Hey all...
I've got it narrowed down, and have only posted in the advanced section ... asking about springs, lifts...etc.  I'm building my knowledge base of a vehicle I know NOTHING about. I'm not new to vehicles, common sense, or off-roading... just to the Suzuki Samurai and what to look for when buying one.

Here's my other thread (for a little more background on my quest);
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/technical-discussion-performance-modify/newb-questions-spring-over-ideas-and-things-to-look-for-when-buying-a-sami/

I posted here, because I need more exposure to the overall average Sami owner.... and what they've come to know about their ride.  Knowledge is key, and some of you might take for granted what you know of a Zuke...  well, time to speak up. I need your help!!!

Here's my last post in the other thread, can you help narrow down my purchase and answer some questions???

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)

I like the silver one, but I would look at several and pick the cleanest or which ever one you like best.

I like the silver one, but I would look at several and pick the cleanest or which ever one you like best.

Silver one sold!


Here's what I just typed out to my wife... (I'll be looking at several today):

#1 - http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/2713790356.html
(I like the seats and belts, lift is right size, fold down window is cool, inside of doors looks to be diamond plated, bumpers I don't prefer but are an $800+ option, roll cage might be nice but something I'd add anyway or beef up the one already inside. The seller is hard to get a hold of, might be a reason they still have it.)

#2 - http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2727263173.html
(I like the hard top, keeps noise down and dust out. Easy to remove, but not as easy as just folding down a softop. All stock but lift and tires/wheels - I like that. And it's white, looks clean with the wheels/top/etc.)

#3 - http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2723498595.html
(Lots of upgrades, some I'd be interested in and some not. Can't stand the tires (too big of lugs). It's two tone paint, that's kind of a nice touch - but he said it's rough or shows it's wear-n-tear. Has power steering from a Geo tracker, and smaller more comfortable steering wheel - nice touch. The front has a locker - open in the rear, since he broke the locker from he says "too much street driving". The transfer case has the lower gear ratios in L, and as he says; "you can get out and walk next to it".  He's got a "high steer kit" not listed in the ad. His doors are removeable, which is a 'mod' and somewhat easy to do.  ...and the fact this one has been USED, scares me a little. On-the-other-hand, also nice to know it WORKS.    ... and yet price is low in comparison to others, unless it's beat up.)

#4 - http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/2725830082.html
(husbands Sammi as they are also selling the wife's - which isn't lifted. His lift is a little small, but that would make it drive better. Looks clean, even has the stock interior door trim - which is rare, so it makes me think it's in well care for condition. I think he said it had a soft top with it. Price is lower than all the others in it's same ball-park of little to no-upgrades)

# - http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/2711647166.html
(This one sold.  So, it makes you wonder if they looked at the others listed)

I'm a fairly new sami owner myself but here's my 2 cents.  Either buy the cleanest most rust free solid one that is the "most" modded to your likes, or just buy the cleanest most solid unmodded one so you can do to yer liking, and have fun working on it modding it yourself... Good luck!

Thanks... and I agree.

I test drove #2 on the list today.
... nice rig, however... bad oil Leak between engine and tranny, the exterior was painted with a roller, and there was more unknowns I found as I looked.  Looked superb in pictures, not so much up close.

I'm going to check out #1 tonight.

 Looked superb in pictures, not so much up close.

That was my experiance too when I was looking.

Quote from: johnnyairtime on December 01, 2011, 04:28:25 PM

 Looked superb in pictures, not so much up close.

That was my experiance too when I was looking.

Bums ya out when you get there and have high hopes... I should know better at this age.

... I looked at #1 tonight. And, another picture let down. But, I guess I've got to come to the conclusion these things are 22yrs old.  And, it too had the same oil leak/seapage around the back of the motor just above the oil pan.  It almost makes #2 look better if the prices were under $3500

Tomorrow, I go look at #3.  Wish me luck!

I only looked at and test drove 2, both were said to be rust free, both had some rust to a certain extent. The first one had terrible rust repair , bondo, bumbling and areas of surface rust, the second just minor small areas of surface rust . So I guess rust free means no rust holes or panels falling apart. Another misleading one is the mileage, because it only has 5 digits on the odo they claim low miles or "60,000 original miles". A history report usually helps verify aproxamate miles. In your price range, 3,500-4,000 you should be able to find one in good shape. Some issues are to be expected with a 25yr old vehicle, you just have to figure out what your willing to deal with and what not.

I have buyers remorse with mine, I just keep finding more things that need attention or that I just want to replace. The reality is I don't have the time or $ to really make it how I would like.  Point is take your time and don't settle for more problems than you can handle .

Don't fret about the oil leak between the engine and tranny.  They ALL leak there.  The common easy fix is a new o-ring seal in the distributor, that's where most of the oil from back there is coming from.

I only looked at and test drove 2, both were said to be rust free, both had some rust to a certain extent. The first one had terrible rust repair , bondo, bumbling and areas of surface rust, the second just minor small areas of surface rust . So I guess rust free means no rust holes or panels falling apart. Another misleading one is the mileage, because it only has 5 digits on the odo they claim low miles or "60,000 original miles". A history report usually helps verify aproxamate miles. In your price range, 3,500-4,000 you should be able to find one in good shape. Some issues are to be expected with a 25yr old vehicle, you just have to figure out what your willing to deal with and what not.

I have buyers remorse with mine, I just keep finding more things that need attention or that I just want to replace. The reality is I don't have the time or $ to really make it how I would like.  Point is take your time and don't settle for more problems than you can handle .

Sorry to hear about your buyers remorse. I hope I don't have the same post purchase;
I'm selling a couple dirt-bikes to buy mine (I have several), and to have extra cash laying around for minimal upgrades. The bikes... are in NEW condition and the last year model they were made. I've got top dollar for one so far, but I hope I don't have sellers remorse! I can't replace them ... as seriously, they are in better condition then if they rolled off the showroom floor (with upgrades, and as clean and not used as they are). But, they just sit... so, best to get them to someone who can enjoy them.

Thanks for your insight into what you found... I'm learning. And your all helping. Let alone, going out and looking really opens your eyes. I mean... REALLY! 

Don't fret about the oil leak between the engine and tranny.  They ALL leak there.  The common easy fix is a new o-ring seal in the distributor, that's where most of the oil from back there is coming from.

No kidding?? It's that easy?!  ... then why aren't these sellers fixing it I wonder? It makes a mess... all down the tranny, and further back as it seeps and they drive. I'm a meticulous person and like my things in good shape (not leaking), so to know it's easy... helps me with the "leakers" I've seen.

The #2 sammi that was rolled on white has been the best thus far of the two I've seen. I could really only complain about the paint, and the leak. Otherwise, it was in pretty darn good shape. Earl Schrieb the paint, and fix the leak... and I'd be happy camper.  Maybe after looking at two more today I can narrow this down to one of four!

... any links to threads on a "how to" repair that leak? (so I can see just how easy it is)

EDIT:  Found this; http://zukioffroad.com/Tech_Library/distributor_oil_leaks.htm

Can it really be THAT EASY?!?!?!!  

Thank you all for your help....

I BOUGHT MY FIRST SAMMI!

'92, with lots of "good stuff"!

Thank you all for your help....

I BOUGHT MY FIRST SAMMI!

'92, with lots of "good stuff"!

So it wasn't any of them on your list ? Congratulations, what did you end up with?

Quote from: johnnyairtime on December 04, 2011, 07:15:29 PM

Thank you all for your help....

I BOUGHT MY FIRST SAMMI!

'92, with lots of "good stuff"!

So it wasn't any of them on your list ? Congratulations, what did you end up with?

That's correct.  I found this one 1.5hrs away... towed my flatbed up to look at it (just in case). I kept thinking... it's got to be something I'm missing, or something wrong with it that the seller's not telling me (as all others I saw for $3500 range pricing were junk in my area). And he had lots of upgrades as you'll read (I'm sure I'm missing quite a few of the add-ons and redone type items);

It's a 1992, with the following;

• Geo Tracker fuel injected 1.6L (3 speed auto)
• Geo Tracker power steering
• 3" Tach gauge
• SPOA Lift, with high steer, braided brake lines, large bump stops, boxed in spring plates...etc
• New Interior (front and rear seats, door panels)
• 33" Pro Comp Tires on 15x10 Progressive Alum wheels
• REAR Axle; re-geared to 4:56 ratio using Geo Tracker parts
• Rear Locker (rear locker hubs, to take it out of full lock)
• FRONT Axle; re-geared to 4:56 ratio using Geo Tracker parts
• Split H transfer case
• Two speed High/Low Doubler
• front and rear missing link
• front and rear disc brakes
• brand new soft top
• TomWood front cv driveline
• all new u-joints
• new stereo and two new speakers
• new procomp shocks.
• New 31" Spare M/T tire/wheel
• door "off" Mod to hinges
• All of the interior/dash is there, nothing missing.

Buyer was asking $4500, I gave'em $3800 cash.
... I also got a complete front and rear stock axle & springs, stock wheels, stock fuel tank/sending unit, and power steering pump/unit thrown in with the deal.

Here it is loaded on my trailer, for the drive back home;


My immediate plans are;

• Add a Line Lock
• Build a full interior roll cage - front to back
• 7" IPF Headlamps, and 35W 4300K HID H4 Dual-Xenon lamps.
• front bumper mounted LED light bar
  
• diamond plate rear panels
• re-paint it back to grey (hood has black spray paint over flame decals)
• build new "road armor" type bumpers

(front specifically, not sure about the rear... I like stock with rubber end caps)

• Get door and gate lock cylinders replaced
• Add a CB (and Ham radio) for Geo-Caching events for the wife.

Near future thoughts;

• Pickup stock wheels, and mount 31 or 32" tires and re-gear for taller gearing.

... it tops out at 45 or so, and I need it to be a comfortable 55mph (not for freeway, but surface streets) as a grocery getter from camp to town. It's a serious crawler, and I'm not sure I want to change it. We'll see once we use it some, and get used to it.

• If I build a rear-bumper; to add a swing out tire rack with high-lift/shovel/axe/fuel can mounts, LED backup light.
  

I still have A LOT to learn about it.
I'm trying not to call the original owner back every day to ask questions... I'm writing them down, and will make a call a week until I get all the info I need going forward. For example, I can't remember if the front had a locker in it or not. And I'm trying to find the ratio on the doubler.

... I'll be taking it out within a week or so (our desert is only 1.5hrs away) to try it out.

• Pickup stock wheels, and mount 31 or 32" tires and re-gear for taller gearing.

Congrats ! Sounds like you scored a nice Sami.

If you decide to get rid of the tires and/or wheels, I may be interested.
I am running Pro Comp 31" tires and was thinking about going to the 33" tires.