Re-release the Samurai in the USA, add small lift, 31's lockers and low t-case.  

It worked the first time, I bet it would work again. Simple, inexpensive, no bells and whistles 4x4 that would hang with the Rubicon all day long.

Zig

Excellent idea. None of that electronic drivetrain controll bullshit, just a good old 5spd manual with a driver-actuated (or whatever the manual t-cases are called) t-case. That would be awesome... too bad there's probably not a big enough market for an "old fashioned" vehicle like that, though

I like this topic.

Here is my take. I agree with Kreg bring me the jimny it's wider and longer than the samurai, and coil sprung. Now for my wish list.

Diesel engine, with atleast 100 hp & torque

4spd auto trans or manual

4:1 transfer case gears

4-5 inches of lift

235's to 31 max tires "remember we're trying to match the ribicon"

ARB lockers front, and rear

Skid plates

and that should do it. I'd take care of anything else. I think this would not only match the rubicon, but I think it would beat it in certain situations.

I'd also settle for a stock jimny, and build a rubicon killer from it.

Yeah now you have me dreaming  

I think a stock SideKick with
lockers could keep up with
a Ruby, heck why do you think
So Cal Jeep is having a Jeep-a-thon
and they won't let any other makes
come and join in

Don't wan't too many Zukes showing
them up now do they

Wild

Don't wan't too many Zukes showing
them up now do they

Wild

;DI ran into that same mentality when we started the first "Jeep Club" in Cookeville. It was sponsored by the local Jeep dealership where one of the clubs founders worked. They initally said that nobody but Jeep owners could join, but changed there mind when every one of the founders stated that they were going to drop the sponsorship if they would not allow me to join I was also going to attend a 'Camp Jeep' in Denver a few years ago, but when my friend checked into it he found out that 'Only Jeeps could attend'. He went in his new TJ and they actually jumped him and threatned to make him leave for trying the hardest lines on the cheezy ass trail rides.

Zig

Oh Yea, my idea of the 'Re-released Sami' I was thinking of updated motor instead of the Old 1.3.

I did not go with the Sidekick, locked, Geared and Skidded due to price. Assuming that a re-released Sami would be less inexpensive. Plus the instant popularity of the Sami, and taking into the mentality of most off-roaders(has to be solid axle to be a good off road vehicle).

I dont no why, but there are little or no small vehicle desil motors in the USA :-/ Maybe strict smog regulations :-/ So to be released here, I think it would probably need to be gas.

What do the new Jimmy's sell for in US dollars?

Zig

one of these 2-stroke babies

It could go over anything.. all stock too..

What do the new Jimmy's sell for in US dollars?

Zig

I think they go for around $12,000 from the factory over here.

one of these 2-stroke babies

It could go over anything.. all stock too..

Is that a 2 stroke Jimmy? Sorry, but I dont know much about that line.

Zig

One of the best and easiest rigs to compete would be a 16v single cam 1.3 with power steering, spoa or coil,  with about 4" of lift, with a GRS1 t-case, with 30 or 31s and air lockers in both ends with rear discs. You could actually build that exact truck for $10,000 or less in real life. It would go more places than the Rubicon.
Just a thought.

Is that a 2 stroke Jimmy? Sorry, but I dont know much about that line.

Zig

This model was made in '81 (SJ-30).  It had a 550cc 2-stroke engine.  The engine was so light that it could easily be lifted out of the engine compartment by hand, but it just didn't have the HPs to run 44s...a blast to drive though no worries about breaking any shafts.