Welcome to the next installment of the

Topic of the Week

The subject for the week is stretching your rig.

Break out the welders, the benders and the tubing.

It maybe the half-a$$ way of doing it, but I'd love to see some YJ's running wagoneer "offset" center pin springs, I believe these can gain you two inchs at each axle. Please flame away if that is too easy...

chad

WOW! I can actually contribute some information to the Jeep section:eek:

I started out with a rusty CJ-2A. I stripped the tub off the frame, and took all the BS off of the frame. The floor of the tub was shot, so I cut out the floor, propped up the tub and chopped in the door...Next I made a subframe/new body mounts out of 1x2 rectangle tubing. the subframe goes from the rear wheel wells to the front body mount on the tub... Now that the body was one, I cut some 18ga up for new filler panels on the. I used a flanger, and a nibbler to work around some of the other body work, and tacked the panels in, taking my time, so I wouldn't warp the body even more. After the panels were secure I bent the upper lip over so it matched the stock door sill, weld some more, and it is ready for bondo:) The floor consisted of cutting 18ga to fit, and weld in..all my floor really needs to hold is the weight of my feet, but it is strong enough to jump on...

The frame I torched one of the front portions off, brought it in the garage, and made a mock up out of cardboard, try ing to maintain the top contour, so the body would match easier. After I had my dimensions I drew it up in CAD, so I could easily find out what angles I needed to cut the steel (.188 2x4) so each angle would fit flush, and their wouldn't be any overlap. To ease actually finding the angle with the huge effin band saw I printed the frame drawing 1:1, to use as a template. Choped it all up, clamped the fawk out of the parts on the welding table Probably 15 C-clamps for each section of frame..welded it up, and now I am waiting to put my new front frame on the old frame (time hasn't allowed)

The Frame attaches right where the t-case x-member bolts up. It is 10" longer in the mid section, to match the body, and 6" in the nose so I can accmodate longer springs..and if I don't need the length, I'll chop 'em off later. Wheelbase with YJ springs will now be 96" I might make it a bit longer with different spring combos.

The tub

A screen shot of the frame

Why stretch a Jeep?:confused:

Just go and buy a Scout..already at 100" WB..plenty of room:flipoff2:




...Okay, I'm off to cause trouble somewhere else...:D

OK, I will chime in where I can but there are numerous other threads with my entire life story about YJ's with waggy springs :flipoff2:

Just for the record, these photos are of a 94 YJ 4.0/999/D300 Waggy front springs all the way around. Front has a MORE Shackle reversal with buggy leaf. Rear has only extended shackles. Full width axles and 38.5" TSL SX's Rear tub has been cut back and TJ flares added.
Oh yeah, just under 100" wheelbase :D

Here is a pic of my ride.

Another

!

Last one :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Scout Dude
Just go and buy a Scout..already at 100" WB..plenty of room:flipoff2:

What do you do with all the fawking body that comes with a Scout:confused:


:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Scout Dude
Why stretch a Jeep?:confused:

Just go and buy a Scout..already at 100" WB..plenty of room:flipoff2:




...Okay, I'm off to cause trouble somewhere else...:D


Who cares what the wheelbase is, you have to be able to stomach the way they look first :barf: :barf: :barf: :barf:

Besides, if I had a Snout then all the cool dudes from JU wouldnt be sending me e-mails all the time on what axles i have. :flipoff2:

This is the best topic of the week ever. I always wanted my YJ to be as roomy inside as my dads Jeepster. Its a very cool thing to have a cooler behind the back seat or your trusty hunting dog back there :D:jeep2:

I'm in the middle of a streatch for my YJ.
I extended my frame rails out 3.250" on each end. and fabricated new spring hangers and shackles. (where I'm at now)
For the rear, the new shackle hangers will be located 5" further back than stock. (about 1" from end of ext. frame rail.) The fixed mount side will be moved ahead 5". The new configuration will allow me to use 56" Dakota springs.
Dakota's have a 23"/33" or 10" off-set. I will mount them with the short side pointing out and this will move my axle back 5".
In the front, I'm using the same principle with a shackle reversal and buggy leaf. The front axle will be moved ahead 5".
I'll move the steering box where I need it afterwards.
WB of 104"
I have to give Dean credit, the idea of Dakota springs is his.

I'm stretching my CJ5 right now. I am using 44044's in the front to move that 2" forward. No fenders. Then I am doing a 1/4 elip rear to move that back about 25". I already cut the rear wheel wells all the way back, but I'm starting to think more about just cutting the entire rear section out and doing a tube frame. I'm shooting for a wheelbase of around 115" and eventually tires of 44". I figure with all the extra wheelbase I have room for two t-cases. You can check out some pics at my web site: www.patooyee.com. They're too big to post here and I've already posted one and don't want to be redundant.

J. J.

i've got 79 cj5, original wheelbase was 84"s and now is 91"s, when i went w/full width axles i moved the spring hangers foward 2.5"s. on the rear i used 83 toyota rear springs. 48"s long and 4.5" offset center pin. i had to unbolt my rear shackle hanger flip it around, and move it back till i got the shackle angle i desired. i've got pics, email if you want them.
later
bob

I, like Lame, have a stretched CJ2A. Mine is done a little differently though. Mine has the stock tub, but a longer hood. The frame is a CJ-7 with shackle reversal and wrangler springs all around. I plan on doing something different to get some more wb out of it. Right now, it sits at 92" I want to stretch the tub like Lame, but leave the wheel openings to look stock. I just want to have some more leg room. Here are some pics.

Erin

Another pic.

Erin

Can we see pictures of those that have stretched their Jeeps by adding mayb 6-10" to the front/rear of the frame? How they mounted the solid spring mounts, etc?

Thanks all! (Good timing MO!!)

I am finishing up my CJ project.....
I just set up the rear suspension tonight, front was last night...

Its WB is right at 104/105 inches...

I added 10 1/2 inches to the rear of the frame and arount 6 1/2 to the front...

The front is shackle reversal with the springs mounts integrated into the bumper.. The spring bolt is inline with the front of the bumper...

I built new rear spring hangers and was planning on having the rear shackle mounts even with the back edge of the rear bumper for maximum departure angle...

I'm running BDS 2" yj springs, D60 front, 14bolt rear, 39.5 TSL's on Hummer wheels...

I have pictures on my www.clubphoto.com account...
enter my email address (mikemc411@yahoo.com) to see my albums one is labeled CJ-5...

heres my yj with waggy springs in the rear

Originally posted by yjtj
heres my yj with waggy springs in the rear
How much lift do those 4" Waggy BDS springs give? Did they sag at all? I've been thinking of using them SUA for a while now. How do they ride?

its been in project mode for a while so i havnt wheeled it with those springs but they have been on since early winter. they are about 2 inches taller than 4 inch yj springs, so sua they are prolly 6 inch springs. i used them soa so i got about 11 inches of lift. you can compare the yj 3.5s to the waggy 4s by looking front to back, the back is much higher.

This was the beginning of my 8" frame stretch in the front

A box was constructed to slide inside the frame and then welded inside and out. Plating was then welded over the outside part of the smaller box to "level" the metal on the frame.

This is what it looks like now

i cut my cj5 in half, just behind the door openings, and lengthened the frame and body 15". i also moved my front end forward 1.5" for a total of 100". with this said i would not cut and lengthen the body/frame if i had it to do again. yes the wheelbase is nice and the extra room inside is nice, but i like the wheel pretty hard which means roll overs and lots of rock rash, tree rash, etc. my body is pretty much hammered now. it is too much work to go find another cj5 body and cut and lengthen it so that is why i wouldn't do it again. if i did it again i would just cut the rear fenders out and slide the rear end back to achieve what ever wheelbase i was looking for. i do really like the 100" wheelbase for 35-38" tires. i think if i go to 39.5's or 42's i will probably add 4-5" though.

two questions:

1) how far can you stretch the front w/o having to move the steering box? is 0-2" exceptable or 0-1" or just 0"?

2) how far can you stretch the rear w/ a dana 44 and 35's and SOA w/ stock yj's w/o having to worry about the gas tank?

thanks-

russel

I think this is kinda what high 5 is talking about. I wanted to do the whole cj6 thing and he and a few others that have undertaken the project vered me away from it.

The Shop made Opening and twisting rear shackels are on and I mounted them on the new rear x memeber. The back axle is pushed back about 4 ".

The front it about 4" forward also but in the pic i just rolled a old 33" where it would mount on the axle to give you and idea on what the real length is..... 92.5".

I put my fat butt in the pic so you can get a idea on what the size and length is and its the only pic I have.

And yes I am taking that stool with me to get in and out of it on the trail! :flipoff2:

Tires 35" scout 44's stock cj7 rear leaves all the way around.
I am 5' 8" that gives you a idea on how tall the jeep is.




http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v2/9/81/76/36698176rtHDYM_ph.jpg

Here's your pic:

http://community.webshots.com/storage/1/v2/9/81/76/36698176rtHDYM_ph.jpg

Why would you need the stool? :D :D Is the rear tire gonna clear the body when fully stuffed?

Here's a pic of my wife next to my Jeep and she doesn't need a stool! It's even 2" taller than that pic!! :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

DOH! One more try:

Of course its not gonna hit the wheel well. The body will be clearanced nicely for stuffage. The stool thing was a joke man. :p

Although since real jeeps have a *S* curve in the door opening, it makes it a little harder for fat guys to get in the opening so i *May* need the stool. :D

Looks like my cj will have about the same rocker clearance as yours. I'm sitting at 30" with the body tilted forward.

Thanks for posting my pic by the way.

I should have pics of it later this week with the rear fenders cut out.

Keep em coming guys this is a great subject.

Same question... sorta...

how much can you stretch the wheelbase on a TJ without cutting the frame?

How far back can you go? I am triangulating the rear, so there is no track bar to interfere.

How far forward... before all the steering gear is un-usable.

I'm in the planning stages of streching my CJ7. I'll be using offset springs (waggy or new mainleaf) for 2" at each end and will be reversing the stock rear shackle mount (eye to the rear) and using a YJ rear fixed spring mount relocated ~4" aft of the stock CJ mount. The relocated spring mounts should move the rear axle aft 4". This combined with the 2"s at each end from the springs should bring my wheelbase to 102" (from 94" stock) all without having to modify the frame or move the steering box. I'm trying to keep everything as simple as possible.

Originally posted by olivesman
two questions:

1) how far can you stretch the front w/o having to move the steering box? is 0-2" exceptable or 0-1" or just 0"?

2thanks-

russel

I moved my front axle four inches forward, without moving the steering box. I used a stock YJ steering arm, and retapered it from the top for one tone chevy rod ends, so the drag link mounts on top of the steering arm instead of below it. My front axle is a big ass d-60 too, so if yer running somehting smaller you may be able to go another inch or so before you smak the cover on the pitman arm.

I am just finishing the cage on my CJ2A or I would give this more thought. I think I will eventually stretch it 5-6" in the body. I was thinking of adding 3" in the door and 3" behind the door. My question for those of you that have done this is did you modify the original frame, or build one from scratch. I am leaning toward building one from scratch, but want to hear from those who have already done this.

Benifits of both?

Originally posted by Magoo
I am just finishing the cage on my CJ2A or I would give this more thought. I think I will eventually stretch it 5-6" in the body. I was thinking of adding 3" in the door and 3" behind the door. My question for those of you that have done this is did you modify the original frame, or build one from scratch. I am leaning toward building one from scratch, but want to hear from those who have already done this.

Benifits of both?

I was gonna make a enitre new frame, but the rear of my frame is in good shape, and boxed from the factory. So it saved a bunch of fabbing for me......

no way to answer this unless we know what jeep we're stretching. cj, yj, tj? look underneath, figure whats in the way of the axle, then move everything til the axle is where you want it.:p

I've got my CJ-5 at 99" without cutting the frame anywhere. Rear is 4-linked 14 bolt moved back 9 inches. The 40's will sit just barely behind the framerail. The front is outboarded with 3x5 rectangle box with 2.5 OD square tube through that to get my 60's 33" center to center dimension. XJ main leaf (5" offset) with as yet undetermined leaves under that.
I was tired of not having any leg room so cut out the front of the fender boxes and extended the floor back 6 inches. The start of the fender opening is moved back also so it doesn't look *quite* so goofy.

