I just purchased a 1985 LWB Samurai (will be home next weekend). Is there anything I should know. Are there any significant differences in an 85 compared to later model years?

Is it a Samurai or an SJ-410?

SJ410 going by the ebay listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300588156410&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Whats the difference? Please educate me.

The 410 originally came with a smaller 1-liter 4-cylinder engine.

There is a page here at ZukiWorld.com off the main home page that contains the specs for all the SJ variants including model year changes.  I am embarrassed to say that the link to this info is not available at Ack's FAQ .  Perhaps Eric - or someone nice like him - can post the link in this thread...


The only major difference between the standard SWB 410 and the LWB 410 is the frame/body length.


BTW, LWB 410s and 413s are FECKING RARE in North America!  Take extra care of your new possession!

In some ways that almost looks like a Samurai/SJ-413, not an SJ-410.  It has a different hood and air intake then mine, but that could be 85 vs 84.  It also has the wrong dash, mine has the warning lights in the center and yours has them across the bottom.  I think it also has a Samurai instead of SJ-410 on the passenger side of the dash.

Someone with more experience with the early Samurai will have to speak up.  To bad we can't see the springs, the SJ-410 they are directly under the frame as the axles are 3" shorter then on the Samurai and the springs sit inboard 1.5" on each side to make up for it.

It also has manual brakes and 4.10 gears in the diff.

Like Ack said, rare.  Enjoy your find.

Drone, some of the things you mentioned are the reasons that made me wonder if it was actually an SJ-410.

I talked to the guy that has it today, and he told me he's pretty sure it  has the 1.3. It does have a 5 speed (if thats a difference). I noticed the tag on the dash also.

I'll have it Saturday and will be able to get a better look at it.


Thanks for the help.

Well, the SJ-413/Samurai was introduced to Canada in 85, so that's probably what it is.  Congrats, they stopped making the LWB is 87/88. 

It's a Canadian Suzuki. It wasn't  titled in the US untill this year.