Intro and Newb Question

[shahram]

Hey guys,

I'm a Land Cruiser FZJ80 owner, searching for that perfect Samurai as a daily driver/lightweight solo trail 'wheeler.  I've seen a few beat-down specimens lately, and because of that I've been leaning towards something stock (or stock-ish). I've recently found a 1983 SJ410 that has been swapped with all 1300 running gear.  It has less than 100k on the drivetrain and appears to be in pretty good shape.  The guy wants a little less than $3k for it.  Says the only thing wrong with it is a slight driveshaft vibration, which he's lived with for a couple of years already.

My question is, are there any things to beware with the 410 body style?  Some undesirable trait that should shy me away from this particular model?  Should the driveline vibe be enough to nix it?

Thanks in advance for any and all information, and I hope to be joining you guys here more often in the future.

Shahram

[outsydthbox]

Hey guys,

I'm a Land Cruiser FZJ80 owner, searching for that perfect Samurai as a daily driver/lightweight solo trail 'wheeler.  I've seen a few beat-down specimens lately, and because of that I've been leaning towards something stock (or stock-ish). I've recently found a 1983 SJ410 that has been swapped with all 1300 running gear.  It has less than 100k on the drivetrain and appears to be in pretty good shape.  The guy wants a little less than $3k for it.  Says the only thing wrong with it is a slight driveshaft vibration, which he's lived with for a couple of years already.

My question is, are there any things to beware with the 410 body style?  Some undesirable trait that should shy me away from this particular model?  Should the driveline vibe be enough to nix it?

Thanks in advance for any and all information, and I hope to be joining you guys here more often in the future.

Shahram

First, Welcome to the addiction
     This is a great group of people, with a common interest, for endless uses Everyone has their own Idea of what the "perfect" Sammi is. So, when you say perfect daily driver, what's your area like? Do you mean 50 mile daily commutes...at 70+ mph?  Do you need A/C? What type of trails do you have in mind?

[Bama Zuk]

Welcome to the board.
And yes we need some more info on what your wanting.
And the only real prob with the sammi's or 410's is rust.
Just keep an eye on that.
The vib is prob a drive shaft problem and most likley an easy fix.

[shahram]

First, Welcome to the addiction
     This is a great group of people, with a common interest, for endless uses

That's great to know.  The 4WD world tends to be a helpful lot, and I've found myself at the receiving end of good will on the trails and online numerous times, from various places.  Restores the faith in humanity a bit.

Everyone has their own Idea of what the "perfect" Sammi is. So, when you say perfect daily driver, what's your area like? Do you mean 50 mile daily commutes...at 70+ mph?  Do you need A/C? What type of trails do you have in mind?

Ah yeah, the perfect Sammi...well, let me start by saying I am not what you would call a "smart man".  A smart man would not daily drive an expedition-built 80 series Land Cruiser 60-70 miles per day, as I have the last 4+ years.  A smart man would park the Land Cruiser and buy a sensible car--a Civic or a Smart or whatever.  But because I am not a smart man, I am combining a "need" and a "want", and buying what will probably amount to the wrong car for all purposes. 

My "need" is to buy a cheaper-running, more fuel-efficient vehicle for my daily commute from the San Fernando Valley to Downtown L.A.--about 30 miles, each way.  My "want" is an efficient, reliable, compact, solid front axle, lightweight SWB 4x4 for solo trips to the deserts and mountains of California.  Something maybe with an open top, something a little more spartan, a little more challenging to drive--a backpack with wheels. 

I considered a lot of vehicles, but none really fit the total bill.  A YJ/TJ is a fairly expensive purchase, not all that reliable, and not fuel efficient.  A Toyota SFA pickup or 4Runner is reliable, lightweight, etc. but is neither compact nor fuel efficient.  FJ40s are awesome, but terribly expensive (for one that isn't a wreck), often beat to hell, total guzzlers, and parts are $$$.  What's left after that?  Big American trucks, Willy's flatties, Land Rover 88s...inefficient, hard to find parts for, and not much else.

