Ultimate Suzuki Samurai Buggy Build! Episode 1 Unimog Axles, Wheels And Tires.

[@Spetk]

I watched this thing be built when I was a kid on Extreme 4x4. Its so sick to see it being worked on and in my home state of all places!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Dude, I can't believe I own it! Soooo pumped about this

[@brandonsearle990]

Same here

[@pleinairbarnettoutdoors]

Ditto

[@matsherwood6277]

Same. Remember the bobbed deuce they hauled this thing around on? So sick. Wasn't the original motor set up to run biodiesel or vegetable oil or something?

[@Spetk]

@@matsherwood6277 I totally remember. That is what made me fall in love with dueces

[@jakematthews6982]

If it’s the one I remember then Jessi had her hands on it as well. She’s greatly missed by a lot of enthusiasts in several branches of Motorsport and having some kind of tribute to her on the rebuild would he awesome.

[@valleytractorservices9310]

I love that Nate isn't a fan boy of any particular brand. He has had a alot of variety on the builds he's done.

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Amen to that!!

[@onemanzu]

MORR off road games brought me here. I’m glad you’ve rescued this. I specifically remember watching Jessie and Ian build this in my youth.

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

I had to replace a rock ring this year on one wheel when I did a tire change. I torn the hell out of it at Hot Springs ORV 2 yrs ago. 5 years of hard wheeling and only one ring ain't bad in my book.

[@DirtLifestyle]

1 ring in 5 years sounds like a pretty good service life to me!

[@84yoda4x4]

Love the 404 axles, i've got them under my rig and they weight 630 lbs with the stock boxes and fully dressed with link mounts and the steering ram mounts. The big issue with these axles and the stock boxes if you run very little wheel backspacing, that causes a lot of stress on the boxes and it causes them to fail. Since your axles like mine, have been converted to 8 lug, that pushes the WMS out which already introduces some stress to the boxes. Just keep that in mind. For the specs and details for our axles, a lot of it comes from the factory Mecredes manuals. Hit me up, I paid for a manual and can help with some info if you need it.

[@shaneherman8906]

It speaks well of you that Ian said the first person he thought of to get this iconic rig was you. Don't let us down. LoL. No pressure.

[@David-cy2ug]

best off road channel on youtube no doubt.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man 🙌 that means alot

[@Cornbreadthejeep]

So freakin cool to see you build this rig i remember watching it being built on sunday morning with my dad. So excited to see what you do with this.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Dude, I'm so pumped about this!

[@Nowayjose-z2r]

For those who don't know or notice when using bolts in aluminum you have two issues: 1) Dissimilar metals cause galvanic corrosion so some type of "neutral" behavior material is used either as a insert (like a Heli coil but better) or a coated bolt (preferred). This is why many a times you have aluminum wheels stuck to your hub, rotor, and/or drums. 2) Problem with the grey anti-size it that it works to good. There is a reason they have huge warnings NOT to use grey anti seize on lug nuts with aluminum wheels. The heat and cold cycles will cause the lug nuts to loosen. I have yet to have a car roll in the shop where some one put grey anti seize on the lugs and the lug nuts are actually at torque speck. Usually about 10 -20 lbs less. One suggestion is use Copper based anti seize. Yes, the one for high heat. It doesn't work as well but will prevent the Galaviz corrosion along with coated bolts especially on exterior bolts. On a rock crawler I wouldn't be worried and am sure they get check on a pre-op when you double check before hitting the trail(s) but be careful on road applications. I live in MN so everything gets some type of lube when it goes back together and driven in the winter. I am sure people will complain about using a power tool on aluminum too. As long as you start the threads and use low torque you are fine. I would argue no fastener should be blindly run into a nut or a-nut etc. with out first starting it by hand. Few bolts with the non-threaded guide at the tip might be the exception.

[@ironsaint]

HOGWASH!! I use grey anti seize on all my lug nuts and never had one ever loosen up.

[@bc30cal99]

Greetings from just across the medicine line north of you. Thanks for the video, in my limited experience with Unimogs up here in BC at least you hit the major points. They're so "German" in so many ways that if one doesn't have either the machinery and know how to do it yourself or a shop close by that does, it's tricky at best. I really wanted a Unimog until I had a customer with a mid '60's that I sat in and that cured that. Merry Christmas to you all.

[@dolarmangr]

The best choice for rockcrawling and more off-road obstacles… waiting to see it on action… Jeep Wrangler yj owner with unimog axles 👍

[@joevergnetti767]

I’m so happy you’re working on this zuk!!!

[@malcolmcrawford261]

I remember watching this beast of a Suzuki being built. As most know Ian is from a small town in Ontario Canada, in which I live close to and have family in. It's cool to know that a local ish average jo( no offense Ian) made it to the big screen and created an aswome life perusing his dream. It's nice to see this zuki still lives and is not only being resurrected, but fans of both dirt lifestyle, and extreme 4x4 get to watch it all happen

[@freeidaho-videos]

Cool project. Sure wish I didn't have to turn the volume down for music and back up again for talking. I'm a huge portal fan, concept wise. Haven't built with them yet. There are portal conversions available for more common axles. Hope you looked there too before deciding. They are even more pricey.

[@spenceradamsjr]

You were right on the money when you stopped to ask if the viewer is looking on marketplace for Unimog axles! I was already brewing a plan for my D2!

[@jjansen987]

So glad you decided to do this build now! Can’t wait to see how epic it’s going to be.

[@aarontena]

I've always had a soft spot for Samurais, specially how popular they're here in Europe. Seeing extreme 4x4 turn that into such a creative and creative build Congratulations for getting a car that has touched many people in their heart

[@wirebrush]

This is a build I've dreamed of for years. It should be the perfect recipe for a serious snow wheeler!

[@mattfischer1292]

Gotta love Mogs, my dad bought 10 NATO mogs for $3k a pc, plus shipping ($$$$) to Houston back in 1981 (all 1954 to 1959 model 404's), they are awesome, but a pain for parts in the states, at least back then. But....they are tuff and built to last folks!

[@ThatCarGuyYT]

I’ve seen the show in Europe on a local tv and years later I’ve decided to build one. Unimog 404 axles are quite cheap here but I couldn’t find the adapter kits for the wheels and driveshaft. It took me 2 years to build it and I still have it. 1.9 tdi , toyota lj70 gearbox , unimog axles and 42 tredadors. The lightweight on top and heavy axles under make it a beast everywhere and especially in the steep lateral inclinations. I’m glad to see it again on your channel .

[@ThatCarGuyYT]

The only thing cool is that they used to make a axle housing and shafts here to offset the 3rd member to avoid hitting the engine and luckily I bought the last one they used to make

[@JimBosGarage49]

I’m so glad you are bringing back one of my favorite buggy back to life.

[@dustintarpley4836]

I did start looking for unimog axles for sale right before you said that. Too funny man. So excited about this build.

[@joemcgee2918]

Cries for the TJ, The sammy is a mythical creature almost. Its truely one of the goat 4x4's.

[@stumonkey17]

This is going to be so good mate. I first saw a Unimog when I was about 14 here in the UK and I’ve loved them ever since. Weird coincidence but I saw one today about an hour before watching this video!

[@darrelsmith4549]

Nice,can't wait,I love micro 4x4's ‼️ And I love your work, craftsmanship and videos... VERY much seem like a VERY cool dude 💪‼️ I myself am building a micro 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@a1racer441]

I’ve watched every step on builds on this rig, going to be interesting seeing it get rebuilt again.

[@rayfuller2657]

Going to love this build series 😊Thanks !

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for watching, man! I'm smiling just thinking about this build 😎

[@sweed7777]

Unimog axles are sweet and would really like to have a set. But for alot of people that already have a built set of axles, something like the JHF portal setup might be a better choice. I think it would have been awesome if you had gotten a set and put them on the toyota axles already in the samurai. Would love to see a side by side comparison of the axles.

[@Nickwillfixit]

I saw on here a company I think Polish but could be wrong, they manufacturer portal box's that bolt to your stock axles of man vehicles, it comes as a kit mainly bolt on with just a couple of welds needed, they are very well made and easy to fit and look very very strong. Definately worth a look.

[@snowysysadmin59]

I hop on tonight and see this in my recommended? Dude this is SWEET! OH im so stoked to see this thing on the trails!

[@hjstrater]

4:26 super excited to hear more of your thoughts on bead grips. Have some on the wife’s JL but still haven’t gone below 15psi on the rocks since I don’t know how well they actually work from someone with experience with them.

[@charlestucker6628]

I spoke to Ian briefly about this vehicle at FabTech in ATL. He ran the tin top WVO at Uwharrie years ago. I wish you were closer, I would be glad to help...

[@northernjeep942]

This build will be epic when finished! I think 49 inch iroks would be sick for the snow.

[@Daniel-Johnson]

Nate! This is so awesome man! Watching extreme 4x4 when I was younger and being a huge fan of Mr Johnson and his work to this very day and watching this thing go through all the different phases it went through and now to know that you have it and are building it the way you want to build it not to mention your just up the beatin path from me in the PNW is just so rad! Keep up the good work man I think I speak for all of us when I say we love your Channel and everything you do!

[@brentwaldman265]

For all things Unimog and any questions I would suggest Couch off road engineering. They are in the Denver Colorado area and experts on anything Unimog.

[@StormbornJKU]

Stance and all look pretty sick. Looks like it’s going to be rough to make it all work. Tons of fabrication. But you love that stuff!

[@chriscummings9491]

Thanks for doing the pros an cons...I wanted to get a set of 9 ton milatary axles...for a bronco 2 build...but ill probable just go 1 tons now 😄

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol, that would be pretty epic!

[@qwikyking]

I like my TMI weld on beadlocks, much more affordable option than anything out there, sealed my super swampers 8 years ago and they still hold air

[@oneshotpete6.591]

As a huge Sammy fan , i’m super stoked for this build Nate !!!

[@Jay-uh2jb]

Cool project coming together. Surprised you skipped discussion on checking the bead lock rings for full seating (with a feeler gauge) at recommended torque to see if you needed to add shims. I think this is something a lot of people skip when assembling beadlocks and later wonder why they have issues with loose bolts.

[@darrenmackenzie1645]

This rig is gonna look killer when done !

[@Ossiep]

Consider Volvo C303/TGB portals. I love them on my 6x6. Excellent axles that are slightly smaller than a Unimog set. Good ratio options too. 5.95s to 7.5s.

[@rickz9495]

They are pretty cool axles, but super rare

[@frediefarmer]

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽 so happy to see you working/ building this suk. Should be epic.

[@Rangemog88]

It's going to be hard to hit your weight goal because the mogs with wheels and tires weighs close to the original weight. Also be sure your hardware and links are beefier than they were...the portal boxes put a ton of added stress on those parts. I learned the hard way with broken bolts and shocks.

[@88HillTop]

Sorry Nate, I have the MR106 beads and I haven’t wheeled it yet cause I’m missing essentials but it was a killer deal. It’s my daily and I love the look. When I’m done getting the wife a house, it’s on. Love your show on the edge of the seat weekly waiting.

[@kirshberndt8412]

Also a big fan of Ian’s shows and work and remember the Samurai being one of his all-time favourite builds! Unimogs are awesome and putting this rig on portals is next level. Excited to watch this build progress and very cool that you’re continuing it on! Love your explanations of the planning thoughts process…pros and cons.

[@lucasmm519]

Love where this is going!

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Cool project! You will for sure get the most out of it. Love dirt. Thanks

[@hookahman22]

I started watching this channel for the taco. Now you have a Sami too. I have an 87 JX and a 05 SR5 4x4.

[@MrBillsfishin]

Simple. Awesome. Billy Goat comes to mind!

[@rickmesser7855]

Hey man, the person that might have specs on the axles is Clint @ C&C Equipment. He does a lot of work on S.E.E. trucks from the military and pretty sure he will have parts.I actually drove the See truck when I was in the Army. Those axles are bad ass.

[@deadgameguns]

this will be a great series.

[@jeffreylind9191]

Man you make really great videos. Cool tunes even. Lots of great info. I hate it when guys don't say the specs of their build! You do it right!

