Ultimate Suzuki Samurai Buggy Build! Episode 1 Unimog Axles, Wheels And Tires.

Рет қаралды 141,539

Жыл бұрын

I want to turn the Suzuki Samurai from Xtreme 4x4 into a lightweight buggy that dominates everything! I think the best way to get started is with a set of Unimog Portal axles and some 39" BFG red labels. This little zuk is going to be wild! In today's episode we are going to pull most of the drivetrain and slide the new axles into place. Then I want to cover a bunch of things to consider if you want to build a set of Unimog axles. Enjoy the video! Next week I want to get started on the new suspension!
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#4x4 #offroad #rockcrawler

Пікірлер: 305

@onemanzu 4 ай бұрын

MORR off road games brought me here. I’m glad you’ve rescued this. I specifically remember watching Jessie and Ian build this in my youth.

@jakematthews6982 Жыл бұрын

If it’s the one I remember then Jessi had her hands on it as well. She’s greatly missed by a lot of enthusiasts in several branches of Motorsport and having some kind of tribute to her on the rebuild would he awesome.

@Spetk Жыл бұрын

I watched this thing be built when I was a kid on Extreme 4x4. Its so sick to see it being worked on and in my home state of all places!

@DirtLifestyle Жыл бұрын

Dude, I can't believe I own it! Soooo pumped about this

@brandonsearle990 Жыл бұрын

Same here

@barnetts9812 Жыл бұрын

Ditto

@matsherwood6277 Жыл бұрын

Same. Remember the bobbed deuce they hauled this thing around on? So sick. Wasn't the original motor set up to run biodiesel or vegetable oil or something?

@Spetk Жыл бұрын

@@matsherwood6277 I totally remember. That is what made me fall in love with dueces

@valleytractorservices9310 Жыл бұрын

I love that Nate isn't a fan boy of any particular brand. He has had a alot of variety on the builds he's done.

@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports Жыл бұрын

Amen to that!!

@shaneherman8906 Жыл бұрын

It speaks well of you that Ian said the first person he thought of to get this iconic rig was you. Don't let us down. LoL. No pressure.

@David-cy2ug Жыл бұрын

best off road channel on youtube no doubt.

@DirtLifestyle Жыл бұрын

Thanks man 🙌 that means alot

@jjansen987 Жыл бұрын

So glad you decided to do this build now! Can’t wait to see how epic it’s going to be.

@Cornbreadthejeep Жыл бұрын

So freakin cool to see you build this rig i remember watching it being built on sunday morning with my dad. So excited to see what you do with this.

@DirtLifestyle Жыл бұрын

Dude, I'm so pumped about this!

@Bigdaddyslasher Жыл бұрын

I had to replace a rock ring this year on one wheel when I did a tire change. I torn the hell out of it at Hot Springs ORV 2 yrs ago. 5 years of hard wheeling and only one ring ain't bad in my book.

@DirtLifestyle Жыл бұрын

1 ring in 5 years sounds like a pretty good service life to me!

@84yoda4x4 Жыл бұрын

Love the 404 axles, i've got them under my rig and they weight 630 lbs with the stock boxes and fully dressed with link mounts and the steering ram mounts. The big issue with these axles and the stock boxes if you run very little wheel backspacing, that causes a lot of stress on the boxes and it causes them to fail. Since your axles like mine, have been converted to 8 lug, that pushes the WMS out which already introduces some stress to the boxes. Just keep that in mind. For the specs and details for our axles, a lot of it comes from the factory Mecredes manuals. Hit me up, I paid for a manual and can help with some info if you need it.

