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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: PWSX3 on March 13, 2005, 02:05:14 AM
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Hello everyone,
Just want to say HI :)
We just got a stock 1987 Sami and hope to fix it up for my 15 year old's first vehicle. The motor is in pieces so the first thing will be a 1.6 swap.
Also going to do a SOA lift so I would like suggestions on the best way is to do this??????????
Need to make it safe for the 15 year old so we have plans for sliders, roll cage, etc.
Right now we wheel with a 1994 Ford Explorer and it does well since we have 3-5 people in it when we go wheeling, but would like to make the Sami a daily driver for the boy yet be able to go wheeling on the weekends.
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Well, for now I wouldn't suggest liftingn it yet.
Give the Lil guy a chance to learn to drive first.
BTW: Welcome aboard PWSX3 ;D
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He has been driving for 2 years off road, but this will be his first stick shift. I look at it this way he needs to know how to drive any kind of vehicle before getting his licience which will be in 2 years because of our laws. This summer he is going to spend time with his cousins and there is a chance he will be driving big trucks in the fields for them but they are automatics.
Still want to put the lift in because his mom wants to l wheel this summer when the girls go out.
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make sure you buy a qualitiy(sp?) roll cage.  Samurais do roll over easyer than a full sized rig.  Make sure to buy pading and grab handles too.
as for a SPOA lift, take you pick, there are 15 or more choices but a few are better then others.  i have never bought a SPOA lift so i will let some one else tell you which one to buy.
when you put bigger tires on you will need to regear the trucklet.  You could do this two ways:
1) The easy way.  T-case gears, sammys have a high range reduction
2) The hard way.  Axle gears,  you can change the ring and pinion.  This might be good it you plan to install lockers.
stu
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Yes I have heard about the rolling over part but hopefully we won't have to worry about that. (fingures crossed)
Here is a little better picture of it, as you can see it has a little rust under the doors. The windshield frame also has rust but I found one in better shape I'm going to use.
I do have a question on the sliders do most people connect them to the frame or just to the body? Looks like you could do it either way on this thang.
As for the gears, is that why most people seem to go to a Toyota axle because it is stronger? For now I am going to use the stock axles because of money or lack of it.
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620picture_by_the_house-med.JPG)
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Yes I have heard about the rolling over part  but hopefully we won't have to worry about that. (fingures crossed)
Here is a little better picture of it, as you can see it has a little rust under the doors. The windshield frame also has rust but I found one in better shape I'm going to use.
I do have a question on the sliders do most people connect them to the frame or just to the body? Looks like you could do it either way on this thang.
As for the gears, is that why most people seem to go to a Toyota axle because it is stronger? For now I am going to use the stock axles because of money or lack of it.
([url]http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620picture_by_the_house-med.JPG[/url])
for slider, connect them to the frame, same with the roll cage
and for axles, there are many reasones for yota axles, one is that they come with 4.10 gears(and other ratios) which is lower than the sammy 3.73(i think) also people use them for strenght. they are stronger than a sammy axle. anything over a 33in tire i would recommend yota axles.
stu
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make sure you buy a qualitiy(sp?) roll cage.  Samurais do roll over easyer than a full sized rig.  Make sure to buy pading and grab handles too.
as for a SPOA lift, take you pick, there are 15 or more choices but a few are better then others.  i have never bought a SPOA lift so i will let some one else tell you which one to buy.
when you put bigger tires on you will need to regear the trucklet.  You could do this two ways:
1) The easy way.  T-case gears, sammys have a high range reduction
2) The hard way.  Axle gears,  you can change the ring and pinion.  This might be good it you plan to install lockers.
stu
they don't roll as easy as people think.i've had mine 10 years,and it's been on it's side twice. :oand that's because my wheeling has gottin more aggresive.
just remind your young one that it 's not a race car,they are made to go just not fast.
hope you enjoy your sami as much as i have. ;D
oscar
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 they don't roll as easy as people think.i've had mine 10 years,and it's been on it's side twice. :oand that's because my wheeling has gottin more aggresive.
  just remind your young one that it 's  not a race car,they are made to go just not fast.
    hope you enjoy your sami as much as i have. ;D
        oscar
yea i tryed not to say "they tip over easy" but its kinda hard. just when compared to a full sized rig i KNOW that they roll over easier.
stu
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Well since we haven't found a donor vehicle for the engine swap we decided to start on the body work. Today we took off the tire rack bracket off the tailgate and welded in the holes. Figure that rack won't hold up to a 31" tire. There was also a dent so we got it pulled out and Grandpa will finish the rest this week.
The windshield frame was all rusted so we were able to find a good one so we sanded it and got it all ready for paint.
