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beginner needs advice

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Offline dp728

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beginner needs advice
« on: June 15, 2010, 09:44:17 AM »
hi all,
Just bought a 88 samurai, it runs, drives, ect, just not pretty.
I want to build a off road 95% on road 5% rig. Will be towing it on road only.
trail and deasert stuff (rocks only if i have to) socal stuff.
I don't know squat about samurai's or 4x'n either for that matter.
Where to start?
1. want full roll cage.
2. thinking of running 34x9.5 tires (keep stock rims)
3. lift of course (how much for tires)
4. axle gusset and armor.
5. rock sliders
6. tougher bumpers
7. new clutch ( peddle is almost all the way out before it enguages )
8. better  brakes?
9. skid plate under transfer case.
10. regear transfer case.
have about 2500 to spend. can do some of my own fab.

thanks for your ideas. would to get it close to right the first time.


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Bobthebiker

Re: beginner needs advice
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2010, 09:56:14 AM »
sounds like you need a new clutch cable, or to adjust the one you have.  go OEM,  the aftermarket ones just dont feel right.

IMO the brakes on the samurai are VERY adequate, believe me, I've stopped mine faster than I EVER coud have in my old sportage.   

check out lowrangeoffroad.com and trailtough for the rollcage and most other upgrades like the sliders and axle stuff.   Lowrange offers a transfer case mount that also functions as a skid plate,  woth looking at.  add one for your fuel tank too. and a better tranny mount,  maybe unbreakable motor mounts(all available through lowrange or trailtough.

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Offline Drone637

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Re: beginner needs advice
« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2010, 03:16:30 PM »
With 34" tires you are going to want Chromoly axles front and rear.  Trail tough has them.  Either that or look at a Toyota axle swap.

What sort of wheeling do you plan on doing?  And will you be flat towing or trailering it?

For the roll cage Davesport makes a great kit, I run one in mine and have been more then satisfied the few times I've dropped it over on it's side.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline dp728

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Re: beginner needs advice
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2010, 06:14:16 PM »
thanks drone,
I will be doing trail, and desert stuff, plan on just using a tow bar to get it there. I like the truck's small foot print, would like to keep the orig.axles. maybe a 5-6 spoa? and definatly re-gear transfer. 4.9?

thanks for the reply,


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Offline Drone637

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Re: beginner needs advice
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2010, 03:11:21 PM »
For trail and desert 31" tires would probably be more then serviceable, and a lot easier to fit and power then 34" tires.  And they will also fit fine with just a standard SPOA, 34" tires are going to require a SPOA + some heavy fender trimming or additional lift from YJ springs or an alternative path.

With the flat towing being used I would avoid a spool in the rear.  It will cause drag on your tires and unnecessary stress on your rear axles.

I would go with a SPOA and 31" tires first.  Probably a high steer kit in the front and a traction bar in the back to avoid axle wrap, since you are planning on playing in the sand.  See how you like it, then go for a transfer case, lockers, skid plates, axles, and whatever from there.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing

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Offline ack

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Re: beginner needs advice
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2010, 09:08:10 PM »
Yes, this might constitute tooting my own horn here...

Start searching through Acks' FAQ (see link in my signature, below).  Select Search in the site menu bar and start typing in search strings like SPOA, OTT, bumpsteer, carburetor, etc.  You'll find it very easy to find the Suzuki 4x4 offroading information that you are looking for from across the Internet at Ack's FAQ!  This includes many great articles found right here at Zukiworld.com!

I hope that this helps - because that is what Ack's FAQ is all about!
Ack

'88 Samurai, '88.5 Samurai TT, '11 Ford Transit Connect XLT
Ack's FAQ  http://www.acksfaq.com