I Bought A SWEET Suzuki Samurai!!

[@mrm4155]

My vote is keep short wheel base, leaf springs, 35s, and do a TDI swap. That short wheel base on the Samurai just looks bad ass!

[@Chevy3o3]

I agree with that reply 100%

[@P.Trim69]

Yes TDI is then sell me the 22r cheap to put in mine. Webber floods bad on angle's or starve depending on way on there but u know that all ready. Really not bad deal. Pick a stock 88 square dash for 1800 back in 2019 decent shape little cancer on it and sprint top was gutted. Wrangler in rear on leafs ,backs on front common set up cheaper. Been thinking about 22r swap for long time. Be good with 235/75 or even up to say 3one2ish ok 31s Maybe 🤔 33s ok anyway if it wAs half and half 50 on 50 off road. I think it should make good power. Just plain Jane factory fresh rebuild. Should get you above 70 mph and that ain't happening in my 1.3 with toy 3k carb. 55. Maybe 60 mph. Downhill. But go about anywhere I want go just leave hours or days before everyone else. No It won't break down. Slower in molasses in January. Well good find good luck . Check zuks off-road Myron is Suzuki king. Tell him ole hillbilly buddy sent you if not already there. Stay safe keep on keeping on brother. From ur ole hillbilly buddy.

[@The_ThreeWheeler_Dude]

Hell yeah 🤙

[@christianbattestin9747]

Good idea. Cummins 4BT or 2 stroke Detriot 4 53 turbo.

[@marceldekker4386]

Keep it on leafsprings, yj springs or Toyota for more wheelbase. Keep it as low as posible whit spring over. And a tdi on the Toyota gearbox.

[@renepadilla4104]

Austin that is going to be fun watching you on this build can’t wait to see the finished work 😊

[@georgegabriel4070]

Ikr #samurai❤

[@davefury66]

Great find Austin 🤙🏻 I know a guy that owns 6 Samurai's. 2 are diesel swapped and one is propane swapped. You have a lot of choices when it comes to this Samurai build. 😎👍🏻🔥💯🤘🏼🍺

[@alpinefab]

One of the common budget leaf spring upgrades for samurais are Jeep YJ springs. Gets you about 4in of extra wheelbase with a MUCH better ride. Otherwise once you start getting past 90in of wheel base you end up really cutting into the body. I’ve squeezed out 100in on my build with links and air shocks and I feel it was the most I was willing to cut away from the body before it turns full buggy

[@austinniemela]

I see YJs are really common! I’m thinking Toyota rears for even more wheelbase, I haven’t decided how much I want to cut it up! The body is actually pretty dang clean

[@alpinefab]

@@austinniemela yea I went from samurai leaf spring up to YJ springs and I loved it. Although I decided to abandon those and link it front and rear with Toyota axles for the extra wheelbase. It hurts cutting up a clean body.. I feel you

[@starmauser]

leaf springs are good for trailers. i've got a samurai on coilovers, 4 link and toyota axles on 33's and it runs great!!! sidekick power steering works so good on this configuration and is really cheap ;)

[@braydenwood7418]

Tdi swapped with the Toyota trans and cases. A buddy of mine had one and it was unstoppable with 5.29 and a 4.7 case.

[@andycornell201]

It's already a budget build. Fix fabrication and link it. As you said, it's a short wheelbase. Keep drive train and go fuel injection to keep costs down. Very cool starting point. Could you try to use Superduty front IFS arms for the front and rear suspension? Upcycled links.

[@kevind5508]

At time stamp 10:20 you can see blue smoke. A little stretch and 37s low cog on leafs would be sweet. Nice start to a good rig. Might be worth doing a full custom chassis to save dealing with the mess

[@austinniemela]

Yes that’s fuel, it runs really rich! Leafs and 37s might be the ticket!

[@oscarag5640]

Can't wait to see every video of this project!!! Mi Samurai is now in a complete restoration!!

