ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: 144man on April 13, 2011, 03:06:37 PM
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I know it's sacreligious, but has anyone ever converted a Sammy to full-time 2WD? I'm thinking lose the front axle and t-case with all the associated weight and rolling resistance. And with a stock 1.3, you'ld have a pretty economical daily driver, with the option to take the top off when the weather's nice. All I would need is a beam front axle, maybe off a mail jeep, and maybe even a higher rear end for better milage.
Don't fret. I have no such plans for my new-to-me bone stock '87 Sammy with only 61K on the clock.
I'm just thinking.
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WHY convert it, when you can simply trade/sell it for a 2wd model? LESS work, and they allready exist.
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I agree with T-Rex.... why go through that exercise to build something that will be worth less in value? Just my $.02.....
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I know it's sacreligious, but has anyone ever converted a Sammy to full-time 2WD? I'm thinking lose the front axle and t-case with all the associated weight and rolling resistance. And with a stock 1.3, you'ld have a pretty economical daily driver, with the option to take the top off when the weather's nice. All I would need is a beam front axle, maybe off a mail jeep, and maybe even a higher rear end for better milage.
Don't fret. I have no such plans for my new-to-me bone stock '87 Sammy with only 61K on the clock.
I'm just thinking.
Do you know they made 2wd model Samurai? It has a solid tube axle up front with no diff and a 'dummy' t-case with no front output... So, you could collect those pieces and bolt your 2wd together. I'm not sure you'd get better mileage as it's the aero package that's a problem with the Samurai, not the weight.
Good luck with what ever you decide.
-Eric
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LOL Ya, the aerodynamics of a Toaster :laugh:
Wild
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I would bet the MPG gains would be little to none. I think I would just buy a car. (swift maybe)? ;)
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take your front d/s off...
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Actually, I would like to build something like this from my one of my many parts Samurais. Not for economics, but for a cool street cruiser-a safer motorcycle.
Last year I picked up a 2wd Samurai beam axle. It is actually offset to lower the front end about 1/2". I was thinking of lowering the Samurai even more by "frenching" in the spring mounts though.
For the engine and transmission, I would use a 1.6 and 1.6 manual tranny. I would also convert the rear end to a trackick rear end so that the pumkin is centered. Might even swap over the trackick rear coil suspension over too. I've also considered swapping in a RX7 Rotary, but it really doesn't make that much power (the carbed versions) over the 1.6 Suzuki engine which is bolt-in.
Of course, I would ditch the doors, targa bar etc, and might even go without a windshield (front cage though). It would be kind of like a lowered VW Thing or WWII era Kubelwagon. I would paint it gray or dark green and put a big red dot on the hood-a Suzuki Zero! Of course, I would drive it around with a leather flight cap, googles, and jacket. :laugh:
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Actually, I would like to build something like this from my one of my many parts Samurais. Not for economics, but for a cool street cruiser-a safer motorcycle.
Last year I picked up a 2wd Samurai beam axle. It is actually offset to lower the front end about 1/2". I was thinking of lowering the Samurai even more by "frenching" in the spring mounts though.
For the engine and transmission, I would use a 1.6 and 1.6 manual tranny. I would also convert the rear end to a trackick rear end so that the pumkin is centered. Might even swap over the trackick rear coil suspension over too. I've also considered swapping in a RX7 Rotary, but it really doesn't make that much power (the carbed versions) over the 1.6 Suzuki engine which is bolt-in.
Of course, I would ditch the doors, targa bar etc, and might even go without a windshield (front cage though). It would be kind of like a lowered VW Thing or WWII era Kubelwagon. I would paint it gray or dark green and put a big red dot on the hood-a Suzuki Zero! Of course, I would drive it around with a leather flight cap, googles, and jacket. :laugh:
this would be a good place for a vw diesel. 40+ mpg maybe?
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Actually, I would like to build something like this from my one of my many parts Samurais. Not for economics, but for a cool street cruiser-a safer motorcycle.
Last year I picked up a 2wd Samurai beam axle. It is actually offset to lower the front end about 1/2". I was thinking of lowering the Samurai even more by "frenching" in the spring mounts though.
For the engine and transmission, I would use a 1.6 and 1.6 manual tranny. I would also convert the rear end to a trackick rear end so that the pumkin is centered. Might even swap over the trackick rear coil suspension over too. I've also considered swapping in a RX7 Rotary, but it really doesn't make that much power (the carbed versions) over the 1.6 Suzuki engine which is bolt-in.
Of course, I would ditch the doors, targa bar etc, and might even go without a windshield (front cage though). It would be kind of like a lowered VW Thing or WWII era Kubelwagon. I would paint it gray or dark green and put a big red dot on the hood-a Suzuki Zero! Of course, I would drive it around with a leather flight cap, googles, and jacket. :laugh:
this would be a good place for a vw diesel. 40+ mpg maybe?
There you go sucking all the fun out of a nice ride.
:)
-Eric
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this would be a good place for a vw diesel. 40+ mpg maybe?
In that case why not just swap the diesel? I thought they were capable of that kinda mileage in a stock samurai without cnberting to 2wd or any weight-loss
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this would be a good place for a vw diesel. 40+ mpg maybe?
In that case why not just swap the diesel? I thought they were capable of that kinda mileage in a stock samurai without cnberting to 2wd or any weight-loss
Yeah, but the driving experience is boooring... I "think" one of the goals here is to have a fun summer time kick around.
-Eric
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Yes, I'm with Eric. I would like it to be quick with 0-60 under 10 secs. That's probably doable with the 1600 8-valve and will be easily accomplished with the 16 valve. 8) It will still get 25+mpg too, especially if the rig weighs less than 2000lbs.
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Sad, ain't it, when you consider 0-60 in under 10 seconds to be quick. ::) If you want fun and still keep it Suzi powered, go with a 1.8 or 2.0 swap. Unless you are a glutton for punishment, that is ( Brdhntr and friends ) then go with a 2.7 V6 swap.
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A 2.7 in a 2wd street sammy would be pretty damn cool. Hmmmm, maybe a rat rod style lj with a 2.7 kind of like this...
(http://2475-streetlegaltv.voxcdn.com/files/2010/09/IMG_0749.jpg)
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By the time you get the thing stripped and converted, you will have spent any savings you would have realized in lighter weight economy, if there were any gains to begin with. Besides that, your ride quality is going to go from crappy, to crappier. BUT, if you strip it enough it will be a bit peppier, it'll just ride like a wheel barrow.
That chopped Jeep is cool 8)
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That chopped Jeep is cool 8)
x2!!! damn!
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I wouldn't go too extreme-just 2" lower than stock. I think that could be accomplished fairly easy by modifying the spring hangers and bump stops. Maybe notch the frame for axle up travel. Might even go with some 14" wheels up front if they clear the rotors.
I already have a couple of stripped frames, several samurai parts vehicles and lots of sidekick drivetrain/suspension parts. I have all the parts I need.
I also have a small shop with a oxy-acetl torch, mig welders etc. I have all the tools required too.
What I don't have is the time. :(
As far as speed, 0-60 in 10 seconds is as about as fast as I want to go in a Samurai. Especially without doors and a windshield. You'll seem to going much faster than you actually are.
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If the FWH are meant to save mpg then a 2wd conversion should have a noticable effect. I'm doing up my 413 pickup into a street vehicle wirh a 1.6 16V baleno/Esteem engine. The 2wd wasn't sold here but I might see if I can convert it, its not going off-road so 4wd isn't needed.
If you go ahead then please post pics.
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Actually, the more I think of it, the more I like the idea. After seeing that Jeep slammed and chopped It looks like big ( or little! ) FUN! 8) Seeing's you have everything you need I say get busy and GET PICS up here!
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Actually, the more I think of it, the more I like the idea. After seeing that Jeep slammed and chopped It looks like big ( or little! ) FUN! 8) Seeing's you have everything you need I say get busy and GET PICS up here!
X2. I never thought I would say it but that's a bad a$$ jeep. Do IT!!!!!!!
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I once parted a LOWERED Sami...
My tip: If you use lowering blocks, DO NOT use aluminum ones! They tend to disintegrate....
Also, imitation zebra-skin seatcovers look pretty festive.
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Well, I certainly didn't mean to start a shirt-storm with my idle thoughts.
But on further consideration, IF, (and that's a really big IF) i were to go dedicated 2WD, I think I'd most likely lose the rear axle and go full time front-wheel drive, with a beam axle at the back. If I ever wanted to sell it, it would make an ideal tow-behind for the RV crowd. Just lock out the hubs and flat-tow it.
I've enjoyed reading all the responses. This is my first Sammy, and I really plan on just keeping it stock and running as long as I can.
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LOL... your an "Outside The Box" kinda thinker aren't cha.... I still think it would be easier For You to just buy a 2wd or drive the 4wd. I only say that because you say "you don't have time."
If you don't have time it would be pointless to start something that you might not finish. For now if you wanna make it 2wd just lock out the hubs maybe drop the front driveshaft and make sure the gear selector is in 2wd.
Otherwise the poor thing might end up joining the several Samurai parts vehicles. Heck it might be as easy to create a 2wd outta one of them if you have one that is not too far gone.
Build it with your front wheel drive thought and maybe Rod Style like the earlier pic. ;D
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A 2.7 in a 2wd street sammy would be pretty damn cool. Hmmmm, maybe a rat rod style lj with a 2.7 kind of like this...
([url]http://2475-streetlegaltv.voxcdn.com/files/2010/09/IMG_0749.jpg[/url])
that thing is kinda badass!! i have always wanted to slam a 2wd sammy on some 18's, but im a weirdo like that!
Greg: you spend way to much time surfing to find shit like this... and what are you doing jeep searches for anyway????