Curtis has been part of Zuks of Arizona for close to two decades and even served as president at one point. He’s one of the most active members we have — if there’s a run happening, chances are he’s either leading it or taking up tail.
He’s built multiple Suzukis over the years, each one a little different, but his current Samurai might be the most “Curtis” of them all. He doesn’t care what the body looks like — dents, scrapes, missing paint — none of that matters. What matters is how it works on the trail. And if there’s a hard line, he’s probably already on it.
We’re glad to have Curtis in the club. He’s one of those guys who keeps the spirit of Zuks of Arizona alive — always down to wheel, always willing to help, and never afraid to push his Samurai just a little bit harder than the rest of us.
Scroll down for his full build list and photos of one of the most well-used and well-built Samurais in the state.
Follow Curtis for more builds, trail runs, and behind-the-scenes content.
Custom DIY Body & Exterior Components:
- Custom fabricated front bumper with integrated Harbor Freight 5000lb electric winch
- DIY custom rear bumper for off-road protection
- Homemade steel rock sliders for underbody and rocker panel protection
- Custom roll cage tied directly to frame for maximum safety
- DIY custom driver’s side mirror
- Windshield hinges for fold-down capability
Narrow Off-Road Tires & OEM Wheels:
- 32×7″ narrow all-terrain tires for trail maneuverability
- Stock steel 16″ Suzuki Samurai XL rims
Carbureted Engine Setup:
- Stock Suzuki Samurai engine with Toyota 250 (Toy-250) performance carburetor upgrade
Stock Drivetrain Transmission:
- Factory Suzuki Samurai 5-speed manual transmission
Ultra-Low Crawl Ratio Transfer Case:
- 6.6:1 gear reduction transfer case for extreme crawling capability
- ZOR Fabrication transfer case cradle mounting system
- ZOR twin-stick shifters for independent front/rear axle control
- Hydraulic disc brake on transfer case for enhanced parking and hill control
Custom & OEM Driveshafts:
- Stock front driveshaft
- Tom Woods custom rear driveshaft for improved strength and angles
Suzuki Samurai Front Axle & Independent Suspension:
- Upgraded chromoly Samurai front axles for increased strength
- Stock ring and pinion gears with aftermarket electric locking differential
- 2019 Suzuki Jimny radius arms for improved geometry
- Geo Tracker rear coil springs adapted for front suspension
- King off-road shocks for superior dampening
- Nissan Versa electric power steering conversion for easier trail navigation
Suzuki Samurai Rear Axle & Leaf Spring Suspension:
- Upgraded chromoly Samurai rear axles
- Stock ring and pinion gears with aftermarket electric locking differential
- Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5″ lift leaf springs on custom DIY spring hangers
- King off-road shocks
- Custom DIY rear disc brake conversion using front Samurai brake components
Minimalist Racing Interior:
- Nissan Versa bucket seats for comfort and support
- Trail communication race radio system (no entertainment stereo)