@jekinneys Жыл бұрын

For those who don't know or notice when using bolts in aluminum you have two issues: 1) Dissimilar metals cause galvanic corrosion so some type of "neutral" behavior material is used either as a insert (like a Heli coil but better) or a coated bolt (preferred). This is why many a times you have aluminum wheels stuck to your hub, rotor, and/or drums. 2) Problem with the grey anti-size it that it works to good. There is a reason they have huge warnings NOT to use grey anti seize on lug nuts with aluminum wheels. The heat and cold cycles will cause the lug nuts to loosen. I have yet to have a car roll in the shop where some one put grey anti seize on the lugs and the lug nuts are actually at torque speck. Usually about 10 -20 lbs less. One suggestion is use Copper based anti seize. Yes, the one for high heat. It doesn't work as well but will prevent the Galaviz corrosion along with coated bolts especially on exterior bolts. On a rock crawler I wouldn't be worried and am sure they get check on a pre-op when you double check before hitting the trail(s) but be careful on road applications. I live in MN so everything gets some type of lube when it goes back together and driven in the winter. I am sure people will complain about using a power tool on aluminum too. As long as you start the threads and use low torque you are fine. I would argue no fastener should be blindly run into a nut or a-nut etc. with out first starting it by hand. Few bolts with the non-threaded guide at the tip might be the exception.

@ironsaint Жыл бұрын

HOGWASH!! I use grey anti seize on all my lug nuts and never had one ever loosen up.

@kirshberndt8412 Жыл бұрын

Also a big fan of Ian’s shows and work and remember the Samurai being one of his all-time favourite builds! Unimogs are awesome and putting this rig on portals is next level. Excited to watch this build progress and very cool that you’re continuing it on! Love your explanations of the planning thoughts process…pros and cons.

@Daniel-Johnson Жыл бұрын

Nate! This is so awesome man! Watching extreme 4x4 when I was younger and being a huge fan of Mr Johnson and his work to this very day and watching this thing go through all the different phases it went through and now to know that you have it and are building it the way you want to build it not to mention your just up the beatin path from me in the PNW is just so rad! Keep up the good work man I think I speak for all of us when I say we love your Channel and everything you do!

@joevergnetti767 Жыл бұрын

I’m so happy you’re working on this zuk!!!

@JimBosGarage49 Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you are bringing back one of my favorite buggy back to life.

@freeidaho-videos Жыл бұрын

Cool project. Sure wish I didn't have to turn the volume down for music and back up again for talking. I'm a huge portal fan, concept wise. Haven't built with them yet. There are portal conversions available for more common axles. Hope you looked there too before deciding. They are even more pricey.

@aarontena Жыл бұрын

I've always had a soft spot for Samurais, specially how popular they're here in Europe. Seeing extreme 4x4 turn that into such a creative and creative build Congratulations for getting a car that has touched many people in their heart

@malcolmcrawford261 Жыл бұрын

I remember watching this beast of a Suzuki being built. As most know Ian is from a small town in Ontario Canada, in which I live close to and have family in. It's cool to know that a local ish average jo( no offense Ian) made it to the big screen and created an aswome life perusing his dream. It's nice to see this zuki still lives and is not only being resurrected, but fans of both dirt lifestyle, and extreme 4x4 get to watch it all happen

@bc30cal99 Жыл бұрын

Greetings from just across the medicine line north of you. Thanks for the video, in my limited experience with Unimogs up here in BC at least you hit the major points. They're so "German" in so many ways that if one doesn't have either the machinery and know how to do it yourself or a shop close by that does, it's tricky at best. I really wanted a Unimog until I had a customer with a mid '60's that I sat in and that cured that. Merry Christmas to you all.

@stumonkey17 Жыл бұрын

This is going to be so good mate. I first saw a Unimog when I was about 14 here in the UK and I’ve loved them ever since. Weird coincidence but I saw one today about an hour before watching this video!

@wirebrush Жыл бұрын

This is a build I've dreamed of for years. It should be the perfect recipe for a serious snow wheeler!

@matthewdeclercq2971 Жыл бұрын

Super excited to see this build come to fruition!!

@oneshotpete6.591 Жыл бұрын

As a huge Sammy fan , i’m super stoked for this build Nate !!!

@PaulKaiser42 Жыл бұрын

This is going to be a fantastic build…..I’m soooooo excited 👊🏻👊🏻

@americonoffroadadventures8132 Жыл бұрын

Cool project! You will for sure get the most out of it. Love dirt. Thanks

@dustintarpley4836 Жыл бұрын

I did start looking for unimog axles for sale right before you said that. Too funny man. So excited about this build.

@darrelsmith4549 Жыл бұрын

Nice,can't wait,I love micro 4x4's ‼️ And I love your work, craftsmanship and videos... VERY much seem like a VERY cool dude 💪‼️ I myself am building a micro 🤷🏼‍♂️

@spenceradamsjr Жыл бұрын

You were right on the money when you stopped to ask if the viewer is looking on marketplace for Unimog axles! I was already brewing a plan for my D2!

