Ultimate Suzuki Samurai Buggy Build Episode 11

[@leefhead1]

Even though there’s not much left from the original build, this zuk gives me hard nostalgia vibes. It brings me back to an early teen watching spiketv or whatever it was called at the time, with a Canadian highschool teacher with wacky hair doing something completely outside of the box, living the dream on a national American television network.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Me too, man. I have big-time nostalgia with this thing. It has many decades of use and ideas in there somewhere. I can feel it when I sit in the cab 🙌

[@Spartan-hs8nn]

Man, I remember the show. I hated it when Ian left the show. It sucked big time. I don't think it lasted a whole season.

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

so true!

[@flintlock_glockTJR]

I never in my life thought I'd get genuinely excited about a Suzuki build, but here we are. 🤘

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol ditto. The original build on Xtreme 4x4 was the only time I ever got excited about samurais until now.

[@northwestoff-roadopportuni7176]

This is awesome Nate! You definitely put in the work and deserve all the rewards from it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@nopedefnope9924]

As a result of a work accident, spending years on my back and falling down the KZbin rabbit hole I found this channel and have spent the better part of 5 years getting back on my feet and focusing a life long love of building into the automotive/aftermarket and fabrication industry. Been a long time coming but have been wanting to give a special thank you, to ya, for some time now. Finally have a job within the industry. Not only is it great to be working again, but being able to express a personal passion as the result of being deeply effected by the effort that goes into these videos has given me a better outlook than I even had before the injury. For a portion of that time I was able to work under rigs on a creeper, since I couldn’t spend time much time on my feet and finally was able to move to sales and building a vehicle that can take me to the places I used to be able to hike to. Keep up the good work dude. And thanks again!

[@4Low_life]

That 5g bucket really brings some scale. This thing is so sick.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I'm glad the bucket helped give it scale! It's so wild in person

[@jeepindave5464]

​@@DirtLifestyleneed to compare the bucket test to the gladiator and rover.

[@freeidaho-videos]

Love the Samari out of everything you have ever built or driven. Why? I loved it when Ian built it. Because: Portals! Lightweight! Huge tires! Narrow body, wide track! Buggy with a body! Thanks! Your vision is well thought out. The machinists watching will cringe at the wearing of jewelry and long sleeves around machine tools. If you have ever watched a finger being yanked off of a hand, you would not do that. My wifee hated me not wearing a ring though, but she found a silicone ring, and we compromised on that. You can still clean up the look of the steering brass washer by turning the diameter down to match the tube that goes through the vertical. Then it will stop bugging you. I think it is the extra diamater that makes it look out of place. Now that is a tank! Even 20-30 gallon tanks aren't built that strong normally. I love the sump from only two pieces of material. Clever. Kudos! Diesels... but only lightweight like the TDI. Cummins, etc.... not so much. Thank you for protecting parts when you weld. It is so rare. Looking forward to more progress and the un-stoppable smile you will have at Sema!

[@davidchappelle6480]

I'm a retired Navy Hull Tech.. Been to ALL KINDS of schools for welding ANYTHANG any Position.. Worked at a Shipyard for almost 20 years and i STILL am learning stuff ! Never Stop Learning !

[@ExtremeDailyDrivers]

Looking forward to seeing the Samurai and hopefully meeting you at SEMA.

[@JohnAnderson-ut6bs]

I think this has been your best year for content and definitely the most interesting off road channel on a consistent basis. I know you have a lot of work ahead of you, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses along the way. This is your dream that you manifested.

[@calamitycycles5994]

Brass is a pretty metal. I think that brass washer is a nice bit a bling, and any talking point of trial and error speaks volumes about someone’s character and willingness to learn and grow ❤

[@tspeegle007]

It’s not because of us. It’s because of YOU. You are living your dream because of your desire to take a chance, work hard and in general continue to be the best version of yourself. Take some credit. We watch the videos YOU create. Great Job!

[@Joe___R]

Tons of ground clearance is great as long as you keep the center of gravity fairly low. I have seen far too many builds that sacrifice ground clearance for stability. It is something that most people don't think about until it is too late to really do anything meaningful about it.

