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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: dsumers on July 31, 2005, 11:35:32 PM

Title: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: dsumers on July 31, 2005, 11:35:32 PM
I'm looking to stretch my samurai's wheel base as I do a lot of extreme hill climbs.  I can't seem to find any information.  Please post pictures and or articles showing extension.    Would also like to know if there is any business that sells long wheelbase sheetmetal.
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: ack on August 01, 2005, 06:15:19 AM
There have been some discussion threads on the Offroad.com Geo forum (http://bbs.off-road.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/offroadsuzuki).

Although LWB Samurais (SJ-413s) DO EXIST, they were never imported to the United States.  There was a very clean example at the 2005 ZookiMelt event at the Badlands ORV park in Attica, IN this July.

You have to import the body or order parts from Asia, or Europe.  You might get extremely lucky and find something decent in Canada but it would be an extremely long shot.

Nobody makes a tub for the Samurai and about the only sheetmetal that you can get from a auto body supply store are front clip items.

Finally, the best source for parts/information  in your quest would be www.hawksuzukiparts.com (http://www.hawksuzukiparts.com).


Good luck!
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: wildgoody on August 01, 2005, 07:50:37 AM
I don't know if you have the Sammy yet, but
take a look at project RockStar, the finished
results are on this months cover of ZW Online
main page.

I know there is a lot of cutting on RockStar, but
you wouldn't have to go that extreem, and the
buildup does a basic outline of what was done,
as well as the parts used.

I guess by your post you have all the tools and
knowhow to do a long wheelbase stretch, like
welders, torch, saws etc.

Good Luck
Wild

Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: mrfuelish on August 01, 2005, 05:36:35 PM
Just find a couple of extra doors for the sheetmetal for your extension body panel, some 2x4 tubing,cut the tub in half be hind the door, add about 11 inches or so of the 2x4 and the door panel sheetmetal,if you have another tub laying around you can cut it up for the floor section that you will need,get your drive shaft lenthend. just cut your rig in half that will be a good motivator to getur done.  ;D
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: bandit86 on August 01, 2005, 06:46:15 PM
cut and extend the frame and make it into a flat bed.  you'll have less weight in the back, hence better for hill climbing
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: ROSS on August 01, 2005, 07:17:28 PM
JUST DID ONE LAST WINTER. ADDED 16 INCHES. ANOTHER TARGA SO TWO PIECE TOP STILL WORKS.   SHEET METAL BETWEEN THE TARGAS ALSO ADDED SMALL WINDOW TO HELP WITH BLIND SPOT GO TO THE MOAB 05 ARTICLE THE ONE WITH STANS YELLOW KICK YOULL FIND A GOOD PIC.


ROSS
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: ack on August 01, 2005, 07:50:39 PM
GO TO THE MOAB 05 ARTICLE THE ONE WITH STANS YELLOW KICK YOULL FIND A GOOD PIC.
-- ROSS

That is an excellent piece of work, Ross!  When you can't get a LWB, you MAKE it!  :o

Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: ROSS on August 01, 2005, 08:23:17 PM
20 HRS THEN OFF TO PAINT

ROSS
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: dsumers on August 01, 2005, 09:17:46 PM
Yes, I have all the equipment neccesarry for project, I do lots of fabrication for several people, I also built at  several custom roll cages last year.  The truck setup looks cool and would be way easier, however I do have to drive on logging roads between trails and figured I would get a ticket without having fenders.  I would like to be between 92 and 96 inches when finished.  I have several samurai's I could use for sheetmetal extensions.  Was hoping to see some pictures of how others have done this to give me good ideas to expand on.
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: ack on August 02, 2005, 05:56:09 AM
Was hoping to see some pictures of how others have done this to give me good ideas to expand on.


(http://zukiworld.com/month_050105/images/moab_zukfari/dsc02363.jpg)

Here is a site with several pics of a real LWB:

http://www.davesport.com/cgi-bin/davesport/tbcage.html

...and an Australian site devoted to LWBs:

http://www.geocities.com/sezook/

Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: Ian on August 04, 2005, 10:23:18 AM
Here is my LWB I just finished restoring the body on.  As already stated it is very hard to find a clean one.  I replaced most of the tub sheetmetal with new factory panels that were brought in from Japan.  You are likely better off just stretching a short one by adding in metal in front of the rear tires.  The factory LWBs have quite a bit of rear overhang.   I have seen some nice stretched ones by OKIE ZUK over on Pirate.   

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/dredden/2005-07-24020.jpg)
Title: Re: Wanting to stretch Samurai to a long wheel base Cant find any info
Post by: mth712 on August 04, 2005, 11:26:49 AM
Man - that is nice !!!