New Member Possible SJ Purchase tomorrow.

[more948]

Hi all,

Im new to the fourm and new to world of off roading, i have had a few motorcross bikes and quads in my time but now im looking for a new toy.

I have the oppourtunity to buy a G reg SJ with 62k on the clock bog standard for £800.

First off is that a reasonable price?

Secondly anything i should look out for on this model/year of SJ? Any common problems.

A friend of mine has recently purchased an F reg version with 31" wheel, a SPOA setup and a snorkel, this inspired me to look into the SJ'S

I have had a good read through the suspension section of the fourm and my brain in working over time. I thought it would be as simple and fitting a SPOA setup and big wheels but it seems everyone shys away from the SPOA, is this because it is rubbish or is there a better way of doing it?

My Goal would be to fit 31" wheels a bit of a lift, the usual winch bumper and winch and a snorkel. To start with anyways.

[Jordi]

Welcome to SCUK.

So long as it is a runner and the body work isn't trash it's not a bad price. Look for rot everywhere!

Suspension wise on 31s I just cut the arches out and modded the bulkhead but you can also move the axle forward just by redrilling the perches.

A lot of people shy away from SPOA as it plays hell with the centre of gravity, prop shaft angles, steering and can cause terminal axle wrap on the back axle destroying springs.

I run 33s with a virtual lift and 1.5" lift springs. Scottie and Ferris run 33s on anus YJ springs which only give about and inch lift but improve articulation alot as they are longer. I have a set to.upgrade to soon.

If it's a 1.3 your looking at check to see if it's had the carb changed to an SU as the standard carbs are.garbage.

Other than rust and carbs if it's a standard SJ be a.good project start.

[more948]

Thanks for the reply Jordi, that was basically what i was going to look for so now special pit fulls to look out for. Just a quick question the Lift and wheels. If i say bought a set of 2" lift springs would 31" wheels fit without the virtual lift?

[Jordi]

On 2" lift springs 31s should be ok but you would need to redrilling the spring perches and plates to move the axle 25mm forward to clear the bulkhead and fit some 50mm bump stop extensions (I used some 50mm box section)

Easy enough job when the axle is dropped out. Longer shocks and brake lines too.

[more948]

Jordi, not meaning to ask the same question over an over but what would be the cheapest and easiest way to lift the SJ enough to fit 31" tyres with out handling issues on the road in your opinion?

[dan_2k_uk]

Proper lift springs and flatten the bulkhead seam with a mallet if you can't weld.

Virtual lift if you can weld.

[dan_2k_uk]

Or possibly a body lift but they push the COG up too.

[more948]

dan am i right in thinking with new springs come longer shocks?

[more948]

i mean longer shocks would be needed?

[dan_2k_uk]

Ideally yes but you can extend the mounts for standard shocks however this reduces articulation.