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1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410

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Offline ibi

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1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« on: July 06, 2008, 09:28:24 AM »
I'm thinking of buying a 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410...I want to join to Sami world as I am moving to the depths of New Mexico way back on dirt roads...yay...I have been told this Sami is for off road onl;y and not good on the Highway, low speed. low gearing etc.
 I'm trying to make up my mind between the 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410 and a 1991 Samurai...anybody want to give me advice???

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Offline ack

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Re: 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2008, 09:54:34 AM »
410:

Cool factor!
Driveshaft e-brake for better holding power on terrain.
Lower stock gearing.
Harder to get parts.
Less aftermarket stuff for it.
You say that this one is for offroad use only. Title screwed up?  This kinda limits it's useage no matter what you do to it.
Can be upgraded to a Samurai engine/transmission without too much fabbing.
An engine-only upgrade is not as easy - rumor has it that the transmission has the same bellhousing pattern as the 3-cylinder Metro though.

413(Samurai)

Easier to get parts.
Roadable if the title isn't screwed up.
Bigger engine.
TBI = better fuel economy.
More aftermarket stuff for it.
Bigger engine (and a 1.6 swap is not hard to do).

Practically speaking, I'd go for the 91 Samurai if it isn't all rusted out and runs decently.

If you are never planning on driving the 410 anywhere on-road and are willing to put up with the parts problems, I'd go with it.  You can always find a 3-cylinder Metro motor if the 4-cylinder gives up the ghost.  3-cylinders are plentiful in the salvage yards and engine parts are easier to buy!  There's always Hawks Strictly Suzuki (888 SAMURAI) for other parts.  Tell them Ack sent you.
Ack

'88 Samurai, '88.5 Samurai TT, '11 Ford Transit Connect XLT
Ack's FAQ  http://www.acksfaq.com

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Offline Drone637

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Re: 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2008, 04:10:10 PM »
I have an SJ-410, love it.  It goes anywhere, the engine is bullet proof and runs without a care.  The side draft carb means it doesn't stall out on hills like a traditional setup.

However, I have replaced the rest of the drive train over to Sammy equipment in order to install parts in it.  If you swap in Samurai axles you need to re-weld all the spring pads as your springs are 3" closer together.  I max out around 45-50 mph and have troubles going up steep hills in anything higher then 2nd gear.  If I was starting over, I would buy a Sammy.  I would go with the 410 if you plan on keeping it stock or if you are planning on replacing the drive train anyway.  Otherwise go with the 91.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2008, 04:58:56 AM »
Cool factor!
Driveshaft e-brake for better holding power on terrain.

The tramnsmission ebrake isn't all that good. Unless you're locked in the rear then it effectively only works on one wheel. In some countries a rear locker was a legal requirement becuase of this.
Sammy has more power and more clearance under the frame, early 410 frames were curved down more.
2000 Vitara 1.6, 3+3 Lift, 33"MTs, 5:83s, LWB brakes, Winch, Snorkel, Safari Rack
1986 SJ413K PickUp, 1.6L conversion.

OBD1 - Full diagnostics on a PC/Laptop: http://www.rhinopower.org

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Offline Drone637

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Re: 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2008, 11:53:16 AM »
I never really thought about the issue with a Drive-Line E-Brake and not having a locker in the rear.  Mine has been spooled from the start so it hasn't been an issue.  The 84 should have a straight frame, as my frame looks exactly like a Sammy from underneath.  The only issue with clearance is the transfer case hangs just below the frame.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2008, 04:53:39 AM »
The 84 should have a straight frame, as my frame looks exactly like a Sammy from underneath. 

Interesting, mine is an 84 also but is an inch or two lower in the centre. Maybe a Japanese/Spanish thing.
2000 Vitara 1.6, 3+3 Lift, 33"MTs, 5:83s, LWB brakes, Winch, Snorkel, Safari Rack
1986 SJ413K PickUp, 1.6L conversion.

OBD1 - Full diagnostics on a PC/Laptop: http://www.rhinopower.org

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Offline Drone637

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Re: 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2008, 11:58:52 AM »
Interesting, mine is an 84 also but is an inch or two lower in the centre. Maybe a Japanese/Spanish thing.

Might be.  Santana did some weird things when they where building their Zukis.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline Jeremiah

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Re: 1984 Suzuki Samurai SJ410
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2008, 11:41:29 PM »
Cool factor!
Driveshaft e-brake for better holding power on terrain.

The tramnsmission ebrake isn't all that good. Unless you're locked in the rear then it effectively only works on one wheel. In some countries a rear locker was a legal requirement becuase of this.
Sammy has more power and more clearance under the frame, early 410 frames were curved down more.

But, if you do 4 wheel disc break conversion - you'll have an e-brake  8)

I've got an SJ410 body on SJ413 frame. Best of both worlds.
'96 4 door kick: 29" Pep-Boys M/T, 1.5" OME
'83 SJ410: 31" Toyo M/T, SPOA, 1.3L
'08 Yamaha FZ6