How To Get More Flex! Samurai Missing Link

[@notsure9735]

Say you haven't got enough experience to really understand how those shackles are gonna react, just earned you a subscription. Honesty 👍

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I'm just a regular dude, no reason to pretend otherwise. 🤙🏻

[@russgould707]

I have been running Rocky road outfitters version of this shackle for 6 years. I have them at all four corners. I do not have them locked in position for a street driving. I've had a few panic stops with no problem so far. Never had them unload on very steep climbs as some people mention . I'm running two ARBs so it sees some steep climbs! I'm running a panhard bar and it handles very good on the Street with spring over axle combined with stock length bonz- eye 2.5 inch lift springs.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Nice dude! Sounds like you've got a great build. I'm going to make the switch to longer springs soon, may look into stretching it a little bit too!

[@mattboyer7812]

Installing rear samurai springs up front is one of the best suspension upgrades. Anything over 235/75 tires causes rub on the cab. RUF pushes the axle forward 2” and allows the shackle to move better. The mods needs are minimal but rewards are great. Great shackles!

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah I'm hoping to knock that out soon! I have the springs in the garage, just need to find the time. What did you do for a driveshaft?

[@mattboyer7812]

@@FortuneOffRoad I used driveshaft spacers for Tracker since I am using the third member from a tracker 5:13 gears. I did have to weld in new shock mounts, which the SPOA needs anyways. Otherwise, extend the driveshaft by using a slip-yoke cut to length- line up the dots !- and weld, add a pipe for strength. Super easy. I did this to my rear driveshaft and I daily-drive mine with 35's np.

[@haroldsegur9524]

I'm doing it to my Sammy now as soon as spring gets here.l always figured stock springs would work, I'm gonna drill bolt holes through both halfs of the drop shackles so they can be locked out for street use.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Good idea dude! Good luck with it. 🤙🏻

[@haroldsegur9524]

Finally someone showed drop shackles w stock 2 inch wide leaf sprngs.so many people said dude you have to use yj springs.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah not many people trying it with stock from what I've seen.

[@Kamikaze_Samurai90]

Missing links are the easy way to go, I've been running rear samurai bonz-eye springs for 10 years

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Heard lots of good things about those springs. Too tall for me right now though.

[@kshallenberger]

Sweet video thank you I am thinking about going down this path myself and appreciate your videos

[@robormiston2841]

My 95 Tracker beats me up going down dirt roads with 30 inch tires. I hope with more lift bigger tires and some sweet shocks I will be happy. My last 4x4 was an 85 Toyota with 36x9.5 Buckshot mudders and 6 inches of lift. I let some air out of the tires and am at 26 lbs now and that kinda helped. I have 170,000 miles on stock suspension except cheap new rear shocks. I had the rancho 9000 on my truck and they were awesome. I hope I can make this better. Thanks for your vids. I'm looking at bumpstops too.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

This one beats me up too. I air the tires down to 3psi but the stock springs are just too stiff. Looking forward to changing them up someday.

[@russgould707]

I would go ahead and put some on the rear too. I'm running Rocky roads version all the way around. I do have a panhard bar and it handles great on the street.I switched from urethane to stock rubber bushings at the other end of the spring. They might not last as long but it makes it easier on the spring to twist.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The rear does pretty well without, but I have considered that for when I go YJ or XJ back there. 🤙🏻

[@russgould707]

@@FortuneOffRoad Are you going to try it first with stock length in the front and then Jeep length in the rear? I've been wondering how just going Jeep in the rear would handle on the street?I think the reason mine handles so good on the highway is because of the stock length front springs. Not the best ride off road though. Another big reason I left it stock length in the front is because I hate that fang look with the shackle sticking out past the tires.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@russgould707 eventually I plan on doing rears up front, xj rears, and dana 60s. In phases of course.

[@jmac7947]

Man, I bought some of these right after this video. Can't wait to try them out. Thanks for all your videos. Really helping me build mine on a budget and stay super capable.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks for watching. They have worked great for me so far. Hope you like them! 👍🏻

[@hakunaxavier]

Great video, I think you will need a panhard bar to go out over 55 ( if you reach that speed) so you can get better and safest handling on the highway

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thats a good idea! I plan on trailering it, but I have gone that fast without dying... once so far! 😁

[@zachsnowden3205]

I had buggy springs front and rear! I made them out of Toyota 2wd truck springs. Had f350 shock towers and the missing link shackles. But not a driver, i trailered it

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Sounds cool, I trailer mine now too

[@MikeDion94]

I think I need a set of these when I SAS my 06 Tundra.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The pretty much tripled my articulation on the samurai! 🤘🏻

[@poisondark7051]

Hey so I’m looking at cheaper options than doing a rear up front swap for now. I’m a student and am strapped for cash lol. I was wondering if these shackles are a good way to get some extra flex out of the stock front leaf springs. Thank you

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah I ran them with stock fronts for a while!

[@Trig242]

Hi! Your channel has been invaluable to me working on my 87 Samurai. Just completed the removable door mod a couple of weeks ago. Was hoping for a little advice on shackles. I'm keeping mine more or less stock, but am interesting in the 3" (1.5" lift) solid shackle option. Just looking for clearance for slightly bigger tires. You mention the pinion on your install not being as drastic as expected, am I more or less OK with the 1.5" straight lift for average road going? I don't fully understand how it affects pinion angle but am learning.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks, Im glad you like the content. Put simply, the bigger the shackle, the more your pinion is going to angle up. In the rear it's not a big deal as long as your driveshaft angles are good. In the front it can mess up your steering caster. You should be fine with such a small amount. The silver LROR shackles I had on my rig at first are in my garage. If you're interested DM me on Instagram and maybe I can ship them to you 🤙🏻

[@djustice5252]

Did the shackle upgrade change the handling characteristics driving down the road. As always your videos are awesome

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! I haven't noticed any changes on-road. I also haven't gone above 55mph. 😁

[@x4x4offroad87]

That's exactly the question that I was going to ask did they change the handling on road cuz I already have issues in the front end that still need to be found for road walking

[@cstarbuilt3338]

I think your local to me. Just stumbled on your channel and recognized that creek bed instantly! Haha. I’m building a j10 crawler right now so hopefully I see you wheeling 👍🏻. I’m subscribed

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Awesome man! Let me know if you have any good local spots. I miss going down in that creek!

[@cstarbuilt3338]

@@FortuneOffRoad I will! Yeah major bummer. I’ve been going down there my whole life. Hopefully it opens up again one day.

[@samicrewadventures39]

Cool video!! If you are looking for some different front leaf springs i went threw a few setups doing mine and have some sitting in my garage if your interested in trying them out. I have some stock rear leafs that i put up front and then i have a missing link kit from Trail tough also. Then I have a set of trail toughs Bonz-eye front leaf springs that I ran for one season with the missing link kit. All of this is sitting in my garage so if any of it sparks any interest to you let me know I will sell very cheap. Would rather see it go to someone that will do something with it then just sit there.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Would love to grab some rear springs!

[@samicrewadventures39]

@@FortuneOffRoad Sure if you want I can send you a few pics of them to make sure it's what you want. $50 bucks if you want them. I'm down in Riverside California not sure how far away you are but I can ship them to you if need be. Let me know where to send pics to.

[@samicrewadventures39]

looked last night .I have 2 sets of stock rears. One is the original set from the rear of my rig, the other is the set I used in the front. One set still has the poly bushings in it and I took out the overload spring on the bottom, but have that still also. Anyway I can send you both sets and all the rear leaf stuff I have for same price if you want it to use what works best for ya. I dont need it any more since i'm running YJ all around.

[@seanmares2406]

You need a fork lift to flex up your samurai i have a 87 samurai using the factory leaf springs i can flex it 3 feet on the front tire using a fork lift and all the tires are still touching the ground

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah that would be sweet!

[@paultrimble9390]

Hello love channel. How did u like them dr z links. Thinking about getting more out of my samurai. Don’t have big budget differently don’t want cut and hack want be able go back to stock without fabrication. Thanks.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Going to use these same ones to run rears up front soon, hopefully those will ride better and get me some more wheelbase. 🤘🏻

[@jaymegroeneveld2487]

Cool video! How does it handle on the road?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks! No noticeable changes on the road. Have driven curvy mountains roads and had no issues.

[@bigboyracer1]

When do you think you might try a RUF kit? I've been looking at the LROR RUF w/missing links.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Soon! My plan is to swap in propane then start working on the RUF. 🤙🏻

[@NOTYOURPROJECT555]

Samurais are the best!

[@mlshangluah]

How about installing those shackles on the rear too?? Great video. 🤟

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! The rear is flexing really well already, but I may try it out. 🤙🏻

[@mlshangluah]

@@FortuneOffRoad as a Gypsy owner in Northeast india, your channel is really helpful for me. I too recently order 6.5:1 gear reduction from Lowrange Offroad sadly haven't receive the package yet 😅. Looking forward for more built series.. Old is Gold Sammy 🤟

[@sailorsanjoy]

@@mlshangluah Im from calcutta and running 4.16 n 31 inch tires on my gypsy . 6.5 is too low for me . I had ordered the set from low range offroad . I have a brand new exedy stage 2 clutch plate , pressure plate , release brg n pilot brg that I bought thro low range offroad , with invoice , in case you are interested .

[@kulolosou6791]

@@sailorsanjoy i want to know the price if it's still available for sell.

[@sailorsanjoy]

Great video , what length shocks are you using for front n rear ?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! All of the shock info is in this video or the description kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jEfJqKZsetoqM

[@egilderhus51287]

What gears are you running mines 4.57s and 6.5:1 in the tcase I can walk mine too lol

[@FortuneOffRoad]

3.73 in the axles and 6.4 in the tcase

[@danielr.7870]

I just picked up a samurai and this is exactly how i want it low as possible with just enough travel, what leafs are you using , can you throw the missing link in the rear also ?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

These are just stock Samurai leafs SPOA. You can put missing links in the rear too but you have to cut the shackle stops. My rears springs flex pretty good, so I didn't think I needed them. 🤙🏻

[@danielr.7870]

@@FortuneOffRoad awsome thanks !

[@thisoldjeepcj5]

How are you still liking these shackles? Any flops yet?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

They have excellent! Check out our Zukicon 2021 video. Lots of guys running missing links and you can see these in action. 🤙🏻

[@luisri91]

Hey man. Do you know if they are still making those shackles? I wrote them with no answer.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Looks like they're available: www.drzfab.com/product/samurai-1-5-lift-missing-links/

[@kevincarlin1193]

What wheels are you running on your Sami?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Procomp 97, 15x8 with 2.5" backspacing

[@praneethmb]

What shockers are you running on ? looks like bilstein. The model number ? Also, What is your tyre dimension?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Tires are 31x10.50r15 and the shock numbers are in my shock measuring video in the Samurai build Playlist 🤙🏻

[@bryanbunce4932]

Another awesome video. Keep them coming.

[@anulanandani6886]

How was the feeling when drive fast? Any wiggle

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Feels normal. I haven't noticed any changes.

[@sarangachiththrage7249]

Awesome

[@coryhulin3787]

What bumpers are you running. Great video. Just subscribe 🤘

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! Rear is stock, front is Dr. Z fab. Check out the Samurai build vid on it in my Playlist. 🤙🏻

[@Chris-ob8ok]

Those are great unless you drive it on the road, then it makes it really crappy to drive. If you are going to stick with springs it's best to do a shackle reversal and have them in the back.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I don't usually drive this Samurai on the road, but when I do I hit 50mph and haven't noticed any difference at all. Shackle reversal is great for ride, but worse for climbing in my opinion. 🤙🏻

[@Chris-ob8ok]

@@FortuneOffRoad once the bushings break in a little the springs tend to pivot when steering and also from road interference, causing it to drive like tie rod ends are completely worn out. Most of the guys running sammis 10 years ago were doing shackle reversals and yj or Toyota springs.

[@BeatnTheSkunk]

I have trail tough missing links and have daily driven mine nearly every day to and from work for two years. Links are not pinned and it has never had a problem like you talk about!

[@Chris-ob8ok]

@@BeatnTheSkunk cool story, I've driven plenty of them to know otherwise.

[@TheLittleZukisThatCould]

Has anyone tried these with RUF with a reverse shackle set up?

[@johnsmith-oh2xo]

Hey what is the length of the shocks your using if you don't mind me asking i really would like to know because i just did the Dr.z cj pring kit and i'm spring over axle to and i don't know what size shock to run.....

[@FortuneOffRoad]

In this video I tall about shocks and how to measure for them. The shocks I bought are listed in the description! 🤙🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jEfJqKZsetoqM

[@johnsmith-oh2xo]

@@FortuneOffRoad Thanks man i'm watching it now and i was just spring over with stock sammy springs but i had to go Dr.z cj swap spring kit with trail tough cj springs because i put a VW turbo diesel in it so it was to heavy for the stock sammy springs so i figure the springs themselfs give me 1.5 inches more lift plus i'm spoa too thanks man and love your sammy......

[@johnsmith-oh2xo]

@@FortuneOffRoad And i know the length from top mount to bottom mount is 24 inches thats setting flat but i will get out and flex it and measure it tomorrow thanks again...

[@riseandshootrecreations6524]

So when you installed these, you already installed the rears in the front? Or am I missing something lol

[@FortuneOffRoad]

No these were stock front Samurai springs with Samurai missing link shackles

[@user-vh5yf7ps9l]

are you using stock length socks? if not how much longer than stock are they?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

No, these are considerably longer.xheck out my video, Samurai Build Part 18. It has the shocks link in the description so you can see the specs and the prices. 🤙🏻

[@user-vh5yf7ps9l]

@@FortuneOffRoad thank you! awesome rig by the way. im making a 93 wrangler yj 2.5l the same way. no lift and 33s. i try these shackles i think

[@user-vh5yf7ps9l]

i have a lifted 4runner on 35s. i want my wrangler stock. its on 33s now. surprisingly smooth with a little tire rub. fun little rig

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@user-vh5yf7ps9l love YJs! My first rig, except 4.0L 🤙🏻

[@TheRandomManiacs]

that samurai looks very mint! our samurai needs lots of TLC right now:P as you can see

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks man, trying to keep it nice. "God forgives, rocks dont." 😁

[@ArmandoGaytan18]

Man, it looks awesome with shackles in it, willing to get mines 😂

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude!

[@TheNinjaload]

Another great video!

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! Excited to wheel it tomorrow!

[@dylanvilleneuve5221]

what sliders that?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Low Range Off Road. If you plan on doing any hard wheeling I wouldn't recommend them. They mount to the body and the body is weak

[@danasantiago6424]

Are you using stock front springs with the missing link?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah, they are the stock ones! 🤙🏻

[@dovydaskaminskas4227]

I dont see a sway bar. I guess that is the first thing that goes out?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

No sway bar. Mine isn't driven on the road so I didn't bother with it, but if yours is, I would work around keeping one

[@dovydaskaminskas4227]

@@FortuneOffRoad mostly driving around a farm. I am thinking to remove that too.

[@dovydaskaminskas4227]

how did farm became pharmaceutical? WTF youtube? :D

[@dovydaskaminskas4227]

??? far m

[@robindegetaire4388]

Hi, I have noticed at the time of this video, you have already installed the shock towers and longer shocks. Did you happen to notice the shock absorbers bottoming on extension when you added the missing links, from adding more articulation? Also, have you had any problems with these shackles un-loading on long, bumpy, steep climbs or descents (We have kilometers of uphill mountain terrain). Thanks

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I install shocks that have 1" of buffer when they are collapsed, then use as much if the down travel as I can. I have a shock video explaining my mindset on this. The shackles have never unloaded on me. I've climbed some very steep stuff, including Rubicon. If anything the shackles have kept me from rolling. I've got a video explaining that too! 👍🏻

[@robindegetaire4388]

@@FortuneOffRoad Thanks for the quick reply. I have checked out your video regarding the shock towers/absorbers, interesting and helpful. You installed the missing links after the shock towers/absorbers (best I can tell), is it correct to assume the 1" buffer you accounted for in the shocks were adequate for addition of missing links? Cheers,

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@robindegetaire4388 I have plenty of downtravel left. I think it's my leaf springs that are limiting me now

[@robindegetaire4388]

@@FortuneOffRoad Cool man. :)

[@charlieadamczak4947]

I dont kno how to say this and not seem insulting, but I fairly sure you put Dr. Z's shackles on backwards. I watch his AND your channel all the time. On every example,he has them folding outward and not inward as you have them. I am curious as to whether there is an advantage to your version. I like what you do, so keep up the good work

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I've gotten that a few times! Believe it or not, this is the correct way to run them. I actually double checked his own pictures to verify and have chatted with him about it. The reason they look different is because you're used to seeing them ran with YJ or Samurai rear springs, which are longer. These are the shorter, stock length springs, so you run them opposite. Gonna flip them when I run RUF though. 🤘🏻

[@charlieadamczak4947]

@@FortuneOffRoad Thank you for responding to my message. I greatly appreciate the knowledge and information you put out. Good on ya !

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@charlieadamczak4947 Thanks for watching! 🤙🏻

[@hmkmotorsports]

Hey I am from India ! Kudos to your build ! Really Amazing video bro ! Can you share a specifications list actually I am planning to build one for self !

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! Check out our Samurai Build Playlist. It's a 20 part series documenting the whole thing. 🤙🏻

[@jamessteele5455]

Anyone know if these would fit a daihatsu rocky

[@FortuneOffRoad]

If they use 2" wide springs I'm sure you could make them work.

[@paultrimble9390]

Mainly looking for little softer ride. Not that tank bone jarring adventure. Could get my pops go with me more if it didn’t beat us up so much. Lol

[@roccopolito1581]

it eliminates the spoa and the machine will have a better extension.the spoa only helps you to lift the car off the ground after all and highly not recommended and only an aesthetic thing

[@cliffirvin8619]

Install your drive shaft correctly

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Haha! What's wrong with it?

[@craigengelman4534]

3 link foa coil overs cheap and easy

[@paradiseroad6405]

...those shackles only extend when there is no weight on them... ...so the wheel isn't supporting anything and has very little traction... ...might look impressive... ...but does pretty much nothing...

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I used to think that too. They don't extend when there is no weight, they extend when the opposite side is pushed up and forces the drooped side down. There is still a limit to the travel so there IS traction as long as the tire is on the ground. It's definitely more traction than the tire in the air, right?

[@paradiseroad6405]

@@FortuneOffRoad ...obviously I'm not going to win the argument... ...when you tip toward that low wheel and the shackle collapses... ...don't be surprised when you go over... ...also likely is that the increased angularity of the drive line at full shackle extension will cause slip joint or u-joint failure...

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Dude, I almost go over every time I wheel! 😄 Everything you've mentioned I addressed in the video, and like I said there, opinions on this are 50/50. I was on the Rubicon Trail with this setup last week and it did great. But I agree that it can contribute to a tendency to get "tippy" or in this case, "go over". Stay tuned to see if it happens! 🤙🏻

[@Chris-ve1cd]

After watching this video like a dozen times. I ordered these shackles. Just last week Thank you for the great product review. I just wish you could have got credit for it. Your promotion code expired.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I think you'll like them! It's all good, love reviewing stuff to help the good companies and save you guys some money if I can. 🤙🏻

[@garrykennedy5484]

I have seen his videos, and it looks to me like you have the drop missing links reversed????? I guess they will work either way though. I have to contemplate this. You may actually be on to something doing it this way!!!!!! I just thought of one thing,, your approach angle is not affected. Actually is better in this configuration. May want to talk to the guy that made them and see what he thinks??? Seems like a really great guy!!!! The one thing I can see that is not good is that the spring is forcing the movement forward. If you had the shackle at a 30deg. angle forward, it would enhance the travel directions of the spring softening the overall spring rate. The way it is now hardens the spring rate overall. So offroad,,, GREAT!!!!!! On road,, BAD!!!!!!! LOL there's videos out there about shackle angle and effective spring ratings that actually make total sense.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks for ideas! This is the way they are designed to be ran with stock samurai springs 👍🏻

[@abhinavsaini3512]

Isn't this the gypsy

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah they have many names for them depending on where they're made. Samurai and Jimny are too of the most popular 🤘🏻

[@awd1080]

Those shackles will kill your diff. Lots more expensive

[@FortuneOffRoad]

How do they kill the diff?

[@alphapatriot8405]

👍

[@bindodundid]

Samurais are sick because you can put 32s on them and conquer the world

[@sethhopkins8111]

Missing links are trash.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Mine have been awesome! Helped out a lot on Rubicon and Fordyce last season. 🤙🏻

[@russgould707]

I've been running mine for 5 years front and rear, on and off road. They have worked great for both.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@russgould707 I have nothing but good things to say about them. About to hit Rubicon again too!

[@offroadernemberch3441]

this shakels from zanfi Italy in Europe... and sorry but zanfi is the biggest shit... i drove the supreme lift kit what fit everything inside. But on every offroadtrip somthing broke, bend or dosent work, expensive shit for cheap offroader. theres some better and cheaper lift kits in Türkei (4x4four Art) or in UK (Big Jimny) ..... dont get me wrong bro, wish you nice offroad expierinces.... greatings from germany

[@FortuneOffRoad]

These specific shackles from Dr. Z are definitely great! I've ran them in this configuration and with Samurai rear springs up front and both have done great on many hard trails in Northern California. 🤘🏻