Hi everyone, I have just bought a nice 1991 samurai and I am thinking about improving the ride quality because it is my daily driver. That said I wouldn't also mind having a bit of a lift. I was hoping someone could answer a couple of my questions:

1) Which would provide a more comfortable ride: the 2" shackle reverse kit offered through Calmini or a complete Old Man Emu (I have heard that these are THE BEST springs around) suspension kit offered through Rocky Road Outfitters?

2) I was considering getting both, what are your opinions on that? Is it un necessary?

3) If I were to get both would I have to do any other mods ie. longer brake lines or mess with the steering linkage?

4) Could I run P235 75's with either the OME suspension or the Shackle Reverse?

Both. I did and love it.

Did you have to change anything else on the vehicle for it accept that lift?

Put a drop pitman on the steering, some longer Gabriel shocks from Autozone,extended the hangers on the sway bar(but some people just leave the sway bar off) and I threw in a new steering stabilizer (Rancho) Basically I looked at the Calmini 3 1/2" lift and made my own with OME springs instead of the Calmini as they have a rep for being brutally stiff. I did put a 4:16 t-case in after the bigger tires because of the power issue and for a lower low range.

lv2fsh,

On my rig (87' Sami) I have both. My first mod back then was the Calmini Shackle Reversal Kit. It seems to track and ride better on and off trail. The only problem then was the "fangs" that came down where the stock shackles used to be. I got better at picking my lines after that!

I eventually got bigger tires and then wanted the Old Man Emu springs. It made a huge difference in ride. I was no longer ridding on the flat stock springs. With both I seemed to have enough lift for most of my trail runs and still not be too high of a center of gravity.

So now I run some narrow 29" inch tires. I had to beat flat the seam inside the front wheel wells for better clearance and needed a bigger bump stop so I would not rub on some angles.

Then 4:16 gears in the transfer case and front and rear lockers. It does not cost much to make a already great off road vehicle into a awesome off road vehicle. Also got a really nice breeze-o-top safari top for the sunny days.

Pretty much the same except the lockers I guess. Unless and until I can afford ARB lockers, I will leave it open. I live in the mountains where the roads can be icy and snowy. Lockers would be dangerous. The "fangs" never bothered me as they are right where the shackles were and I used to figure for them.

Sounds like you are on the right track. As far as lockers for snow/ice, I would get another opinion. It would make sense to have power in both wheels instead of one, and having the other just sit there and do nothing.

Don't get me wrong, when I was stock I was still able to do a lot of amazing things but with Lockright lockers it was night and day.

With front AND rear lockers it was again night and day. My 2 cents.

Deep fluffy snow is no problem. Packed snow or plain old ice or black ice would be nuts with locked diffs. Better off with regular two wheel drive. On a short wheel base vehicle you would be spining out all over. Even if you unlocked the hubs, the back would throw you into a spin whenever you turned and lost and regained traction. I've lived here for over 30 years and every car I've owned is 4X4 except my motorhome.  My son who is the bg offroader has a CJ that he doesn't drive on the road in winter during icy condition. But you're right about the  advantage off road.

where in the mountains are you?  Im getting exited about getting to take my samurai on its maiden snow voyage here in a couple weeks   from the 1 yr of ice/snow experience i have id agree with the ARB or atleast the non-auto locking axles being preferable. 

if your anywhere near Glenwood-Breckenridge, Co we ought to try and find a trail or 2

Sounds like you are ready for some fun!!

I live in Southern California and will be wheeling near Sequoia National Park. We don't get much snow here by the beach I wish I was up in your neck of the woods. I live a couple of hours away from any real forest trails besides some local stuff just to keep the edge off.

I'm in the SoCal mountains.off road a locker would definately great. It's the on road where it would be scary and that's according to everyone I've talked to with any experience.

they are correct haha.  im thinkin about getting either the electric lockers or the ARB bc you can tell it when to engage or disengage