[@peterf.4268]

When calculating the angled section of your fuel tank, you can calculate the circumference of your box at each end of the angled portion then calculate the depth as if each end were its own box, then divide by 2.

[@DirtLifestyle]

This is so simple that I can't believe it didn't acure to me 🤦‍♂️. Thank you!

[@autocrossratrod]

This is what I came to mention.

[@bobcooper1055]

Nate, getting that Master ticket, be it plumbing, welding or like myself, carpenter, tells a story in its own right.. But, you are also a great teacher.. Explainer of the process.. including mistakes.. thanks for the journey and sharing..

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@aaronward7526]

​@DirtLifestyle must be a 32 guy. Seen you on the trail a few times. Hope your family is doing good.

[@roachwerks3043]

the fabrication series was one of the first channels i ever subscribed to. incredible channel with invaluable info

[@cpthillbilly]

You are my favorite offroad channel. I love your builds and your video editing! Great job

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you very much! Your words mean alot 🙌

[@Pipmartin_roaming]

Stoked to be along for the ride, thanks Nate!

[@alans585]

I think a lot of people can’t appreciate the craftsmanship of going to SEMA. That’s like THE pinnacle of American automotive aftermarket. Inside the convention center has some of the very best.

[@stephengallina1774]

Nate you are an amazing fabricator and watching you is truly inspiring. Your comment about always continuing your education is on point and the mark of a true professional in your chosen field. I have faith in you guys having this build tray for SEMA!🤜

[@patrickgreen2361]

There’s a saying- “some things are worth the wait.” That’s how I feel about waiting for your next video. I watched this vehicle be built as a young man on spike tv. Now I’m old. Your work is beautiful, amazing. Remember that luck can be made sometimes through hard work… and you’re working your tail off!

[@WingItGarage34]

Not too sure if you have seen them but look into Holleys Fuel Mat, they are amazing we use them in motorsport. You would be able to get one similar size to the bottom of your tank and it only needs to touch a small amount of fuel to pick it up. Just something for future builds

[@DirtLifestyle]

I LOVE these... but... there isn't one for a diesel 🤦‍♂️. It's in the fine print.

[@WingItGarage34]

@@DirtLifestyle ahhh! Sorry mate, I didn't realise that!

[@99unclebob]

Great video Nate , i use to work for a Volvo dealership back in the late 80's that sold Suzuki 4x4's this was prior to them selling cars in Canada , they were the JX410 series [ Samurai] they were very capable right off the showroom floor, lots of hunters bought them, they were so light and nimble and small enough to get in most places 90% to other vehicles couldn't , I moved on a few years later in 89 to a Chevrolet dealer and we had the Chevy tracker which was great easy comfortable and had great heat in them and always started in the -30 weather when others didn't, i enjoyed one as a demo my first winter there and was a little beast of a unit for a factory 4x4, with A/C new you paid $16,000 out the door tax included, good times, your build is epic 👍

[@tylerbuhite5432]

I truly aspire to have the skills and capability of this man. 10 plus years in the automotive repair industry and its time to shift into bettering my fab skills, My TJ deserves the best.

[@jiggyquinn5635]

Thank you Nate, watching these build videos instills awe and inspiration. Good luck!

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Right, every time!!

[@edo20072]

Gracias por el gran esfuerzo que significa hacer un video para mostrar generosamente un trabajo en el que todos los aficionados y locos por los fierros, soñamos. Estamos construyendo junto con ustedes el mismo sueño. Un abrazo gigante y un gran Saludo.

[@StormbornJKU]

This samurai actually turned out so much cooler than I thought it would be. Since I got into off-roading I always saw samurai’s as super cool because they’re so small. So to make it into a monstrous buggy is badass.

[@MrBillsfishin]

I just can't thank you enough for the videos you put out. Your builds are so amazing and you are so detailed in trying to master every craft. Can't wait to see the reveal. Thanks mister.

[@lorywooferton6952]

I built fuel tanks for boats, mostly Bayliner for years. You dont have to tig weld everything. The seams, and baffles can be mig welded. Fittings of course get tig welded. Tig weld all the corners, after mig welding. Test it and tig over any leaks. The job will go much faster also.

