A new Matt’s off road recovery build video and a new dirt lifestyle build video in the same day!?! 2023 is going to be great

Checkout the toyota r150f it should be small enough and has 23 spline output. Will also take the torque of that TDI engine.

The grille was definitely worth it, looks great! Like this build so far.

I swapped the tcase in my 525iX for a Jeep NP242 tcase. I found that the 23 spline front axle shaft of a Range Rover Classic fit the front of the tcase very well and ended up cutting it down and making a flange. Worked great. Also love the channel, very big reason I've done so much to mine.

This is going to be awesome! This might be strange to some, but I really appreciate that you use safety gear while you are working. Hopefully others that don't use it will notice and give it a try. Keep up the good work and stay safe brother!

I’m in awe mate, I remember bringing home my full body kit and fenders for my s14 and the disappointment I felt when nothing fitted, I researched everything and learnt enough to be able to fit perfectly but this is on another level! Your are truly a talented man

First off the Sammy buggy is looking awesome. The Suzuki sidekicks came with a three speed automatic from Chevy, the TH180 transmission. They also came with a four-speed automatic transmission made by Aisin. If you were to use either of those two transmissions, there is a guy that can build a custom adapter to whatever transmission you need, his name is Keith Rice. I have an TH1AD, adapted to a Dana 300. Keith made the adapter plate and the custom output shaft. I also wanted to mention the location of the front of the engine relative to the front axles. It looks like the axle will end up underneath the engine at least the front of it. This means your buggy will not climb very well. You need to push that front axle, so at least the back of the DEF is in front of the engine pulley. Otherwise that front end is going to want to unload every time you try and climb something steep. I know this from experience. And suck downs, work great and buggy applications.

A Muncie m22 rock crusher with side shift links would fit great and it’s an absolute beast and will hold up to all the torque u can throw at it and would be easy to adapt to both engine and your midnight tcase

sidekick/tracker manual transmissions are a bit stronger and still fit in a samurai trans tunnel. 2wd if you want to use the samurai t-case or other divorced case and mod the intermediate shaft or go with a 4wd if you use the tracker t-case

I'm super impressed with your plastic welding abilities. You've definitely put the time in to collect the proper tools and materials and learn some technique. If I ever need to do some plastic welding I'll be reviewing your videos.

You are so correct on the amount of time to build. Great job sir.

At first I cringed that you were cutting up Ian’s handiwork, but now I’m loving it! You make a plan, change your mind. Try something else, change your mind. But it’s all because you’re playing chess, thinking many steps ahead until something moves, then thinking through it again. Can’t wait to see the rest of the process!

I like seeing you use construction tools and techniques in the shop. I'm trying to shift gears from construction into automobiles, so for me it's super relevant.

Generally I run these videos while I am working my day job (Web Dev) and I learn a few things here and there. This one was jammed packed with WTH moments, the light bulb going off... I can up to my measurements differently and significantly more complicated. Literally next week I will be putting on a home build triangulated 4 link on the rear of my s10. I will be referencing this video quite a bit for sure helping line everything up. Thank you and Great Job!

I really appreciate hearing you admit that you change your mind on designs. It’s a nice element to prove we are all human and not perfect.

The grille definitely sets the attitude for this build!! I like the direction you’re taking this unit! Ready for the next episode!!!

26 minute Dirt Lifestyle video to start 2023… omg. I’m in bliss.

I love this build, I'm from the UK and ran a Modified Sami back in the day. I went the old school way of Toyota VX axles, TJ coils with Custom links, 1600 Vitara (Sidekick) motor, Sami gearbox and a Rock-lobster T-case rolling on some 35's which i thought were huge but now i see they were dinky in comparison to your build. I used to go places the TJ owners couldn't lol. Then the kids came along and ruined my fun lol..Love your content Matt, even the Disco build (and i hate Disco's lol)

I loved watching this be built originally, and I am really enjoying you putting your own twist on it and making it yours.

One day Nate will have a 100k plus square foot shop doing build for clients all over the world. Love the channel since the beginning when you were transitioning from full time plumber. Rock on Nate.

Good to see your creative juices flowing again

Love the portals on a samurai concept! Going to be killer. I did an ALH TDI in my 88. Used an r150 out of a toyota. I had to modify the trans tunnel but it honestly isn't that bad. I just wanted the motor as far back as possible so I could fit the radiator and fmic behind the factory grill.

0:36 my dream! All those parts to play with :)

I look forward to every one of your videos just to see how you think. You explain everything very well. Great teacher. Wish I could work with you to see an idea come to fruition. Sammy is gonna be a sweet buggy when you get done. Can't wait.

Sm465 would be killer. Novak makes a Dana 300 adapter that is 23 spline and should work w your t case. Adapter and trans would only be about 18”

I so wish my brain could work this way, I would love to be able to fab things like this! Great content!

Absolutely love the look of the JDM grille. I was never crazy about the look of the Sammy when Ian originally built it.

Front suck downs DO WORK!! I have seen it personally and rode in several buggies when the driver uses it. It is really a get out of jail card thing. I'm incorporating mine with my buggy

The fact that you made it look like a Sammy again is definitely huge. I considered for months going with a Sammy as my first 4x4 and ultimately decided on a 3rd gen 4runner as I wanted something bigger overall for what my use case would be. Nice to see a Sammy have a second life like this and glad to see it's actually becoming a Sammy again.

The grille hood looks great!! Can’t wait to see this continue!!

I am seriously amped to see where you take this build next, Nate! 🎉

its very cool Nate, you are an extremely gifted guy .......... id love to have a fraction of your skill set and knowledge ....... and Im thrilled your channel is growing and prospering ..... !!!!

You can really sense your enthusiasm for this build! Can’t wait to see it on the rocks!!

Been following this guy for awhile. Took a lot of tips from him while doing my Toyota. Definitely my favorite amateur builder , hope this guy goes on to do a ton of big successful things

Your videos are so great to watch sir. What I wouldn't give to to meet someone like you with your skill set just to be on speed dial to lend a hand whenever you need it and learn from. I wasn't lucky enough to be surrounded by anyone with your talent when I was young and so wish I knew any of this now later in life.

I understand for KZfaq you can't really explain all of the suspension stuff. I really just wish I could understand half of what you fabric. Thanks for sharing so much with us.

Ax15 is gonna be the same size as a Toyota r150 v6 trans. They’re both 23 spline but you can also use a Toyota w56 and buy an adapter to go from 21 to 23 spline into a Toyota case or anything you can find adapters for. Inchworm makes some stuff to go to atlas or Dana cases I believe. You can also buy tdi adapters to go to the Toyota transmissions.

love the line laser trick, I'm a carpenter by trade so totally resonates!

I know this video is 4 days old, but I just got around to it, You're asking for a Samurai expert, contact Colt from Bleepin Jeep, he's kind of a Samurai expert. The project is looking good; I'm a Jeep owner, but I grew up with Samurais in Puerto Rico, so they hold a special place in my heart. They're really mini-beasts!!!

Looking good! Thanks for walking and talking us through your thoughts process so we can learn along the way and have a better understanding of the decisions made.

Great build so far. Your skill and attention to detail are showing well on this. Cant wait to watch this build come together this year. Happy New Year!

Thank you so much for building this rig. I have loved it from the beginning of it. I’m glad it didn’t end up as scrap. Can’t wait to see it continue.

That's why my stuff from Barnes is on back order cause they sent it all to you. Thanks man.. Love your content keep it up

you can use hair spray over the chalk line, stays around like clear coat but easier to clean up! also getting square you can measure 3ft then measure 4ft measure from point to point and if its 5ft you are perfectly square, also works if multiplied, 3,4,5. 6,8,10 etc etc

A penetrating lubricative I’ve used for years is 50% automatic tranny fluid and 50% acetone. In the mill I used to work in was corrosion city, due the the caustic reaction of the product we produced.

Your craftmanship is exceptional. Love your attention to detail. Keep it up! Can't wait to see this Samurai finished.

New new march idea. Catch phrase “But I changed my mind” on your shirts

at one point NOVAK and Advanced Adapters both sold a "Spud Shaft" adapter to do just what you are talking about doing to adapt one type output spline to a 23 spline or vise versa if i can find a part number for either i'll put it here NOVAK discontinued it apparently, but Advance still has it, SKU#300012A for the long version, 52-3001 for the short and there is an NV-4500 shaft SKU 52-0205 hope any of these help, this project is turning out pretty sweet and the grill and hood combo looks pretty awesome, can't wait to see the final product, looks like she'll be a ton of fun when all is said and done

I think you've nailed the approach to making this right. Going full on into the chassis/body, chopping off prior suspension mounts and starting over to best fit your need/desire for a finished project. I think this alone is a relatable topic that many have faced but not had the chance to prove the benefiting process after picking up someone's incomplete project. I look forward to seeing more tube work progress on the front end

The grill looks so good. There are a lot of people who can weld it been to but you do that then you make your own airbox and then you customize the grill. You have a lot of skills and I feel privileged to be able to watch you build

Great project,thanks

Dude. I'm loving where you're going with this!

You talked about how you are just building this in your backyard but I’m sure everyone here agrees your quality and craftsmanship is better than 90% of the shops out there that do this kind of work.

Seems a whole lot easier to fab a new trans tunnel and use the stuff you have.

Nate, I'm enjoying all of your content, thanks. I've owned Samurais since 1996 but have not done any major modifications until these last few years. I have a good selection of original parts and therefore have spent this time strengthening with aftermarket products. Currently getting ready to stretch frame, Bob cab, and put two back halves of previously damaged body's together to create a bed. I fear I my be retired by the time I get it done. Well keep it up, thanks

Square level and plumb! Like the pipe wrap on the table. UA LOCAL 250 steamfitter. Construction trades guys build nice rigs

Nate great job so far. Can’t wait to this rig come back even better!!

