AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 7/11/2008 Subject: Diffy Lock and shackles
Question QUESTION: I own a 87 suzuki samurai stock i want to put 2" shackles on it. will i need a extension for anything? And lockers Front or Back
ANSWER: I started that way modifying my 87 samurai. I had to fabricate a shock mount at the axle that allowed the axle to drop the extra inch. I've got lock rite lockers in mine, and they're great, and are among the least expensive around. They don't make it hard to drive on the highway. However, they definitely make steering wheel effort high in 4wd when turning. mostly the weight goes on the rear, so that's the end to do first. The sidekick steering works pretty well until you get large tires and air them down, then you need the pump from spidertrax. The box is plenty strong, it's just that the pump has a relief that's set too low.
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QUESTION: thanks for helping me before. one more question. i think stock my suzuki has 65hp i dont want to go all out crazy just what makes sense when it comes to off roading engine mods wise- 2" lift on 31's Good basic mods
Answer There are a couple of other things you should consider. If you are going to 31s, you should get rims with a minimum 2.5" offset, (wheeler off-road, or rocky-road) otherwise the tires will drag on the springs on tight turns. The other is 4.16 t-case gearset (numerous sites at izook dot com). The 4.16 will give you the correct gearing for the 31s when you're in high range, and will do delightful things for your low range pulling capacities. DON'T get the weber carb, it's lousy off road. There's no need for headers, you will loose about 800 rpm of useable low range, keep the stock cast iron exhaust header. Get a 12 volt tire pump, and then you can air down to about 12-15 psi, and have far fewer traction issues, and a much nicer ride in the bumpy stuff.
scotty