This will be Patrick's first paint job, he did really well with the sealer and color but I got scared when he put a run in the clear so I finished that for him. I'll let him practice a little more before trying the clear. He was really excited to be able to paint his own vehicle. Here is a sneak peak at the color he picked out. It should look pretty good when we get it finished.
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620IMG_0074.JPG)
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620IMG_0076.JPG)
Next week we will hopefully finish the tailgate and hopefully be able to paint the doors if we can get the hinges cut for making it easier to take them off.
I told Patrick he could pick any color he wanted as long as it wasn't dark blue, green, yellow, just like everyone else has on there Jeeps!!!! At least in a vehicle lineup you will know which one is his and hopefully he won't loose it in the parking lot.......... The color is more the darker part, the light from the camera made it look more yellow.
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just remind your young one that it 's  not a race car,they are made to go just not fast.
  ÂÂ
LOL, he'll know that the second he hits the gas pedal and experiences the 66hp (if they keep the 1.3)
Andrew
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LOL, he'll know that the second he hits the gas pedal and experiences the 66hp (if they keep the 1.3)
Andrew
We are already looking for a 1.6 since the motor in there now is no good so we won't know what it's like having the fine 1.3 power!!!!!! :D
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I like the avitar pic. Is that when you first brought 'er home? I wanted a "just got it home" pic of the LawDog but it was dark out and all I had was my flashless camera phone.
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I like the avitar pic. Is that when you first brought 'er home? I wanted a "just got it home" pic of the LawDog but it was dark out and all I had was my flashless camera phone.
Yes that is when we picked it up. It was the day after Thanksgiving and we were having a snow storm but it worked to our advantage because we didn't have a key so I could pull it around were I needed to. We had a key made now but no motor so it still hasn't moved without pushing help.
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Here is my son getting the doors painted. One more piece done while we are waiting for a donor motor.
Spidertrax doesn't have the door handles right now so it will be a few more days before they are back on the Sami. We are also putting new window trim in to keep it a little airtight, OK to keep the doors from rattling, don't think you can keep a soft top airtight!!! :D:D
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620Patrick_painting_doors.JPG)
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620Patrick_painting_doors_2.JPG)
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I just purchased and installed Sky Manufacturings Stage 2 SPOA kit. It came together very nice, and was well thought out IMO. Money well spent!
http://sky-manufacturing.com/
Jeff
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I just purchased and installed Sky Manufacturings Stage 2 SPOA kit. It came together very nice, and was well thought out IMO. Money well spent!
[url]http://sky-manufacturing.com/[/url]
Jeff
I checked out there web site but it doesn't show any lift or prices. How did there price compare to everyone else???
I am looking at Spidertrax lift just because it it local for me and I wouldn't have to pay freight.
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Another piece to the BIG puzzle!!!!!!!!!
We cut the front part off the hinge and put the first door back on. Still waiting for the new alum. door handles from Spidertrax and the rubber molding that goes in around the window. I had to order those from the dealer and they won't be in until next week but then the doors are finished. I am also doing the brackets for the mirrors to stay on the vehicle. The next thing we will work on is the front bumper, I have all the parts now so it's just a matter of cutting and welding them up.
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/503/2620first_door_back_on_Sami.JPG)
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On the left, towards the top of his website, you click on Suzuki, it will take you to the products that he makes for samurai's. The prices are there also. I bought from him for a couple reasons.
1. He is local to me.
2. My best friend does all his CAD work, and helped design most all his parts.
3. He has ALWAYS shown me respect. Keep in mind, I'm a Zuki newbie, with a million stupid questions, and he has always given me straight answers. No bs, no trying to sell me his stuff or stuff I don't need. I know I can call with a question, and he'll patiently give the answer to the best of his knowledge. Example: He talked me out of doing the YJ spring swap after talking with me, and finding out my situation.
He is a great vendor, and I plan on buying more from him as the need arises.
BTW, The Samurai looks like its coming along great! Wish my parents were as involved with me as you are your son when I was his age! My first rig was a 74 Opel Manta that was wrecked. Second a wrecked 74 bug (My graduation present).
Jeff
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Looks like your son is going to be a good painter if he keeps it up..Hummmmmmmm wonder if he would like to paint another? ;D
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Calmini has a catalog, a website, and a full line of quality parts for your Sami, there stuff is top of the line, and works well for all those interseted in a vehicle that works well, on and off the road.
661-398-9500
www.puresuzuki.com
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If you want to get some lift and a more comfortable ride, try the Calmini shackle reverse. I put this on my Sammy and it is stable and rides a lot smoother. Also, Get the extended shocks to go with the lift. Took about 4 hours to complete the whole project.