@frediefarmer Жыл бұрын

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽 so happy to see you working/ building this suk. Should be epic.

@rayfuller2657 Жыл бұрын

Going to love this build series 😊Thanks !

@DirtLifestyle Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, man! I'm smiling just thinking about this build 😎

@snowysysadmin59 Жыл бұрын

I hop on tonight and see this in my recommended? Dude this is SWEET! OH im so stoked to see this thing on the trails!

@trailrunnah8886 Жыл бұрын

This is going to be rad! Also, I enjoy the information heavy videos, I love learning about this stuff even though I'll probably never do it.

@a1racer441 Жыл бұрын

I’ve watched every step on builds on this rig, going to be interesting seeing it get rebuilt again.

@obs_j.a.g Жыл бұрын

I remember like it was yesterday watching this on the show. Its badass you are working on it brother 🔥🔥 keep up the good work 🤙🏽🙏🏽

@darrenmackenzie1645 Жыл бұрын

This rig is gonna look killer when done !

@MrBillsfishin Жыл бұрын

Simple. Awesome. Billy Goat comes to mind!

@northernjeep942 Жыл бұрын

This build will be epic when finished! I think 49 inch iroks would be sick for the snow.

@lucasmm519 Жыл бұрын

Love where this is going!

@phillipredfern6461 Жыл бұрын

I'm excited to see this build!

@CFairNH Жыл бұрын

Super cool series!! Looking foward to your progress!!

@dolarmangr Жыл бұрын

The best choice for rockcrawling and more off-road obstacles… waiting to see it on action… Jeep Wrangler yj owner with unimog axles 👍

@snakeskinproductions7500 Жыл бұрын

Love that your using portal's. Like you said there not for everybody but in the right application (like your's) They should be awesome. Hope the TJ makes a return one day (love that rig) Be watching this build for sure. Keep it Dirty...🤓

@dougdean3134 Жыл бұрын

Great build excited to see it come together. Merry Christmas to y’all

@rocklanderoffroad Жыл бұрын

Oh this is going to be fun to follow!

@ThatCarGuyYT Жыл бұрын

I’ve seen the show in Europe on a local tv and years later I’ve decided to build one. Unimog 404 axles are quite cheap here but I couldn’t find the adapter kits for the wheels and driveshaft. It took me 2 years to build it and I still have it. 1.9 tdi , toyota lj70 gearbox , unimog axles and 42 tredadors. The lightweight on top and heavy axles under make it a beast everywhere and especially in the steep lateral inclinations. I’m glad to see it again on your channel .

@ThatCarGuyYT Жыл бұрын

The only thing cool is that they used to make a axle housing and shafts here to offset the 3rd member to avoid hitting the engine and luckily I bought the last one they used to make

@gagewilmot5445 Жыл бұрын

I'm excited to see this build 😎

@deadgameguns Жыл бұрын

this will be a great series.

@lyndonhamby7432 Жыл бұрын

Going to be kool. Nate can’t wait to see it rock 👍👍

@UsedEveryDay Жыл бұрын

Definitely a cool build!

@MattSanipass81 Жыл бұрын

This is awesome Nate, can’t wait for the build vids… 👍

@DirtLifestyle Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the positive comment buddy! Happy to have you along for the ride!

@mjcavender1230 Жыл бұрын

Stoked about this build. 💯

@joemcgee2918 Жыл бұрын

Cries for the TJ, The sammy is a mythical creature almost. Its truely one of the goat 4x4's.

@JohnnychimpO907 Жыл бұрын

The clearance 😮😮😮 So rad!

@hjstrater Жыл бұрын

4:26 super excited to hear more of your thoughts on bead grips. Have some on the wife’s JL but still haven’t gone below 15psi on the rocks since I don’t know how well they actually work from someone with experience with them.

@GadsdenJL Жыл бұрын

I'm super pumped to see you doing some 2d crawling stuff again! You totally got me on the "are you looking for unimog axles" The whole video up until this point, I was like: Dude, I wish you'd talk about the damn axles, because I don't know sht about them lol"

@jeffreylind9191 Жыл бұрын

Man you make really great videos. Cool tunes even. Lots of great info. I hate it when guys don't say the specs of their build! You do it right!

