Of all the fixes and upgrades we provide at 4×4 Works, the one we get asked about more than any other is suspension upgrades. It’s easy to see why, as many stock suspension setups are simply not built for the rigours of the off-road life and even for older vehicles with powerful stock suspension, over the years that suspension will have worn away and require replacement.
While there are three ways to physically lift a 4×4 vehicle (including suspension spacers and body lifts) there is only one option if you’re looking for a lift that will also improve performance and that’’s to replace the suspension completely.
Of course, while it’s possible to do this piece-by-piece, there’s little way of knowing whether or not a shock absorber from one company and a leaf or coil spring from another will be compatible with your vehicle or with each other. That’s why complete suspension lift upgrade kits designed specifically for each individual make and model are so popular.
The Old Man Emu suspension lift kit is an industry-leading option for hardcore off-road enthusiasts. It’s an upgrade that not only makes your vehicle look the business but also provides an upgrade in ride quality. For older 4x4s such as the Suzuki Samurai, one of these kits could give it a new lease of life.
The way of the Samurai
Initially developed as a farming vehicle in the 1970s but sold across the globe in the decades since as a serious off-road powerhouse, the Suzuki Samurai is a legendary little 4×4. It was the first four-wheeled Suzuki vehicle to be sold outside Japan and boasts a decent amount of potential under the hood considering its humble chassis and tiny engine. Indeed, the thing that really sets this little knockaround apart is its minimal size and weight, which allow it to reach places few other 4x4s feasibly can.
An incredibly capable off-roader that’s light and agile enough to manoeuvre with ease but strong enough to take on the harshest terrain imaginable, the Samurai is a born enthusiast vehicle. However, as it has not been sold in the UK since 1996, examples of this tiny terror in good condition are incredibly hard to come by. So, if you are lucky enough to have one in your garage, you’re going to want to ensure you’re making the very most of it.
Teaching an old dog new tricks
The OME suspension upgrade kit for the Suzuki Samurai makes a big difference not only to off-road driving but to the on-road ride too. This means you could quite comfortably transform your weekend knock-around 4×4 into a more flexible machine that can handle both the green lanes and the school run with deceptive ease.
Known by many names (depending on age and location) such as the Santana, SJ410, SJ413, Sierra, Maruti Gypsy and Holden Drover, the Samurai might be an ageing favourite but it’s still a favourite nonetheless.
With leaf springs in the front and back (a rarity amongst more modern 4x4s and another aspect of the design that stands out) and a sleek look that suits its regal name, the Suzuki Samurai is destined to remain a cult classic for decades to come. With a decent suspension upgrade, yours might even last that long too!
So, if you’re interested in upgrading the suspension on your Suzuki Samurai, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Image: adolf martinez soler / Shutterstock.com
