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Subaru Sambar 2" Body Lift

Discussion in 'Parts Sales' started by banzairx7, Feb 26, 2020.

  1. banzairx7

    banzairx7 Active Member

    I decided to replicate the 2" body lift I made for my own truck and offer them to people. This avoids all the problems associated with doing a suspension lift on the Sambar(excessive positive camber and rear cv joint failures). It includes everything needed to lift your Sambar 2". Comes with OEM style zinc plated flange bolts and nuts. Brackets are laser cut stainless steel. Kit is bolt on except for the steering column which must be modified. Kit does include the parts to modify the steering shaft and requires some cutting and welding. Professional welding is recommended since this is a steering part. Instructions are also included.

    $200 shipped to the US. Canada add another $20 US.

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    I also have a filler strip available to go above the engine cover. These cost me a bit more to get fabricated so I'm offering it separate for $75 with out paint.

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  2. SubaSam

    SubaSam New Member

    Do you have any side view pictures, and how big of tires can you put under it?
     
    MichTrucks likes this.
  3. banzairx7

    banzairx7 Active Member

    Not sure on tire size. On my truck I run 26" tires but have a 2" suspension lift along with the body lift. I also trimmed the front fender openings.

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  4. Ohkei Dohkei

    Ohkei Dohkei Active Member

    That would be the way I would go if I hadn't already gone with the suspension lift. There would be no camber issues and I suspect 23" tires would fit fine.
     
  5. Adam Wheeler

    Adam Wheeler Active Member

    After just having a cv joint failure in the rear on the left hand side, I too would suggest the body lift over any sort of suspension lift kit, unless you plan to do what banzair did, and fabricate a true lift kit, a body lift is your safest option. I even took the rear part of the commonly purchased sambar lift kit and chopped down the rear spacer and it still didn't stop the cv from blowing apart.
     
    Limestone likes this.
  6. Dom

    Dom New Member

     
  7. Dom

    Dom New Member

    How can I go about getting one? I just picked up a 90 Sambar for $300 and have to do a couple small things but I wanna get a 2 inch lift on it! I’m gonna use it for hunting and driving in really bad weather and originally wanted a suspension for better clearance but seems like your body kit is the best way to go?
     
  8. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    A body lift kit allows the suspension to remain stock. Unless you have quizzes bit of knowledge on how suspensions work, and fabricate things yourself, you will end up with the suspension moving around.

    Everybody mentions the issues with over extending the CV joints to outside their ideal range and breaking them, or tearing the boots. But there are a bunch of other problems folks don’t know to look for.

    The tie rod ends end up stressed, and the steering geometry is also messed up, and can result in tool and bounce steer, making the steering unpredictable. At low speed it isn’t a problem, but if you are doing any driving on the road, it can get really weird to drive.
     
    Limestone likes this.
  9. Dom

    Dom New Member

    So stick to a body lift and call it a day? Lol and does anyone know the best place to get one? I saw banzair was making one. Just looking to run a 23-24 inch atv tire with a 12 inch wheel. I believe a 12x7 with a 4+3 is ideal someone correct me if I’m wrong. Thanks!
     
  10. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    My Hijet is a unibody, with that frame and cab integrated, or I would have gone with a body lift, over the suspension lift I did.
     
    Dom likes this.
  11. Poor4tmk74

    Poor4tmk74 New Member

    Are the Sambar vans different? I grabbed up a 93 Sambar Dias van today. I’d like to do 2-4” lift. Obviously that height would be a combo. I wouldn’t go over 2” with a suspension....or a body lift. I'm thinking they are in some way different than the Sambar pick up because I’m just not really finding much info.
    thank you guys in advance, trying to sponge up as much knowledge as o can here....
     