[@iankovac1878]

I could use the other parts you do not need for my ugly project 86 samurai buggy :) Remember watching this thing being built so rad :) UNITARDS my nickname for them. Worked at a shop where we had several. The 404 being the most common. The 406 tug was my favorite. If you were paying attention to the online photos, the green 4 door one with the giant front bumper. The 404 has a (not kidding) 2.2l i6 making 65hp for a vehicle that is configurable to 14k lbs. Drove a 404 communications MOG (12k) up Ute pass from Colorado springs to Woodland park, CO. I was lucky to be doing 15 mph. No heater, no ac. So unitard axles do not like high hp or bouncing trying to climb rocks. My buddy has what is left of a 93 ford ranger with portals and 47's. If he bounces climbing the exit of the Patriot Trail in Penrose commons ohv, Penrose CO. He will break a portal easily. With a 3.0l v6 lol. I would do a 16v 1.6l tracker auto and tcase to a samurai tcase with low gears or just go yota doubles. More than willing to help in any way. Let me know :)

[@angushoover8670]

I started looking at the 404's awhile back, most of my research pointed me towards the 406/416/419 as a much stronger, more reliable option. HOPEFULLY, once you get done, this will be some solid info, one way or another.

[@ricks72ntx]

Got a buddy building a 406 buggy, definitely looks to be a much stronger axle

[@timothyamerman6521]

This is a cool build, can’t way to see it come together. For anything unimog related get ahold of Jay at Couch Offroad Engineering, he’s built some of the most badass Mogs put there.

[@PaulKaiser42]

This is going to be a fantastic build…..I’m soooooo excited 👊🏻👊🏻

[@obs_j.a.g]

I remember like it was yesterday watching this on the show. Its badass you are working on it brother 🔥🔥 keep up the good work 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@MrTapanes]

"I like to play with weird stuff" needs to be a new merch t-shirt.

[@JW-cn6op]

You should try the Icon rebound pro. My buddy put a set on his snow wheeler and they work great and balance perfect for driving to the trail.

[@matthewdeclercq2971]

Super excited to see this build come to fruition!!

[@cmartin0011]

They should come put with a portal axle kit for tacomas. perhaps something to bolt on to existing suspension parts.

[@trailrunnah8886]

This is going to be rad! Also, I enjoy the information heavy videos, I love learning about this stuff even though I'll probably never do it.

[@christophercasman7270]

Now that we know your an expert at building something slow, lots of us wanna see you build something fast😏too many builds going on though I know haha

[@caseybacker8809]

Duct tape on the inner bead works great to keep the wheels from leaking and helps prevent losing inner bead. Desertdog has a video about it.

[@phillipredfern6461]

I'm excited to see this build!

[@MattSanipass81]

This is awesome Nate, can’t wait for the build vids… 👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for the positive comment buddy! Happy to have you along for the ride!

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Love that your using portal's. Like you said there not for everybody but in the right application (like your's) They should be awesome. Hope the TJ makes a return one day (love that rig) Be watching this build for sure. Keep it Dirty...🤓

[@orangepickel2]

Well I see this project is going to be a trial by fire build will be interesting. But always remember: "That nothing is greater than an idea that's time has come."

[@CFairNH]

Super cool series!! Looking foward to your progress!!

[@JohnnyChimpo907]

The clearance 😮😮😮 So rad!

[@markkiely8326]

I friend of mine has a unimog when you take a look underneath it you see it's just in a different league to any other 4x4 you've ever seen. you know maybe you should fit them lovely axles to the disco

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Going to be kool. Nate can’t wait to see it rock 👍👍

[@gagewilmot5445]

I'm excited to see this build 😎

[@GaryFord-Audio]

More workie, less talkie, best plan yet!

[@bwofficial1776]

Unimogs are really cool. If you ever want to build one, look for a U90 or U110. They're a bit smaller, about 404 sized, and have a weird droopy hood for visibility. They're more modern than the 404 but still compact for your kind of wheeling. They're less expensive because they're ugly and not as iconic as the 404. The 404 is also a bit tight in the cab but the U90 has a taller roofline.