Outlaw99TJ, that's a sweet Jeep you have there, but why did you build it with so much frame overhang in the front? Just curious.

Originally posted by east_beast
Outlaw99TJ, that's a sweet Jeep you have there, but why did you build it with so much frame overhang in the front? Just curious.

Thanks. That's all the original frame where the 8" was inserted at the firewall area. The hood and fenders weren't stretched, thus the frame sticking out that much further. My plans are to cut it back as far as I'm able to without getting into the steering box - looks like maybe 2 to 2-1/2" - then move the bumper back as far as possible integrating a steering box skid, and finally adding a nice little winch on top (besides the one that rides inside with me :D ).

Originally posted by Outlaw99TJ

(besides the one that rides inside with me :D ).

I'm telling her you said that!:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Stretched to 107" Wheelbase and CJ6 tub. Love it. It really helped the stability of the Jeep versus when it was stock CJ5 length.

Ed

http://www.rocktaxi.com/JeepProjectBackup/CutInHalfLeft1.JPG

http://www.rocktaxi.com/JeepProjectBackup/FrameMockupLeft.jpg

http://www.rocktaxi.com/Nocona032002/Nocona28.jpg

http://www.rocktaxi.com/Nocona032002/Nocona40.jpg

http://www.rocktaxi.com/Nocona032002/Nocona59.jpg

ahhh tim's place in nacona!!! there are some fun rocks out there!!!:D

Tacked the frame together last night. It looks sooo long:D I like it. My plans actually worked out.:D

Mine is stretched to 106". I fabricated new spring mounts and rpositioned anything in the way, along with relocating the steering box and using some trick steering linkages.

Oh yeah the extra wheelbase sure does make them fun to go vertical with.

cut weld bend grind weld bolt glue paint ;)

Lets bump this and see what other people have done. Its been a couple of years. For those who have streached, how has it worked for you? Any complaints?
Pics are always welcome, as I think their worth some words :flipoff2:

i'll add a little to this,
just finished stretching my yj. i've got a chevy 1/2 ton main leaf in the front with mixed in wrangler springs and drilled the perches 1" forward for a total of 2" in the front.
for the rear i ditched the leafs and put in xj coils and a 4 link and strected it out for a total of 104.5" wheelbase.
stabilty is awesome now along with full width axles. :flipoff2:

Ooohhh! I'll play too.
Just finished stretching the WB on my CJ5 10" longer, Waggys all the way around and spring mount repositioned 6" rearward for the rear.

No frame lengthening. I needed to relocate the steering box 1.5" forward and my steering arm and pitman arm swing lengths are 5.75" long to clear each other.
http://www.crawltech.com/albums/album132/PS_lines.jpg
http://www.crawltech.com/albums/album132/OTT_arm_2.jpg
The rear shackle hangers were moved back 1.25" and rotated 180*.
http://www.crawltech.com/albums/album109/Side_angle_check.jpg
Boomerang shackles for shackle inverting. Just got it on the trail this weekend and lovin' it. Sorry for the big pic.
http://www.crawltech.com/albums/album146/Silver_Lake_2.jpg

How much lift do those 4" Waggy BDS springs give? Did they sag at all? I've been thinking of using them SUA for a while now. How do they ride?

SOA front with stock springs with an extra main leaf added, 3/8" MORE boomerangs - 26.75" to bottom of rocker just behind front tire
SUA rear with Waggy 4" BDS springs and 3/8 MORE booms - 26.25" to bottom of rocker, just in front of rear tire. I would guess about 6" with this setup

HP D44 front, D60 rear

http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~dennis.r.ball/pictures/firstsuapics/p1010064.jpg
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~dennis.r.ball/pictures/firstsuapics/p1010070.jpg
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~dennis.r.ball/pictures/firstsuapics/p1010071.jpg

Here is some pic's of jimmy jack's jeep, I think is is about 115"

Here is some pic's of jimmy jack's jeep, I think is is about 115"
:confused:
Looks odd.


I used F-150 springs (2wd) and turned em around, used the stock rear hangers and had to add about 8 inches to the frame. I mounted the shackle hanger up high to keep my heighth down (cause they are sring over), and I think I still have a LITTLE too much lift for my 36's. I'll try to get some pictures up sometime soon.
Front is spring over on stock CJ Wore the fuck out 2 inch lift springs (they are flat and REAL flexy) and the axle is pretty much the same place as before.

I have a total of 104 inches.... I now need bigger tires (mostly cause I have to keep up with the Joneses and make up for all that friggen lift)

ok i know this is a newb question butt my heep is not readilly available to measure and since the topic is here.....

anyone know how far back i can shove the axle (rear) on a cj-7 before gas tank issues anything else ill deal with butt it has been a long project and i wanna PLAY.i was thinking about this on the way home from putting the aod in. and i gotts to go back to the smog police. hence not wanting to deal with the gas tank

a couple of inches, unless you raise the gas tank.

I'm on propane, so I don't have that friggen thing hanging down back there.

I used F-150 springs (2wd) and turned em around, used the stock rear hangers and had to add about 8 inches to the frame. I mounted the shackle hanger up high to keep my heighth down (cause they are sring over), and I think I still have a LITTLE too much lift for my 36's.

I believe the spring I used are also 2WD F150 springs. 31"s long side, 4 leaf and an overload spring which I took out. Instead of stretching the frame, I moved the front spring mount 3" forward and made shackle mounts into my rear bumper. My WB stretch comes out to about 5" in the rear.

100" stock yj leafs SOA, SRS. moved the front hangers all the way flush with th e front bumper, moved the rear shackle hanger all the way to flush with the rear bumper.

Soon to be ~105"-ish.

Sweet guys, this is helping a lot. This may be out of line, but could you explain how you streched your WB. IE: Longer springs, lengthened frame, etc.

And what are you guys doing about driveshafts when you are continually changing your WB?

And what are you guys doing about driveshafts when you are continually changing your WB?


Continually changing our WB?
Do you think we're changing WB like underwear? You get your new WB set and measure for drivelines, that's it. If you happen to change it again you do the same.
As for my stretch the front is only 2" forward using Waggy springs with off-set center pins. For the rear I moved the spring/shackle mounts back 6" and used Waggy springs with 2" off-set center pins for a rear totl of 8" and a WB total of 10".

Why stretch a Jeep?:confused:

Just go and buy a Scout..already at 100" WB..plenty of room:flipoff2:




...Okay, I'm off to cause trouble somewhere else...:D
Having a vehicle that can leave the garage has it's upsides. :flipoff2:

Mine is 104.5". The front was simple, I welded a 2x4 peice of steel to the front of my frame as the bumper and hung my SRS spring brackets off of there (basically I copied the dimensions of the BTF fullwidth kit). The front uses JC Whitney Wagoneer springs with the short end mounted to the front of the frame since its shackle reversed. I only went 2" foward in the front because I didnt want to mess around with the steering box position
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=4171699

The rear I cheated and built a 4 link. Shave off the spring brackets, tack the link mounts to the axle and frame, set the axle where you want it, make links, weld everything in. Buying the tabs and brackets pre-cut from BTF made this an afternoon job
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=129858
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=131727

I would say, start with a POS stretched early CJ5 glass tub. Make the sides yourself and a subframe to keep it all together. Do a little framework, add a bit here and there. Throw some paint on it. Bend up a cage. Link it up, and, OOPS it isn't done yet!

and here:

JeepinDoug. What Waggy springs are you running (JC Whitney, etc..)? I'm looking to do something similar to my CJ-5 to help gain some extra wheelbase.

JeepinDoug. What Waggy springs are you running (JC Whitney, etc..)? I'm looking to do something similar to my CJ-5 to help gain some extra wheelbase.
Yep, JCWhitless springs. Look for the 15% off coupon code and get them for $85 a pack, the shipping is cheap. I would have loved to use the BDS springs just for the mil wrap but I'm afraid they're just way too high.

A box was constructed to slide inside the frame and then welded inside and out. Plating was then welded over the outside part of the smaller box to "level" the metal on the frame.


Wow this is an old thread... This is kinda how I always envisioned doing it... How far in to the frame did you go with it? How has it held up? I've got a YJ frame in the yard that's just begging for a FSJ driveline and a bobbed Scrambler body...

JeepinDoug...What size are those IROK's? I'm assuming somewhere in the neighborhood of 36" or so I'm just trying to figure out the overall stance of your vehicle.