Looks like your buggy is going to be a lot of fun. Can’t wait to see it in action

I’m stoked on this project!

Amazing build so far your absolutely killing it. For transmissions that’ll fit in the tunnel I believe the Suzuki geo tracker is stronger and fits in the tunnel. It should bolt right up to the adapter you already have.

We used to have built Volvo engines and gearboxes paired with zuki transfercases back when I wheeled a crawler. Stock zuk t-case could handle up to 300 hp no problem in crawlers. For some reason, they also work well with 600++ hp in formula offroad 😅

Love the edit on this! Pleasantly surprised with the vibe of it. Keep it going! Don’t forget about more air compressor tinkering haha

That’s killer progress!!! What you did with that grill was seriously impressive. It looks so dam good. The tube frame work is a solid start for sure. Some quality looking stuff. I like your idea and making it all removable. The only “negative” thing I have to say is I feel like the front links are far too short. With you putting the winch in front of the grill I imagine you can move the entire front axle much more forward to allow the tab for the suck down to be right under and with that lengthening the front links. But it’s looking killer!!!

Hey I'd get a hold of Tyler Simmons for any questions on your samurai, builds looking sweet so far!.

Always enjoy the fabrication work. Cool to see rigs that aren't just bolt on or plug n play.

I learn a lot from your videos. Thanks

A lot of fabricators slap stuff together that works just fine but its not square or symmetrical. I appreciate your attention to detail and the fact that you plan everything out so well. I think you should have been an engineer. Good work bro.

This might be my favorite project you have done yet. The Jimny grill is a great tough can't wait for the next update

Just wanted to say "Hey Nate." Really enjoy your videos.

Loved that thing since I first saw Ian fab it out, can't wait to see your input and changes on it!

I have a 1987 Suzuki samurai and I absolutely love it

That Samurai looks amazing already. Great job Nate. Cant wait for the next one!!

W56 case will fit into a sami tunnel. Thats what I used in my diesel swap.

Weird idea, but would there be room to mount the winch to the top of the axle? The up travel could possibly squeeze between the engine and radiator.

This is going to be awesome thanks for sharing

I honestly never would have guessed that there would be JDM anything on Dirt Lifestyle, haha. Great build series.

Very nice built the only thing im worry about is the tubes joint into the main tube of the frame where the engine will be bolted on and the winch too .

I was not prepared for those beats.

Nate, have you thought about remote mounting your winch in the back. It's very common in winch trucks here in Australia

You can use the suck down winch and also some guys put several gallons of water in their front tires to put more weight where you want it. Makes a huge difference.

This is gearing up to be one of my favourite series from your channel. Like some one else said I’m ready for the next episode 😊 Happy new year to you and your family 🎉 Wishing you the very best for 2023.

Deadly progress loving the build and following closely I wish I was a bit closer (Vancouver Island BC) as I have a cheap ax15 but def looking forward to seeing what you come up with

I know toyota w56 trans are used quite a bit in samurais, although you have to widen the trans tunnel. Your weak link will probably be the samurai trans, from what I've read they don't like the TDI engines.

Looks like the buggies from our Borneo jungle, portal and the whole 9 yards.

Double triangulation front and back will make you want to flop over on side hills. Hope you’re planning on sway bars.

The "suck down thing" is to change the flip over (backwards) angle. By pulling the front of your rig to the ground, you can climb a slightly steeper angle. It will not increase your grip.

I have a 96 AW4 sitting in the backyard. All yours. It needs rebuilt. I'm located in Northern AZ so that is a bit of a drive. :=)

The jimny grill and square hood looks great. Can't wait to see this finished!

If you add fiberglass to the adhesive ( single or a two part mix ) it makes the joints your bonding a little stronger. Cut glass mat with scissors to make little fibers to add to the adhesive. A little bit goes a long way adding the glass . Some experimenting to get a good mix , to much glass you lose the bonding adhesion. Super Glue mixed with a little bit of glass works well also, put the glass down in place , than soak it with the glue .

Hi Nate looks great 👍 the hood and grill makes it look less buggyish lol if that's a word lol . I do have a small issue about the radiator placement though I had to put mine into the back because I over heated my engine due to my radiator been clogged with mud and blocking the air flow

This does look like its going to be an awesome build. Sure you don't want to hear this but with your skills and what you are building, just imagine this rig with rear steer. Crazy sick!

In the suzuki world we use the sidekick transmission as its a little bigger and stronger, usually a 2wd transmission and use a small drive shaft in the samurai divorced case.

Just love your way of thinking and creativity. Quality over quantity!

"I changed my mind", "I changed my mind" Love it when you have the freedom to actually be able to that on projects

Awesome build mate cheers foe the detail in your set up info helping in my own build

This thing is gonna be awesom

I’m loving this sound track lol

Glad you got colt on board! That’s awesome! Looking forward to the colabs with this build. This is gonna be sick

I didn't understand changing your dream rig until I saw that grill! That looks so sik Nate! Can't wait to see the end result. Keep up the hard work

Nate is easily one of the most talented fabricators on KZfaq!