First off, let me introduce myself. My name is Matt, and I am from central Illinois. I have been lurking for a while, but decided to join today.

I recently aquired an 88.5 sami, bone stock. It is in really good shape for a 20 year old vehicle. I am ready to start throwing money at the thing. There are many things I would like to do to it, like bigger engine (1.6 tracker or maybe vw conversion), serious suspension upgrades, wheels/tires, interior, etc.

My first question is on suspension. I hate how rough the stock suspension is. I got hurt in an accident a few years ago, and now my back hurts like hell all the time, but way worse when trailing the sami. I would like to know what is the best riding suspension/setup that is the most controllable on the road/safe. I will be running 31" tires, 33" would be the max. I am not into rock crawling (no rocks here), but I will put it in some mud, river running, trails with downed trees and the such. I will be running it on the road as well. Not a daily driver by any means, just sunday cruising with the wife. Money is no object when it comes to this part of the build. (coils, OME???)

Next, is the powerplant. The 1.3 in it is wore out. I want enough power to turn those 33's with ease, with gearing that will get me to 70-75 on the road max. What engine would you guys choose for this application? Keep in mind that I can turn a wrench a little, but have no experience with swapping motors.

Another thing I was thinking about was the paint. Have any of you sprayed the entire sami with bedliner? If so, how did this work for you? Did it look good? How did it last when drove through the brush?

Lastly, going by what I stated above, what tire would you recommend for this build? I thought about going with a larger wheel, like 17", so maybe that would add a little road worthiness.

Sorry for a million questions on my first post, but this has me really excited! Thanks a million in advance!

I'm going to guess this is a bullshit post from a long time member jealous of Kahulaboy's new found attention whoring. Do not feed the trolls:shaking:

I am not into rock crawling (no rocks here), but I will put it in some mud,

I'm going to guess this is a bullshit post from a long time member jealous of Kahulaboy's new found attention whoring. Do not feed the trolls:shaking:



You suppose...?????

Hey,I think YJ springs are the way to go go with the 31-33'' tire range.I have and love them,Ride way softer then stock,and flex good too.I got my spring hangers for SKY Manufacting here in oregon.

I have been lurking for a while, but decided to join today.
Couldn't have been lurking here very long if you're still brave enough to ask these types of questions on this forum. Keep reading old posts and use the search button. You'll find your answers.

I'm going to guess this is a bullshit post from a long time member jealous of Kahulaboy's new found attention whoring.
You suppose...?????
Can't be Kawittleboy. This guy is using proper grammar and sentence structure.:D

Money is no object

If thats the case. Support the board. (buy a star) And search..Alot of good info. to be had. PS. welcome.

Money is no object

If thats the case. Support the board.

Money is no object when it comes to safety is what I meant.

For the amount of time it took y'all to make a post to ridicule me all my questions could have been answered. Jeesh... If "use search" is the only thing you have to say I'd lot rather you keep it to yourself.

I asked a question that I could not find a thread about. I'll ask it again. What is the best riding (lifted) suspension that is safe on the road?

BTW this isn't an old member. And since I am not the master fabricator, machinist, engineer, etc that you all seem to think you are, maybe you could direct me to a more appropriate board for the rest of the world that is interested in getting a little hands on with their 4x4.

I'm going to guess this is a bullshit post from a long time member jealous of Kahulaboy's new found attention whoring. Do not feed the trolls:shaking:

I must be the lost one :confused:

you can't expect to get answers to your questions if you start to get cocky. Just chill out, wait for some answers and keep searching. This suzuki forum is getting full of newb stuff and it makes it not so interesting. Lets try and use the search for the little things and post something good!!

here is an old post. This might be worth your time. it took me 30 seconds to find.http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302677&highlight=soft+ride+suspension

the only time my sammy saw 70+ was while it was being towed.

Money is no object when it comes to safety is what I meant.

For the amount of time it took y'all to make a post to ridicule me all my questions could have been answered. Jeesh... If "use search" is the only thing you have to say I'd lot rather you keep it to yourself.

