Samurai Question

[larry nelson]

Like many, I tow a Suzuki Samurai. It is a fun little car and weighs 1200# LESS than my basic Wrangler. Anyway, when towing a Sammy four wheels down,
you have to stop every 200 miles and start the vehicle and run it a bit to lubricate (I assume) the back bearing of the transfer case. The guy in
Marshalltown, IA that sells engines and parts and whole cars, suggested to me that I forget all about that process by removing my rear driveshaft,
lock up the front hubs, and drive it forever as a front wheel drive car. I wonder if any of you current or former Sammy owners ever tried this. It
eliminates the need to stop and also is easier on the transfer case....so I am told. I have removed the rear shaft, locked the hubs, and it drives
great. Just wonderin'........Thanks.
--
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT

 

[justin brady1]

I don't really see any issue other than you lose 4wd.
I honesty have never gotten mine stuck even in 2wd though so I doubt it would be a problem unless you're really into offroading.
--
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455

 

[Carl Stouffer]

While not a Samurai, my Tracker has a similar drivetrain and the same instruction in the owner's manual. I rarely bother to start it every 200 miles,
in fact almost never. I will sometimes do it if I think of it at a stop, but mostly I just tow it. I have probably towed it close to 40,000 miles
and have never had a problem with the transfer case or any other component.

The Tracker is a 2003 and maybe it has a more advanced lubrication system on it, but I suspect it is pretty much the same, especially since the manual
says to start it periodically when towing.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[michael1]

The only concern with driving it strictly as a front wheel drive vehicle, is the durability of the front driveshaft and axle components.
They are notably smaller than the rear components, but they still should be fine for day to day driving.
I rarely disconnect my rear driveshaft while towing my Sammy.
If you really want to tinker, you can install a rear driveshaft disconnect kit, or open up the transfer case and modify it.
There is a ton of information about towing a samurai on the samurai forums.
--
1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive