Modifying Suzuki Sj413 For Off Raod

[Rainmaker]

I want to modify my Suzuki Jeep ready for using off road, id like to use it 50-50 on and off road, im an off road novice/virgin, so would appreciate any recommendations from the more experienced in terms of what modifications to make?

[John 1]

First put a decent engine in it 1600cc Toyota motor.

[bino]

First put a decent engine in it 1600cc Toyota motor.

A better and less intensive first step would be to put on a good set of tires. This will instantly make a huge difference in your off road capabilities. A set of tires with an agressive and wide spaced tread pattern will claw and grip loose surfaces much better, and clean themselves, releasing the mud that gets packed in to the tread.

A downside to these tires is that they will be less comfortable for road driving, in that they will make a lot of noise and vibration. You may want to consider finding another set of rims to mount your off road tires. Then it is a simple matter of changing the wheels when you are heading out for a weekend in the bush.

When selecting tires, resist the urge to get larger oversized tires. While this may look cool and give you more ground clearance, it will drastically change your overall gear ratios, and you will lose low end torque / get out of mud / climbing / pulling power. To gain ground clearance, go with a frame lift block kit.

[undercover]

Yeah some good advice there, I have had many Suzuki jeeps over the years, I have a love/hate relationship with them. I put a Toyota engine in one once and it transformed it but for an off road virgin you don't realy need to be so drastic,

As the man said, good set of tyres is all you require at first, the best advice I can think of is first and foremost is make sure its mechanicaly in good condition before you venture off road, you don't want to be out there and something simple like a rad hose or throttel cable goes, simple things that could have easy been sorted before. also, take it slow, there easy to roll ! if you moove on to faster (high range 4wd off road ) get a roll cage. best of luck let us know how you get on. also where about will this off road take place ?

[Rainmaker]

Yeah some good advice there, I have had many Suzuki jeeps over the years, I have a love/hate relationship with them. I put a Toyota engine in one once and it transformed it but for an off road virgin you don't realy need to be so drastic,

As the man said, good set of tyres is all you require at first, the best advice I can think of is first and foremost is make sure its mechanicaly in good condition before you venture off road, you don't want to be out there and something simple like a rad hose or throttel cable goes, simple things that could have easy been sorted before. also, take it slow, there easy to roll ! if you moove on to faster (high range 4wd off road ) get a roll cage. best of luck let us know how you get on. also where about will this off road take place ?

Hi Undercover, Thanks for the advice, once Ive done the modifications ill be out and about in Chiang Rai,Regards

[bino]

Good advice from undercover also. Especially about making sure that your jeep is mechanically sound. nothing sucks more than breaking down when you are miles from civilization.

His advice about a roll cage is seriously worth considering also, for safety's sake. Suzukis are notorious for their high center of gravity and rolling over. The center of gravity will be increased if you install a lift on your jeep, so I would definitely recommend installing a roll cage if you lift your jeep.

If you are interested in going deep into the jungle, I'd recommend finding a club or like-minded people in your area, and not going out there alone, just in case you get stuck somewhere or worse....an accident or breakdown does happen.

Do carry a selection of tools and especially a shovel with you when you venture off road. A thick length of tow rope is also invaluable if you or someone else gets stuck.

[Rainmaker]

Good advice from undercover also. Especially about making sure that your jeep is mechanically sound. nothing sucks more than breaking down when you are miles from civilization.

His advice about a roll cage is seriously worth considering also, for safety's sake. Suzukis are notorious for their high center of gravity and rolling over. The center of gravity will be increased if you install a lift on your jeep, so I would definitely recommend installing a roll cage if you lift your jeep.

If you are interested in going deep into the jungle, I'd recommend finding a club or like-minded people in your area, and not going out there alone, just in case you get stuck somewhere or worse....an accident or breakdown does happen.

Do carry a selection of tools and especially a shovel with you when you venture off road. A thick length of tow rope is also invaluable if you or someone else gets stuck.

Hi Bino and Undercover, thanks again for your advice,, I started to put together as list of do,s and donts based on your points, plus made contact with a small thai 4x4 club,so im hoping that will lead to something. One query, a roll cage, my suzi has the standard bars just behind the back window, in terms of adding another, are you talking about a rollbar on the sides as well? apologies for what probaly sound like daft queries, but just want to be sure im getting things right. once again thanks.

[bino]

One query, a roll cage, my suzi has the standard bars just behind the back window, in terms of adding another, are you talking about a rollbar on the sides as well?

I've never owned a Suzuki... my 4x4 was an extremely well used first generation Ford Bronco that I bought for several cases of beer and had no qualms beating the crap out of. It was one tough mother too... went anywhere and took the beatings in stride.

Hence, I can't picture the standard bars that you are describing, but imagine that they would stand up to a rollover situation like a beer can under a tire.

What you will want is something made of thick walled tubular steel between 1.5 and 2 inches in diameter- I did a quick google for "sj413 roll cage" and found this. Something similar would be ideal for you.

Have a look at what the guys in your club have... I'm sure some of them can turn you one to a Thai welder / fabricator who can make / install one of these for you quite reasonably.

Like I said, since I have never owned a Suzuki, I can't speak from first hand experience. Perhaps undercover will come back and offer some more good input from his knowledge.

Edited February 10, 2007 by bino

[undercover]

Heres a photo of an external roll cage, notice it's welded to an extended chassis member, the member also giving extra protection.

If I was you I would go for a more modest internal cage, but remember the cage is only as strong as what its welded or bolted to, cages bolted simply to the floorpan can be pushed right through the floor ! better to connect with the chassis if at all possible but if you don't want to make holes in your floorpan then make sure you have large as possible plates welded to the bottom of the pipes of the cage and make sure they are directly above the chassis so if the worst did happen they would go through your floor and stop on contact with the chassis. I know it sounds a lot of work but better to be safe than sorry, but lets not run before we can walk, for the time being just get out there and take it easy and enjoy the pleasures of off roading.

[John 1]

Undercover, I like the Suzuki short wheel base you show in the post, very hard to find in Thailand, unstoppable in the bush.