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If you want to get some lift and a more comfortable ride, try the Calmini shackle reverse. I put this on my Sammy and it is stable and rides a lot smoother. Also, Get the extended shocks to go with the lift. Took about 4 hours to complete the whole project.
I will have to go check it out, but I don't think that gives us enough lift for 31" tires, but I haven't looked that hard at them. I just figured the SPOA was the best way to go.
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you really need to try finding a way to test them both out. we did a calmini shackle reverse kit on my dads rig and we didnt like it, but you talk to other people who love it. Ithink it is all a matter of opinion. if you do the shackle rev I think you will still have to do something else(lift springs,long shackles)to make those 31's fit,a SPOA wil fit them right away.
my.02
jason
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Well we went and bid on a 95 Tracker and had planned on going as high as $600.00 for it. I figure that is a good price for a motor, but it went for $950.00 so we are still looking.
If we don't find something soon I might start looking for a diesal, they might be easier to get our hands on.
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I bought a sammi around a year ago for $200, needs engine. It was a 93 EFI model and the engine was seized and had major internal problems. I gave it to a friend of mine when I bought BionicOnion's Tracker. My friend then got a carb 1.3 engine from LawDog and is in the process of swapping it in with the EFI intake, distributor and ECM from the 93. Keep your eyes open in the garage sale forum, you never know when something good might pop up...
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My dad went to the auto auction today and picked up a Tracker for our donor motor. It's a 1990 2x4 with low miles if the speedometer is correct.
Hopefully I'll be able to sell some of the parts off the Tracker to help pay for the motor.
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620IMG_0147.JPG)
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620IMG_0146.JPG)
We also started working on the front bumper. Since we don't have plans to run a winch (unless someone would like to donate one for my son) we are going to build a cover over the middle to make it a place to store his tow strap and some small tools.
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620front_view_bumper.JPG)
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Thats gonna be a good looking bumper.
I would still make room for a winch and then enclose it for tools and stuff.
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Thats gonna be a good looking bumper.
I would still make room for a winch and then enclose it for tools and stuff.
There will be room for a winch if down the road he wants to instal one. We are just putting a back and lid that will lock on there for now but he can take that off if he ever wants to. I just don't think a winch if you never wheel by yourself, which I believe in. People with winch's use it more on people then themselves and the Sami isn't that big to be pulling people.
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You should be able to get a few bucks out of that 2 piece hardtop.  ;) I wish I was closer. I'd be interested in the rest of the tracker after you pull the engine.
You will be able to make that motor a carb if you want too.
I think '92 is an 8 valve. It is just like a 1.3, just a little taller.
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You will be able to make that motor a carb if you want too.
I think '92 is an 8 valve. It is just like a 1.3, just a little taller.
NO WAY, I will keep it a fuel injection. I hate carb's specially when you are wheeling.
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I don't blame you one bit. I was just saying you could if you wanted.
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NO WAY, I will keep it a fuel injection. I hate carb's specially when you are wheeling.
Been there, done that. Hated it.
I love FI for wheeling ;D
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(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620IMG_0147.JPG)[/img]
So does anyone know if these rims with 31" tires would fit on the Sami??? That would save us a little money by not having to buy rims right a way.
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I doubt those rims would be of use to you, they'll have way to much back spacing.
That hardtop tho should get $400-$600 so that looks like a good score. That should get some nice rims and tires :)
Does the tracker have PS? If so, you'll want that for the sami too.
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My dad was looking at his paperwork today and found out the Tracker is a 92 (if that matters) but now my dad & mom want to see if we can find a wreck that I can use the motor and they can use the transmission and fix the white Tracker up.
We finally got the front bumper finished, just need a lock for the tool box and get it Line-X'd and it will be ready. We also got the tailgate painted today so it will go on tomorrow.
And for anyone that wants to know, "NO I WON'T BUILD ANOTHERONE!!!!!" ;D I can't believe how much work and time this one took.
(http://www.explorerforum.com/data/2/2620bumper_made.JPG)
I think for the lift I'm going to piece it together with a couple different ones since I like the spring perch from one company and other parts from another. The lift will be next then we will start on the sliders and bodywork of the rockers unless we have a motor by then.
At least it's starting to look a little better.
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I can't believe how much work and time this one took.
Work? it's a hobby ... 40 hours a week is work.
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Well I ordered the Sky Manufacturing leaf perch's, extended brake lines, and driveshaft extensions. I could have gotten more stuff with the Spider trax kit but I like the leaf perch's and the rest was about the same price. I didn't buy the shock mounts hoping I can make my own or switch the mounts like someone said to do.
As for shocks I haven't decided but have time for that. As for the OTT steering I like the Breeze Industries but it is really pricing so I'm waiting on that.
If anyone has any information about the good or bad about the OTT systems I still have time before buying that.