New member wants to know....A silly thing to do?

[Hionsi]

I've lived way off road up in the cantabrian mountains for about the last six years and the old cart tracks up that way have certainly seen better days!! I've had a 98 Jimny for the last few years which, largely unmodded, has had a bit of a trashing. Not beyond repair but the thought of giving up on Jimnys and trying out an SJ has been on my mind for a while.
Finally gone for it and bought an 1988 SJ413 hardtop with a 1.6 vitara engine, SU carb, 410 transfer box, a simple 2" lift and freewheeling hubs. Bodywork I think in average condition, it's had a bit of work done on it the past. Fair to say a bit of work needs doing on it before I can get it back to Spain. Front brake caliper jammed up while pottering around in Essex. Leaks a bit of oil, some of the the electrical stuff a bit eccentric. All of which I suppose is par for the course. Still, I like it already... which I guess is just as well!
I don't really drive more than 20 miles or so on paved surfaces (and some of those roads barely meet the description). I'm really hoping it's going to do me as my vehicle as I can't afford more than one car on the road... So, a daft thing to do or will the SJ do me proud?

[Ladaman]

to the club.

You will love it, I'm sure. If you like it in Essex, it can only be even better in Spain.

One thing I'd suggest looking at the pic, is shorten the shackles. They already look to be flattening the springs out.

Nice truck though

[twiss]

Looks like a very tidy SJ to me! As ladaman says ditch those shackles asap they will make your steering crap and ruin the springs!

A set of decent lift springs may cost a bit but are well worth the investment

[Hionsi]

Thanks for the advice, have to admit, steering it couldn't be described as an exact science

[ROBBIE]

Hi totally agree on the shackles

[Jordi]

Welcome, dump the shackles!

So long as you keep regular basic maintenance the SJs are bulletproof!

[timwilks13]

Welcome, dump the shackles!

So long as you keep regular basic maintenance the SJs are bulletproof!

If they're bullet proof is there any point in getting the shells shot blasted

[Anton]

[dan_2k_uk]

Sounds like a great idea to me.

Like the others have said get those shackles cut down to as close to standard as you can without causing the tyres to rub when at full flex and articulation and I bet the steering will improve no end.