RAPID CITY, SD - Jeff is probably best know in Suzuki enthusiast circles as the man who brought us all the glory of a themed built Suzuki Samurai based on the General Lee from the hit TV Show "The Dukes of Hazzard". The Samurai project was a quality build and even has small features relating to the original car that bespoke of his attention to detail and sense of humor. Several years have passed since Jeff had let that Samurai go. Finally enough time had passed to where the itch to build again could not be contained but what to do next? Below is account of the build that Jeff did with help from friends and family, and with a heart-felt nod to his uncle Rick that made this build happen, In Jeff's words we begin the journey...

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_060112/feature_custom-suzuki-4x4-sidekick-the-bandit.htm

Discuss!

awesome build! I am secretly jealous, smokey and the bandit is my favorite movie!

Holy crap that is cool!

Thank You for a AWESOME Suzuki Website!

I could not have come up with some of those ideas on my own.

I appreciate the knowledge and friendship from Zukiworld!

Thank You!



Vids: http://www.youtube.com/user/zuksofhazzard?feature=guide

Pics: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/582877854zRPNqn

Finally, I got to read the entire thing.  AWESOME!  Think you can post up couple pics of the front?  Im really curious about the Maxima V6 cv joints.  It looks like its if you just bolt them on?  No modifications?

Again, Awesome!

Finally, I got to read the entire thing.  AWESOME!  Think you can post up couple pics of the front?  Im really curious about the Maxima V6 cv joints.  It looks like its if you just bolt them on?  No modifications?

Again, Awesome!

There's a tech article on those shafts in the Travel & How To Archive... Look for articles from Mike Hagen. I'm pretty sure we did a write up about 10 years ago or so on that. Should still be there.

-Eric

There was an article that mentioned maxima CV, but mike said its too complicated.  Toyota and ford shafts were the way to go.  I didnt know this were the exact same thing.  I just thought Jeff did his where it were simplier than Toyota.

there used to be a decent adapter kit out there for sale from 37 kicker.. to put the toyota CVs in place of the sidekicks ones.. I drew up parts in CAD to do it but he had em done so no real point in me makin them when he had them done.. I got a guy here at work that can make them if anyone wants a set if 37kicker isn't still makin them.. does anyone know if he is?

but still 39s on maxima shafts  or yota IFS shafts is pushing it.. the auto helps alot in making parts last.

I noticed in the bandit videos on youtube that the rear end looks like it wants to drive under the rig on the waterfall on upper helldorado.. did you have the limit straps on at that point?

nice wheel stand by the way.. 

I noticed in the bandit videos on youtube that the rear end looks like it wants to drive under the rig on the waterfall on upper helldorado.. did you have the limit straps on at that point?

nice wheel stand by the way.. 

Yes, I have limiting straps. They keep the shocks from overextending. I had no idea the rear was going to walk under like that. I know that held me back at times, looking back. It was done and first driven less than a week before we left. I had no trial and error time.

I should have put a ratchet strap or something on it. Kinda like the reverse that the straight axle front guys do, to pull the suspension down with the winch/strap.

I assure you, it will be addressed before I really get after it again.

The Thunderchicken decal ROCKS!!! Gotta love a small truck with a big attitude!

there used to be a decent adapter kit out there for sale from 37 kicker.. to put the toyota CVs in place of the sidekicks ones.. I drew up parts in CAD to do it but he had em done so no real point in me makin them when he had them done.. I got a guy here at work that can make them if anyone wants a set if 37kicker isn't still makin them.. does anyone know if he is?

but still 39s on maxima shafts  or yota IFS shafts is pushing it.. the auto helps alot in making parts last.

I noticed in the bandit videos on youtube that the rear end looks like it wants to drive under the rig on the waterfall on upper helldorado.. did you have the limit straps on at that point?

nice wheel stand by the way.. 

On my old tracker, I used toyota IFS cv.  But I had a friend make me adapters and used some different parts.  But When Jeff posted Nissan Maxima, I thought he mustve found a way around it.  But now I know its probably is same as what Mike Hagen did to his.  ITs all good! 

But When Jeff posted Nissan Maxima, I thought he mustve found a way around it.  But now I know its probably is same as what Mike Hagen did to his.  ITs all good! 

Yeah, I would say it's what Mike had done.

I actually bought the 9" rear, Calmini Anvil and CV's from Zukipilot when he built a new rig. I can't really take any credit for anything on that. These are some of the parts that I've picked up over the years, still with no failure or repairs. So basically, Zig, you could still be running these parts! 

THink you can post some pics at the knuckles?  did the knuckles require some clearances?   It looked like you're using Warn hubs.... 27 splines? or 26???

To use toyota IFS cv, I had the knuckles machined... more of a clearing, and used couple toyota parts off instead of making HUB spacer......  Made couple small adapters to adapt the inner axles to the CV.... 

Awesome rig and kick a$$ video... Way to break her in right.....   

Bad ass