@Rangemog88 Жыл бұрын

It's going to be hard to hit your weight goal because the mogs with wheels and tires weighs close to the original weight. Also be sure your hardware and links are beefier than they were...the portal boxes put a ton of added stress on those parts. I learned the hard way with broken bolts and shocks.

@ci6535 Жыл бұрын

im excited asf for this build things gonna be badass

@tiny_the_200 Жыл бұрын

Good description of the beadlock mounting 👌🏼 Maybe worth mentioning rechecking the torque after some use.

@derekjarman1638 Жыл бұрын

Going to be an awesome build!

@Jay-uh2jb Жыл бұрын

Cool project coming together. Surprised you skipped discussion on checking the bead lock rings for full seating (with a feeler gauge) at recommended torque to see if you needed to add shims. I think this is something a lot of people skip when assembling beadlocks and later wonder why they have issues with loose bolts.

@TJY2K Жыл бұрын

IM SO EXCITED

@88HillTop Жыл бұрын

Sorry Nate, I have the MR106 beads and I haven’t wheeled it yet cause I’m missing essentials but it was a killer deal. It’s my daily and I love the look. When I’m done getting the wife a house, it’s on. Love your show on the edge of the seat weekly waiting.

@sweed7777 Жыл бұрын

Unimog axles are sweet and would really like to have a set. But for alot of people that already have a built set of axles, something like the JHF portal setup might be a better choice. I think it would have been awesome if you had gotten a set and put them on the toyota axles already in the samurai. Would love to see a side by side comparison of the axles.

@tomsisk6811 Жыл бұрын

Always great content . Thanks !

@bradlininger6393 Жыл бұрын

Hell yeah samurai build love it

@StormbornJKU Жыл бұрын

Stance and all look pretty sick. Looks like it’s going to be rough to make it all work. Tons of fabrication. But you love that stuff!

@ryantenhave8814 Жыл бұрын

I just had such a laugh, typing "unimog axles for sale" at the exact moment you said that🤣

@JW-cn6op Жыл бұрын

You should try the Icon rebound pro. My buddy put a set on his snow wheeler and they work great and balance perfect for driving to the trail.

@mattfischer1292 Жыл бұрын

Gotta love Mogs, my dad bought 10 NATO mogs for $3k a pc, plus shipping ($$$$) to Houston back in 1981 (all 1954 to 1959 model 404's), they are awesome, but a pain for parts in the states, at least back then. But....they are tuff and built to last folks!

@christophercasman7270 Жыл бұрын

Now that we know your an expert at building something slow, lots of us wanna see you build something fast😏too many builds going on though I know haha

@erikforks8909 Жыл бұрын

I love a good Sami build!

@brentwaldman265 Жыл бұрын

For all things Unimog and any questions I would suggest Couch off road engineering. They are in the Denver Colorado area and experts on anything Unimog.

@Nickwillfixit Жыл бұрын

I saw on here a company I think Polish but could be wrong, they manufacturer portal box's that bolt to your stock axles of man vehicles, it comes as a kit mainly bolt on with just a couple of welds needed, they are very well made and easy to fit and look very very strong. Definately worth a look.

@hookahman22 Жыл бұрын

I started watching this channel for the taco. Now you have a Sami too. I have an 87 JX and a 05 SR5 4x4.

@georgemitchell8991 Жыл бұрын

Can't wait

@timothyamerman6521 Жыл бұрын

This is a cool build, can’t way to see it come together. For anything unimog related get ahold of Jay at Couch Offroad Engineering, he’s built some of the most badass Mogs put there.

@rickmesser7855 Жыл бұрын

Hey man, the person that might have specs on the axles is Clint @ C&C Equipment. He does a lot of work on S.E.E. trucks from the military and pretty sure he will have parts.I actually drove the See truck when I was in the Army. Those axles are bad ass.

@MrTapanes Жыл бұрын

"I like to play with weird stuff" needs to be a new merch t-shirt.

@timdorsey6130 Жыл бұрын

Loved this original build! And no I’m not shopping for unimaginable axles… looking for another Sami buggy. 😂

@glennfosterjr.3883 Жыл бұрын

You got me inspired on my yj build, 351 abs c6 from a bronco with one toon ford axles.

