Well, I think that I'm at a turning point, and want some ideas.

I'm currently building my 76 CJ5. My original plans were D44 front and rear (done), 36" swampers (2 bought), spring over using CJ7 springs (done), etc, etc, etc.

The project is by no means even close to being finished. I haven't even swapped gears yet, and I'm starting to think like you bastards too much and think that 36" swampers are too small. :flipoff2: :D

So, I'm considering 38's. Since I only have 2 36" swampers with no miles, I figure I can sell them and get "most" of my cash back. And my D44 rear from a Scout, I might be able to sell for what I paid for it. (Especially since I cleaned it up, etc, etc)

Here's the current pic.

http://www.indyjeepers.com/rich/04110001.jpg

So, here are my questions.

If I use waggy fronts in the rear, that'll net me 3"? more wheelbase. Right?

Anyone running a 5 with 38's with "not much longer than stock" wheelbase? Pics?

I've already cut down my front end (didn't want to outboard). I know, stupid. Anyway, it'll be 58.5" wide. What's a good D60 to go with in the rear?

Thanks for the help, and opinions are welcome.

Out

If somebody who can post a picture will for me I will e-mail it to them.

It will be a picture of a jeep(2a) with 38.5's and axles similiar to yours, I am switching to 35's in the near future though, I have found I dont need the 38.5's and they like to break things.

My wheelbase is 86 inches

Shoot it my way, I can post.

Rich_Remaks@hotmail.com

personally i think 38's are too tall for a jeep with your wheelbase. i also feel a wider axle would be nice. with 38's a 62" wide axle is nice in my opinion. i have a cj 5 that i thought was too short with 35's. then i lengthened it to a 100" wheelbase. the wheelbase makes all the difference in the world!!! it climbs alot better. i now run 38.5sx's and my axles are in the 62-63" wide range. i feel it is a very good setup and it works great!!!

High-5

I do want to lengthen the wheelbase, but without cutting the frame. I just don't want to get into that.

I also had axles on my YJ that were 62" wide, and for the trails here, they were too wide.

Also, I'm seeing a trend that the longer wheelbase Jeeps (YJ, CJ7, TJ's) are stretching their wheelbase to 100", but running 44" tires.

I guess what I'm saying is what is the difference, ratio wise, between a 100" wheelbase running 44's and a 90" wheelbase running 38's? I would think that after you factor in COG's, it would be a wash.

Now, that being said, I think that I can stretch the wheelbase, without cutting the frame, to the 92-94" range. And with 60" wide axles, and 38x14.50" tires, it would be a good "compromise" between the two setups, without having to "tear apart" what I have already done. (For the most part).

Comments?

Originally posted by IndyCJ
High-5

I do want to lengthen the wheelbase, but without cutting the frame. I just don't want to get into that.

I also had axles on my YJ that were 62" wide, and for the trails here, they were too wide.

Also, I'm seeing a trend that the longer wheelbase Jeeps (YJ, CJ7, TJ's) are stretching their wheelbase to 100", but running 44" tires.

I guess what I'm saying is what is the difference, ratio wise, between a 100" wheelbase running 44's and a 90" wheelbase running 38's? I would think that after you factor in COG's, it would be a wash.

Now, that being said, I think that I can stretch the wheelbase, without cutting the frame, to the 92-94" range. And with 60" wide axles, and 38x14.50" tires, it would be a good "compromise" between the two setups, without having to "tear apart" what I have already done. (For the most part).

Comments?

i personally do not think 100" is long enough for 44" tires. if i go any bigger than 38's i know i will lengthen mine some more. i wheel in some tight places and i do not feel 62" wide axle is too wide. i ran 35's with my cj5 at 85" and it was kinda squirly on some steep stuff and it did not like ledges at all. maybe where you wheel it is different. i am just giving you ideas from experience's that i have had wheeling and building jeeps.

and for cutting the frame. well you really would not have to. just add to the rear of your frame. yes you would have to move your gas tank up and your spring hangers back but you would not have to cut your frame. it would probably be easier to swap in coils in the rear with a 4 link.

INDY CJ

Hey, I did not cut my frame to extend it. I just added about 10 or 11 inches of frame on the front and rear.

Waggy springs can also get you some more wheelbase.

I live about an hour south of Indy and from what I can tell the 38's are not worth it, bigjeepinyj lives right next to me and he has 38's but he has what it takes to turn them and not break, I also know he plans to travel with his jeep to different wheeling places.

I would say, keep it as light as possible, stick with the 36's and dana 44's..if you break a shaft you can upgrade it with alloy shafts.

I just picked up a set of 35/15/15 TSl's and they will be pleny for the indiana wheeling I do.


ITS YOUR MONEY AND TIME SPEND AND USE IT HOW YOU PLEASE

Originally posted by 46willys
INDY CJ

Hey, I did not cut my frame to extend it. I just added about 10 or 11 inches of frame on the front and rear.

Waggy springs can also get you some more wheelbase.

I live about an hour south of Indy and from what I can tell the 38's are not worth it, bigjeepinyj lives right next to me and he has 38's but he has what it takes to turn them and not break, I also know he plans to travel with his jeep to different wheeling places.

I would say, keep it as light as possible, stick with the 36's and dana 44's..if you break a shaft you can upgrade it with alloy shafts.

I just picked up a set of 35/15/15 TSl's and they will be pleny for the indiana wheeling I do.


ITS YOUR MONEY AND TIME SPEND AND USE IT HOW YOU PLEASE

Thanks dude! Well, now you got me thinking. :)

Thanks for the opinion!

We'll have to get together when I'm built and go wheelin sometime!

We will, bigjeepinyj and i plan to go to Attica at least once and the Browning Mountain..its around Bloomington so say and hour from you a few times this summer.

I still have a few finishing touches before I can wheel again but I am getting close.

I assume you got the pictures OK..You can post it on here if you want, I dotn mind getting flamed for 38's. and narrow track axles.

Its all changing anyhow.

i'm with high5. i think with your whelbase and the fact that your on your way with that plan, i'd stay with the 36s. i'm full width with 107" wheelbase and i run 38s. really stable, you'll like the stability of being a little lower.:beer: