Hey everyone, As you can see I'm new here and like many Im here because I just purchased a new zuki! Im in Eastern Washington for those of you in the area.

I picked up a samurai that has had some work done to it but it still needs a few more modifications and some TLC. I'm not in any hurry to hit the trails, I want to go through it and make sure everything is in order... If it takes a year to build then It will take a year...

I'm needing some advice on re-locating the front - lower shock mounts to clear my tires. The top mounts have been fabricated by the previous owner but I can move them if need be.

Thanks in advance!

Shogun, I'll trade you information...

Move your bottom shock post to the top rear of the spring plate.

Can you send me pics of how your rub rails are attached? I am building the same style rails in a coupe of weeks and it would be great to see another persons idea of attachment.

                                                                  Thanks, Tux...

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing but wasn't sure... new to owning a dedicated off-roader.

I would show you the rock sliders but there is nothing to show... the person who built them simply tacked them to the body. They offer no support at all (maybe emotional).  Its on the to do list of modifications right after the shocks, oil pan and sealing up the front axle. I'll have to cut the rock sliders off, patch up the rocker panels (maybe put some diamond plate on while Im there) and then re-work the mounting issue. When I get it done I'll touch back with you and show you what I've come up with.

Shogun.... If they are tacked on leave them there. Just add support to the backside so that they can't flex inward and do more harm than good.

I guess I guess I can help you some more and show you some pics of mine once I am done and you can mod yours in a similar way.

There is a thread in this forum. I will dig it out and post you a link. It will help you to better understand how to fab these up.

Take a look at these mounts in relationship to your rocksliders.....

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/rock-sliders-28571/

and..... by the way.... I Like Your New Ride! 

                                                                                                          Tux...

Tux... Thanks a ton, I'm glad I found this site, I spent all night looking through posts.

I'm pretty stoked about the new sammy, once I get my tractor out of the garage I'll be in full modification mode now that hunting season is over....

I do have a question about the shocks. I'm looking at the rancho 5000's that are on it and they are all blown out. Does letting the suspension cycle to the outermost extended limit of the springs hurt the shocks or is it just when they are over compressed while cycling upward? There are no bump stops on the rig if I remember correctly.

Here are some close ups of the sliders - looks like 3/16 tube with 4" angle... welded up nice but needs bracing like you said.

Looks like a 3" shackle reversal back there. Seems like thats your limiting factor on droop... which I assume is why you posted.  I can see kinda a "dirt line" on the shock. This setup may be over flexing the spring with no bump stops and leaving several inches of unused shock?  

Im def no expert but I think you should cycle the suspension before you move anything.  This way you can see where your upper spring limit is, fab up a bump stop, then see if you need to adjust your upper shock mount height.  From there you can work your way down.

What springs are these? How much travel do those shocks have? 11 inches? I think in any case you wont get the full potential of those shocks without a missing link of some sort.


Heres how i setup mine http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/build-up-87-sami-1-6-16v-megasquirt/msg269046/#msg269046

I have never seen reversed shackles in action or utilized so I can't add any advice about them. I do agree with Zuki2018 about trying to determine the amount of flex you have in preparation to make changes.  It appears that you have Ford upper shock mounts. I wouldn't think these would be a problem.

Your shocks appear to not have enough travel to me if the photo is of your Sammy on level ground. Based on your sammy's stance  and open wheelwells I would guess that it has the ability for quite a bit of available  flex. My guess is that once you flex it up you will find that you may need longer shocks & brakelines.

I'm not seeing where your tires are contacting the shock, I do see the dent in the shock body from the top spring plate. Putting the shaft side down might avoid that. Some shocks specify top or bottom others can be run either way. I don't really know anything about samurais but in general you want to use bump stops so that the leafs don't go too far into negative arch. Shocks should also never be used as a travel limiter and bottoming them out,too long of shock, will kill a shock faster than too short, from what I have seen.

Thanks for all the advice.

The rancho shocks state they only  have 5 inches of travel. They are all bad so I plan on buying new shocks and brake lines. What are some good shock options?

I know the rear wells need cut out more as the "fenders" are cutting up the tires. A few simple things and this guy should be driveable!