🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Suzuki Model: Samurai Year: 1986-1987 Generation Generation: SJ410/SJ413 (Second Generation) Codes Chassis Codes: SJ410, SJ413 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: Compact, rugged, off-road focused utility vehicle, popular for its affordability, simplicity, and go-anywhere capability. Often utilized for light trail use, off-roading, and as a basic utility vehicle. Target Audience: Enthusiasts seeking an affordable, capable off-road vehicle, DIY mechanics, and owners who value simplicity and reliability. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed against other small off-roaders and compact SUVs of the era, though its body-on-frame construction and leaf-spring suspension set it apart as a more traditional and rugged option compared to unibody crossovers. Key Features Key Features: Lightweight construction, part-time 4WD system, low-range transfer case, compact dimensions, durable and simple mechanicals, high ground clearance, excellent maneuverability. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Diagnosis, maintenance adjustments, service operations, component replacement, disassembly, and assembly of all major vehicle systems. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive FSMs of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download (Software Database Download) Compatibility: Compatible with most devices capable of opening PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones). 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine (G13A, G13B), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (4-speed, 5-speed manual), Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Suspension (Front Leaf Spring, Rear Leaf Spring), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Electrical System (Charging, Starting, Lighting, Accessories), Body, Chassis, HVAC (if equipped). Body And Chassis: Includes procedures for body panel removal, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, chassis lubrication, frame inspection and repair. Suspension And Steering: Detailed instructions for leaf spring inspection, replacement, shackle adjustment, front axle service, kingpin inspection, steering linkage adjustment, and power steering system maintenance (if equipped). Procedures Included Procedures Included: General maintenance, lubrication, engine tune-up, fuel injection/carburetor service, ignition timing, valve adjustment, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing service, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, transfer case service, brake system bleeding and repair, suspension component replacement, steering system adjustments, electrical component testing and replacement, body panel alignment and repair, diagnostic procedures for all systems. Troubleshooting Charts: Extensive troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for engine performance, electrical issues, and drivetrain problems. Engine Rebuild: Comprehensive procedures for engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder honing, crankshaft and camshaft service, and reassembly with torque specifications. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive. Covers from basic adjustments and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting charts. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits, components, and systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Searchable Text: Likely yes, depending on the quality of the PDF scan and OCR process. Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution scans suitable for digital viewing and printing. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 1.3L (1324 cc) SOHC 8-valve inline-4 cylinder (G13A for 1986, G13B for later 1987 models) Performance Horsepower Approx: 63-70 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM (depending on specific engine code and market) Torque Approx: 70-75 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 RPM (depending on specific engine code and market) Fuel System Fuel System: Carbureted (Hitachi or Mikuni) for most 1986 and early 1987 models; Fuel Injection (MPI) introduced on some late 1987 models. Engine Codes Engine Codes Covered: G13A (8-valve), G13B (12-valve DOHC, introduced in later SJ413/Samurai models, though less common in early US 1986-87 models which primarily used G13A) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard: 4-speed manual transmission (early models) / 5-speed manual transmission (common on later models) Optional Transmission Optional: None offered for this period; automatic transmissions became available in later generations. Features Transmission Features: Part-time 4WD with selectable 2WD/4WD and a 2-speed transfer case with high and low range (4L01). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase In: 80.3 inches (2040 mm) Length In: 142.5 inches (3620 mm) (Soft Top) Width In: 60.0 inches (1525 mm) Height In: 64.8 inches (1645 mm) (Soft Top) Weights Curb Weight Lbs: Approx. 2050-2150 lbs (930-975 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs: Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: Limited safety ratings available for this era and vehicle type; generally considered to have basic safety features. Active Features Active Features: Four-wheel drive system for enhanced traction. Passive Features Passive Features: Seat belts, reinforced chassis. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM radio or radio/cassette player, analogue gauges. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: None typically equipped from factory for this era. Connectivity Connectivity: No factory connectivity features. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Miles: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months Transmission Fluid Change Miles: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months Transfer Case Fluid Change Miles: Every 30,000...
Compact, rugged, off-road focused utility vehicle, popular for its affordability, simplicity, and go-anywhere capability. Often utilized for light trail use, off-roading, and as a basic utility vehicle.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking an affordable, capable off-road vehicle, DIY mechanics, and owners who value simplicity and reliability.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other small off-roaders and compact SUVs of the era, though its body-on-frame construction and leaf-spring suspension set it apart as a more traditional and rugged option compared to unibody crossovers.
Key Features
Key Features:
Lightweight construction, part-time 4WD system, low-range transfer case, compact dimensions, durable and simple mechanicals, high ground clearance, excellent maneuverability.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
Diagnosis, maintenance adjustments, service operations, component replacement, disassembly, and assembly of all major vehicle systems.
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive FSMs of this era)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download (Software Database Download)
Compatibility:
Compatible with most devices capable of opening PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones).
Includes procedures for body panel removal, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, chassis lubrication, frame inspection and repair.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed instructions for leaf spring inspection, replacement, shackle adjustment, front axle service, kingpin inspection, steering linkage adjustment, and power steering system maintenance (if equipped).
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
General maintenance, lubrication, engine tune-up, fuel injection/carburetor service, ignition timing, valve adjustment, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing service, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, transfer case service, brake system bleeding and repair, suspension component replacement, steering system adjustments, electrical component testing and replacement, body panel alignment and repair, diagnostic procedures for all systems.
Troubleshooting Charts:
Extensive troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for engine performance, electrical issues, and drivetrain problems.
Engine Rebuild:
Comprehensive procedures for engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder honing, crankshaft and camshaft service, and reassembly with torque specifications.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers from basic adjustments and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting charts.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits, components, and systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Searchable Text:
Likely yes, depending on the quality of the PDF scan and OCR process.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans suitable for digital viewing and printing.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
1.3L (1324 cc) SOHC 8-valve inline-4 cylinder (G13A for 1986, G13B for later 1987 models)
Performance
Horsepower Approx:
63-70 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM (depending on specific engine code and market)
Torque Approx:
70-75 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 RPM (depending on specific engine code and market)
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Carbureted (Hitachi or Mikuni) for most 1986 and early 1987 models; Fuel Injection (MPI) introduced on some late 1987 models.
Engine Codes
Engine Codes Covered:
G13A (8-valve), G13B (12-valve DOHC, introduced in later SJ413/Samurai models, though less common in early US 1986-87 models which primarily used G13A)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Standard:
4-speed manual transmission (early models) / 5-speed manual transmission (common on later models)
Optional
Transmission Optional:
None offered for this period; automatic transmissions became available in later generations.
Features
Transmission Features:
Part-time 4WD with selectable 2WD/4WD and a 2-speed transfer case with high and low range (4L01).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase In:
80.3 inches (2040 mm)
Length In:
142.5 inches (3620 mm) (Soft Top)
Width In:
60.0 inches (1525 mm)
Height In:
64.8 inches (1645 mm) (Soft Top)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2050-2150 lbs (930-975 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:
Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
Limited safety ratings available for this era and vehicle type; generally considered to have basic safety features.
Active Features
Active Features:
Four-wheel drive system for enhanced traction.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Seat belts, reinforced chassis.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio or radio/cassette player, analogue gauges.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
None typically equipped from factory for this era.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
No factory connectivity features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Transfer Case Fluid Change Miles:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (check specific plug type recommended)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate variations)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transfer Case Fluid Specification:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Clutch Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 (if hydraulic clutch, check specific application)
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Rust on body panels and frame (especially common in certain climates), carburetor tuning issues, clutch wear, leaf spring fatigue, occasional electrical gremlins, overheating if cooling system is not maintained.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Suzuki has a long history of producing small, robust, and affordable vehicles, often with a focus on off-road capability and practicality. The Samurai is a direct descendant of the earlier Jimny line.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The SJ410/SJ413 Samurai represented the second generation of Suzuki's globally successful compact 4x4. It succeeded the LJ series and was later replaced by the more refined Sidekick/Vitara in many markets. The 1986-1987 models were part of the initial introduction into markets like North America, featuring the reliable G13A/G13B engines.
Production
Production Period:
Second generation (SJ series) globally from 1981; North American market introduction around 1985/1986.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the 1986-1987 models are not widely documented, the Suzuki Samurai gained a strong reputation for its off-road prowess and value for money, often praised by off-road enthusiasts and publications.