I am looking at buying a 1992 2wd Samurai.  It is in excellent condition, has a mild lift, and 30" tires, but I really wanted 4wd.  But the price is right for the great condition it is in.  I read the article detailing converting a 1991 samurai to 4wd, and it seemed a very easy swap.  http://www.izook.com/tech/samurai/suspension/2wd_4wd/2wd4wd.htm
Are there any issues with doing this conversion on a 92 model as opposed to the 91 model with in the article.  If this conversion is as straightforward with the 1992 model, I think I will buy it.

Another issue that I am considering.  The vehicle will be primarily used as a daily driver for my job.  I am an agriculture appraiser.  My job requires driving a great deal off-road in some hairy situations and some of the roads I do drive on shouldn't pass for roads.  But I do drive on the highway to and from jobs.  So I need a vehicle that is highway friendly, good on gas, but also very off-road capable.  The samurai seems to fit the bill perfectly.  I am contemplating putting a powertrax lock right in the rear end for a better off-road capability, but how do these lockers perform on roads.  I don't want to spend the money for an air or electric locker.  Would the lock right work for highway use, or is there another better budget friendly option, or should I just leave it stock?
Thanks,
Scott

A 2wd Zuk just seems wrong!  I've driven though plenty of mud in my old Tracker and with just a set of mud terrain tires it did very well.  Start with tires and see if you really need the locker.

Sounds like an interesting job.  A lot more so than my desk job!

I am looking at buying a 1992 2wd Samurai.  It is in excellent condition, has a mild lift, and 30" tires, but I really wanted 4wd.  But the price is right for the great condition it is in.  I read the article detailing converting a 1991 samurai to 4wd, and it seemed a very easy swap.  http://www.izook.com/tech/samurai/suspension/2wd_4wd/2wd4wd.htm
Are there any issues with doing this conversion on a 92 model as opposed to the 91 model with in the article.  If this conversion is as straightforward with the 1992 model, I think I will buy it.

Another issue that I am considering.  The vehicle will be primarily used as a daily driver for my job.  I am an agriculture appraiser.  My job requires driving a great deal off-road in some hairy situations and some of the roads I do drive on shouldn't pass for roads.  But I do drive on the highway to and from jobs.  So I need a vehicle that is highway friendly, good on gas, but also very off-road capable.  The samurai seems to fit the bill perfectly.  I am contemplating putting a powertrax lock right in the rear end for a better off-road capability, but how do these lockers perform on roads.  I don't want to spend the money for an air or electric locker.  Would the lock right work for highway use, or is there another better budget friendly option, or should I just leave it stock?
Thanks,
Scott

Welcome to the group. Yes, it is very easy to convert a Samurai from 2 to 4 wd. You'll need a front axle assembly, a front driveline, and a t-case. You will be taking out the 2wd front end assembly and a 'dummy' t-case that the vehicle is equipped with.

For what you are describing as use, I'd recommend lockers front and rear, a 4:1 t-case gear set, and some quality shocks to help soften the leaf spring ride. The regular 'lunch box' locker by lockrite or detroit is an easy installation and will drive well on the road if they are set up correctly. Every once in a great while you'll get a loud bang and the rear end will shift suddenly but... these are rare, usually at gear changes, and are easy to get used to. I think I have that 'bang' only once or so a year in my smaller Samurai....

From our article Archive: http://www.zukiworld.com/month_020103/feature_gijane.htm

Is the smaller Samurai that I drive a lot... I mean a lot

Good luck and welcome,

-Eric