So I have the body off the frame.. the frame all cleaned up and we're ready to install the Shaffer's coil kit but first we want to extend the wheelbase to ~93" or so. First, here's the spec's:

The Shaffer's coil kit I had setup to extend the rear wheelbase 4" and front 2". We are modifying the kit to separate the upper control arm brackets so we can do even further ajdustments. The gas tank is removed and we're placing a fuel cell in the tub behind the seats. Our ideas so far to extend the extra 7" is this:

1) Cut the frame right before it starts the upwards bend (right about where the new crossmember is resting shown in the below picture) and extend it straight out 7", and extend the body 7" about the area right where the fire extinguisher is shown in the picture below.. right before the tunnel ends (or wherever we need to align the extensions.. haven't actually measure the body/frame yet to make sure those 2 areas match).

2) Since the lift kit is setup with longer control arms and wishbone link to extend it 4", maybe extend the frame/body 11-12" instead so the axle's are aligned in the center of the wheel well's. This would require less cutting obviously of the rearend.

3) cut the frame 7" back in and drop the wishbone crossmember mount into the center of the frame to make it sit at the same height where it would where it's resting in the picture.. and modify the upper control arm brackets to sit lat the same level as well being moved back 7". This method would require a lot of cutting as the axle is now sitting back 11" on a stock body. I'm not sure if this is possible as I have the RRO Crawler II bumper/swingout and I can't cut that off :).

What do you guys think? Any other ideas? Also, how long is an extended wheelbase sammi? If we do end up extending the body/frame it may be a good idea to do it that length so I can use that top instead of modifying the stock top (or losing it/going bikini top). I really want to get the wheelbase extended to 93-94" but am having a hard time figuring out the best way to do this.

http://www.detar.org/mayhem.jpg

I would extend it after the kickup, but that's just me.

Here are some dumb questions you might have already thought of, but just some ideas.

How come only 93" I would go atleast 98" IMO. My cruiser was 98" and I still thought that was short.

Why cut the frame or body at all? Just set it up so you have awesome approch and departure.

If I were to cut it I would go after the curve then not splice it but instead just replace it all the way back custom like. I would rather just have one seam then two.

Good luck:flipoff2:

I have the first generation coil kit so I have a good understanding on how all of it goes together. That being said I would reccomend putting the extention right in front of the rear shock crossmember. If you do it there you can still mount the y-link crossmember in the prescribed location and it will all line up when done. We just did a 12 inch frame extention on a buddies zuk with yj's on it. The extention was easy. Just remember that the frame gets wider as it goes back and the extentions need to paralell to each other and not go outward like the fram rails. Here is a pic:

http://photos.zuwharrie.com/users/norzuki/frame10.jpg

Erik D_Lux,

I can't see it being possible just moving the axle back 1'+ with my tire and lift combo. I'd lose my bumper or have to place some hefty bumpstops in there and limit tire stuffing more than I'd like to. The one seam idea does sound pretty good though.. we'll keep that in mind.

NC Zuk,

What did you do about the body? Did you leave it as is? I'm curious how that would effect everything extending the frame 1' and leaving the body stock (besides mounts).

Add on not add in!

just strech it

Originally posted by zukzilla4x4
just strech it

Cant do that with a tintop

Originally posted by BenMara


Cant do that with a tintop

A person with the right skills could. :flipoff2:

Originally posted by BenMara


Cant do that with a tintop

why not:confused:

check this one out......looks fugly to me though:D

Is this for project mall crawler or what? Sawzall those fenders, streach it out over 100" dovetail the rear end and do some tube work:flipoff2:

You arnt planning on waxing it when your done are you?

Sorry if you guys in Suzuki are soft and are nice to the other guys in here. :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Islandzuki


why not:confused:

i just rater see a diving platform instead some godie body work i like the tintop body but want a better wheel base (90-100) like mabyb a 10" frame extention on front and 6" in the rear wit YJ springs or go all out and do links and coilovers

heres 1 thats extended a little:p

cut that shit up

http://www.xtreme4x4s.com/03_twist_and_bent_run_021.jpg