[@timdorsey6130]

Loved this original build! And no I’m not shopping for unimaginable axles… looking for another Sami buggy. 😂

[@danieleasterling3903]

Finished a 404 buggy build 2 years ago and just about done with a 406 buggy build. Haven't have great luck with the 404s. 39s should be good but 42s are too much. Can bearly get though a weekend without breaking. About the same weight you are shooting for, maybe a little more. Even broke a ring gear which was told would never happen.

[@dougdean3134]

Great build excited to see it come together. Merry Christmas to y’all

[@tiny_the_200]

Good description of the beadlock mounting 👌🏼 Maybe worth mentioning rechecking the torque after some use.

[@glennfosterjr.3883]

You got me inspired on my yj build, 351 abs c6 from a bronco with one toon ford axles.

[@ralphbarnes5282]

OMG. I was on FB Marketplace looking for a Suzuki Samurai when you mentioned looking for Unimog axles.

[@jefflarsson4824]

"I love this build so much, it's my favorite. Now watch me change literally everything about it" 😂

[@keithpond691]

I really suggest using the tire paste lubricant rather than dish soap. The soap can degrade the rubber in the bead.

[@CowbellCustoms]

Have to remember those trail gear? I think axle housings already increase clearance over a factory yota axle, so those mog portal axles are great.

[@rocklanderoffroad]

Oh this is going to be fun to follow!

[@GadsdenJL]

I'm super pumped to see you doing some 2d crawling stuff again! You totally got me on the "are you looking for unimog axles" The whole video up until this point, I was like: Dude, I wish you'd talk about the damn axles, because I don't know sht about them lol"

[@UsedEveryDay]

Definitely a cool build!

[@Defender110SLO]

What an ovsome project. Couple of years ago you could buy unimog for the price of axles. Cheers. 🍻

[@Numb360]

Method 105's are the best looking beadlocks IMO. Great choice!

[@georgemitchell8991]

Can't wait

[@nothingtoseaheardammit]

It's interesting the differences in mounting a traditional beadlock vs the hutchinson dual beadlock setup on my rig. My beadlocks require an insert that goes into the tire just inside the beads - then when you torque down the rim to the wheel, it squeezes both beads between that insert and the edge of the wheel/rim. My wheel has studs that are press fit into the rim and require a first pass torque of 50 ftlbs then finally to 75 for all 20 bolts. Also if you're looking for cheaper portal axles - go find HMMWV hubs and bolt them up to your silly solid axles :D

[@iVaNiLlaJoNeS2]

From an old build that wasn’t completed my dad has some portal boxes and shafts and I think it’s a Currie housing drilled for the 3rd for portals

[@ci6535]

im excited asf for this build things gonna be badass

[@Joe___R]

Unimog parts specs are easy to find as long as you read german. Mercedes documents everything & has repair manuals for everything. Getting an english translated version is going to be the difficult task.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol, as long as you can read German....

[@sfshilo]

“The Samurai of Theseus is an artifact in the museum. Over time, its frame of metal rusts and is replaced with new metal. When no original frame remains, is it still the Samurai of Theseus?”

[@budycelyn]

thats also called triggers broom theory, it's a uk thing

[@DirtLifestyle]

The only thing left from the original is the Samurai spirit 👍

[@tomprobst7212]

I really really liked that thing as a tin top. I still randomly search my area for a good tin top sami.

[@ryantenhave8814]

I just had such a laugh, typing "unimog axles for sale" at the exact moment you said that🤣

[@1966cambo]

#4x4buildseason first thing is to complete my shop,I am permanently disabled so $ and pain are limiting lol but mostly finished my shop last year. I have 2 40' shipping containers spaced 30' apart and concrete poured between them to the same height as the container floor so I can cut large holes in the sides and be able to use a pallet jack to move things off the floor into the cans as well the building is a quonset type but goes to the outside edge of the cans so they are inside the shop allowing for more storage on top of them. I put pex in the concrete and will connect that to a wood fired boiler I got for free and will enjoy heated floors when it is -30 outside! I should have recorded the build of the shop and put it on KZbin but i was focused on getting the shop done. I am designing and building my own doors for the front, maybe I will record that part..... Soooooo, whatcha doin with the yota axles?????? I am looking to build my tin top Tracker this year,planning a TDI swap and toy axles , t case gears etc....