The Sierra had an interesting tie-rod/drag-link setup that was evidently installed at the same time the Calmini power steering was. The geometry was wrong, and the little Suzuki exhibited some pretty nasty bumpsteer. A call to Petroworks was made, and the company's Z-bar Eliminator steering arm, drag link, and tie rod were on the way. This kit was quick and easy to install and eliminates all the strange happenings due to poor steering geometry. Petroworks also rebuilds transmissions, so the company supplied a fresh five-speed tranny and one of its heavy-duty Samurai clutch kits. From its extensive Samurai parts division (that is, Samurai boneyard), Petroworks was able to supply a left motor mount and every bracket, screw, and fastener needed to restore the Sierra to factory-new. We also received one of the company's excellent aluminum radiators, but that will be detailed in another story.
Spidertrax Off-Road, the Samurai experts who've branched out to offer even more exciting products to the rest of the off-road world, supplied a billet battery-tie-down kit to hold our new Pro Comp Super HDX Off-Road sealed battery. The company also sent us its starter-relay kit that replaces the trouble-prone Samurai starter relay. The Sierra's working fine, but we plan on replacing the relay anyway. It's well known that Samurai transfer-case arms break easily. We had fabricated some dog's-hind-leg bracket back in days of yore, so we're now going to replace our homespun arm with a new, stronger Spidertrax unit.
ZUK had performed a shackle reversal and spring-over swap for our Sierra. We don't like shackle reversals anymore, so we plan on reversing the reversal soon. To help us, Alan Kempton at Suzuki Lightning Conversions, the V6Suzuki expert, sent us shackle and spring mounts cut from an old Samurai frame. Whether we use those or fabricate new spring mounting points, at least we have a factory template now.
The Sierra is now fun to drive again. The transmission is quiet, and the clutch engagement is so smooth we can't believe it! A Bestop Sunport top was installed, so winter wheeling will be tolerable. The Bestop top is superior to any other top available today, so we hope the company doesn't discontinue it (a rumor we heard). The 12-year-old Wrangler MT tires were cracked and hard, so we replaced them with a set of 31-inch Dick Cepek Mud Country tires that are strong and grip well in every environment. We'll continue to build the Sierra into a modernized trail rig. We hope you come along for the ride.
Right off the trailer we had to take the Sierra over and see how it flexed. It climbed right up the rocks for a front-yard poser shot. Note the classic Center Line HTII alloys with 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler MTs on them. | 
Petroworks' Z-bar Eliminator kit includes everything needed to correct a lifted Samurai's steering geometry. It comes zinc-plated, but we like black better. | 
Angles are perfect so steering is precise and controlled with the Petroworks kit. Although the drag link is now up over the springs, the tie rod is still in the stock position. The Calmini Sidekick power steering makes steering easy - a new experience for us when driving the Sierra/Samurai. |