[@muddyjeepers5944]

Yj leaf springs, you can use the Toyota Prius electric power steering, you can pick that up at a junkyard for a really budget build. Keep it light, keep it simple.

[@BansheeBridage]

What a peach! TDI, wheelbase stretched....I see the vision. So stoked to see your subscriber count where its at now. You deserve it.

[@Z-Bart]

Been looking for one of these. All the nice ones are 15-18K. Nice being zero rust.

[@petdealer666]

Man, you're always so serious and seeing you joking around the beauty welds, BT seat mounts and precise shifter was hilarious... LMAA

[@sas86toy]

Stretch and section fenders up and plate whole frame, leafs outside frame rails. Idk what width is now but maybe go 29” like the Toyotas are

[@stanymiles]

I am planning to deal with my Jimny this year. So watching you rebuilding Samurai at the same time gonna be priceless!!!

[@abpsd73]

Move the front shackles to the back of the spring for better stability, and add a crossmember between the front frame rails to stop flexing and twisting. A proper hi-steer kit and panhard bar would be a good idea.Some junkyard e-lockers out of 4runner limiteds would be nice. I swapped the 22R out of my 82 pickup for a 22RE, it wasn't too difficult, you know how to make a harness from a donor.

[@benbaldwin627]

Super easy if you want 37s get you a set of Toyota rear leaf springs and flip them so the long end is facing the frame mount on the rear and I’d honestly 3 link the front but you can just run rear Toyota springs on the front as well if you want to stretch on a budget you’ll want a Chevy Astro van steering box to make your steering work with the stretch the most common stretch involves welding 14” of 2x4 box tube to the front where the frame ends to mount new shackles and steering box the front frame is bent because he removed the front cross member on the 22r swap to clear the crank pully if you need any measurements or have any questions let me Know I currently have a Sami that I just swapped YJs to until I decide if I want waggy Dana 44s or yota axles my plan is 106 WB and 39.5s

[@austinniemela]

That’s awesome! I have actually been thinking about Toyota rear springs for the front and rear! We shall see

[@donaldcaissie]

I would keep that length and make it more stock well big wheels but not huge… my uncle bought one new and I loved that little rig!! Keep up the great work!

[@GrizzlyPath]

I agree, strip it down, rework and beef up what you can but keep it lightweight. Basically something to play in between the Kei truck and the FJ!

[@mora103]

I would not stretch the frame but longer springs are a good idea, I'd go with YJ springs. Look up zukz off road or zukz of hazard. They can help you out 😊 samurai holds some impressive records. I would do lots of research before doing any mods

[@youriurss]

so I bought a similar build minus the Toyota axles, mine also had a Toyota engine/tranny/t-case. I bought a front a rear Toyota axle, but I went with coil overs instead of leaf, much better ride. If you are gonna go through all that trouble to fix the crappy workmanship, might as well upgrade. it also fix driveline angle if you go the double cardan route and clock your knuckles.

[@danielmagalhaes5739]

Awesome Channel! You can go on budjet build doing steel links as use regular coils! Why you don't use the TJ JKS 2 lift dual rate coils on front and yj rear leaves springs?

[@evinsteven13]

I loved my TDI swapped samurai, but stock wheelbase is not the way to go in my opinion. I drove mine for a couple years before I decided I needed a longer rig. So I stretched it 18". I think you'd like a stretched sami with a TDI.

[@huntercromwell7620]

I so badly wanted to go get this. Saw it on marketplace. Very excited for the build!

[@ryguy08781]

Whichever way you go with the Samurai, I'm sure it will be solid, looking forward to another great build buddy....💪👍

[@Zaff_TT]

Been following since the big red build. I'm really excited for this build. Can't wait to see this series!

[@tradeMark182]

Lets go og'ssss

[@davekeehn8388]

Turn it into a 413k since you have the Yota power and axles. Reposition the perches to the Samurai width.

