How to Get a Suzuki Sorted!
I bought a bog standard 1994 Samurai, it was probably too good for offroading but hey! Information that follows in my opinion has to be done, the best and simplest mods I have carried out on a Suzuki SJ model that give best results back for your hard earned cash and effort.
1st sidesteps, dump them as they only hinder the ramp breakover angle, if you have a anti rollbar fitted dump that too as it will restrict offroad articulation and can be compensated with later mods, tyres have to be Bronco Diamond Back's, these tyres can only be described as "awesome", 215/15's stand around 29" as they are more like a 90 profile tyre than most others which are 80, with these tyres I found myself on tick-over through obsticles that others had to give it a heavy right foot, don't be fooled into thinking you can go anywhere as your clutch will smoke and spin merrily before anything else due to the immense traction.
Front bumper needs to be removed and the bumper side mounts cut down so as to give clearance for the tyres, indicators can be located out of harms way behind the grill, cable ties are a good way to secure them.
To utilize the flexibility of standard springs I have used "Rhino Ray" twister shackles, these twist in the center due to a double sealed bearing and allow the springs to twist in a controlled manner instead of wrapping up as they do with standard or normal high lift shackles, the other benefits include a 1.5-2" of lift and a much plusher ride offroad.
Wheel spacers are a good way of getting a wider track if you don't want to change the wheels you have already (like me) "Rhino Ray" in my opinion supplies the best of these due to them being lighter and also 60mm per track instead as 50mm as most others are, these also have the benefit of giving a better turning circle and extra clearance from shockers for the tyres.
Last but by no means least is the shockers and steering damper, I have tried lots of variations over the years but the best results have been with using Pro-Comp ES3000 shocks all round, these are twin tube gas shockers with an open length 2" over standard, this in turn gives better articulation when combined with the cutting down of bump stops, next the steering damper which is a Pro-comp ES2000 kit which mounts from the axle to the steering arm, this I have used before and with the shockers really does tighten everything up and compensates for the anti-roll bar removal.
What else?, well the sky and your wallet is the limit, poly bushes are very good for really getting rid of the sloppiness in the suspension.
These modifications I have listed are in my mind a good basic start to making a good 4x4 a giant killer, low center of gravity and wider stance with clearance increase add up to a good offroad fun machine and cost is not over the top due to prices for SJ's being good value at present, so what are you waiting for "have some fun".
I hope this does not sound like a load of rubbish, but I am proud of my Zuki ( SAMMY D ) and feel they have a lot to offer at little cost.
Tim Weston
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