I'm currently looking into buying a samurai and turning it into a capable wheeler, but I have some questions about the frame and diesel conversion.

I've compared a jeep to the samurai, and the jeep weighs almost 1000 pounds more. Does the jeep gain this weight from frame strength? and has anyone ever had any problems with the frame warping or twisting on the samurai?

And about the diesel conversion. I've already read up about the kits acme adapters supplies and that a 1.6 TD puts out about twice the foot pounds of torque as the stock samurai motor. Will i have to put in new front and rear differentials to compensate for the new amount of torque? or will the stock ones still be able to take the abuse.

BTW I am a newb, so be easy on me . And anything else regarding jeep wrangler vs. samurai info would be greatly appreciated.

Nah, the Jeep weights more because it is probably 20-30% larger. 

Are you comparing it to a YJ or a TJ?

And about the diesel conversion. I've already read up about the kits acme adapters supplies and that a 1.6 TD puts out about twice the foot pounds of torque as the stock samurai motor. Will i have to put in new front and rear differentials to compensate for the new amount of torque? or will the stock ones still be able to take the abuse.

The factory diesels use the same size diffs but i believe that they are a higher ratio. You might want to look at fitting upgraded driveshafts.

Nah, the Jeep weights more because it is probably 20-30% larger. 

Are you comparing it to a YJ or a TJ?

I would be comparing it to a TJ. But I was a little concerned with the strength of the frame and if people have problems with it or if I would have to do a little bit of beefing it up.

And also, since the wheelbase is so short on the samurai, does it tend to bounce around on the road?

And also, since the wheelbase is so short on the samurai, does it tend to bounce around on the road?

yes

It has an 80 inch wheel base, look up what the P stands for as in GP   or Jeep.

To make into a more capable all around wheeler, you may be considering a SPOA lift with larger tires as many of us have done.  That makes for a pretty rough and stiff ride.  That is also why so many have done the CJ/RUF or YJ spring conversions to get better ride and better wheel articulation.  BTW - you can easily do many upgrades, mods and changes at a far lower cost than you can to a Heep.  We also delight in taking the Sammys into areas that the Jeeps can't go. Plan on gearing it down if you want to go rock crawling.  It is a lot of fun to drive.  Good luck!

The TJ is larger, heavier, gets worse mileage and is a lot more expensive to build up.

However, it has more room inside, a lot nicer ride, more upgrades available and more power.

Just depends on what you want. 

... and no there is no history of - or need for - having to beef up the Samurai frame.
 

My little Sammo has been through the Rubicon with nothing more than a lift and bigger tires, it has become much easier with transfer case gears, lower ring and pinion and lockers. BTW I still run a stock 1.3 with a Doug Thorley Header and get 20mpg on the trail

Sami's got a strong box frame - it's why they make a great platform to build off of. They're lighter 'cause they're TINY. You can drive a stock Sami into a truck bed. You'll want larger tires to get the RPM back into factory range. Diesels love being in low RPM. They do get more torque, but more importantly the torque is DOWN LOW. The 1.3L is a high-revving engine, and gutless down low.