[@Warr-Path4X4]

The FJ is cool but I'm in for a samurai build. Pretty sure I saw that one for sale. Mine is such a budget build it still has Samurai axles lol. Like others have said the go to springs are Jeep YJ also the go to seats (if your just swapping OEM) is the town and country fold and go seats. Also the shackle in front is original Samurai

[@RaviGajadharsingh]

Can’t wait to see this build. I bought and fj40 just before you got yours and your build has helped and continues to help me so much! I also have a Suzuki samurai as well so very excited for this one. Huge fan, keep up the excellent work!

[@douggrunberg]

Now that's fun!! I can't wait for the build. Thanks!

[@xcracer311]

do an aluminum LWB body swap looks like some places still sell the bodys. and keep the leafs

[@rcsanks]

I say 3 link front leaf rear but use coil springs instead of coil overs .

[@CTMadModz]

you're definitely gonna want to swap in YJ springs, I just went with a Rough Country 2.5-3" YJ lift kit and my YJ swap kit came from Rocky Road (JPEater kit), lots of people use Toyota FJ steering boxes tapped for power steering, mine has Tracker/Sidekick power steering, & another common PS set up is the Toyota Prius electric PS. I have sidekick seats in mine and they fit great, a better option is Chrysler town & country second row seats and the mounting kit from Myron at Zuks OffRoad. watching the video it looks like the only thing holding your frame from spreading apart is you engine mounts, they cut the front support out probably to build a winch bumper, so be careful with that.

[@RaviGajadharsingh]

Mazda RX-8 seats are also a good option cuz they’re really comfortable and also low, so you keep good headroom

[@AllThingsMech]

Man...super clean body, 22R, toyota running gear and 35s on it already? I see why you scooped it up, what a little unit! Keep the short wheelbase though brother, that body is too clean to cut up if you stretch it a bunch. Pity the fab work is garbage, but let's be honest...you'd be redoing it all to your own standards anyway, lol. At least this way you dont have to feel bad cutting all of that shit off of it. 😂 I'd say some gears, lockers, 37s, maybe a set of YJ springs, and a TDI swap would be badass! That 22R would be a great builder for another project, but it's not the right option here; this rig needs some diesel grunt, IMO. Really excited to see where you take this one!

[@andrewgraham9977]

I'll be interested to see your version of "budget build". 😄

[@moparmagic400]

it might be tougher to convert your 22r to efi if it’s an older block it’s not drilled for some sensors. I was planning on converting my 22r samurai to efi until I realized I have an older block and makes it a lot more difficult, sweet ride though good bones

[@moparmagic400]

And those stock aisin carbs run really well, I rebuilt mine and it’ll run with the samurai almost vertical, only issue is the fuel bowl drains if it sits for a few days. Just needs a few more pumps in the morning

[@VS666]

HELL YEAH BUDDY!!! I have an RC version of this called the BUSHIDO and it's actually a very capable little rig with some basic upgrades. Stoked to see this build!

[@steveo7767]

Samurai's make great rock crawlers if you have that in Washington. Yakima is the only place i have been in WA in the military. Of course youll have to stretch it.

[@chad-EVERYTHING-AND-ANYTHING]

Propane, YJ leaf's, slight stretch and 37's and send it lol looking forward to this build....

[@xispaki]

"this thing is mint!"🤣🤣🤣

[@rsage_]

There's very little Seattle in that part of Washington, lol. ... the way it should be. Congrats on the new project!

[@brianmoffat6672]

Sweet Sami! Cut those fenders get some Yj leafs, get that thing a little longer and a lot lower. Those axles should handle 37s

[@timbales3652]

Now I Don't know about this. It's not a Toyota. You do great work so I will watch. You have a guy on the east side on a budget. Worth watching.

[@JefferyCrites]

I like the budget build idea. Keep it simple and affordable

[@lukeswenson2815]

Do the jeep rears and samurai rear up front , had that on mine worked pretty good. , same yota running gear also.

[@royibaum7919]

My dear friend welcome to the samurai world :) Stoked to see you getting this back to good 👍

[@jakeofallterrains9048]

Lower, offset perches and redrill the center pins, ditch the body lift, ifs steering box, frame plates, and better rock sliders. 🎉This will be neater

[@josephducote]

love the Suzuki, but i wanna see that powerstroke done up

[@codyswilley]

I own 4 suzuki samurais. I can tell you from experience that tbe locator bolt is broken on the trans shift tower. I replaced all four of mine on my trucks and new shifter bushings. They sbift like a dream. 2 have the stock 1.3 one has a 1.6 8v and one has a 1.9 diesel. The 1.6 8v is my daily. They all run great but my 87 with the 1.6 is just my baby. Lifted on 35's and have a set of 33x10.5x14 assassinator atv tires. It goes places otbers wont. But i only run to those in the summer or deer season. On blacktop its like skating on ice😂

[@kookiethebear]

Can you finish the FJ (in video) before starting a new build?

[@josiahdolman3822]

I was just thinking about trying to find one to build in the next year. I am excited to see what you do with it.

[@caseyn720]

Tdi swap!! I had a long wheel base samurai a few years ago. I loved it.

[@drgunit893]

The part of the vid when u went over the samurai 😂 too funny definitely NOT a lot of work to be done ;)

[@towboatjeff]

I like how ya think this is gonna be a budget build but by the end of the video its turning into a frame off rebuild. And I'm all for it.

[@austinniemela]

😂😂 my builds usually escalate quickly

[@suzrtimm5930]

I was wondering if you could get a wider frame for this? I think play as you go along to see what you would like to put on this would be good. I love the huge tires for sure. 😊

[@abpsd73]

Depending on how roached the frame is, a guy could probably fabricate a new frame with rectangular tubing that would be a lot more rugged, and match things like perch width. The frame rails don't seem too complex, a few miter cuts would be enough to match the profile.

[@ronthompson2366]

A diamond in the rough..... Be a good "budget" build... a flatbed with a half cab would be different and pretty cool. So it will be a good utility / hunting and fishing rig. Something to toss some firewood on it... make a rack that covers the bed and cab... Separate note for the FJ build. Don't forget to add a place to hold your cell phone and a radio [communications]. Along with some USB ports and a couple 12 volt ports.

[@RustyEast]

4link with coilsprings and stretch the wheel base.🍻

[@06Canyon-i5g]

I need another video on this!!!

[@tochka4x4]

Precisely the construction of the machine on springs, low-leaf, as much as possible to increase the length of the base, as much as possible to reduce the center of gravity, lower the power plant, make the lowest possible suspension. Injection motor, power steering, good steering and swivel bipods. The safety framework. I'm from Russia, we build cars here, and that's exactly what I would do with him if we could get such a car in good condition for a little money.

[@tochka4x4]

We have RFC competitions, it's a lot of short trial sections. Originally from Malaysia, such a car would perform well there, as simple and reliable as possible.

[@samuniemela1915]

Nice one! We have tons of those little Jimnys here in Finland, not "pickups" tho. Btw we share the same surname 😅

[@elktough777]

Love it! Those things are sweet when done well. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it

[@hurlcat9301]

Bringing back all of the fun memories and nightmares of my old Sidekick.

[@bobthebuilder6315]

Still LMFAO on the blue tooth seat's😂 just a heads-up do a leak down test on that 22r for head gasket. Also needs a front cross member and did you notice the cracks by the motor mounts. BTY good luck on keeping a low budget I've been watching and subscribe to you for a long time and you don't half ass anything. Can't wait to see what happens.

[@jimungerbuehler4201]

Cal-mini makes a shackle reverse kit for the samurai, check them out.

[@jimungerbuehler4201]

Jeep yj leaf spring is a way to go.

[@stevooJ96]

Aannnddd breath! I was getting worried with the FJ build getting close to completion what I was going to watch on YT... locked in for this one Austin stoked to see what you do with it !

