dasmule
New member
We scored this stock 4X4 1979 Suzuki LJ81 off Craigslist in December 2013! It has quickly become a "Micro-Overlander" project for us. How small (vehicle space, engine HP, clearance, etc) is too small (if there is such a thing)? We plan to leave it stock as much as possible and outfit it for off road overland travel. Here is a the picture we found on Craigslist:
The guy selling it kept the wheels and tires in the picture, but we did get the original stock white wheels and some chrome ones instead. Since purchase, we have built and installed the bed rack; mounted a roof top tent on it; and increased the wheel size just a tad for a little better highway drivability. Now it has a top speed of about 55 with a good tail wind!
Here it is at present:
We are now modifying the front bumper to install a small ATV winch and need to get around to painting that bed rack before it starts to rust! Will post more photos as the build progresses.
Also, we're looking for some axle parts (Birfield in particular) from an SJ410 so we can do the disc brake conversion (while that does take away from the all stock mentality, the 1000ft required by these drum brakes just isn't safe!!).
Joe and Dana Marshall
MULE Expedition Outfitters LLC
Seattle, WA
1986 VW Syncro Westfalia
1979 Suzuki LJ81
The guy selling it kept the wheels and tires in the picture, but we did get the original stock white wheels and some chrome ones instead. Since purchase, we have built and installed the bed rack; mounted a roof top tent on it; and increased the wheel size just a tad for a little better highway drivability. Now it has a top speed of about 55 with a good tail wind!
Here it is at present:
We are now modifying the front bumper to install a small ATV winch and need to get around to painting that bed rack before it starts to rust! Will post more photos as the build progresses.
Also, we're looking for some axle parts (Birfield in particular) from an SJ410 so we can do the disc brake conversion (while that does take away from the all stock mentality, the 1000ft required by these drum brakes just isn't safe!!).
Joe and Dana Marshall
MULE Expedition Outfitters LLC
Seattle, WA
1986 VW Syncro Westfalia
1979 Suzuki LJ81