to do but have narrowed down to two. one is the 1.6L 16 valve and the other would be a diesel swap like a 1.9TDI.

This rig is going to be for a daily driver, playing around, scouting for game and coyote hunting.

Thanks for response.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tipover on December 06, 2010, 09:47:51 AM
yes I believe SPOA is the best way to go.  yes the OME ride a alittle better, but wont fit 31 in tires.  7 inch wide wheels for 31x10.5.  I was talking about back spacing.  3 to 3.5" is standard back spacing on wheels.  no spacers.  I have cut my fenders on the front of mine and it still looks like stock. I did this just to clear the amount of articulation that it has.

With 33s you will have to get 2.5" back spacing to keep the tires from hitting frame.  I moved my springs inboard 3" per side with shackle reversal to clear my frame without using 2.5" backspaced wheels. But to fit 33s I had to move the front axle forward about 2 inches to clear the fire wall.  I had to do alot to get 33s to fit will lots of articulation.

I'm not one to do body lifts on sammys, I feel if you want to more lift then lift the suspension more.  not sure how far you want to go, check out trailtough.com for options. SPOA is the foundation for almost all the lifts out there, so that will not be a wasted effort.

I did the 1.6 TBI on mine.  love it.  I also have a 16v in a kick that I enjoy.

Check out my ride in the "show us your ride" topic.  I have done alot of work to make that ride good with years of trial and error to make it to my tastes.

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: BnjmnAlan on December 06, 2010, 10:06:28 AM
I am currently using the Calmini 5.5" reverse shackle lift.  I do not recommend it if you are looking for a good ride.  It does, however, fit my 31" tires very well, except for slight rubbing on the fire wall when the tire is completely stuffed in and turning. 

I also have the Petroworks 4.89:1 low range transfer case which I beleive is great gearing for the 31" tires on the road as well as a great low range.  And I highly recommend getting the 2 low option, when coupled with a rear locker and agressive tires, you will find thats all you need to get through many spots where a stock truck would need 4 wheel drive.  Since you can shift into 2 low without getting out to lock the hubs its quick and convenient when you just need the occasional extra traction on those mild to moderate trails.

   
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 06, 2010, 02:27:58 PM
Are you going to be doing a lot of climbing or going through snow when on the hunting trips?  A stock Tracker with some rocker protection, as tipover mentioned, with some aggressive 235/75 R15 tires will go a lot of places.  Toss on a winch, lockers and a t-case cradle and there isn't much you can't make it through.

For a light lift a set of OME springs with 30" tires and a 4:1 transfer case will get you even more without requiring much work. 

For 31" tires I agree that a SPOA is the way to go.  If you want a softer ride look at a YJ spring lift, or at the least go with the RUF (Rear Up Front) conversion.  I ended up going with a Coil setup in the rear, still running the RUF with a spring over up front.  The coil suspension is a huge leap forward compared to the stock springs in back.  Better control and a much softer ride.  It can be done in a shop without to much trouble as long as you have someone who can weld and cut metal. 

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/)
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 07, 2010, 07:09:26 AM
So I have been thinkin about the SPOA lifts and thought the JeepEater lift from RR would probably give me the best of both worlds, best ride/larger tires and better articulation. However I have been told that most lifts higher than OME starts getting sketchy on the hwy at hwy speeds? What can you fellas tell me about that?

"tipover" nice set up!! body lifts are not my cup of tea either, just repeating what was told to me by Rocky Road.

Drone637 going thru snow around here is usually a must when hunting. Climbimg large hills that are real rocky and some of the worst are steep hils with malpias which is basically volcanic rock sticking up out of the ground, not loose but very sharp. Are you going to put the coils in the front as well? Nice little write up by the way!! I am a machist and fabricator, so welding and machining is not a problem.

So how bout this, if I stayed with 30" would you all stay with the OME lift?
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tipover on December 07, 2010, 11:26:25 AM
I think that it would be cheaper to get spoa if you can do it yourself and have a good foundation for experimenting for the ride quality.  I drive mine at 65 mph.  but anything with that short of a wheel base may be schetchy to some...

OEM is better ride than stock, but thats not saying much.

Do a search on venders and their kits before you buy. 
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 07, 2010, 02:49:28 PM
The OME lift is the easiest, as it doesn't require a lot of changes to your ride.  You don't need extended brake lines, or a Z-Bar or high-steer kit.  So if your looking to just bolt on a couple extra inches of lift and go I highly recommend them.

As tipover said though, the SPOA is nice and can be done cheaper.  But it is going to require a bit more work.  I recommend the base Sky Manufacturing lift, as it gives you everything you need for a proper SPOA lift.  The wrap around spring pads, extended brake lines and half of the High Steer kit.

Another thing you can do to improve your ride is to get a good pair of shocks.  Get a pair from a car instead of the light truck shocks they will try to give you at the auto parts store.  So they aren't quite so stiff.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tipover on December 07, 2010, 05:20:02 PM
Sky's kit is a great deal.  check it out.  400.00 bucks done right. 

http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/new/detaproduct.php?id=92 (http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/new/detaproduct.php?id=92)

If later you want to do a RUF or YJ your set.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 08, 2010, 06:24:02 AM
Thanks for the tips fellas, I will be looking into that company. I had the day off work yesterday and was working on the sammy. I have finally got the back bumper fit and mounting brackets welded on and back on the sammy.

 I need some new lights now and started working on the rock sliders and trying to figure out how to mount them, cause where I wanted to mount them it looks like they may be in the way of mounting the YJ spring mounts?

I will have to work something else out.

You guys have been a great help, if you have any other insight please let me know.

Thanks
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tuxblacray on December 09, 2010, 03:44:33 PM
You could go rear springs up front. (remove the overload spring) 2" lift spring in the rear. you can run 30" tires with 1" wheel spacers. I can guarentee the ride to be very nice. SPUA

Other options with this can be new longer shocks, 3" drop pitman,new longer brake lines, longer shackles. Depending on how much flex you want.

Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 10, 2010, 08:30:53 PM
You could go rear springs up front. (remove the overload spring) 2" lift spring in the rear. you can run 30" tires with 1" wheel spacers. I can guarentee the ride to be very nice. SPUA

Other options with this can be new longer shocks, 3" drop pitman,new longer brake lines, longer shackles. Depending on how much flex you want.




Since you did the SPUA what did you use in the back?
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: idaholwb on December 11, 2010, 06:55:23 PM
The best ride and capability for your Sami would be spring over with YJ springs and 33x12.50/15s on 15x8" wheels. That will take care of everything suspension related. If you plan on using it on road as well, use 4.16:1 t-case gears with a hybrid rear axle and either 4.30s or 4.62s in the axles. That will keep the engine happy at freeway speeds but still be very nice to drive offroad...
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tipover on December 11, 2010, 10:38:26 PM
You could go rear springs up front. (remove the overload spring) 2" lift spring in the rear. you can run 30" tires with 1" wheel spacers. I can guarentee the ride to be very nice. SPUA

Other options with this can be new longer shocks, 3" drop pitman,new longer brake lines, longer shackles. Depending on how much flex you want.




Since you did the SPUA what did you use in the back?

Looks like he just got 2" taller spings in back, I came across some name brand 3" lift springs, so I put it on a daily driver.  It rode pretty good SPUA.  the problem is when they sagged, the springs were too long and ths shackles eventually leaned all the way back then the spring started to hit the frame.  I threw them away.  I really dont like most lift kits that justreplace the springs.  they half to make the sping longer because of the arch so they fit the factory maounts. so when they flaten out, they really cant cuz there too long.

Thats the reason i recommend the spoa, and if more is needed, adding a yj , cj or RUF kit that moves the mounting points for the longer springs.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 12, 2010, 07:07:56 AM
The best ride and capability for your Sami would be spring over with YJ springs and 33x12.50/15s on 15x8" wheels. That will take care of everything suspension related. If you plan on using it on road as well, use 4.16:1 t-case gears with a hybrid rear axle and either 4.30s or 4.62s in the axles. That will keep the engine happy at freeway speeds but still be very nice to drive offroad...




Finally, a straight answer!! and a tire size.....!!!! Thanks Idaholwb!!
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 21, 2010, 06:48:07 AM
Ok, so here is an update. I have purdy much been at a stand still with the front bumper because all the pics I have seen on the different lifts are in the way of twhere I wanted to mount the front bumper.

So now I have been researching which SPOA (jeepeatter) kit to get? The other thing I have changed my mind about is the motor, I have decided that Vortec 4.3 V6 conversion will suit my needs the best. I will be spinning 32" or 33" tires.

Here lays the questions: Whats the best SPOA (jeepeater) kit? Has anyone used REpower to buy the V-6 conversion? Does it come with everything? Most of all was the conversion worth it and secondly how hard can you get on it with out breaking something?
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 21, 2010, 01:18:35 PM
For a normal spring SPOA kit I like the Stage 2 from Sky Manufacturing.  It gives you everything you need to have a safe well driving rig.  If you want to go with the YJ springs Trial Tough is a solid way to go.

If you plan on going to a 4.3L you should probably expect to go with Toyota or Dana/Ford 9" axles. It might be better to get an S-10 and plan on swapping the entire drive-train over, possibly with full width axles underneath since it sounds like that is where you want to end up.  That way you also get a Dana 300 transfer case and have it mate directly to the Turbo 350 transmission you will probably want to put behind the 4.3L.

As for if it is worth it, that depends on your point of view.  You are taking as small light weight rig and putting a heavy motor and a drive-train in it.  Basically making it a smaller Chevy S-10.  If your just planning on using it to run around and do light trail duty and you need/want the extra power you might be better off just running an S-10.  It will give you room to put a deer in the back and a more comfortable ride.

The most important thing is to plan out your project.  Decide what you are going to use it for, what it will take to get the vehicle to the point you want it, build a project map then knuckle down and go to work.  Unless you are paying someone to do the work you should expect an engine and drive-train transplant to take 6-8 months to complete.  And that is with a donor vehicle.  Then another 4-6 months to work out the kinks and get everything like you want it.

I would recommend driving it around for a while first, see what the limitations are and what you can do with the Samurai stock before planning your mods.  It may end up that some aggressive tires and a pair of lockers are all you need.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tipover on December 21, 2010, 09:07:39 PM
I agree with drone.

I look at it like this. I think I have the best lift out there.  Thats why I did it.  However, everyone has a different idea of what that is and each rig is uniquely built.  thats the thing about samurais.  most are home built.

So whats the best spoa lift.  the straight answer in my opinion... Mine.  For premade kits out there, I would do the Sky for simple or an all out kit would be the trail tough kit.

For your 4.3 call lightning conversions.  I have met alan and hes a pretty cool guy to talk to.  V6 conversions is his specialty.  they have a web site, but call him and he should be able to give you the straight answer on what you need for the v6 weight. The yj come stock with a heavy straight 6 so those springs could handle the weight. Ive seen a few of his rigs on sammy axles, but he could tell you the details.

I hope that helps.  I wish I could give you a straight answer about what lift is best. If there was, there would not be any other options out there.

keep us posted...
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 22, 2010, 06:26:54 AM
Thanks for the responses fellas. I really did not want the 4.3 conversion due to cost and of course over kill. However I have tried to read everything I can find and most guys say that if they had it to do over again they would go with the 4.3 conversion.

So instead of trial and error I thought I would go that route.

Its the same with the lift, I was hoping to hear some of the pros and cons of some you fellas that have these lifts on their Sammys already and could give me some hands on answers so I would have to go from lift to lift till I found the one I wanted? Along with tire size and what they had to do if anything to make them work.

I actually have some bad boy axles, T350 tranny, NPT208 transfer case and a 350 hp 350. I should just quit asking questions and completely rebuild the Sammy.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tipover on December 22, 2010, 09:33:43 AM
Please don't stop asking questions as this is all very good info that will help others make decisions.  My greatest fear is to not be able to answer valid questions.  In the suzuki world, innovation is what keeps the hobby going.  the low cost of suzuki allows many to have confidance in fabrication and trail and error.  Thats what we need.

For me, I was born in japan and have a japanese mother.  After the gas crunch in the late 70s and living in a rural area 20 miles from school, we could only afford to drive small japanese cars.  So I am used to under powered 4 cylinder cars.  we found them very reliable.  My perspective has been fuel efficient small cars.  If I wanted a 6 cylinder, I would have bought a car with a 6, like a heep. That being said, I have a 16v kick for daily driving, and a Sammy with a 1.6 swap for rock crawling.  I do own a PSD ford and a RV with a V10.  Now it is mostly about what I like and am comforable, not about money.

Please keep us posted. as swaps like your planning are not common place.  I again. call suzuki lightning as he may give you some good info.  I know that he recommends the turbo 200 from the chevy minivans and I think s10 blazer for better fitment.

oh ya, i remember your first post that you just wanted a capable hunting rig, And I replyed that you sounded like I did when I got my first sammy.  Look at you now.  Your going full tilt now.  See you got bit by the bug!!!
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 22, 2010, 02:29:29 PM
I run a 4-link in the rear, and if I was building a rig from scratch I would jump straight to it.  The ride is much better and I don't have to worry about bending springs anymore when climbing up hills.  It wasn't even that hard to put in and if I want to go higher I just need to pick up some taller springs.  It has given me more power for driving down the road and it climbs hills much better then with the straight SPOA.  I could have also just gone with a traction bar and YJ springs and gotten pretty much the same results.

I run 33" tires with a 970cc 4cyl.  Works great, a bit underpowered but I can do logging roads in 2nd with a good running carb and hit 50 on the straights before I run out of RPM's with the 4 speed.  Hybrid rear, 5.12 gears and a 6.5:1 transfer case.

A buddy just finished his 1.6l 16v conversion, 33x12.5 Swamper TSLs running Dana 44 and Ford 9" axles with 5.88 gears and a 5.8:1 transfer case.  With the new engine he runs out of RPM's around 65  but has no issues with power.

My DD is a 96 Tracker 2 door, it is much nicer inside then my SJ will ever be.  For something that will see the road a lot I would probably build an Tracker over an SJ, just because of the extra room inside.  That and I'm 6'4, so not having to rebuild the seat mounts to fit properly is a nice touch.  :D

Heck, with all those parts laying around you could almost build a buggy and slap a license plate on the back. 
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tuxblacray on December 22, 2010, 06:10:50 PM
You could go rear springs up front. (remove the overload spring) 2" lift spring in the rear. you can run 30" tires with 1" wheel spacers. I can guarentee the ride to be very nice. SPUA

Other options with this can be new longer shocks, 3" drop pitman,new longer brake lines, longer shackles. Depending on how much flex you want.




Since you did the SPUA what did you use in the back?

Looks like he just got 2" taller spings in back, I came across some name brand 3" lift springs, so I put it on a daily driver.  It rode pretty good SPUA.  the problem is when they sagged, the springs were too long and ths shackles eventually leaned all the way back then the spring started to hit the frame.  I threw them away.  I really dont like most lift kits that justreplace the springs.  they half to make the sping longer because of the arch so they fit the factory maounts. so when they flaten out, they really cant cuz there too long.

Thats the reason i recommend the spoa, and if more is needed, adding a yj , cj or RUF kit that moves the mounting points for the longer springs.

Yep I replaced the rear springs with 2" Calamini springs and have a RUF set up in the front. No problems to date.

I am in the process though of going SPOA with the same set up though.

It really depends on what kind of wheeling you intend on doing. In some sense I agree with Tipover.... For me I just want to be above the large mud holes in my neck of the off road woods.....I love it that you have went from Hunting Rig to a Full Tilt Bad boy in the course of a few posts....

Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 23, 2010, 06:15:46 AM
You could go rear springs up front. (remove the overload spring) 2" lift spring in the rear. you can run 30" tires with 1" wheel spacers. I can guarentee the ride to be very nice. SPUA

Other options with this can be new longer shocks, 3" drop pitman,new longer brake lines, longer shackles. Depending on how much flex you want.




Since you did the SPUA what did you use in the back?

Looks like he just got 2" taller spings in back, I came across some name brand 3" lift springs, so I put it on a daily driver.  It rode pretty good SPUA.  the problem is when they sagged, the springs were too long and ths shackles eventually leaned all the way back then the spring started to hit the frame.  I threw them away.  I really dont like most lift kits that justreplace the springs.  they half to make the sping longer because of the arch so they fit the factory maounts. so when they flaten out, they really cant cuz there too long.

Thats the reason i recommend the spoa, and if more is needed, adding a yj , cj or RUF kit that moves the mounting points for the longer springs.

Yep I replaced the rear springs with 2" Calamini springs and have a RUF set up in the front. No problems to date.

I am in the process though of going SPOA with the same set up though.

It really depends on what kind of wheeling you intend on doing. In some sense I agree with Tipover.... For me I just want to be above the large mud holes in my neck of the off road woods.....I love it that you have went from Hunting Rig to a Full Tilt Bad boy in the course of a few posts....




Why thank you tuxblacray!! Full tilt in a few post? As I stated I only want to do this once... It seems very easy, however these little under powered Sammy is in need of much more power for what I want it to do. I have decided to go back to the 1.6 16v motor idea and still tossing around what lift.

What I dont want to do is end up like tuxblacray and others I have read about. They done one style of lift and then move up to another, then another? Why? Just do it the first time.

My biggest concern is not having enough power. I have a long way to drive to coyote hunt and to get there I need to take the frwy and getting up that early in the morning I want to be able to get to my spot in a timely fashion.

I would also agree that if I had not gotten this little Sammy at such a great price I would have bought something else? However I have always wanted to build a little Sammy just never realized the lifts were so different.

Been reading the post from the fella that has the turbo set up in his Sammy, that may do the trick with 1.6 16v. I also called a company yesterday that has the super chargers, with only a 20% gain? That wont work.

Tipover I would have thought that this is what this discussion forum was about? Disgussing ideas, although I was not getting much info. when I first posted and was getting a little discouraged. Thats why when I asked the question about the best "ride" with the size of tires I was talking about it would have been a no brainer to get a straight answer, but I guess its not that easy.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 23, 2010, 12:47:04 PM
What I dont want to do is end up like tuxblacray and others I have read about. They done one style of lift and then move up to another, then another? Why? Just do it the first time.

That is usually because we build the rig in stages.  I bought my SJ-410 in 2004 or 2003, it has a straight SPOA on it. I tossed on some Samurai axles, hybrid rear, 33x12.5 tires from Craigslist instead of the 31x10.5 I was going to put under it, a locker up front and a spool in back and went wheeling.

Eventually I switched to an RUF to soften up the ride, put new shocks under the front.  Added a second long leaf to keep the spring bent, added a folding front shackle.

After s-curving my second set of rear springs I looked at building a traction bar, decided to just go with a 4-link in the rear instead.

