Hello all... Total NEWB here to Samis and the forum (so go easy on me for dumb questions).

I've been an off-roader since born, however always on 2 wheels (dirt bikes).
I have family who are Jeepers, and love places like MOAB... but, I haven't been there since I was in diapers. I'm mostly a desert rat, with an occasional urge to go "wheeling". Nothing extreme, just to take the dog and go out and get dirty. If it helps, we used to have fun in my gas lifted golf_cart, that's how non-extreme I am... or how easily amused I may be.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR, or to DO;
I'd like to get into a Sami, and want to know what years to NOT buy... or what to look for when buying one.

I'm torn between buying an already Spring over lifted Sami, or a stock one... and doing it myself (I'm a welder/fabricator hobbyist). There's the thought of buying an already spring over sami, and it being done all wrong... or, a stocker and me doing the job incorrectly (from not knowing any better).

So with Samis already built (lifted);
- what is there to "look out for"??  Bad kits, bad lifts...etc?
- what types of wear and tear should I inspect (that could be costly fixes in the long run)?

with Samis NOT already lifted;
- Is there a year, that I should stay away from?
- Any other wear and tear items to be weary of?

I see a lot of '88s on our local CraigsList, and pricing ranges from $2800 to $3900 for "decent" already lifted Samis. I've not looked at a single one yet, but would love to get the insight from all of you BEFORE I go buy.  And yes, I'm on a strict budget so I can't go buy something that needs LOTS of work. If it's cosmetic, no worries... I can correct those problems, but when it comes to mechanical or parts to buy I have to stop the purchase.

ANY help is greatly appreciated. Sorry for the vague first questions (as yes, I've done some searching on the forum and am getting used to the acronyms your all using... learning a lot!)...  but I learn fast, so shoot me some thoughts.

Thanks,
Johnny
(SAN DIEGO, CA)

Being in SoCal, you should be able to find a decent sammy with little rust ... BONUS!

One thing to watch for if it's been lifted, is what they did about the steering ... A true "high steer" solution (vs. drop pitmans or zlink) would be preferred.

As for years, kinda comes down to preferences ...
Some prefer the 88.5+ (search for identification).
Many prefer the fuel injected models (90+)
IMO, they are all fine ...

Some bonus items to consider ...
Does it have lower range transfer case gears?
Does it have a 1.6l transplant?

Great INFO thus far... thank you!

I've heard of the "high steer" and wasn't sure what it was "exactly"... so thank you for that tid bit.

... anything else?  Bolt on parts or welded on items that could be part of the lift I'd prefer one over the other?? I've heard of some of the lifts requiring no welding and am not sure if they are of decent quality compared to weld on lift kits (or what's in a non-weld kit to be worried about).

I just found out about a deal on a stocker, that I won't be getting (family decided to keep it). SO, I'm back to looking at some of the lifted ones I see out there.  Hence my questions will be more about the "what to look for" things in a lifted Sami.

Thanks again for the help, keep it coming... I'm reading like a mad-man, trying to force educate!

I'm also wondering....

Is there anything I need to worry about for MILD off-roading in one of these... that are basically stock, but with a Spring-Over kit?  ... what are the first signs of abuse and stress that I need to worry about??  Noises, items by sight...etc (that I should be looking for in a used Sami)??

Okay Folks... I've got about 5 of these to look at, and it would help greatly if I could get more advise from you... the experts!

I've narrowed it down to the following pre-req items (that I know of so far);
- lifted
- low range
- high-steer kit (or similar) if SPOA
- working heater

Other items that would be nice;
- lockers

I've still got questions though of what to look for when buying used. I've read something about "sloppy shifter" fixes, and can't seem to find the thread on it. But, would like to know more about what I'm about to look at... let alone take for a drive. I'd like a "heads up" on what to expect. I know I won't win any drag races... but, should I expect it to shift easy... drop into 4 low and 4 high with ease...  drive straight with no bump steer or memory steer....  etc. etc.

The more knowledge you all arm me with, will surely help get me into something that I'm not bummed about down the road (because something better was there, or came along during my buy process). I know NOTHING about Samis other than what I read, and honestly... it's a lot to decipher. Your help is needed!!

If it helps, and at risk of giving away my possible purchases... here's the top contenders, tell me what YOU think!!

'87 WHITE, with black hardtop. Just lifted last year ($3995 OBO);
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2727263173.html

'88 BLUE, with softop. Some extras (seats, bumpers) ($3900 FIRM);
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/2713790356.html

'88 SILVER, with softop. SPOA lift ($3500 OBO);
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/2711647166.html

'88 Dark blue or black, no top or softop. lifted ($2800);
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2714464764.html

'88 BLACK, softop, spring lift, owner has two -his and hers-
HIS: http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/2725830082.html ($3200 OBO)
HERS: http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/2725840838.html (not lifted) ($3400)

MODERATORS.... Close/lock thread, I bought a Sammi (already completed)

MODERATORS.... Close/lock thread, I bought a Sammi (already completed)

Lies!! There's no such thing as 'completed'
But norly... show us what you got! Pics??...

Quote from: johnnyairtime on December 04, 2011, 07:13:48 PM

MODERATORS.... Close/lock thread, I bought a Sammi (already completed)

Lies!! There's no such thing as 'completed'
But norly... show us what you got! Pics??...

I agree about the "completed"... I already put in a (large) online order, and am getting ready to build bumpers... rock sliders...etc.etc.  And soon will do some simple painting, wiring touch ups... etc.

I posted up about it here; http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/general-suzuki-forum/buying-my-first-sami-need-your-expertise-in-knowing-what-to-look-for/msg268640/#msg268640

This may be a bit late but it's good info any way.
If your looking at used pre lifted Samurais make sure they were built correctly....
 I have a cut list that I always use.
#1 rust I don't go there . Not even a little bit...
#2 Steering (regardless of what style lift) the drag link and tie rod should be parallel. This prevents bump steer .
#3 If it is SPOA... Check the yoke angles ...They should be on the same plane .(level in relationship to one and other)
this prevents u joint roar and wear.
It should have a torque rod or at the very least , traction bars on the rear axle . This prevents spring wrap .
 And I like panhard rods on the front axle. This keeps the body centered over the suspension when side hilling...
#4 The engine : I always look for unmolested good running stock engines. There are allot of good engine swaps out there.
I just prefer to do my own...........
#5 Tranny , transfer case.... No funny noises is a good start. A nice tight shift pattern is always good.
If the transfer case has been re geared its a big plus depending on the tire size
#6 Brakes. Make sure they are in good serviceable condition.....If the rig is lifted , It should have extended brake lines. ( NOT RELOCATED STOCK LINES )
When test driving the rig test the brakes . It should stop in a straight line with no wonder or pulling.
For your first Sammy , I'd look for one with a mild build ( Not to much lift) on no larger than 33s ( 7"lift) minimum for 33s.
If its going to be driven on the street at all do most of your test driving on the road ...at normal speeds. If it's built right it will be obvious...
But don't forget to find a trail and do a little trail testing.....
If you have any doubts about the rig your looking at . For gods sake take it to your local 4wd shop and have them look the thing over before you pull the trigger....No shame in that....
Good luck.......Boxcar...

Yup... too late (but still good advice).

I've started a thread on my intentions, from what I've bought;
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/my-'92-sammi-in-the-works/msg268725/#msg268725