[@rigou.j.9115]

Hello Austin, gran proyecto, tengo un amor particular por todos los suzuki, quieres una idea para el proyecto? Extiende el chasis y fabrica una camioneta pick up , del largo que tenia la hilux blanca del 77 que fabricante,

[@joserobertodefreitasdias6810]

WOW!!! I have a Suzuki Samurai too, here in Brazil!!!

[@philiptaylor2567]

What a mess that thing is. Looking forward to seeing the transformation on this Austin. It's a cool truck at its roots. I liked the ever do subtle sarcasm 😂. The "air bolts" holding the seat on

[@alpinefab]

Samurai gang 🤘 stretching mine right now and looking forward to seeing where you take this!

[@nunyaa5]

Looking forward to the build!

[@allenwilson9656]

I'd fix up what needs to be done, power steerin Wirein, and clutch and leave it alone thats a sweet little ride

[@cooperbpark32]

That's gonna be cool man! I found a Samurai at my local scrap yard, and it actually looks pretty nice, I wish I could make use of it somehow

[@bluegoatgarage]

Looks like the front crossmember of the frame is missing.

[@JDMJDK]

I’d like to see how the Holly 2300 2 barrel EFI kit runs a 22R?

[@adventure-101]

When you going to build this one 👍

[@Dvniemela]

those are some baller seats, lemme get em for the evo

[@austinniemela]

Hell yeah they are sick, I can’t let them go 😂

[@AD-kq2nx]

Frame is definitely missing a brace to hold the rails together

[@johnrobert1053]

Maybe fix a few things get it a little more up to snuff. An take it out on a trip or two.

[@lynnmccoy9623]

You should consider going with electronic power steering!

[@bradlininger6393]

Hell yeah I have a 86 on Toyota axles samurai gang don't take much to have fun in a samurai

[@matthewlee2686]

I'm down to watch if your TDI swapping it. I miss that content

[@tysonparker7403]

Sounds like you need to prioritize power steering and getting that transmission right over anything else. Cool truck to build however you decide to do it.

[@jonathanemocling3826]

Dang 😂 Austin has Jokes!!! Hahaha. Can’t wait you build this!

[@williamhorn4290]

Rock beast with portal axles please please please.

[@anthonypeachey21]

Collect everything you need, would like to see another fj build. Tdi swap

[@enricopolazzo33]

Looking forward to this one. A little stretch will help it a ton.

[@danielMZ20]

Good job, watching you from Mozambique, Africa

[@CGGarage]

Bro just leave the wheelbase and keep the 35s. Loving the small wheelbase with the 35 combo.

[@CaptSurge]

🤣 I saw that posted up and was like man that would be an fun build and yeah it was cheap. Happy to see you got it. Cant wait to see some more videos

[@dirttales]

Excited to see this build, I think stretched on 37's would look awesome, diggin the new tunes as well! Reminds me of Boards of Canada.

[@johanfalzon9192]

I can't wait for this project 🙂

[@the_digital_nomads]

DANG! you found one that was done RIGHT! nice

[@danielvaher]

Cool little car. I wish you could build one day jeep commander, I found them very cool car's, had one sold it and now I mis it

[@2mo2time]

Wow bro tou got a steal, excited for this build

[@scottblake6850]

Samurai is cool ! Can't wait to see what you do with it

[@christandinewmachinesaerze9818]

do the best TDI swap that no ones seen before!

[@RM_Garage]

Front frame definitely looks tweaked. Nothing you couldn't fix though!

[@zacharyclark4302]

Something similar to the samurai trail slayer would be sweet!

[@DrZFabrication]

Samurai's are awesome rigs. If there's anything you need for the build keep me in mind.

[@austinniemela]

Right on!! You have some awesome parts!! I need to decide what direction to take this build!!

[@chasemcmurray3737]

You should have that Ford F-250 be one of your next builds. That would be so sick.