Suspension modifications and new meats! See other photos for the "before" shots.

1992 Samurai, 31's, Rancho 9000's all around, rear shocks relocated only 8" apart at the upper mounting points, Rancho 5000 steering stabilizer, extended shackles, Rancho   add-a-leafs (for now), extended steel braided brake lines all around, ignition system is all MSD, dual batteries, hidden sound system, CB built into dash, removable doors with quick release door straps, home-brew brush bar (saved the front end at least once), 3" nerf bars and when it's hot - a sahara top made from an old bikini top.

Some History…

Here in El Paso it is very dry. But, when it does rain, the dry desert and washouts become lakes of adobe mud! Sometimes up to 30" deep. The larger (Broncos, Blazers, full size trucks, etc.) tend to sink to the bottom. The Sami surprises them all by floating across and running circles around them! The key here is to keep up tire speed, and make sure the way is clear…

I know most of the readers are into rock climbing, but until I can afford the tires and huge lift requirements, this is cheap fun!

Later…

Here are a few shots from my shackle upgrade. The shot of the parts show how much longer the new equipment is next to the originals…

Before the lift	Kit parts
After the lift

Still later…

Bill tries his best to prove that a Samurai can fly. You'll note that flaps are not deployed. Unfortunately, the photographer was so startled that the take-off was successful that we have no photographs of the Samurai in flight.

Beginning take-off.

Coming in for a landing?

As the old saying goes, "Any landing you can walk away from is a good one." Bill has obviously not yet taught his Samurai to "flare" for a landing. (Hey, Bill! Have you thought about adding a drag chute?)

Rare shots of the amphibious variant of the Suzuki Samurai. Bill claims that this is his Samurai as well, but we?re dubious. It can crawl, fly and swim? Yeah, right, Bill…

Taking the plunge.

Swimming  against the raging current.

Aren?t these things amazing? (more pix)

The mud in the pictures is only about a foot and a half deep with about six inches of water on top. This stuff turns into slime as it evaporates. The airborne shots show a definite need for a four point harness (seat belt).

--Bill Johnston