So the Sammi is the contender.  Yes, I know that they won't ride cushy and quiet like my 80.  I drive slowly anyway, so horsepower isn't much of a concern.  A/C is something I can live without (when it's hot, I don't use it, because it's too hard to acclimate).  Plus, I like Samurais.  They brought a "developing nation" sensibility to America for a short while.  A good 4x4 doesn't need a massive engine to spin tires, achieve light speed on the highway, get single digit gas mileage, have 4' of clearance, or multiple complicated traction control devices.  Keep it simple, keep it light.  I like it.

It comes down to this...I need a mileage commuter, but more importantly, I want to have fun.  I'll sacrifice some creature comforts for a little fun.

[shahram]

And the only real prob with the sammi's or 410's is rust.
Just keep an eye on that.

Yes, the owner says there's a dime-sized bit of rust on the windshield, surface only.  It's a California car, so rust isn't so much an issue.

The vib is prob a drive shaft problem and most likley an easy fix.

Good to know...thanks!

[freeriders98]

Sounds like a Sami may just be the ticket for you!! Also look around at some Sidekick/ trackers. Although not a solid front in from the sound of it still a good little ride.

[wlittle]

IMHO you cant beat them. I DD mine everyday and couldnt be happier with it.  If it doesnt go fast enough, throw a new engine in it.  If its not comfortable enough, throw some new seats in it, the nice thing about the samurai is that it is a good foundation to have a nice fun and small ride each day.  That foundation can be built on to make anything all the way to the one thats on ebay sitting on 44's

One of the few things I can say you do NOT want to deal with each day:
Leaking rag top... Grab silicon, new seals, glue, whatever... its a pain in the rear to drive and have rain dripping on your leg
The death rattle/shakes in the steering.  This will scare the pee outta you so always make sure that the angles and fab work is good.
And the last thing that you dont want to deal with: a HEEP :p

Welcome to the community

[fordcustom]

i daily drove a sammi 54 miles a day at 70 mph.. (up to 82mph when the mood hit)  i did this for 6 months... i would suggest a tracker or side kick... you would still have a blast and keep all the qualities you want -saf..  you could expect around 28-30 mph.. and it's not a super big deal to do a SAF swap when you learn where some local zukers are..

[outsydthbox]

  So, What your sayin' is you want somthin' with a little personality over "total practicality"?......You've come to the right place
     

[shahram]

So, What your sayin' is you want somthin' with a little personality over "total practicality"?......You've come to the right place

Good thing, for me, as I'm kind of running around clueless.  I'm definitely looking for something stock, that's spent its time on tarmac rather than trails.  I want to do the build myself, partly because the way I'll initially build it is so slight, and partly because I'm a bit of a stickler about mods.  I've got to ride that fine line of building it to its potential, while still keeping a high gas mileage and good road characteristics.  That'll take some prudence on my part.  I have a tendency to overbuild, and don't want to do that this time.

I searched, but found nothing...is there a "buyer's FAQ" or a "buyer's guide" thread that I'm not aware of?  I'm cruising around sticking my nose under chassis and into hoods, but besides something obvious like major leaks or greasy knuckles, what should I be looking at in terms of "DO NOT BUY" warning signs?

[outsydthbox]

Good thing, for me, as I'm kind of running around clueless.  I'm definitely looking for something stock, that's spent its time on tarmac rather than trails.  I want to do the build myself, partly because the way I'll initially build it is so slight, and partly because I'm a bit of a stickler about mods.  I've got to ride that fine line of building it to its potential, while still keeping a high gas mileage and good road characteristics.  That'll take some prudence on my part.  I have a tendency to overbuild, and don't want to do that this time.

I searched, but found nothing...is there a "buyer's FAQ" or a "buyer's guide" thread that I'm not aware of?  I'm cruising around sticking my nose under chassis and into hoods, but besides something obvious like major leaks or greasy knuckles, what should I be looking at in terms of "DO NOT BUY" warning signs?