    Attached Files:

  12. Limestone

    Limestone Well-Known Member

    Dom,
    Welcome! Talk to, banzairx7! It looks, and sounds to me, that he'll make, and set you up with a kit, that will work for you! His workmanship, knowledge, and willingness to help, is second to none! Good Luck! Take pics, and keep us posted!
    Limestone
     
    Poor4tmk74 likes this.
  13. MichTrucks

    MichTrucks Moderator Staff Member Supporting Member

    Feel free to contact me as we do lift kits, etc for mini trucks.
    My number is on my website at goldstarparts.com. We build a body lift and a suspension lift for the Sambar and are not sure of the differences but we can determine the differences through a few calls and emails. Here for contact info: michminitrucks.com
     
    Poor4tmk74 and Limestone like this.
  14. Limestone

    Limestone Well-Known Member

    Dom,
    Mitch has been around a long time, it's worth a shot! You have options!
    Limestone
     
  15. Poor4tmk74

    Poor4tmk74 New Member

    Gonna shoot you an email tonight...
    Wanting both..2” suspension...2” body.
    Need as much space as possible, sand gets deep here in SE NC
     
  16. AKsambar

    AKsambar New Member

    Hey, I have a 94, new to me and have been looking for just such a solution. How can I go about ordering your kit and filler strip (looks nice)
     
  17. Sam Fleming

    Sam Fleming New Member

    Hi there, I am a new owner (1990 Sambar kv3 van) and the previous owner threw some after market springs in to stiffen/lower the ride a bit. I am considering getting these installed instead of getting the stock springs back in as he said it handled a lot better around corners. So I suppose 1. are you still selling these kits, and 2. what are the opinions on lower springs on these things.
     
  18. banzairx7

    banzairx7 Active Member

    I have two kits ready to go right now if anyone is still looking for one.
     
  19. cop on my back

    cop on my back Active Member

    Curious where you found the longer fuel filler hose. I used a rad hose and have since found that is not compatible with fuel and will leak over time, so I will be looking to replace that soon.
     
  20. banzairx7

    banzairx7 Active Member

  21. Limestone

    Limestone Well-Known Member

    banz,
    I think those kits, that you've whipped up are pretty cool:cool:! Simply because, your engineering, and installation, are proven! Nice job!
    Lime
     
  22. cop on my back

    cop on my back Active Member

    Thanks for that!
    BTW, if you look that up on Rock auto it is $18.60 Canadian, not sure the US cost but it is probably a lot less.
     
  23. banzairx7

    banzairx7 Active Member

    I was getting them from rock auto. The shipping cost from rock auto makes them a tiny bit cheaper from amazon for me.
     
  24. Daeo

    Daeo New Member

    Would these body lifts work on a 2005 Subaru Sambar?

    thanks
     
  25. banzairx7

    banzairx7 Active Member

    Honestly I have no idea. I only have my 93 as a reference point.
     
  26. David Dannenberg

    David Dannenberg New Member

    This is a very interesting and timely thread. I just won at auction in Japan a 1995 Sambar and am planning a lift as you describe. I have a mechanic friend who has done a similar lift on his and was planning to hire him to do mine. Is this kit available and what is your lead time? I won't even have the truck for 60-90 days at best, but planning is fun.

    Thanks.

    David
     
  27. AKsambar

    AKsambar New Member

    Hey David,
    I bought my 94 from Japan in February but Covid delayed getting it for a while. I didn't want to do the suspension lift and have to deal with all the issues. I bought one of these kits, it was easy and works great. I still cut the fenders a bit and put 23" tires. I am wrapping up some other improvements but it's a great truck and this lift kit was perfect.
    Good luck with your new Subi
     
  28. banzairx7

    banzairx7 Active Member

    I just sold the last one from my latest batch a few days ago. I've got another run in process and will have them ready again 2-3 weeks.
     
  29. David Dannenberg

    David Dannenberg New Member

    Thanks for the review and status on production. Will you post here when they are done?

    Related question, perhaps a stupid question. What is the stock tire and rim size (in inches please). Are you guys using bigger rims, and if so do you need spacers to accommodate lug patterns, or are there larger stock rims from some other vehicles that will bolt up?

    TIA for any information.
     
  30. Ohkei Dohkei

    Ohkei Dohkei Active Member

    stock tires are 145/80r12 which is about 21.3 inches tall and 5.7" wide I think the rims are 5"
     

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