Hey, Guys

I'm new to Suzuki's and I just picked up a 86/87/88 JX that's had some difficult moments in it's life. It runs, NO rust, and doesn't demand oil. Front and rear axles scream and growl... must need new bearings. Is there a post that lists generic numbers for this kind of stuff??? I like the new BBS. I've been watching and reading for a few days. Thanks for the help.:D :D

Let me be the first to welcome ya,:flipoff2:
Just ask some of these clowns, for info.:D

i would put my money that your tranny need bearings. the front axle hardly ever gives problems the rear some times. i have some axles if that is your problem. but i still bet its your tranny. by the way welcome:flipoff2: newbie.

o yea off-road.com has a better all around zuk board. this one is on the hard core end.

Your two gun salute tells me I'll get the straight stuff here.:smokin: I took the front axles apart the right side is one solid chunk o rust, hub, axle nut, etc. the left side is rusty but it came apart - bad bearings and race 4 sure. :eek: I have another set of hubs, axles and birfields so I can do that trade. The previous owner told me he had it submerged to the roof but drained it before running it. I kinda doubt that. so the tranny's probably toast, ditto t/c and rear axle. I'm gonna need lots of bearings, i guess. where should I start? What about an upgrade? should I sell this one and try for another rig? :confused:

hidey ho there, fellow!:smokin: :beer: :smokin:

Originally posted by SeeRay
Your two gun salute tells me I'll get the straight stuff here.:smokin: I took the front axles apart the right side is one solid chunk o rust, hub, axle nut, etc. the left side is rusty but it came apart - bad bearings and race 4 sure. :eek: I have another set of hubs, axles and birfields so I can do that trade. The previous owner told me he had it submerged to the roof but drained it before running it. I kinda doubt that. so the tranny's probably toast, ditto t/c and rear axle. I'm gonna need lots of bearings, i guess. where should I start? What about an upgrade? should I sell this one and try for another rig? :confused:

Its really up to you...It depends on how much you have in it...Zuk tranny bearings can get expensive...I would call some of the Suzuki vendors and see what kind of money you are going to sink in it to fix it...May be cheaper to sell...I don't know how tough rust free ones are to find, but I would sell it and find another...

Well, for the tcase, go on and upgrade to a GRS 1 or 2. It will be money well spent, and if you get serious with it, you will need one anyway. The tranny, different vendors offer rebuilt ones for a fair price. The axles aren't that big of a deal. The big question is this: Are your parts now good for cores? If it has been underwater, you could have a bunch of junk on your hands, and wouldn't be able to use anything but the actual case of the t-case and tranny...

:trooper:

Make sure its not other simple things first. Remove the rear drive shaft and run in Front wheel drive. If the vibration goes away, its just a u-joint. Lift the rear end and check wheel bearings.

When does it do it?

Is it constant or just at certain speeds?

Is it worse when cornering?

Does it only happen in certain gears?

Don't go rippin apart your tranny untill you know that is the problem. I'm not sure how anyone can tell you exactly what it is unless they have driven with you. Eliminate the obvoius.:)

oh yea :flipoff2: welcome newbie!!!!!!

a friend of mine found a place to get the tranny bearing for under 70 bucks. you can just pull apart your axles and get the parts to put them back right for a fair amount. and then you know they are in good shape. i have had my front hub go twice because of rust. it has never sat under water but spent all day running up and down the brazos river. you can geat a t case rebuild kit with a set of 4,16s for around 500.00 or less and it turns your zuk into a tractor, no more clutch frying on the trail. mike

Thanks, Texas - I'm on a crash course learning about these Sammys. My brother and his three sons all have Sammys (For about 5 years) and talked me into this. I'm enjoying it. My 4x4 has been a Pathfinder for the last 14 years. I can work all over those things. Just a little more research and a good bit of sweat and this will be a nice ride. I like your idea about the t-case. What I've read so far makes me lean toward Sumo. Rockhopper is solid but $$$$. Sumo is probably everything I need. :D :beer: Do you travel the Big Bend Area, specifically, Terlingua and the mines?

First, Welcome Newbie...:D...:flipoff2:
and Second,
by money is on the trannie going bad,
-oh yeah,
and Wel:flipoff2:come...:laughing: