Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. I just purchased my first Samurai. It is an 87 that I got for $800. It has a SOA conversion with 31x12.5x15 Thornbirds on it. Needs a few small things but the PO sold it because the T-case was locked up. I couldn't resist the deal, and my buddies (sammy guys) had me running and wheeling in about 30 minutes.
     I was wheeling a 72 Bronco but after just a few days of research I think I am going to love this little rig. What outstanding support and parts availability there is for these is great.
     I look forward to chatting with everyone and I hope not to ask too many dumb questions to you all.
   I will see if I can get any pics up here next week after I get the rig back out and see if you guys can point me in the right direction for my build-up.   Thanks for listening.  Steve H. 

     Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. I just purchased my first Samurai. It is an 87 that I got for $800. It has a SOA conversion with 31x12.5x15 Thornbirds on it. Needs a few small things but the PO sold it because the T-case was locked up. I couldn't resist the deal, and my buddies (sammy guys) had me running and wheeling in about 30 minutes.
     I was wheeling a 72 Bronco but after just a few days of research I think I am going to love this little rig. What outstanding support and parts availability there is for these is great.
     I look forward to chatting with everyone and I hope not to ask too many dumb questions to you all.
   I will see if I can get any pics up here next week after I get the rig back out and see if you guys can point me in the right direction for my build-up.   Thanks for listening.  Steve H. 

Welcome! It sounds like you got a good deal!

-Eric

Welcome new zuki owner nice rig & price.

Welcome to the board. I used to wheel a 72 K5 before my Sammi. I could never go back to a fullsize.

Welcome to the Zuki club. 

     Thanks guys. Messed around with the Zuk this weekend and found plenty to do to get her trail ready. The PO unhooked the brake lines from their stock mounts to get more travel, so extended lines are on order. Also the rear bumper is gone so I need to build one and wire in some lights. The T-case mounts need to be replaced, and he was running the rig with NO shocks??? Looks like some longer towers are on the build list to fit longer shocks so I can still have the articulation.
     Anyway it is a blast to drive, handles a little crappy right now, not sure if it is the tires or something else, but time will tell.
     I look forward to bending your guys ears while I build the rig and Thanks again.  Steve H.. 

    the PO sold it because the T-case was locked up.

If, by this, you mean the t-case won't shift between 2H / 4H / 4L, there's a "shifter sheet" that likely needs to be replaced. It's one of those things that WILL go out on you, and the aftermarket replacements is cheap / easy to find / replace.


For shocks - these vehicles are VERY VERY light, so the cheapest shocks you can find (cheapest NAPA gets the thumbs up a lot) are what gives the best ride quality. Measure your stock distance from mounting points, then max flex. NAPA (and other brands) have a sheet that will tell you what model # to get based off those measurements.

     Thanks for the input on the shocks. Thats good to know that I don't need some type of reservoir shock. When I bought the rig the seller said the T-case needed rebuild, however a good friend is very knowledgeable on the Sami and he had me driving in about 10 minutes... My new parts will be here tomorrow so I'll see where I am at from there.
     I will get some pics of my starting point and post them up and see what everyone thinks. Good or bad any help, advice is appreciated.
     Thanks again. Steve