Sross,
This is very close to what I've done. You can read about my Samurai
here. (I'd copy and paste, but I'm on my phone so that's a pain.)
I've also recently added a rack, which is a great addition. Here's a picture of it loaded up:
For one or two people the Samurai is a great setup. You can carry enough easily for a week and still be comfortable. With minimal modifications it will go pretty much anywhere you want to when exploring.
Only real downsides are that Samurai's are rust magnets, so finding a clean one is hard. I have a fair amount of rust on the rear fenders that I really need to get on. Also, no matter what suspension you put on there, they are rough. My OME's are a drastic improvement over stock, but on a long trip over washboard roads, your body is still going feel like mush.
I'm doing a Samurai build that is on hold until I get back to the States. What has been done so far a retired mechanic friend of my dad's did for part costs and beer money!:
done so far:
engine and transmission rebuilt
all the bushings and body mounts replaced
ome lift
front and rear bumpers
the few spots of rust repaired and a couple dings filled
front and rear axle services (only part I did so far)
current status:
waiting for paint unless its happened in the last two weeks. British Racing Green with white roof and wheels, all else black
parts waiting to be installed:
235x75x15 GY MTR's
Dodge Neon seats
tuffy center console
stereo stuff out of a car I used to own
Warn M8000 (used)
cheapo cobra cb from my old truck
To be ordered/built:
4:10 t-case gears
roof rack (for light weight stuff like camping chairs and mesh bag full of wet/dirty clothes)
15 gallon fuel tank
possibly an ARB in the rear which is dependant upon a job I may or may not get for next summer and will find out about in early November. (All the above will be ordered if I get it.)
front lockright
rear drawers (will build myself)
rock sliders/ (will build myself)
Will it be the most comfortable truck on the road? Big no, I'm a little concerned about this but I'll deal.
Does it have lots of storage? No again but still more than a bike.
It does get 25 mpg or so if driven conservativly, carry everything one person really needs, is easy to park, super simple in pretty much everyway, parts are cheap and it is just unusual enough to be interesting.