[@AZ240SX]

Living in Japan and seeing Jimny's everywhere, and they are still solid axle. Then coming and watching your videos makes me want to build a newer Jimny with old samurai style

[@callumwhite1501]

All you have to with tanks is fill them with water and weigh it from empty to full. Will tell you exactly how many litres/gallons are in there. Love the build!

[@triniwayne1984]

Best of luck Nate, go out there and show them what we've all grown to enjoy.

[@MrCooperlc]

I have been an absolute fan of that little Zuk from when Ian and Jesse built it, and all of the stages we got to see it go through over the last 20 years! It couldn't have gone to a better person, and you have done it justice!!! I can't wait to see your finished version of it and the absolute beast you're creating! Please do a video with Ian as a full circle when you are done with it, but we all know that projects like this are truly never done.

[@coryridder1937]

I've been watching Ian for years and now I watch every one of your videos. I've got a 95 Toyota pickup and I just got a 70 something Datsun 4x4 on an auction. I'm hoping I can use that axle to SAS my pickup and build a mild little trail rig. I'm gathering all the tools I want to have in the shop and I'm always looking for parts or diy kits. My wife isn't thrilled. Lol.

[@MahALOHAwaii92]

Yeah Nate super stoked for you! 🤙🏽

[@TrailTime.]

I bet Ian is so stoked to get on the trail with you and the Sami

[@DirtLifestyle]

Not as stoked as I am, lol. Hitting a trail or two with him in this thing will be rad 🤘

[@TrailTime.]

@@DirtLifestyle he’s probably going to need his Jesse Haines car just to keep up with it!

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

For sure!!

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

Nate this is hands down my favorite build going on on KZbin right now. Right from the first vid to now I'm lovin it. Part because of the heritage of one of my fave TV personalities old builds, and part (and maybe more so) from your amazing skills as a builder and visions of what your building. And hey who doesn't love a Zuk. I'm really looking forward to seeing this one progress to the end and beyond. Keep up the amazing content...

[@frankrizzo367]

That bucket for scale of size and clearance.... just wow. Awesome mate

[@cadilakisrodcustom]

I'm so happy to see you back to work on this!

[@MrTapanes]

I'm glad to see the J10 still lingering, but this Zuke build is crazy!! Please! Don't forget the J10 after you're all rich and famous from SEMA.

[@marka1712]

The clearance under the chunk is pretty insane, especially on such a small buggy. The fab work and creativity are amazing as always. Love this channel

[@mateobouten2788]

What do you think is the best jeep to do anything with, long trips, rock crawling, icy and desert wethers and in water? Please, let me know😊

[@mateobouten2788]

And is the toyota tocoma better than a toyota 4runner?

[@jeepindave5464]

If you're pressed for time, drive shafts are not required for Sema.

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

@DirtLifestyle, Nate, I don't know about others, but I believe, if I'm not mistaken, that we all really like watching the fabrication process. As a fabricator myself, I ALWAYS learn something new or gain a new perspective in fabrication. As the saying goes: 'two heads are better than one.' And I completely agree with that sentiment. Look at that brass washer as a bit of 'BLING' to the steering. The rolling chassis looks like a Cyberdyne Systems Model 101Terminator T-800 Endoskeleton, especially with the futuristic "Schwarzenegger bionic eye" headlights. If the DRL/Halos glow red, it would be a perfect terminator vehicle. You should name it Zukinator T-800. Looking forward to the SEMA video! 👍🏼🔥👍🏼🔥👍🏼🔥

[@queenfabpt]

Getting better and better, here in Portugal there are lots of parts for Suzukis, a lot of them come out here. Good luck for sema. Portugal is watching and rooting for you. Good luck

[@BadlandIndustries]

Can't wait to see this thing at sema! Legit, craziest build I've seen going to this year.

[@PaulKaiser42]

That’s a big samurai….it looks really awesome!!! Good luck over the next 4weeks👍🏻👍🏻

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@jeredcollins8289]

You do you. Can’t wait to see how it turns out. We will be here to support you.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Much appreciated 🙏

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

Your front end setting on the floor made me think of Johnny 5. Looks good!

[@timfieken1100]

One if the best!! Bummer we have to wait a month for the next one but we all understand deadline is a deadline! Can not wait to see this in the snow later this year! Great work and nice employee to work that hard (unnoticed) and produce so much for you!! Nice build Nate!!

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Nate, you are killing it on the Sami Buggy! You deserve the SEMA opportunity. Well done Sir!

[@lukesdayoff9753]

Love how brands don't matter to you. It's all about good quality fab work and craftsmanship. Jeeps Toyotas zukes, mini coopers, you name it, it's on here.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks, man! I just like stuff that's interesting. Glad you appreciated variety as much as I do!

[@Roks4life]

I have never been excited or cared about samurai's but this build is pretty cool.

[@Jeffsa12]

Respectfully, you've built reverse ackerman into your steering arms. Might want to look into ackerman steering geometry. That buggy is going to have a heck of a time anytime it requires much steering input. It looks like those factory steering arms you tied into are for a rear steer axle setup.

[@lronpaw]

Get 'er done! Videos can wait. Good luck with the build!

[@Jeeps.offroad]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Nate 🙏

[@arloweyers5432]

You are killing it. 👍🏼

[@shanes_bs2659]

That zuk is killer! I can't wait to see how it performs. Congrats on SEMA!

[@Mondo888]

I’ll be at SEMA can’t wait to check it out in person.

[@maleficentcop2752]

Ok off content here ....I live a few blocks from Midnight Metal Works...missed you by two days after you stopped by to get some parts.... Any way a whole month no dirt life style what a bummer... LoL Hope to meet you on the trail some day... Good luck with the rest of the build...👍👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Nice man! That's a cool little town. Any good wheeling out there?

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Brother, It's been an incredible journey from your days with Matt (when I started following) to now. I was impressed with the TJ this just blows my mind. Not only does it belong at SEMA it should be best of show or whatever award they have. The axle and chassis work alone is just art followed by function. Great job to you both. Look forward to seeing where it goes from here...🤓

[@arronlowe7458]

Great video and thanks for stressing the importance of continuing education. It doesn’t matter how much experience a person has in a particular craft, there’s always room to learn, grow and improve your skills. This project is stellar and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

[@billocampo1365]

Can't wait to see the outcome, I live here in Vegas, and hopefully we would be able to see it at SEMA..

[@SokolActor]

Your brain is unique and you are intelligent, skilled, accurate and clever so God bless you 🙏

[@mathewmay5361]

Awesome to the samurai build again. You have made a lot of progress. It looks super wild and can't wait for the final reveal

[@foygill711]

Sema builds are nerve racking . I worked on a Factory 5 build in a little shop in south Alabama. Daaaang

[@stumonkey17]

Great work as always Nate. So pleased for you to be headed to Sema. Looking forward to seeing this amazing build and the progress over the next few weeks

[@jeffkalte9371]

Great job Nate!

[@chir0pter]

I think when you get to the point where you've not only accepted the fact that there's always more to learn in your field and that your education didn't finish with a degree, but are eager to learn new stuff, you're not hung up on thinking you "should" or "do" know something but sense that you haven't mastered it and are ready to dive into learning at the drop of a hat as if you're a neophyte- that's when you are really performing at a high level

[@billjcanada]

I can't wait to see it on the trail.

[@BrentRice-mf8ol]

Regarding fuel tank, look into Holley Fuel Mat. I use it in my Jeep and it allows you to suck every drop of fuel.

[@chuckieswickedgoodfab]

Nate I know I have said it a few times, but MAN AM I GLAD YOU GOT THIS, NO ONE WOULD HAVE DONE IT UP LIKE YOU!!!!! You are doing some absolutely amazing stuff on this Sami Buggy. Keep it going man, so cool to see the evolution of this from way way way back in the day. Great build series dude.

[@carlbielawski5034]

Battery looks good there, solid. Tough looking buggy, good luck getting it to sema

[@jaypadulchick1355]

That's one cool build! My favorite part so far is the tube frame!

[@raygandy4895]

I’ve been tig welding for years on drag cars, but I’m self taught. I’ve been really thinking about weld coach online. Thank you for the positive review.

