Hi guys, Im new to the whole suzuki world just purchased my first one tonight. I purchased a 1987 Samurai that needs some work. The motor will start right up and run fine, but when I put it into gear and let out on the clutch it grinds real bad and will not move can someone please help me with this problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thank You!!!

Do you have experience working on any other vehicles - have you ever dropped a transmission and changed a clutch?

I would check that the transmission is properly engaging - Google for 'Samurai shifter sheet'

Yes I have worked on several vehicles before and dropped multiple transmissions I would just like to know what it is before I go tearing into it.

I am debating on replacing the throw out bearing but i do not know, there is no longer a grinding sound what happens is when you put it into gear and let out on the clutch its like its trying to move but wont go and it dies. It will even do this in neutral like it wont come out of a gear some help on this issue would be great.

Thanks

there is no longer a grinding sound what happens is when you put it into gear and let out on the clutch its like its trying to move but wont go and it dies. It will even do this in neutral like it wont come out of a gear some help on this issue would be great.

This sounds like its stuck in two gears.  This can happen when either the notches in the shift rails get worn, or, the end of the shift stalk is worn (shifter sheet also).  The shift stalk disengages from the rail, before the shift fork has completely disengaged the selected gear.  Then, another gear is engaged, locking the transmission it two gears, simultaneously.  The shafts in the transmission are not able to turn, as they are trying to turn at two different rates.  You should be able to diagnose this condition, by removing the shift tower and doing a visual inspection.  All the notches in the shift rails should be lined up (when in neutral) allowing the shifter stalk to travel through all the notches freely.

Yes I have checked on the shift rails and when I took the tower off in neutral they were aligned properly

Did you also check the TC rails?

As you have stated, you are now the NEW OWNER,
and you are in the dark what the PO has worked on,
TRIED to work on, and or Screwed UP.

There is also a 10MM head bolt on the SIDE of the transmission,
not to be confused with the Shift Lever alignment bolt.
This holds a spring loaded "Stop" for the reverse shift rod inside the tranny.
If this is out/gone or was taken out and the shifter moved, this "Stop" can or will
flip over, keeping the reverse gear engaged, in so locking up the transmission.

Bad News Bears if this happened, tranny has to come out and the Rear section has to be remove,
and maybe even open the front half to get the gears all lined up again, the bolt has to be re-installed AFTER the tail/back housing is put on with all gears in neutra for the rail hold STOP.

If you have to do this, send me a PM and I can save you a lot of headaches and time on Tranny
removal and help walk you thru fixing the Reverse "Stop" fix.

PS You have a Shop Crane/ Cherry Picker/engine hoist?

Really appreciating the help here I had a guy come over who used to have a Samurai and he said that its the preasure plate. Although I have never seen a vehicle that goes through all the gears perfectly but when I let out on the clutch will not go anywhere especially when it is in neutral. It tries to go just wont move. I have ordered a clutch kit including a Throw out bearing, Pilot bearing, Clutch, and the alignment tool. Will have that in by this weekend so hopefully the problem is fixed.

Thank you