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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: andyt87 on September 17, 2005, 05:31:13 AM

Title: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: andyt87 on September 17, 2005, 05:31:13 AM

hey, those of you who have read my other threads will know that i have a 1988 Sj413qjx, and a 1992 samurai sport.... 

the 413 has a knackered transfer box an skinny axles, i was wondering which job would be easier... swapping the axles, transfer box an driveshafts or.... swapping the bodies over...

both chassis are in perfext nic...

the samurai has a rubbish body on it though, so i am using her for spares....

once again, any help welcome....

Andy

Title: Re: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: Memphis on September 17, 2005, 05:41:30 AM

I haven't done it myself but in the end I believe that the body swap would be much easier IMHO. If you think about it, you will have to unbolt the axles blah blah and have numerous parts to swap over, with the body it will just be one piece more or less. You could take off all the doors and windshield to save some weight and have you and 3 other buddies drop it onto the other frame.

Title: Re: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: andyt87 on September 17, 2005, 05:46:04 AM

cool!!! just what i wanted to hear!!  ;D  ;D  ;D

so, to undo the body, is it just a case of four bolts (i think theres only 4, where body lift spacers would go) an then all the connections for dash board dials??  cos ive had a good hard look at it, and thats all i can think of.... just want to make sure theres no hidden suprises once ive taken everything off.

Title: Re: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: Memphis on September 17, 2005, 05:55:39 AM

I have done a body lift with my friends Jimmy (3")and things that we had to watch for were: Brake Lines, all wires / harnesses (we unbolted some from the firewall), battery cables. These items should or likely will have to be disconnected and then hopefully the wires and cables from the other sammy can be bolted onto the other body. Check for compatibility issues first though.

Title: Re: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: sj416 nz on September 17, 2005, 06:05:05 AM

if you put the wide axels on the narrow body you will get more wheel travel due to the leaf springs being closer to getter  (more leverage).  but you may need to re do the spring pads.   

Title: Re: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: explosivo on September 17, 2005, 08:58:08 AM

If the Sammy is EFI and the 413 is carbed, I would do the axle/tcase swap, personally.

Wiring is always a headache.

Title: Re: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: andyt87 on September 17, 2005, 09:51:40 AM

there both carberutter engines so there shouldn't be any problems there...

ive bin thinkin of the parts that would need swapping an so far ive come up with;

throttle, petrol tank, speedo/rev counter, hand  brake, radiator.  these are the items i think i will get slightly confused about when i have a go at this job... are these all straight forward  tasks? not to sure.....

Andy

Title: Re: body swapping... or axle swapping? what would be easier?
Post by: Gary_Hill on September 18, 2005, 01:10:52 AM

Andy I would swap the axles and tcase myself. If you have never pulled them before, you need practice any way. Less technical in my opinion. Pulling elect connections always breaks something. Pulling the axles and tcase involve skill/knowledge you need on the trail. Maybe a good time for some upgrades while you are swapping parts. I would like to see the finish. Willing to help with any problems you run into...Gary