LJ and SJ Series Vehicle Specifications

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SJ and LJ series -1972 to 1985 2-door hard and softtop models with many variations available including 2-stroke engines. Sj_01_137.gif (6027 bytes)

Names and pseudonyms of Suzuki SJ and LJ vehicles.

LJ series AKA: Hopestar, LJ10, LJ20, LJ50/55, LJ80/81
Styles: Hardtop, Convertible, Pickup; 2 Seater, 3 Seater, or 4 Seater; 2 Door Manufactured: 1970-1977

SJ series AKA: SJ20, SJ30/40, SJ410, SJ413
Styles: Hardtop, Convertible, Long Wheel Base, Pickup; 4 Seater; 2 Door, 4 Door
Manufactured: 1977-1984 

LJ

Hopestar ON 360
First released: 1968
Engine: air-cooled, 359cc, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
Horse Power: 21 hp @ 5500 rpm
Max. Torque: 31.4 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Wheelbase: 1.95m
Dimensions (mm): 2995 (L) x 1295 (W) x 1765 (H)
Weight: 625 kg
Roof: Soft top only.
Notes: Original Suzuki 4WD truck, manufactured by Japanese Hope Motor Company. Only 15 vehicles
ever produced..

LJ10

First released: 1970
Engine: air-cooled 360 cc, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
Horse Power: 5 hp @ 600prm
Max. Torque: 33.4 Nm at 5500rpm
Fuel Tank: 26L
Roof: Soft top only.
Notes: Engine size and length/width were regulated by Japanese Transportation Guideline to keep
vehicle classed as “mini-car”. Spare tire was stored behind driver’s seat to conform to guidelines,
making it only a 3 seater. Most distinctive feature is horizontal grill, with Suzuki emblam in middle
bar.

LJ20A/E

First released: 1972
Engine: watercooled 360cc, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
Horse Power: 268 @ 5500rpm
Max. Torque: 37.3Nm @ 5000rpm
Fuel Tank: 26L
Roof: Soft top and hard top
Notes: First Suzuki 4×4 to be exported. Minor cosmetic changed from LJ10 body style. LJ20A models
included 2 amber lights (parking light and turning signal) on each side of the front, E models on had
one combo light.

LJ50/55 (Jimny 550/SJ10)

First Released: 1976
Engine: 539cc, 3 cylinder, 2-stroke
Horse Power: 35
Max. Torque: 52Nm @ 3000rpm
Transmission: 4 speed
Fuel Tank: 26L
Dimensions (mm): 3010 (L), 1295 (W)
Ground clearance: 237mm
Weight: 670kg (S/T) / 720kg (H/T)
Roof: Hard top and soft top
Notes: 2 speed transfer case; motor had a motorcycle type oil pump so no fuel had to be pre-mixed; it
had a plastic pipe running from the heater fan motor housing to the distributor and then to the clutch
housing – the idea was when crossing deep water you turned the heater blower on and this pressurised
the distributor and the clutch housing thus keeping the water out!; on-road cruising speed was about
80km per hour, it could manage 110km per hour with a tail wind; spare tire was finally moved to rear
gate; top front singal light was changed from amber to clear; new gril and raised hood.

LJ80 (SJ20)/LJ81

First Released: 1977 (series II – 1979)
Engine: 797cc, 4 cylinder, 4-stroke
Horse Power: 42 @ 5500rpm
Max. Torque: 61Nm @ 3500rpm
Fuel Tank: 40L
Transmission: 4 speed
Axle Width (mm): 1190 (F), 1200 (R)
Roof: H/T & S/T. Note: Series II S/T came with metal doors only.
Notes: Ute/Pick-up model known as LJ81; first Suzuki truck exported from Japan to North America.
The only distinguishable differnce between the LJ80 and the LJ50 is that the LJ50’s speedometer
goes to 90km/h and the LJ80’s goes to 110km/h.

SJ

The first SJ model (SJ10) was the same as the LJ50. The SJ20 was more like the LJ80. The SJ410
(SJ30) had a totally diffent body.

The SJ was the first ‘sammy-like’ model. Some of it’s original body panel designs are were used in the
Samurai/Sierra bodies. In fact some people confuse the SJ410 with the Samurai/Sierra, however the
SJ has a distinctive vertical slat grill. They were the first Suzuki vehicles to use a newly developed 1L 4
stroke, 4 cylinder. The SJ410W was the first Long Wheel Base Suzuki truck and incorporated a
removable hard fiberglass roof. At over 4 metres in length it was put into service by numerous 3rd
world counties as a military jeep. The LWB and Pickup models were not released until 1982.

SJ20 (SJ10 see LJ50)

First Released: 1977
Engine: 797cc, 4 cylinder, 4 stroke
Horse Power: 42 @ 5500rpm
Max. Torque: 61Nm @ 3500rpm
Fuel Tank: 40L
Roof: Hard top and soft top
Length: just over 3 metres
Width: 1.295 m
Ground clearance: 237 mm
Weight: 670 kg (S/T) / 720kg (H/T)
Notes: 2 speed transfer case; motor had a motorcycle type oil pump so no fuel had to be pre-mixed; it
had a plastic pipe running from the heater fan motor housing to the distributor and then to the clutch
housing – the idea was when crossing deep water you turned the heater blower on and this pressurised
the distributor and the clutch housing thus keeping the water out!; on-road cruising speed was about
80km per hour, it could manage 110km per hour with a tail wind (if you could stand the noise!)

SJ410 (SJ30/40)

First Released: 1981 (LWB and Ute models released in late 1982)
Roof: H/T & S/T.
Notes: Also came in Long Wheel Base (LWB) S/T and Pickup (Ute) models and in a 4 door version
based on the LWB chassis

 

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14 comments

  1. 1. what is the transfercase ratio of lj20 and the number of gears?

    2. I want to modify transfercase lj80 to lj20, what do I need?

    Thank you in advance

    • I’d suggest sliding in a Samurai t-case in the place of the stock one. Several gearing options are available for that.

  2. I have a 1980 LJ80V Jimny and am trying to find the wheel bolt pattern size in inches. Any help?

  3. I am in search of a radiator for a 1980 LJ80 Suzuki 4×4. I am hoping you may be able to point me in the right direction or that you might be able to suggest a replacement that would fit.

    Many thanks,

    Have a good day,

    Stay safe.

    • I’m restoring mine and it has a radiator that measures 30 by 39 cm. In Argentina they fit them with new coils. Might it be an option there?

    • I just bought a 1980 LJ80V with a new aluminum radiator in it. I will look in the morning to see if I can find the manufacturers name and get it to you.

  4. Tell me how to tell the model of 1988.5 Suzuki Samurai?

  5. Hi I live in Queensland Australia and have a LJ20 one of 22 imported into Perth Western Australia by Mortlocks Suzuki mine is a soft top with 570000 km pretty well perfect condition

  6. How do i specify either my Suzuki Sj410 soft is original soft top or body changed or modified? plez help me

  7. HOLA, AMIGOS DONDE TIENE LOS NUMEROS IDENTIFICATORIOS EL SUZUKI LJ 80 V, ME VENDEN UNO Y NO QUIERO ENCONTRAR SORPRESAS.-

  8. Please I need help, I have a 1972 or 1973 Suzuki lj10 and I need help with finding the vin numbers on it.

    • The Vin number should be stamped into the top of the frame rail on the right front side. Also, it was on a silver sticker under the hood, in front of the battery on the fender inner structure.

      HTH, Tom H.

      p.s.: check out http://www.lj10.com for more information.

  9. send me parts and specifications of a 1982 Suzuki lj80,engine parts etc etc i own one and i need to know it better

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