Expedition Samurai Build

[PuddleJumper]

Went to your page and read your plan for your trip. Couple questions, Are you planning on running the stock 1.3 if so, carb'd or efi? Any plans for a 1.6 or 1.9 switch? If keeping the 1.3 have you done anything to the engine like a rebuild or new gaskets or maybe a carb rebuild? If you are sticking with the carb'd 1.3 I would either switch to a very simple weber or change out all of the vacume lines on the carb. Even just one cracking or comming off will make that engine run like crap! Also whats your plans on sleeping arangements? Are you planning on just going motel to motel or camping? If camping have you thought about a small pull behind trailer? btw thats a nice looking tinny!

 

[JCMatthews]

If you want trailer

If camping have you thought about a small pull behind trailer? btw thats a nice looking tinny!

If you are thinking about a small pull behind, I have a great little trailer for sale in the for sale section. We'd have to figure out how to meet up. I am in Utah, but I am always up for an excuse to see the country. Here is the link: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46115

 

[sross]

Puddlejumper,

The engine is stock, the top end was rebuilt with new valves, head gasket etc. The carb was worked over a little with a few new seals. All the vacuum lines have been replaced (and I have about six feet of spare) and it is running really well. I have no plans to do any more engine work, and honestly can't justify spending any more money on it. Drawers in the back, a gm alternator, fuel tank swap, and swapping the t-cases are the only big projects left. I have all the parts I need for those and realistically, only five or six days with the truck before I have to leave and pick up Emma.

The site is out of date, and was mostly a project I started while we didn't have a whole lot going on in the office. I should probably work on that a little...

I didn't get to do the t-case today because the Army in all of its wisdom decided I wasn't in the right barracks, even though I just moved into them. Ugh... moving in the rain sucks.

Sleeping arrangments are I have a tent, and Emma has a tent. We'll be staying in hostels when the opportunity presents itself. I've got a note book filled with possible places to stay found online cross referenced with my lonely planet and rough guides (I really am a transportation nerd).

 

[sross]

New Pics with the Doors off and Synthetic Winch Line

So, got back to the parent's house last night to find some new toys, my aluminum hawse and the makings of a synthetic winch line. I spliced that up last night while watching tv and put it on this morning. While doing that, I grabbed a few poser shots. Enjoy!

 

[sross]

lots of small projects done

So, I got a lot of small projects completed this weekend, and one big one almost done.

First of the little things was quick detaching door straps

The new grill came in so I got it mounted up. It really makes a difference in how the truck looks.

My drawer system mocked up

Carpet installed in the front. It was a giant pia to do.

And most of important of all, the OJ sticker

 

[Backroad Explorer]

Sross the sammy's looking real good. Excelent job. Bet you can't wait to get going. Keep up the good work!!

 

[JCMatthews]

bump

 

[sross]

bump

haha, sorry. I've been away from the truck for the last couple of weeks. Next weekend I'll be back to work and will update.

 

[CYi5]

Verry sweet, don't know how I missed this thread! Would you mind taking a pic of how the ZOR bumper mounts from the backside? I have a YJ conversion kit on mine and have been wondering if those mounts would conflict with the subspeed bumper. Who makes your seat covers? Look like they fit well.

 

[sross]

Verry sweet, don't know how I missed this thread! Would you mind taking a pic of how the ZOR bumper mounts from the backside? I have a YJ conversion kit on mine and have been wondering if those mounts would conflict with the subspeed bumper. Who makes your seat covers? Look like they fit well.

I'll take pics when I go back to my folk's house next weekend, but I'll try and explain how it mounts. I had to cut the old bumper tube leaving a few inches on either side. It then bolted into the three (I think) holes at the very end of each side of the frame. I had to grind a bolt head down on each side to clear the frame. I also used 1 1/2" (I think) spacers inside the frame to reinforce the bolts. It was pretty simple, and I'm very pleased with how it turned out. If you don't have a grinder, order the kit with the bumper; I just went to ace and bought the bolts. I finished it with 3 coats of rustoleum hammer finish paint over two coats of primer. I wish I had ordered it with the tow shackle points; now I plan to weld two on myself. I'm not really happy with the stock tow point. I hope that helps :coffeedrink:

I have no clue who made the seat covers, they came with the truck. I've got Dodge Neon seats to replace the stockers. I'll look and see if there is a manufacturer tag on them. Once I replace the seats I'll gladly ship them to you on your dime. I'm not really into camo personally.

 

[sross]

another pic of it with the grill I just found:

 

[ExpeditionBound]

Beautiful. Diggin the color.
I have an 88 with hardtop and for as many logging roads i cruise im SUPER jealous of your tin top.
I cant seal mine tight enough to stop the vibration and noise ahh.

I have the same gears and it makes HUGE difference on the highway and crawl ratio.
Although on trails with big rocks im wishing i woulda went 5.16/1.
Maybe next time.
Keep building! Cheers.

 

[trackhead]

Nice look Samurai!

Are those the OME 1.5" lift springs?

 

[sross]

Are those the OME 1.5" lift springs?

Yes, the "heavy" models. I may take the extra leaf out later, but even with it in the truck rides much nicer than stock.

 

[Backroad Explorer]

Sross how are the trip plans coming along? Have you had a chance to take some rear view bumper mount pic's yet?