[@strykerentllc]

Jody at welding tips and tricks YT channel is an infinitely superior source

[@DirtLifestyle]

I highly recommend it. You can only watch so many KZbin videos before you aren't getting anything out of it. Having a coach is extremely beneficial 👍.

[@strykerentllc]

@@DirtLifestyle There's' no coach that will replace the time taken laying beads for hours at a time. That guy you're being coached by has never welded for a paycheck. Take that for what it's worth.

[@jeffwooton7138]

I'm marking my calendar sir. I am looking forward to the "concluded" build. I have a Sami sitting, waiting for me to have time. It will be a mud build, with Toyota axles, and a DI 4.3 gasser

[@merritts3515]

Best of luck nate, well see you at the end of the grind🍻🫡

[@daytoneitner7594]

Well good luck. Hope your get farther than you were anticipating. Can’t wait to see it in person at sema.

[@samuraile6625]

You earned my friend and Good luck

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you 🙌

[@nickcrill7718]

Definitely a build worth being at sema! That is insane! I can’t wait to see it with the body on and painted!

[@cjjohnson3939]

Well deserved Nate, your hard work is paying off 🤘🏼 Pretty sick build and I can't wait to see the Sema finish.

[@jeffgreenwood5159]

1 Hell of a build. you are killing it !!!!

[@jacobythomas8556]

Congratulations on going to sema you totally deserve it, it content is awesome and has inspired me to get back on my projects, can wait to see that thing on the trails

[@SWBCrawler]

awesome work man. that front axle is insane. just amazing. and the quality of the video is to your usual standard. awesome work on both fronts.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks, man! Hopefully, you get to see it in person one day 👍

[@SWBCrawler]

@@DirtLifestyle man that’d be awesome. bring it on out here to aoaa to try out the mammoth! ;)

[@robertjohansson6381]

Thank you!

[@scottbartlett4853]

You guys are killing it Nate! Keep up the great work!

[@motoboggin2619]

Nate if you want to push your build over the top and make it really stand out and get people talking and asking questions [not that it wont already] you could tig cap your welds with silicon bronze brazing rod i think it looks really cool and you hardly ever see it done.

[@jonathanwelter]

Great video and awesome build. I love getting to ride along. Thank you.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@Mitchellfab_customs]

Heck yeah man looking good. Dreams can come true buddy

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks bro 🙌

[@thomasleonard9685]

If you know what parts came from Ian’s version, you should paint them Ian yellow. Would be a cool way to pay homage to him.

[@dmwi1549]

That thing looks so awesome without paint. It’d be cool to clear coat the steel and aluminum to highlight your FAB Skills. You could always color it down the road.

[@GOE-MORC]

Greate job on reaching your goals, Nate. You have skill and it's great you are sharing your knowledge. We know you must have a great support team namely family.

[@Sjackson2369]

Dude i would LOVE to come see you and every other content creator at SEMA. I only need to get the time to go!

[@charlesahon]

Nate, this build looks really awesome. I love that you use the TDI engines. They are a great power plant that gets overlooked often.

[@jaxtraxtv]

Nate thanks for the great videos!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you for watching 🤘🤘🤘

[@Ajme-kb4os]

I’m on 4 years with IBEW. Only one more year to get my coveted jw license . Always thought it was bad ass you were union plumber. I’m 112. But work with a ton of 46 hands.

[@nugsmen9060]

man i cannot wait to see this done! looking forward to seeing what is to come.

[@chir0pter]

man this is a real Ship of Theseus situation. Yet somehow the original Samurai dimensions and design is preserved, transmitted via some sort of meta-CAD file that only existed in the heads of those that worked on it, from measurements pulled and parts remade. Really pretty cool and interesting

[@Maxdd7]

Build is so sick! Is the biggest draw to having the battery on the axle keeping your center of gravity low? I don't love it from the perspective of adding unsprung weight and stressing the copper in the battery cables, but i can see how it could help things be less tippy. Also I'm sure unless your rock bouncing or desert running, fast suspension may not be your primary concern. Just curious what you take on it was.

[@brandonensing7444]

I can't wait to see the zuki at sema!!! Really looking forward to it!

[@MTNLIFERANCH]

Nate! You are awesome!

[@midnightadventureswa]

Great job there 😊