OK, here goes. I am a newbie to the Zuki feild, but I want to build one up. what years do I look for, what parts? what are the desirable T-cases/tranny's? Axles? what are some of the problems with the stock equipment? what mods are 'required' just to start with and be reliable, what mods are 'desirable to have' after that?
looking to build for mud and light crawling (just no rocks here in Michigan) and trails, nothe too extreem ..YET......
sorry for the newbie post, but I gotta start somewhere, so why not got to the experts.

peace :D

They're all pretty much the same as far as body and drivetrain. Newer Samurais will have fuel injection which gives them more power.

If you're planning on building a trail machine, just pick one up that runs good and is cheap. A good deal for a running Zuk in our area is $400-700 with some body damage. Typical cost of a decent looking one running tight would be $1000-1500. A mint stock Samurai good in every way might fetch over $2000.

One thing I'd recommend might be to bring a compression tester with you before you buy. Main problem with the Samurais is that they're all 15 YO, many were owned by Teens who ran the heel out of them or may not have taken care of the engine. Check the engine's condition before buying.

If you see one with a speedo reading under 50k and someone tell you it only has that many miles (as opposed to 150K), be suspicious.

Thanks for the Info... I do the compresion testing most of the time also. the problem is, that in Michigan there are no Sammies that are worth a s**t (too much salt on the roads). I'm looking out of state for one now. I did some searches, got some of the info I was looking for, but still looking for more....
thanks

peace :D

The only significant difference b/t the years is 90+ have fuel injection vs a carb. They are also relatively rare.

Mods are a massive subject. Try asking some more specific questions, and you'll probably get a better response on this. It will take some serious time with the search tool and spening time on various Zuk aftermarket sites to get a handle on all the possibilities and figure out what you want to do.

Just go get one and start researching some of the fundamental stuff like suspension, tires, and gearing.

:flipoff2: Welcome Newbie!!! :flipoff2:

Yea been checkin' the board, and some other aftermarket sites....alot of info out there, just need to read and digest it now. Looking for a Zuk, but nice ones (ones that still have some body left) are rare around thses parts....not to mention, they just did not sell in the Detroit Metro area well....... I dont now why though:eek:

thanks for making me feel at home :D

peace :D

Cross country trips to pick up a zuk are pretty common. I drove from Houston to Phoenix to get one from CA. :D