Description

Suzuki JS3JC51C, SJ413CS, SJ413C, SJ4JC51V 1987 Service Manual – OEM Factory Repair Guide

You need a torque spec for the front differential cover on your 1987 Suzuki Samurai. Your third-party manual says 25 ft-lbs. That’s wrong. The factory spec from Suzuki? 29 ft-lbs on page 456. That 4 ft-lb difference is the line between a leak-free seal and a stripped hole in an aluminum housing. This is exactly why you want the Suzuki JS3JC51C, SJ413CS, SJ413C, SJ4JC51V 1987 Service Manual on your bench, not a reprint. I’ve torqued more head bolts than most people have had hot meals, and I can tell you: factory OEM documentation is the only thing that keeps a job from turning into a parts cannon disaster.

This 480-page binder covers the entire 1987 Samurai lineup—JS3JC51C, SJ413CS, SJ413C, and SJ4JC51V. Every section is organized the way Suzuki’s own engineers wrote it: start with diagnosis, move to removal, then inspection, then reassembly with the correct torque sequence. No fluff, no generic “apply RTV” advice. You get the actual Suzuki-specified sealant part numbers and application points.

Engine Overhaul and Fuel System Coverage

The Engine section (starts after the trouble-shooting chapter) walks you through the 1.3L G13BA. Compression specs, valve clearance, timing belt tension—all in Imperial units. The Fuel System chapter dives into the Hitachi carburetor, fuel pump pressure tests, and the air cleaner service interval. Need the float level adjustment? It’s in there, with the Suzuki tool number for the gauge. The Emission Control System chapter covers the EGR and evaporative controls specific to North American models.

Cooling system? The Engine Cooling System section gives you the thermostat opening temp (88°C / 190°F) and the radiator cap pressure spec (0.9–1.2 kg/cm², which is about 13–17 psi). That’s the kind of detail a parts store catalog won’t tell you.

Is the Wiring Diagram in This Manual?

Yes, and it’s the factory Suzuki wiring diagram, not a re-drawn copy that loses the ground locations. The Body Electrical Equipment section includes the full schematic for the charging system, cranking system, and the optional car heater. Pin colors, connector views, and splice locations are all labeled. I’ve seen techs waste two hours chasing a no-start because an aftermarket diagram swapped the ignition and starter circuits. This manual prevents that.

3 Reasons to Choose OEM Over Aftermarket Manuals

• Torque specs that match factory fasteners. Page 456 lists front differential case bolts at 29 ft-lbs. A generic manual rounds it to 25. That rounded number can cause leaks or warping.
• Special tool references. Suzuki specifies tool numbers for the clutch alignment shaft, the steering wheel puller, and the transmission bearing installer. Aftermarket manuals skip these and tell you to “work carefully.”
• Periodic maintenance schedule. The Periodic Maintenance Service chapter gives you the exact intervals for valve adjustment, carburetor cleaning, and gear oil changes. No guesswork.

If you’ve ever had a job go sideways because a Haynes manual told you a bolt was M10 when it was M12, you’ll appreciate the difference.

Torque Specs and Fluid Capacities – Where to Find Them

The final section of this manual is Service Data. That’s where Suzuki put all the torque values, fluid capacities, and adjustment specs in one place. Transmission: 1.7 quarts of 75W-90 GL-5. Transfer case: 1.0 quarts. The propeller shaft flange bolts? 20 ft-lbs for the rear, 18 ft-lbs for the front. Every number came off the factory floor in 1987. For the Transmission overhaul, page 287 shows the bearing preload setup. For a broader understanding of manual transmissions, see Automotive Industry Overview.

Related manuals you might need: Suzuki VLR1800 2008 Service Manual – OEM Factory Repair Guide, Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005 Service Manual – OEM Factory Specs, and Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005 Service Manual – OEM Factory Repair Guide.

Troubleshooting with the Factory Procedure

The Trouble Shooting section (located early in the book) uses a symptom-based flow chart. Engine misfire? The chart directs you to check ignition timing first, then compression, then the carburetor circuits. This isn’t a generic “check spark plugs” list. It’s specific to the Suzuki G13BA. The Ignition System chapter gives you the pick-up coil gap (0.2–0.4 mm). The Cranking System chapter has starter motor disassembly.

FAQ: Common Questions About This 1987 Manual

Does this manual cover the Suzuki Samurai SJ413?

Yes, it covers the SJ413CS and SJ413C models specifically, along with the JS3JC51C and SJ4JC51V.

Are the wiring diagrams in color?

The original manual uses monochrome line drawings with component labels. Wire colors are indicated by abbreviations (e.g., B for black, R for red). It’s readable on a screen if you have a good monitor.

How many pages for the suspension section?

The Suspension chapter runs about 30 pages, covering front and rear leaf spring removal, shock absorber specs, and steering knuckle overhaul. It includes Suzuki’s original illustrations.

Can I use this manual for a 1988 Samurai?

This manual is specific to 1987 models with body numbers starting J4235001 and up. Some 1988 changes exist—the transfer case gasket part numbers differ. You’d need the 1988 supplement. But 80% of the chassis and engine is identical.

If you’re rebuilding the Differential or setting up the Steering System, you need the factory runout tolerances. They’re in here. The Brakes chapter includes the adjuster star wheel direction. Body Service covers door alignment and windshield installation. Genuine Suzuki manuals like this one keep you from chasing problems that don’t exist.

Stop wasting time on reprints that lose page 200 because a scanner jammed. Get the real thing. Access the Factory Manual now from AutoRepairManuals.