I asked a question that I could not find a thread about. I'll ask it again. What is the best riding (lifted) suspension that is safe on the road?

BTW this isn't an old member. And since I am not the master fabricator, machinist, engineer, etc that you all seem to think you are, maybe you could direct me to a more appropriate board for the rest of the world that is interested in getting a little hands on with their 4x4.

You're on the RIGHT board, Mr. Thin Skin. Since you include all of us thinking we're fabricators, I guess that means me too.:laughing: Don't expect any help from me with that additude.:flipoff2:

daily driving?

i've read your post three times, which is a bit more than twice what it deserved, just so i could be sure when i say that there is a thread or ten addressing each and every question you just asked, plus some that cover the minor details. i'm flamed out after burning Ka-illiterateBoy... you have to search, and here's why. great threads have been started on many subjects, from the basic to the sublime. these threads have been supported with pictures, web links, and topped with feedback from those who have been down every imaginable road. these archived threads are thus not only informative, they are legendary. every time a new, impatient, x-box generation kid gets a samurai for christmas, the attention-deficit disorder bearing gene is expressed in a gushing of worn-out questions that most of us are too tired of to address. (i ain't gonna tell you which tire to use. look at experienced wheelers who drive the same trails, and run what they do. my nevada scree and decomposed granite is not the same as your rockless mud). furthermore, giving short answers to FAQ questions will ruin the integrity of the search engine. how do you like it when you search "best suspension to use" and get a million results that are dead ends? it's because of starts like this. if the fine information is preserved and uncluttered by repetitive and half-answered dullery, instead of being lost in a soup of newb threads the best answers will be at the top of your search results.

my red star is on its third year just so i could use the advanced search. i bought the star before i bought new tires or extended a brake line so i could seek out the wisdom professed in past threads where the board chatter was more constructive. for only $25 a year, you can search every day AND feed a starving young third-world child three meals a day, send it to school, plus keep it clothed and vaccinated. just think about what your donation can do.

I would look for a YJ install kit and leave it at that, then you will have a safe and tested suspension. I would also suggest a compination of swapping out the 1.3L for a 1.6L and then adding some gear to the case for some extra low end grunt.

i've read your post three times, which is a bit more than twice what it deserved, just so i could be sure when i say that there is a thread or ten addressing each and every question you just asked, plus some that cover the minor details. i'm flamed out after burning Ka-illiterateBoy... you have to search, and here's why. great threads have been started on many subjects, from the basic to the sublime. these threads have been supported with pictures, web links, and topped with feedback from those who have been down every imaginable road. these archived threads are thus not only informative, they are legendary. every time a new, impatient, x-box generation kid gets a samurai for christmas, the attention-deficit disorder bearing gene is expressed in a gushing of worn-out questions that most of us are too tired of to address. (i ain't gonna tell you which tire to use. look at experienced wheelers who drive the same trails, and run what they do. my nevada scree and decomposed granite is not the same as your rockless mud). furthermore, giving short answers to FAQ questions will ruin the integrity of the search engine. how do you like it when you search "best suspension to use" and get a million results that are dead ends? it's because of starts like this. if the fine information is preserved and uncluttered by repetitive and half-answered dullery, instead of being lost in a soup of newb threads the best answers will be at the top of your search results.

my red star is on its third year just so i could use the advanced search. i bought the star before i bought new tires or extended a brake line so i could seek out the wisdom professed in past threads where the board chatter was more constructive. for only $25 a year, you can search every day AND feed a starving young third-world child three meals a day, send it to school, plus keep it clothed and vaccinated. just think about what your donation can do.

WOW:eek: Another perfectly worded post by you sambo! BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW:eek: Another perfectly worded post by you sambo! BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ya, that was nice.

I had OME YJ's on mine and I loved them if you dont want to much lift you can run them spring under. Trail Tough has a nice YJ bracket kit. You could run 31's or 33's depending on your gearing. Alot of good informtion is available here I have many post and still get flamed depending on what section I ask a question in. For every asshole here there is 15 that will help point you in a good direction. Jim