In between I have done a few other mods, such as switching from a front locker to an ARB, switched to Calmini heavy duty front axles then over to Trail Tough Chromoly axles.  Built a T-Case, rocker protection, etc. etc.  It has taken 6+ years of running around for my rig to reach this point, and it will probably keep getting modified in the future as my needs change and I have new needs for the vehicle.   Heck, I might even get a full top again at some point.  :)
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 25, 2010, 06:52:21 AM
Drone you say a straight SPOA? You also stated that the RUF was a better ride? What was the  straight SPOA?

Thanks
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 26, 2010, 12:33:17 AM
Straight SPOA is where someone just welded on some new spring pads, made a Z bar and called it good.  :)
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on December 26, 2010, 07:13:35 AM
Straight SPOA is where someone just welded on some new spring pads, made a Z bar and called it good.  :)



Ok, then you stated that you went RUF to soften the ride? This is the info. I am looking for!! So you went RUF what did you put in the back axle? What was the lift that was on it?
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tuxblacray on December 26, 2010, 10:45:53 AM
It ain't bad to be me..... LOL ... My rig came with a 1.6 8v and the current lift on it. (I bought it for those reasons) I am going SPOA beacuse I wanted more to start with and the rig I bought gave me the most for the $$$.

With the current set up she rides smooth with 30's on it at 70 mph if I so desire. But I don't have that desire or intentions for the lil rig...
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 28, 2010, 05:19:38 PM
wooky:  I kept stock springs on the back as well.  One item to be aware of is that I never had the overload springs since I have an SJ-410, so it was probably a bit softer then a stock Samurai.  But eventually went to a coil rear end with a 4 link.  Ran 5" of lift with cut out rear fender wells to clear the tires.

Doing the RUF conversion required moving the shock mounts forward 1.5", I went with a set of cut down F-250 shock towers. The shocks are from a 93 F-250 as well, 9.5" of travel.  I run my shocks off of the top of the axle on the spring pads instead of welding on new mounts on the bottom of the axle.  After installing the RUF and folding shackles I measured the amount of flex and cut down my shock mount accordingly, this way I could avoid having to run a 12-14" travel shock.  A standard SPOA and RUF conversion with fixed shackles will probably only require a 7-8" travel shock to cover the flex.

tuxblacray:  You plan on hitting 100 instead?  :D

Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: tuxblacray on December 30, 2010, 05:03:42 AM
wooky:  I kept stock springs on the back as well.  One item to be aware of is that I never had the overload springs since I have an SJ-410, so it was probably a bit softer then a stock Samurai.  But eventually went to a coil rear end with a 4 link.  Ran 5" of lift with cut out rear fender wells to clear the tires.

Doing the RUF conversion required moving the shock mounts forward 1.5", I went with a set of cut down F-250 shock towers. The shocks are from a 93 F-250 as well, 9.5" of travel.  I run my shocks off of the top of the axle on the spring pads instead of welding on new mounts on the bottom of the axle.  After installing the RUF and folding shackles I measured the amount of flex and cut down my shock mount accordingly, this way I could avoid having to run a 12-14" travel shock.  A standard SPOA and RUF conversion with fixed shackles will probably only require a 7-8" travel shock to cover the flex.

tuxblacray:  You plan on hitting 100 instead?  :D

LOL... Thats some funny stuff....
Naw, I have other rides in the stable for that.....

([url]http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/40498/2964536760081905758S500x500Q85.jpg[/url])




Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on December 30, 2010, 12:51:18 PM
Yea, a bit more stable at those speeds.  :D
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on January 16, 2011, 03:02:14 PM
Ok fellas, I have been doing some research and would like to see some pics and get some advice on this new direction I am planning on going.

I am thinking of staying SPUA. The things I have read say that the vehicle is more stable at speeds and daily driving. Now I know I wont get as much articulation but it should be suffiecent for I am going to use this for. However, I am wanting to know what the best way to go would be with this idea, RUF, or YJ configuration?

The other thing I would like to get some clearification on is the difference between what they call missing link and shackles in different lengths. My thought is, shackles are shackles and missing links have an elbow that pivots between the two mounting points. Is that assumption correct?

I am getting ready to make the purchase of what I am needing so a kit or parts list would be great. (try to save money)!!

Please go into detail as to size of tires I could run, how much lift will I get with either direction I go. As much info. I can get would be appreciated and of course pics would be great as well.

What other things will I have to figure out when doing this? Steering? Bad axle angles, etc. etc.

Thanks
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on January 17, 2011, 09:10:39 PM
For a daily driver I would not use the missing link shackles, or any folding shackle system.  If you hit a good enough bump the shackle will actually unfold and allow your vehicle to bounce around.  While not normally a problem it isn't something I would want to worry about with a DD type vehicle.

How large of a lift did you decide to go with?
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on January 18, 2011, 07:34:02 AM
Thanks for the response Drone, how high of lift? Well I have gotten so many different answers from different companies I am not at all sure how high. But was thinking around 4-4.5" is what I would want.

I want to run 31-32" tires, I want a low COG and am thinking that SPOA would be out of the equation. If I stayed SPUA I would need to get larger shackles and taller springs then measure the travle and get shocks.

I would love to be able to run some 33-35" tires and a nice flexy suspension and good driving ability and soft ride?

I am still researching, looking at S/R as well.

I still cant seem to to get the right answers I am looking for? I dont want too much body roll and I dont want brake dip but I want it to drive right and have a good ride as DD plenty of articulation and above all, look great.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on January 20, 2011, 03:03:37 PM
I really enjoy my coil setup on the rear.  If that helps any.  :D

With a standard SPOA I did not see much body roll, but I did not have a nice soft ride either.  For 31" tires with a Spring Under you are looking at a set of Calmini springs.  While they work great and make your rig nice and stable they will ride a bit rough.  There really isn't many ways you can get around the rough ride without some serious suspension work, the short wheelbase and need to lift for tire clearance is a recipe for problems.

If your willing to do some fender trimming you can fit the bigger tires with less lift.  I ran 33"x12.5 with a 5" SPOA, it did require the rear fenders to be cut out.  With the front fenders trimmed I have room for 35" tires without rubbing and the front end is slid forward 2" for a softer ride.

tuxbaby has a nice build for comfort and ride.  A 1.6l engine for more power and the shackle reverse, which gives you 2" of lift, and 30" tires which is more then enough clearance for 90% of the trails you will run into.

I hate to say it, but as a DD my Tracker is still a better choice then my SJ.  Just for the extra room inside and more base power.  While a Sammy can be made pretty nice it will never be a sports car with 33" tires.  :)
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on January 22, 2011, 06:12:35 AM
I hear ya about the power side of these little guys, but I stepped off in it now I have to finish it.

Ok so lets try to say it this way. I am going to get the SPOA kit using the YJ style and RUF and shackles not M/L's, however I may run some M/L's in the back? not sure yet.

If I run shackles and with the style of lift I am wanting to do what are the different sizes I need to make the sammy stance level?

And I will also be using OTT stearring.

I am going to run 33x12.5 tires.

Then I will change out the T case.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on January 26, 2011, 06:01:18 PM
Are you going to use YJ springs or just a straight RUF?

You might want to look into running some CJ springs in the rear, that will help soften things up.  You could skip the folding shackles and just move your front shackle mounting point forward a couple of inches.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: wooky on January 27, 2011, 05:52:33 AM
Drone, I am still undecided? I am also undecided on SPUA or SPOA? I really wished I knew someone in my neck of the woods to see/drive a few different lifts? Need to find out more.
Title: Re: New 87 Samurai
Post by: Drone637 on January 27, 2011, 11:34:45 PM
There is no way to go wrong with these rigs, it's part of the fun.   If it was a dd I would really look at some OME springs and 30" tires.  But if you want 31" tires I think SPOA is the way to go.  Just leave the anti-roll bar on and you will be fine for stability.  :)