Eric Miller lives in Hurricane, Utah, the center of southwestern Utah’s off-roading paradise. His 1987 Suzuki Samurai, “Skull and Bones,” was built so Eric could get into the backcountry and have fun with his family. Actually, the Sammy has gone through five separate builds, starting as a stripped-to-the-bone body and frame. That’s where the name Skull and Bones came from, and it’s stuck.
The Samurai was shipped to the crew at Petroworks so they could install a 16-valve, 1.6L, fuel-injected Sidekick mill. All of Petroworks’ engine swaps are California smog-legal, so even though Eric didn’t need it, his Sammy is California compliant whether it ends up in California or not. While at Petroworks, Eric picked up a Petroworks rollcage kit, roof rack, and ARB Bull Bar front bumper.
Petroworks installed a smog-legal...
Petroworks installed a smog-legal 1.6L 16-valve fuel-injected Sidekick mill. For extreme travel, Eric had KrawlTek fabricate shock hoops for more shock length.
Once back in Utah, Eric, Vic, and Richard from KrawlTek went to work. The Samurai’s suspension is an interesting mix of fiberglass leaf springs up front and a triangulated four-link air shock design in back. Ballistic shocks were used all around. Skull and Bones’ wheelbase was stretched to 90 inches.
Eric designed the exo-cage and KrawlTek did the fab work. We’re not excited about exo-cages, but this one is nice. It incorporates the ARB bull bar in front and forms the fender flares and rocker guards as it goes to the back of the Samurai. The Petroworks rollcage protects occupants inside the Samurai. The Trail Tough rear bumper incorporates a swing-away tire carrier and gas-can rack.
Eric uses his Skull and Bones Samurai hard and it shows. It’s never failed and always brings the family back, no matter what obstacles and terrain it’s been asked to conquer as they explore paradise.
The 1982 Toyota Pickup frontend...
The 1982 Toyota Pickup frontend was reinforced and features 4.10 Toyota gears and a Yukon Spartan Locker. Note the high-steer drag link.
The fiberglass front leaf...
The fiberglass front leaf springs are mounted over the axle with a shackle reversal. Ballistic shocks handle front damping duty.
The 1982 Toyota Pickup rearend...
The 1982 Toyota Pickup rearend was widened and has 4.10 Toyota gears and a Yukon Spartan Locker in the pumpkin. The fuel cell and gas can give Skull and Bones a good exploring range.
The Samurai T-case features...
The Samurai T-case features a Calmini 6.5:1 Rockcrawler kit. Six States built the front and rear driveshafts. Eric and KrawlTek designed and built the triangulated four-link rear suspension.
Ballistic air shocks are used...
Ballistic air shocks are used in back. The design and geometry allow Eric to get an insane 39 inches of rear-wheel articulation!
Eric’s family likes to explore...
Eric’s family likes to explore the backcountry. His daughter chose the passenger seat cover (we hope).