During
the installation we used a forklift to test the flexability of the
suspension. Although this gave us a good idea of the control we
gained with the Panhard Kit, nothing beats a good old romp in the
boulders! We took the newly outfitted Samurai up to Las Cruces to
play around in Broad Canyon.
The
trip to Las Cruces involved 30 miles of highway driving to get
there. The steering was tighter than I have ever felt outside of a
sports car. On the rocks it was amazing. When I wanted to turn, the
action (not 'reaction') was immediate. I could actually hold the
tire against a boulder and climb it with the sidewall without having
to give the wheel a continuous turn. Before the installation, I
would watch the front axle actually move over four to six inches
trying the same move. A flexy suspension helps articulation, but
allows quite a bit of lateral movement of the axles. This kit cured
it.
One
word of warning! This will change your driving style
completely. Remember that you are still driving a tall SUV... and
not a small (ground-hugging) sports car. Although it's great for
control in the rocks and on the street, don't take it out to your
local SCCA rally... especially with grippy tires, unless you have a
good roll cage. Just take your time and learn how well you can
control your vehicle again.
Rocky Road Outfitters
P.O. Box 681245
Park City, UT 84068 www.rocky-road.com 1-888-801-7271 Orders
1-435-783-2990 Tech 1-435-783-4355 Fax
09/14/04 16:39
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During
the installation we used a forklift to test the flexability of the
suspension. Although this gave us a good idea of the control we
gained with the Panhard Kit, nothing beats a good old romp in the
boulders! We took the newly outfitted Samurai up to Las Cruces to
play around in Broad Canyon.
One
word of warning! This will change your driving style
completely. Remember that you are still driving a tall SUV... and
not a small (ground-hugging) sports car. Although it's great for
control in the rocks and on the street, don't take it out to your
local SCCA rally... especially with grippy tires, unless you have a
good roll cage. Just take your time and learn how well you can
control your vehicle again. 
