Well, I'm at the critical "shit or get off the pot" stage with my buildup, as I have found a clean tub close to me...

I'm thinking of possibly chopping the tub behind the doors, and doing a Jason Coker type of buildup, but I'm not sure...

Pro's:

1. Don't have to buy a different tub, just cutting all of the bad parts off anyway.

2. Easy to extend the wheelbase.

3. No sheetmetal to mangle back there.

4. Would be pretty original for this area(haven't spotted a chopped zuk around here).

5. Easier to run 35s or larger(going to toy axles) :D

Con's:

1. Much more work(maybe? compared to a tub swap??)

2. Probably have to buy a bender(this may be a pro!)

3. Will I get hassled by Johnny Law when running around town?

4. Is this too much of a project for a new bender owner?

5. Cost, tube ain't cheap.

6. With a child probably coming in the next 2 years, would it be legal/safe to have a seat(s) in the rear tube section?


I already know I'd like to extend the wheelbase eventually, since I'm going from a 4runner to a zuk...

Here's Jason's rig for reference:

I guess I'm a purist, but I would get the new tub. I'm not fortunate enough to be able to create a tube rig, I have a need for mine called "People transporter" Tubed rigs look way cool, but there is something about a "complete" samurai with 35 plus inches of acticulation that makes people say "WOW". I am just a newbie but you asked my opinion. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

:usa: :beret:

Thanks for the input, newbie or not, at least you posted! Unlike all of these who are looking, and not voting!! :flipoff2:

C'mon, you lurkers, I see you! Post up!! LOL! :rasta:

hack and tube and extend the wb, I am 84" going to 97" way to short!:eek: :eek: :eek: I love it now! other then no front locker and to short a wb....;)

wrong pic:flipoff2:

go tube :D

some more:question: :question: :question: 's to anwser.

Do you have to have it street legal?

Do you want it street legal?

Do you have a bender and the skills?

Are you pressed for time?

Is money an issue (for heeps of tube)?

Do you need the rear seat for a small child?



My 2 cents. If you anwser yes to two or more I'd get the tub.

Originally posted by Bill4rest
some more:question: :question: :question: 's to anwser.

Do you have to have it street legal?

Do you want it street legal?

Do you have a bender and the skills?

Are you pressed for time?

Is money an issue (for heeps of tube)?

Do you need the rear seat for a small child?



My 2 cents. If you anwser yes to two or more I'd get the tub.

some answers from his post.
3. Will I get hassled by Johnny Law when running around town?

4. Is this too much of a project for a new bender owner?



6. With a child probably coming in the next 2 years, would it be legal/safe to have a seat(s) in the rear tube section?

hack the ass to fit the tires. dont just chop it all of. tube rigs are cool but it sounds like you need some room for a kid, gear, etc. its nice to have rioom for your stuff. sure, you can build racks and stuff but its never the same. I love being able to throw my crap in the back. another thing to think is suspension. do you need certain points as with a 3 or 4 link setup or is it leaf in the rear?
if you tube it you can, if youre good, put the suspension points anywhere you want.

I think Jason's rig is sweet. Half and half works great. Some assemblence of a cab to keep you fairly warm and dry in the winter, with the tube to accommodate the stretched wheel base and big tires in the rear (I think he runs 36's). IMHO, the full tub is too limiting for good flex and big tires and the sfull-on tube makes winter driving or highway stuff a pretty miserable affair.

I don't know about the legalities of the kiddy seat, but I bet Jason does. His wife is due any day now with their first little one. :) I would guess it is "legal", especially if you use DOT approved belts and connections. The lawyer of your buddy who was belted into the homemade seat during the big wreck may disagree with me though. So if you do it and wreck, just make sure there are no survivors lol. Good luck.

what ever it is your going to do, do it. I had the same questions a few days ago with the same options. I went with tube.

WOW now that s being stretched cant even see the rear wheels,
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or the axle.
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I think ya need to lengthen the rear shaft looks a little short.....

My shaft is plenty long...:flipoff2:

He said "My shaft is plenty long..."

To bad it's sticking out your rear!

Originally posted by Bill4rest
some more:question: :question: :question: 's to anwser.

Do you have to have it street legal?

Do you want it street legal?

Do you have a bender and the skills?

Are you pressed for time?

Is money an issue (for heeps of tube)?

Do you need the rear seat for a small child?



My 2 cents. If you anwser yes to two or more I'd get the tub.

Good points, Bill, I did answer yes to several of those. I think maybe I'll get the new tub, and see how it evolves over time. :D

Thanks for the input y'all! :D

whelp having started down the tube path i think its the best choice for me. That being said the only way id ever think or fitting a third person is to keep the stock tub... You can still tub it just work it through the tub and cut out the wheel wells as need to fit your tires/stretch the wb.... plus you can still run a stock type top on it....

THEN when the other rig comes along you already know what your gonna do...

Tube Bender.... hell ya, get an extra stick and do a few pratice bends id get it either way...

-yag

Originally posted by SeaBass44
hack and tube and extend the wb, I am 84" going to 97" way to short!:eek: :eek: :eek: I love it now! other then no front locker and to short a wb....;)

i saw in another post that you were thinking about 38's. my sugguestion is to shoot for about a 100" wb if you can with a 38. i don't think either of my buddy's who run 97" wb sami's would hurt to be at 100 even running 36's. just my op.

here is a pic of chris's. his has a hacked body and 97 1/4" wheelbase. not a great pic but you can see the wb none the less.

Originally posted by high5


i saw in another post that you were thinking about 38's. my sugguestion is to shoot for about a 100" wb if you can with a 38. i don't think either of my buddy's who run 97" wb sami's would hurt to be at 100 even running 36's. just my op.

shooting for 97" just so both d-shafts are equal=1 spare;) but with a square shaft I can go longer, all slip so I may go looooooonger:D

Fatty, our sammi's look pretty similar right now! I've been trying to cook up ideas all week for the rear and cage! good luck!

Looking at the poll results, I better get my ass out in the garage, and see what happens.

Dan,

Check your paypal. :D

Originally posted by Hank
Dan,

Check your paypal. :D

Thanks Hank, 'preciate it! :D

Originally posted by SeaBass44


shooting for 97" just so both d-shafts are equal=1 spare;) but with a square shaft I can go longer, all slip so I may go looooooonger:D

the sami i posted runs square shafts front and rear:D

I say extend the sammi frame and build yourself a custom pickup truck.

Hey, you need to anounce your findings! What's it gonna be?


:usa: :beret: