By the time you get the thing stripped and converted, you will have spent any savings you would have realized in lighter weight economy, if there were any gains to begin with. Besides that, your ride quality is going to go from crappy, to crappier. BUT, if you strip it enough it will be a bit peppier, it'll just ride like a wheel barrow.

That chopped Jeep is cool 

That chopped Jeep is cool 

x2!!! damn!

I wouldn't go too extreme-just 2" lower than stock. I think that could be accomplished fairly easy by modifying the spring hangers and bump stops. Maybe notch the frame for axle up travel. Might even go with some 14" wheels up front if they clear the rotors.

I already have a couple of stripped frames, several samurai parts vehicles and lots of sidekick drivetrain/suspension parts. I have all the parts I need.

I also have a small shop with a oxy-acetl torch, mig welders etc. I have all the tools required too.

What I don't have is the time.   

As far as speed, 0-60 in 10 seconds is as about as fast as I want to go in a Samurai. Especially without doors and a windshield. You'll seem to going much faster than you actually are.

If the FWH are meant to save mpg then a 2wd conversion should have a noticable effect. I'm doing up my 413 pickup into a street vehicle wirh a 1.6 16V baleno/Esteem engine. The 2wd wasn't sold here but I might see if I can convert it, its not going off-road so 4wd isn't needed.
If you go ahead then please post pics.

Actually, the more I think of it, the more I like the idea.  After seeing that Jeep slammed and chopped It looks like big ( or little! ) FUN!      Seeing's you have everything you need I say get busy and GET PICS up here!

Actually, the more I think of it, the more I like the idea.  After seeing that Jeep slammed and chopped It looks like big ( or little! ) FUN!      Seeing's you have everything you need I say get busy and GET PICS up here!

X2. I never thought I would say it but that's a bad a$$ jeep. Do IT!!!!!!!

I once parted a LOWERED Sami...


My tip:  If you use lowering blocks, DO NOT use aluminum ones!  They tend to disintegrate....

Also, imitation zebra-skin seatcovers look pretty festive.

Well, I certainly didn't mean to start a shirt-storm with my idle thoughts.

But on further consideration, IF, (and that's a really big IF) i were to go dedicated 2WD, I think I'd most likely lose the rear axle and go full time front-wheel drive, with a beam axle at the back.  If I ever wanted to sell it, it would make an ideal tow-behind for the RV crowd.  Just lock out the hubs and flat-tow it.

I've enjoyed reading all the responses.  This is my first Sammy, and I really plan on just keeping it stock and running as long as I can.

LOL... your an "Outside The Box" kinda thinker aren't cha.... I still think it would be easier For You to just buy a 2wd or drive the 4wd. I only say that because you say "you don't have time."

If you don't have time it would be pointless to start something that you might not finish. For now if you wanna make it 2wd just lock out the hubs maybe drop the front driveshaft and make sure the gear selector is in 2wd.

Otherwise the poor thing might end up joining the several Samurai parts vehicles. Heck it might be as easy to create a 2wd outta one of them if you have one that is not too far gone.

Build it with your front wheel drive thought and maybe Rod Style like the earlier pic. 

A 2.7 in a 2wd street sammy would be pretty damn cool. Hmmmm, maybe a rat rod style lj with a 2.7 kind of like this...

that thing is kinda badass!! i have always wanted to slam a 2wd sammy on some 18's, but im a weirdo like that!

Greg: you spend way to much time surfing to find shit like this... and what are you doing jeep searches for anyway?