I have just bought a 1985 Samurai a week ago, so i am fairly new to suzuki's. I have been having a problem trying to find parts for it because all the local jobbers do not list a '85 in their parts books. Some sites on-line say that the '85 is and uses the same parts as a '86. Then some sites say the '85 is different then the '86.
I am very confused now. Is an '85 manufactured for the '86 model year, but just registered as an '85? Will the '86 parts fit my '85?

This is the VIN# JS3JA51C0F4100870

Any input would be a great help...

Thanks
Travis

what parts are you looking to change/replace?

Right now, the clutch and the radiator.

It is an 85, according to the VIN.  Which I believe would be an SJ410 and not a "samurai" (SJ413).
Does it have a 4 speed tranny?
I am pretty sure the 410s had smaller axles and different thirds with different gears.
I don't know if the 410s used the same clutch and radiator as the samurais.  Someone with more knowledge on 410s will have to tell you.  If they did, just get ones for an 86 samurai and they should work fine.

Different clutch, different radiator.  You are correct on that they have smaller axles, different t-case, different transmission.  Same bolt pattern though.

Springs are 1.5" further inboard from a Sammy, so even if you swap axles you will have to re-weld all the spring purchases.

If it's an SJ-410 and not a Samurai do yourself a favor and just call Hawk Suzuki for any parts you may need.  None of the local stores will ever get you the right item.  If you have a Car Quest you may be able to get them to look up info from the Canadian computers to get you a few parts.

Unless you plan on doing a lot of modifying to the SJ-410 you will probably want to keep it close to stock.  I love my rig, but starting out with a Samurai would have saved me a lot of time.  But I do have a side-draft carb and a drive-line e-brake.