     I think you're on the right track, looking for basically stock. Here is something to "not be afraid of" someone advertising "transfer case stuck...won't shift...stuck between gears". Easy fix (shifter sheet), good info in "how to section". Something that doesn't scare me is, stock motor (1.3)with rod knocking, or just bad motor. I've read many threads, that start out with "I want to keep the motor totally stock" and within a week, are saying "looking for a 1.6 Tracker/Sidekick motor to swap in" LOL ! I bought an '87 with a rod knocking and started gathering parts for all the "upgrades", like you, with a good all around/ good street manners, but VERY off-road capable. I think that's something thing that attracted me to the sami...even stock it's better off road than most. And with just a little tweeking, can be AWESOME.  I also like a "sleeper" or "underdog", and this is it--hands down.
     On another board, they basically break down all builds into 4 categories, 1 through 4. I have decided to go level 2.  This is the level that many guys (on pirate) said they wish they had stopped at! Mild lift, maybe springs (jeep YJ's offer great ride quality, mild lift, and flex-likecrazy!...and they're cheep!) 30" to 33"tires, locker (in rear to start) keeping samurai axle housings.
     Other upgrades you can do are 4-wheel disc brakes, cheap ring & pinion swaps (to compensate/tires), power steering, "Harley" C-V carb (better & less complicated than a weber). Then, tube bumpers & winches, lights, and, and, and
     But this is just my opinion. Everyone on here has their own

[shahram]

Well, I did it.  Pulled the pin two weeks ago on a 1987 JX Convertible.  Nice couple in Palmdale sold it to me for a song.  Been driving it everyday, and I gotta ask....why do you do it?

These things suck.  It's got a zero to sixty time of....well, it does zero to sixty.  It rides like a buckboard on washboard and by the time I get to work, me burro feels like it's been slapped by a paddleboard.  It's loud, it's cramped, it's held together by what appear to be toy parts.  It's about as safe as a moped on the autobahn, and the steering is about as responsive and predictable as the reins on a retarded donkey in heat.  Since I've picked it up, the A/C, heater, fuel gauge, and trip meter have poop the bed, it's peed all over the driveway, the soft top blew a new gaping mouth-hole (just in time for winter!), it runs richer than Bill Gates, and is about as respected by other cars as an ugly Denny's waitress at a truck stop outside of Kabul.

And it's the most fun I've had on four wheels in a long, long time.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[knunns]

 

[Skyman]

Right on! welcome to the samurai owners club!

Now me I wanted the same as you except for me, the only commute is 45 miles up the mountain pass to my wheelin; spot, and an occasional 300 mile trip to the beach for a weekend.

Owning mine for about 3 years now I've over come most of the issues samurais have when stock, and managed 33 inch tires and good capable suspension. If you;re going to keep it the way it is great they are a ton of fun as is.

If not search around and see what you want to do to make it a little more capable and powerful. There is literally 100 different ways to do it. Me I went with  a 1.6 8 valve, YJ suspension, gears in the case and diff, and adjustable shocks. There's a lot more to it over the years I have added, but by comparison to a lot of the rigs here it's very simple. I have a lot of little things I want to do, but for the majority of the big parts it's done.

It's nice to have a simple rig that does dual duty, is fairly capable off road, gets good mileage, and isn't modded to the hilt. For me, a softer ride, and power steering were paramount. Shoot the samurai does good off road stock!

Let us know if you're lookin' to upgrade it, were always happy to help. Just pic the weak spot that will make you the happiest and start there

Welcome to the addiction!
--Sky

[outsydthbox]

          WOW! My eye's have been opened!  There are people that actually enjoy "sado-masicism" ...they "get-off" on being abused............AND WE ARE THEM!
       The abusers can pick their next victim out of a crowd......In much the same way that our Samurai's HAVE PICKED US! (climb onto soap box) Do not feel bad my brothers, for we are all VICTIMS of a serious illness...a DISEASE if you will! Raise your heads high! (or, leave your head down and only raise your eyes)...For this uncontrollable illness must soon be recognized by the medical community, followed by monthly "disability" checks...and, dare I say...OUR OWN SPECIAL PARKING SPACES! ! !
       


   WE    ARE    THE    VICTIMS