therealprotaco's 3rd Gen Towed Suzuki Samurai Crawler

I guess I’m a real overlander now that I have a cage mounted Hi-Lift?

 

Quit messin around and get that 13" lift

 

I’ve actually seen that one before. I want to pull the body lift as it is, but now my sliders are built for the body lift so it’s here to stay.

 

Yup, crazy short wheelbase. Saved it though! The real question is what is the hissing sound that started right after it came down? Probably jostled the carb adapter plate or something like that. It’ll be this weekends fun project!

 

Nice lol.
I think I’d stretch the wheelbase a bit if I owned one.

 

It’s definitely something I’ve thought about. The “end game” here is to build a buggy using the stock frame as the base. Now that the sliders have been welded to the frame they give a good starting point for the exo cage that will eventually turn into the outer cage of the buggy.

Once fitting the tires under the wheel wells is no longer an issue, I don’t see why extending the wheelbase would be a problem.

 

Awesome man, this thread has me looking for a Samurai. I’m literally in the same position you were in where I don’t know if I should keep putting money in the taco or get a Sami. I can’t believe how much they’ve gone up in price though. I remember a time when they were 2-3k.. now they seem to average around $5k.

 

Hell, I remember when they were $500!!

This one was just over $3k which was not as much of a steal as I thought it was. The previous owner had done a lot of work but almost all of his work has now been redone/replaced with better parts. I only wish he would have used a more conservative SPOA perch and no body lift or may a 1” max body lift. Realistically though, the almost new super swampers and the VERY clean interior and undercarriage were worth it as a starting point. Even with the rollover.

All in all though, as it sits. I’m into it for just around $10k, maybe a little less. The Toyota axle swap will likely have that total up around $12.5k but I honestly don’t keep receipts and bills for this thing or I’ll get sad when I break it. If I just look at it day to day then I can just send it, break, repair, and repeat!

 

This thread is awesome. Sick Zuk, OP!

**immediately browses Kijiji for Samurais**

 

Thanks for the positive words! The build is going to be getting even better here in the next month or so. My rear Toyota axle is going to be coming to me as a full drop in with 5.29s and a full spool. I'm going to start tearing down the front Toyota axle next weekend and see what all it needs other than the normal rebuild. I'm still torn on locker choice for the front axle. I'm thinking either ARB or Harrop E Locker.

Big new update though is POWER STEERING! Just ordered all the parts to make the Saginaw power steering box out of a Chevy Astro Van mate up to the steering system I have in the Zuk. That is going to be a later down the road project though when its less then a low of 90 and a high of 115!

 

I almost bought a samurai! Had to work and didn’t get a chance to message the guy but he needed to sell it quick and it went for $1500 needed springs, a battery, and something else. But man, I was pretty bummed when I saw it sold so quick.

where do you get all your info? I find it hard to find info on mods for samurais, maybe because I’m used to tacomaworld. Lol. I’m set on one so I’m trying to figure out future mods, etc.

 

I would say that at this point its a combination of previous knowledge from the past Samurais, looking at a ton of photos on vendor websites, and Myron from Zuk's Off-Road. Pirate 4x4 has some good info but don't even think about posting there unless you have skin as thick as rhino or they will tear you apart. I am also lucky that in AZ there is a local "Zuks of Arizona" forum and group with several active members who are always happy to provide their unfiltered opinion on anything and everything.

I would also be happy to help you with any build/mod questions you may have. I have replaced/rebuild/redone almost everything that the previous owner did the wrong way to ensure that it is done the right way. I'm JUST breaking over the $10k mark on this build now with the building of the Toyota axles and the power steering components. That being said, it could be done much cheaper if you are OK with reusing/reconditioning parts as opposed to buying parts new.

 

What kind of power steering ? If you're gonna be in it and lock the front hydro might be better and not worry about it....

 

Because I know nothing about a hydro setup, how safe is it to flat tow with hydro steering?

 

A frankenstein system. Steering Gear and PS Pump mounting plate from Zuk's Off-Road. Steering gear, pitman arm, and half of the linkage from a Chevy Astro Van, 1650psi PS Pump from Trail Gear. The steering gear is a Saginaw box and is easily tapped for hydro. For right now on 33s-35s this setup should be sufficient. If it becomes an issue I'll definitely add hydro assist.

 

If you are on hydro you are probably built past the point of flat towing. I'm already looking for trailers unfortunately...

 

I guess I should also answer your question. With a single ended ram (would basically replace drag link connection) you could still flat tow. With a double ended ram you would not want to flat tow. I would still say that once you have hydro flat towing is likely an issue for other reasons.

 

Being interested in a Sami, I’m curious to see you tow the samurai on a trailer with the taco. Thankfully samurais are light, but I can’t imagine the taco being too happy about it.

 

I think I recall reading about some old, I guess the first gen tacos being converted to propane so they could run in any position.

I was only in a samurai once, in nyc. It was like driving shopping cart and had zero space for anything.