Is this any good?

[shaunandtamara]

Wanting to buy a new 4wd, is this any good? dont know much about them. It is leaf sprung. Also any idea how much to lit it to fit 31" - 33" tyres on it? Thanks

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 190450.htm

[Denby]

A few words instantly come to mind;
Overpriced (it is a 94 import based on the mid 80s design SJ410/413)
Gutless (660 or 700cc turbo... the NZ ones are 1300 and for off road they often have a Vitara 1600 transplant)
Orphan (where are you going to get engine or gearbox parts?)
Barge pole

You would be better spending the extra $1k and getting a 99 Jimny (not that I am biased) which is the same size as the one in your advert still with a solid front axle but coil spring and with creature comforts like better sound proofing and electric windows... www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/ ... 137074.htm

If you keep your eyes open Mudbits are advertising a 98 Samurai with coil suspension (the model before the new Jimny shape) with a Vitara 1600 conversion www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/ ... 295760.htm
Or there is a Grand Vitara in Chch which is fully set up to go off road racing www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=210150655

There are often club trucks on trade me for less than $5k (Samurai or Vitara) that are ready to go complete with 30 or 31 inch tyres. You just need to keep looking

[gazzuk]

On the other hand, a leaf sprung vehicle is easier to lift (i.e. hugely cheaper), it doesn't have the drawbacks of the Jimny / coily (chain drive t-case, weaker diffs, lots of plastic to break off) and looks pretty tidy. Motor is the unknown but some in the UK rave about them. I would prefer a 1.3l late model sammy over either this or a jimny - I would even avoid the coily as it has some of the drawbacks of the Jimny too. Best choice would be as late a model leafy samurai as you can find, but I guess this all depends what you want it for - each to their own.

I believe that donk is the same as in some altos etc so parts probably not a huge issue.

[shaunandtamara]

how much do you think it would cost to lift? would want to fir 31s under it

[DaveM]

Already sold isn't it?

[Denby]

how much do you think it would cost to lift? would want to fir 31s under it

A set of new springs would set you back about $300 / $350 plus new shocks for another $300 / $400 (assuming it as still available).
You might need to also do either a body lift or a virtual lift to get 31s under it and don't forget the bigger the tyre the more power (or lower gears) you will need to turn them.

Why are you looking at 31" tyres or bigger?
My understanding is that the most popular "big" size for SJ410 / SJ413 / Samurai is 30x9.5 and you get a similar ground clearance under the diff heads to a Hilux etc on 31" or 33"s as the Zuk diff housings are smaller.

[Heath]

30x9.5s are enough of a drain on the gearing 31's migh make low ratio a little unbearable (insert clutch smoke here)

[Denby]

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=15238

Re: my zuk
by dave_a on Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:54 pm

Hi guys this is now for sale, 6500. MINT condition standard coilys in this condition are going for that much on trademe and this one is a absolute minter, just after a 2000 plus courier or bounty 4wd to tow the boat.

new king springs, new body lift, detroit locker, new muds and rims all brand new apart from the locker which isnt currently in.

tyres are firestone destination's they are the best offroad tyre I have ever had. and have done less than 2000km, on brand new 15 by 8 rims

wof reg

49000 kms

Or this one with a start bid of $3k
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 877204.htm

[suzookyman]

AWW that green beasty is sexy! ,

but seriously, try and pick up a leaf
sprung sj for around 2-2500 and do the rest yourself.These trucks are
so easy to mod.Unless your going to change your gearing stick with
30x9.5s and with 2-3k spent on accesories and your own labour you will
have an extremely capable truck....GO THE ZOOK!!!
Al