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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: hukah_B on December 20, 2018, 12:31:12 PM

Title: New here, Old question, Gearing????
Post by: hukah_B on December 20, 2018, 12:31:12 PM
Im a complete noob to this.  Tried another forum.  No one seemed to offer recommendations.  I know my questions are subjective.... so give me your subjective answers.

Picked up a free stock 87 Samurai soft top. Brother in law's family said it was going to the scrap yard and if I got it running... it was free. Aired the tires, new gas, cleaned the carb (weber) and plugs.  Runs great.  Since it was free and I needed a new hobby.... ordered the TT complete YJ missing link SPOA front and rear.  Want to have a cabin rig and be trail/ rock capable for AZ. My friends have a mish-mosh of Jeeps. Already have (4) 5-pack YJ springs.  Planning on all the armor, reinforcements, R&P, TC, lockers. Not going to yota axles.  Retrofitting electric power steering. Don't want to cut the body.

What tires size should I use (31x10.5"/ 32"x11.5/ 33"x12.5).  2.5 bs, 15x8" steel rims ordered as well. 33" tire is recommended and I'm not opposed to 33", but don't see the benefit of the heavier tire on samurai axles.  I don't plan on beating the tar out of my rig. >:D >:D :angel: :angel: >:D >:D :angel: :angel:

What gears, R&P and TC, with recommended tire? Will it still be highway capable?
Title: Re: New here, Old question, Gearing????
Post by: mbloves87 on December 22, 2018, 10:13:15 AM
 I have an 87 that I have modified over the years I am done with the suspension I have old man emu Rear constant heavy load springs on all four corners with a rocky road  rear up front kit and I’m running 31 1050 tires and have 4.16 trail tough transfer case gears  it is a great package drives down the highway great.  Had a custom set Of Deustech shocks biult for it .PS it is stil sprung under.  If you put 33’s on it you need to put at least 4.9 transfer case gears I would say.
Title: Re: New here, Old question, Gearing????
Post by: Phase change on January 08, 2019, 08:14:40 AM
With the size and power of a Sammy I’d stay smaller on tires.   33” is huge on such a rig, 31’s are even large.  I’d do 31’s first and see if it still goes down the road.  If you don’t ever want to see pavement then make your own guesses but a good set of 31’s will get you just as far down the trail as 33s especially in AZ.  Deep rutted mud is about the only place bigger diameter matters, and in Oregon 33’s are still not that big for ruts so might as well keep them smaller and save your driveline, engine, and wallet. 
Title: Re: New here, Old question, Gearing????
Post by: Dubdubshaw on February 12, 2019, 05:07:26 PM
I have an 88 with the 1.3 liter. Mine is not a daily driver except during deer season. Very mountainous in my area, creek crossings, rocky inclines, etc.  I run 33x10.50 at the moment, but am looking at 33x15.50 or 35x10.50 for next year. Mine has 5.38 gears, factory transfer case ratio, and a locker in the front. Currently runs 5000 rpms at 55 mph. If I had it to do over again i’d leave the factory gears in the front and rear, change the transfer case gear to a lower range and just run the 33s.
Title: Re: New here, Old question, Gearing????
Post by: hukah_B on March 04, 2019, 12:08:12 PM
Thanks all.  It's drivable now.   Not much for highway with a top speed of 60 on the stock 1.3.  Getting ready to drop the 1.6 8V TBI in soon.