by Jim "Ack" Cambron
axle: 1.) The component (usually a steel rod) that actually transmits rotational force from the differential to the wheel hub. 2.) Referring to the entire stucture that is composed of the differential, axle, axle case, hubs, brake system and wheels.
Bump Steer A steering problem caused by changes in the geometry of the steering gear after a suspension lift system is installed. Bump Steer occurs when the truck drives over a rough surface. When a front wheel suddenly drops or rises, the steering wheel turns. If this occurs on the street after running into a pothole, the driver must immediately correct the steering change.
Chunk: A slang term that refers to an axle's third member or differential
Draglink: A steel bar that connects between the pittman arm on the steering box to the steering arm on the front wheel on the opposite side of the truck. The draglink transmits turning force from the steering box to the front wheels through flexible joints that re-align themselves during suspension flex. (see also Tie Rod)
G13A: The factory name for the 1324cc displacement Samurai engine found on early units (pre- 1990?). They can be identified by the "G13A" lettering at the rear of the block on the driver's side down by the timing hole.
G13B: The factory name for the 1294cc displacement Samurai engine found on later units (1990 and later?). They can be identified by the "G13B" lettering at the rear of the block on the driver's side down by the timing hole.
ECM An acronym for "Engine (or Electronic) Control Module". The ECM is a small encapsulated computer that, using an array of sensors mounted on various parts of the engine, precisely controls the amount of fuel dispensed by the engine's fuel injectors at any throttle setting.
EFI: An acronym for "Electronic Fuel Injection", a system that precisely mixes air and fuel ratio as it is sent to the cylinders using electrionically-controlled injecters. EFI systems can operate at any angle, which makes them ideal for use in offroad vehicles and acrobatic airplane engines.
IFS: An acronym for "Independent Front Suspenion". Many newer 4 wheel drive vehicles use IFS to improve the overall ride and handling of the vehicle. IFS design offers a different set of challenges for creating enough frame lift to apply larger tires to an offroad vehicle.
Interference Engine: An engine whose valves and piston may come in contact with each other if the timing belt should break.
OTT: An acronym for "Over The Top", a steering setup where the steering arms on the front wheel assemblies are mounted high or "over the top" of the springs. The Samurai's steering arms are located lower on the wheel assembly so that the tie rod crosses the front of the vehicle under the leaf springs. The draglink also passes under the left front spring.
When a suspension lift system is installed, the geometry of the draglink part of the steering system changes making steering over rough terrian (or potholes) difficult. This "bump steer" effect can be partially fixed by a modified single-piece forged draglink or a welded "Z-Link" type draglink. However, the best solution for bump steer is to install an OTT steering arm kit that places the tie rod and draglink above the springs and returns the steering geometry to near normal.
Over The Top See OTT, above.
Rag Joint: A device designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the steering gear to the steering wheel. A steering rag is usually a round, flat cloth-laminated piece of rubber that fits inline with the steering shaft between the steering wheel and the steering box.
RUF: An acronym for "Rears Up Front", a kit that allows the installation of rear springs on a solid-axle truck (like the Samurai) in place of the original front springs. This modification can be done to replace sagging front springs, increase the wheelbase and to compensate for heavier loads caused by the installation of a larger engine.
Snorkel: A system that seals and raises the the air intake on an internal combustion engine to prevent water from entering the engine's intake. Originally used on submarines (World War I German, I believe) a snorkel allows the submarine to operate submerged just below the surface so that it could not be easily be spotted while the Diesel engines charge the batteries for normal underwater operations. Many military vehicles are equipped with snorkel systems to permit the safe fording of water obstacles. Snorkel kits are available from many vendors.
Splines Splines are small tooth-like structures forged into the end of an axle shaft. The splines on an axle shaft fit into a similarly cut hole on the axis of the driven side gears in a differential. The splines hold the axle shaft in place allowing the side gear to transfer rotational force through the axle shaft to the vehicle's wheels.
SPOA: An acronym for SPring Over Axle. Also known as SOA. SPOA is a modification to a solid-axle truck's suspension that moves the axle position from above the spring to below the spring to increase overall ground clearance and permit the use of taller tires. In a Samurai, a SPOA typically generates a minimum of 4 to 4.5 inches (102 - 114 mm) of suspension lift.
Tie Rod: A steel bar that transmits steering force from the front wheel that is connected to the draglink (see Draglink) to the other front wheel. The tie rod also maintains front wheel alignment.
Woodruff Key: A piece of metal that fits into a slot usually found on a shaft to hold a gear or sprocket in place.
Z-Link: A type of draglink that is designed to connect the pittman arm to the tierod in a suspension-lifted truck. Z-links are usually made from three pieces of steel bars welded and braced into a shape that sort of looks like the letter "Z". Unless properly reinforced, Z-links tend to bend or break under severe loads while wheeling.