QuestionQUESTION: I'm looking to buy a hunting vehicle. What is the difference between the Samurai and Sidekick? It appears that I can buy newer Sidekicks much cheaper than a Samurai.
In the pictures, they look almost the same.
ANSWER: The Samurai is much more an unadorned 4wd, and is in stock form more off road capable than a Sidekick, but slower on the highway. The sidekick is more of a dual purpose SUV, although it can be modified to be more off road capable than it currently is. I suppose it depends on just where you plan to use it, and whether and how much you plan on modifying it. Last year at one of the local 4wd festivals, a highly modified Sidekick with solid front axle, and numerous other modifications was noticeably superior to all the rest on a course composed of knee to shoulder high boulders all pushed together in a 100ft long jumble. Of course, driver skill plays a significant part....
Go to www.izook.com and look over the stuff available on the "links".
You can use slightly bigger tires, and install lock-rite lockers for far less than other makes, and get significant improvements, and still have it be entirely useable the rest of the year. As opposed to other 4wd models, you can lower the t-case low range ratio by about double for about $650 in parts. Both are among the easiest for a backyard mechanic to work on.
Give me more info about your specific needs, and I can help you make a better decision.
scotty
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QUESTION: Thaks for the answewr
What is the weight of a 1992 model Samurai?
ANSWER: Roughly 2100 lbs. Mine with multiple modifications, winch, much stronger bumpers, (functional low range of approx 11.39 compared to stock 2.27) winch, bigger tires, lockers, etc. and a hard top is about 2650 lbs. With the modifications, it can do anything a Rubicon can, and for less than a third the price, and double the fuel mileage.
scotty
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QUESTION: Scotty:
I located and purchased a 1993 Samurai. We've determined I have 4.10 rear ends. It came with 33 x 12.5 tires.
Now, I'm looking to make this a hunting vehicle. I want to lock the (back) rear end and make it positive traction. You mentioned above I could lower the transfer case low range ratio ration by double. What exactly will this accomplish?
You did not say anything about changing the front and rear end size.
Again remember I totally new at this. My goal is to have a vehicle I can run on the road from 55 - 60 mph and have enough UMP to turn over those tires in a muddy situation without riding the clutch.
If we changed the rear end, we were looking at 5.38. Is this right or wrong?
Thanks
Tony
AnswerThere is a 6.0 under T-Case gear set that's just about right for that tire size without changing the diff ratios all the way down to 5.38 With that low a diff ratio on both ends, you would probably be seeing about 5200 in fifth gear to make 60 nmph. The advantage of changing the t-case ratio is that you will have a killer low range, and a significant drop in overall high range, but still have a pretty good top end. I strongly advise against spool lockers unless you plan to trailer it. The lock-rite lockers are fully streetable, and still lock up VERY nicely offroad. I lowered the diff ratio to 5.12 and use a t-case with 6.0 low ratio. it's easily possible to raise the rpm to 1500 and just let the clutch out on a 20 degree upgrade and never stall out. As far as mud, it's seldom necessary to even raise it above idle.
get back to me if this doesn't make sense, and I'll try to explain further.
scotty
