Suzuki 4x4 Club™

Cobalt60 · Newbie Joined: 23 May 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Virginia

I just bought an '88 Samurai in great shape. It is all stock. I am completely new to these vehicles, and to 4x4s in general. This Samurai is to be my daily driver shortly. I would like to run 30 or 31 inch tires eventually. I like the idea of an SPOA (I know doing it properly involves a lot of work), but I actually dont think I need 5" of lift to clear 31s (please correct me if Im wrong). Also, would an SPOA do anything as far as softening the ride? Could I do something crazy like run an inverted leaf to soften up the ride and lessen the lift from the SPOA?

If an SPOA isnt the best option for a softer ride, what would you all suggest? I would like a solution that does not negatively affect my approach and departure angles. Also, I do not plan on doing all the work myself. There is a shop near me that is very comfortable performing all of these mods on Samurais.

Thanks for any help

-Chris P

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popuptoaster · *** Joined: 10 Nov 2010 Posts: 192 Location: Essex

If you want a softer ride sell it and buy a Vitara, cant believe you bought an SJ thinking it would be comfy?
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Cobalt60 · Newbie Joined: 23 May 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Virginia

Dont need comfort, just a less stiff suspension.

Cobalt60 · Newbie Joined: 23 May 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Virginia

Well, Ive come to the conclusion that I basically have 2 different choices of leaf springs. Either the YJ conversion, or OME 1.5" lift springs. Any opinions on the OMEs? That would definitely be an easier option. Also, I am curious to know what shock absorbers would be a good idea.

Still curious if an SPOA would help. I suppose Ive given up the idea of maintaining approach angles.

zocko · Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 15:11 Post subject:

ok, the stiffness youre talking about is all down to the springs so no an spoa wont help.

as for 33", good luck

31" is the limit without major work including replacement axles etc so dont try it if you dont know what youre doing, it could you a lot more than you bargained for.

as for softening the springs, leaf springs are leaf springs so unless you go coil spring conversion (potentially risky) iutll never be any softer
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the car in front is a toyota...

the car pulling it out of the mud is a suzuki

Cobalt60 · Newbie Joined: 23 May 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Virginia

ASI H8 · Newbie Joined: 29 Jul 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Odessa, MO

I'm running a 3.5" S/R kit on mine now. I love the ride on the highway. Off road is provides good flex. I'm rolling on 30"x9.5" tires on 15"x8" rims with about a 3.5" to 3.75" offset. I will say in extreme flex the tires rub on the front bumper and also on rear of front wheel well.

DoWork! · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 11:14 Post subject:

I am currently running SPOA with Samurai rear springs up front and YJ's in the rear with 31" tires. Rides nice and flexes good.

anderson89 · Newbie Joined: 24 Feb 2021 Posts: 1 Location: pune

I just brought a Suzuki Samurai in mint condition and I am going to start working on it soon.