Suzuki SAS

General Information

While replacing your Independent Front Suspension (IFS) with a Solid Front Axle (SFA) is not rocket science there are a few important things to keep in mind. First is the physical size of the axle. A Suzuki (Gen I) has a Track width of 57.5" from WMS to WMS (wheel mounting surface) therefore an axle with aproximately the same width would be best to use. Some choose to go wider than the stock width for more stability but it can create some clearance issues. An axle with a slightly narrower width can be used and fit with sheel spacers to obtain the correct track width. Another thing to keep in mind is the axles "Drop" or what side of the axle is the differential on. Suzuki IFS has the differential on the passenger (right) side so you would want to choose an axle with that same drop. While thinking about differentials it is important to consider gear ratios. If you are retaining your stock rear axle will the new front axle have a compatable gear ratio? And what about steering or wheel bolt patterns? Are they the same as your rear axle? If you swap out front and rear axles will you need to buy a new set of wheels? But before you get discouraged look at some rigs that have made the swap to a SFA. It was worth it to them.

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The products and vehicle modifications discussed and/or promoted by this site are for use at your own risk. Due to the nature of these products and their intended use Boondox Motorsports and any parties associated with Boondox Motorsports will not be responsible for any claims against them. No collision studies have been performed pertaining to any of these products or the use of them on a vehicle. Off-road use of any vehicle can be dangerous. Lifting a vehicle with chassis modification and taller tires raises it's center of gravity and therefore it may be at higher risk of rollover. Caution should always be used in driving any lifted vehicle. Use caution also in installing any products to your vehicle. Failure to properly support a vehicle while working on it could result in injury or death.

Common axle choices

Some have used early Chevy full-size axles which features a Dana 44 front and a GM 14 bolt rear. These axles are too wide and either stick out too far for street use or need to be cut down and fit with custom shafts, etc. Others have used anything from UniMog axles to custom built Currie axles. Thats fine if you have the budget for it and/or the knowledge and fabrication skills. We are going to deal with swaps that are better suited for "weekend" mechanics with a limited budget.

Current Suzuki IFS Specs

Lug pattern: 5 x 5½"

Width: 57.5" / passenger side differential

Spring location: Frame Rails are 29½" Front. 32" Rear

Common ratio: 5.12:1, ratios of 4.30, 4.62, 5.38*, 5.62* and 5.83:1 are available but some are rare (* Rare)

Suzuki Samurai Front Axle

Lug pattern: 5 x 5½"

Width: 52.5" / passenger side differential

Spring location: Spring-under ? inches apart. Perch width: ? inches

Common ratio: 3.73:1, ratios of 4.30, 4.62, 5.12 and 5.83:1 are available

Bonus tips: Although not considered a strong axle by hardcore off-road enthusiasts it is considered to be stronger than the stock IFS from the factory. This axle is narrower than needed and so wheel spacers are needed.

'79-85 Toyota PU/4runner

Lug pattern: 6 x 5½"

Width: 55.5" / passenger side differential

Spring location: 29" apart. Perch width: 2 inches / Spring

Common ratio: 4.88:1, 3.70, 4.11, 4.56, 5.29, and 5.71:1

Bonus tips: (F&R Needed)

'90-97 FJ80 and FZJ80 Landcruisers

Lug pattern: 6 x 5½"

Width: 63.5" / passenger side differential

Spring location: Coil spring mounts

Common ratio: 4.10, 4.88, 5.29:1

Bonus tips: (F&R Needed)

’82-’86 Jeep CJ Dana 30 Wide-Track Front Axle

Lug pattern: 5 x 5½"

Width: 56" / passenger side differential

Spring location: 27½" apart. Perch width: 2 inches / Spring under axle

Common ratio: 2.73:1 but ratios down to 5.38:1 are available as long as you have the matching Suzuki ratio.

Bonus tips: These Dana 30s have disc brakes. The 260 U-joints can be upgraded to 297s for even more strength.

’82-’86 Jeep Wagoneer

Lug pattern: 6 x 5½"

Width: F 60½", R 58½" / passenger side differential

Spring location:

Common ratio:

Bonus tips:

Springs and Steering

Leaf spring setups are much less complicated than coil springs because the leafsprings hold the axle in it's desired position. Coil spring suspensions require locating arms to keep the axle in proper alignment. There are both 3 and 4 link methods of suspending a front axle. The 4 link is a complex set-up and must be engineered properly to prevent binding as the axle cycles but is believed by many to be the best system. Others feel a 3-Link system isthe better method. A 3-link is already in place on your Suzuki's rear axle but setting up the front is more complicated than just copiing it. There is engine clearance and steering issues involved. To get around the engine interferance the most common 3-link method is to use two trailing arms to keep the axle aligned fore and aft and a panhard rod to prevent lateral movement.

Steering on a SFA is usually handeled by a drag-link that connects the pitman-arm on the steering box to a long adjustable crosslink with tie rods on both ends between the steering knuckles. Some axle swaps work best when the steering box is changed also. Steering solutions are shown with each kit below.