@chriscummings9491 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing the pros an cons...I wanted to get a set of 9 ton milatary axles...for a bronco 2 build...but ill probable just go 1 tons now 😄

@DirtLifestyle Жыл бұрын

Lol, that would be pretty epic!

@Ossiep Жыл бұрын

Consider Volvo C303/TGB portals. I love them on my 6x6. Excellent axles that are slightly smaller than a Unimog set. Good ratio options too. 5.95s to 7.5s.

@rickz9495 Жыл бұрын

They are pretty cool axles, but super rare

@ralphbarnes5282 Жыл бұрын

OMG. I was on FB Marketplace looking for a Suzuki Samurai when you mentioned looking for Unimog axles.

@iankovac1878 Жыл бұрын

I could use the other parts you do not need for my ugly project 86 samurai buggy :) Remember watching this thing being built so rad :) UNITARDS my nickname for them. Worked at a shop where we had several. The 404 being the most common. The 406 tug was my favorite. If you were paying attention to the online photos, the green 4 door one with the giant front bumper. The 404 has a (not kidding) 2.2l i6 making 65hp for a vehicle that is configurable to 14k lbs. Drove a 404 communications MOG (12k) up Ute pass from Colorado springs to Woodland park, CO. I was lucky to be doing 15 mph. No heater, no ac. So unitard axles do not like high hp or bouncing trying to climb rocks. My buddy has what is left of a 93 ford ranger with portals and 47's. If he bounces climbing the exit of the Patriot Trail in Penrose commons ohv, Penrose CO. He will break a portal easily. With a 3.0l v6 lol. I would do a 16v 1.6l tracker auto and tcase to a samurai tcase with low gears or just go yota doubles. More than willing to help in any way. Let me know :)

@moeandco. Жыл бұрын

Any concern about how much of the portal box is exposed? Seems like a low hanging fruit and I would think a deeper backspacing on the wheel could help hide the portals from potential damage.

@markkiely8326 Жыл бұрын

I friend of mine has a unimog when you take a look underneath it you see it's just in a different league to any other 4x4 you've ever seen. you know maybe you should fit them lovely axles to the disco

@cmartin0011 Жыл бұрын

They should come put with a portal axle kit for tacomas. perhaps something to bolt on to existing suspension parts.

@charlestucker6628 Жыл бұрын

I spoke to Ian briefly about this vehicle at FabTech in ATL. He ran the tin top WVO at Uwharrie years ago. I wish you were closer, I would be glad to help...

@CowbellCustoms Жыл бұрын

Have to remember those trail gear? I think axle housings already increase clearance over a factory yota axle, so those mog portal axles are great.

@Defender110SLO Жыл бұрын

What an ovsome project. Couple of years ago you could buy unimog for the price of axles. Cheers. 🍻

@GaryFord-Audio Жыл бұрын

More workie, less talkie, best plan yet!

@qwikyking Жыл бұрын

I like my TMI weld on beadlocks, much more affordable option than anything out there, sealed my super swampers 8 years ago and they still hold air

@michaelw2304 Жыл бұрын

I think I said this before, I remember that build. Ian and Jesse were both excited to build it. I can see that same excitement with you. Good episode filled with good info. Keep it up. On a negative, its been driving me crazy, shave the neck beard!

@sgtaaronp Жыл бұрын

Lol yes I was looking for unimog stuff!

@stevew9247 Жыл бұрын

Even with the 404's converted to disc brakes they still weigh double what the Toyota axles did. Gonna be hard to keep the total weight down.

@angushoover8670 Жыл бұрын

I started looking at the 404's awhile back, most of my research pointed me towards the 406/416/419 as a much stronger, more reliable option. HOPEFULLY, once you get done, this will be some solid info, one way or another.

@ricks72ntx Жыл бұрын

Got a buddy building a 406 buggy, definitely looks to be a much stronger axle

@timhorne8126 Жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see this build! I have a request, about your tj Dana 44. I've watched the videos on it, but haven't seen what spring brackets, shock mounts, track bar details Etc. I am gathering parts to install the same axle/ stretch in my lj. Thanks