By the way, very slick rig. I'm definitely a fan of the CJ-5's :D

I'm in the middle of the stretch, but here's a couple pic's of my 01 TJ.

http://www.usjeeps.com/members/p404-1094645667.jpg
That's done by putting the gas tank in the bed and making a long arm 4-link.
rear is about a 10" stretch

http://www.usjeeps.com/members/p404-1094589642.jpg
Front is stretched by rotating the gear box and moving the spring mount on the axle.
I didn't stretch the frame at all.

When you guys are moving your fuel tanks, are you using the stock one or a fuel cell? Is there a company that makes a fuel cell to go behind the back seat?
Another question, maybe it is the high-steer arms I used on my CJ, but my drag link and tie rod were hitting without any axle moving in the front. I had to use a shorter throw pitman arm from a YJ to clear the tie rod. How can some you guys move your stuff forward a few inches without moving the gearbox? Are you running high-steer?

I used a 16 gallon Summit cell. I dont have a back seat though. RCI makes one that fits behind the back seat, but its not cheap ($230). I run hi steer but the tie rod is behind the axle

i run a 16gal poly cell in the stock location.

full hydro steering. ;)

Here's my TJ at 111"...

http://midwestjeepthing.com/jeep/member/images/Bushwhacker/new%20side%20shot.jpg

[QUOTE=Bushwhacker]Here's my TJ at 111"...

I think this is my new favourite TJ....nice job so far...

cheap and easy YJ stretch:
front waggy leafs bolted in stock location
rear XJ leafs with the front in the stock location and the rear hanger moved back and under the frame
ended up at 101" wb

its my brothers so i don't have a ton of pics, but here are a few.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/242000-242999/242380_347_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/242000-242999/242380_338_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/242000-242999/242380_363_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/242000-242999/242380_364_full.jpg

i hope everyone likes the roll cage and the nerf bars. :flipoff2: :flipoff:

You can see my sig for the steps.

I went out on the first run 2 weeks ago
http://members.cox.net/rockntj/CJ/DSC02937.JPG

http://members.cox.net/rockntj/CJ/DSC02942.JPG


Second run was last Sunday and on the rocks, Axle Alley FJ,AZ, and it did excellent. It was a night run so there weren't any good pics. The YJ's in our group used the winch 2-3 times, the XJ's 1-2 times and my CJ needed the winch once.

sarvemr...What kind of XJ leafs are you using? And how do you like them?

Moved the hangers back 8" in the rear and added to the frame. Used stock waggy springs for an additional 4" all around. Total wheelbase 106" on 42" TSL's.
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/Buildup/Spring_Hanger.sized.jpg
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo33/Jeep_finished_021.sized.jpg
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/albuo41/DSC00220_Medium_1.sized.jpg
http://www.texasoffroad.net/albums/members/album130/17e6.jpg

JeepinDoug...What size are those IROK's? I'm assuming somewhere in the neighborhood of 36" or so I'm just trying to figure out the overall stance of your vehicle.

By the way, very slick rig. I'm definitely a fan of the CJ-5's :D

37" radials. :D

When you guys are moving your fuel tanks, are you using the stock one or a fuel cell? Is there a company that makes a fuel cell to go behind the back seat?
Another question, maybe it is the high-steer arms I used on my CJ, but my drag link and tie rod were hitting without any axle moving in the front. I had to use a shorter throw pitman arm from a YJ to clear the tie rod. How can some you guys move your stuff forward a few inches without moving the gearbox? Are you running high-steer?

I opted for the cell and moved it for a better COG;
http://www.crawltech.com/albums/album141/Filler_neck_2.jpg
The only way to avoid moving the steering box with hi-steer is to run the link behind the axle. This means a double ended arm and reverse steer box. I almost went the way of moving the front cross-member forward if my combo didn't work, but it did.

http://www.competitionrockworks.com/thinktank/wheelbasestretch.htm

this might help when looking for springs

Just wanted to get this straight. With stock waggy springs they equal about a 2" lift compared to stock YJ springs. So the 4" lift waggys from BDS equal about a 6" lift on a YJ. What about the Rancho 44044's? Are my other facts straight?

On my TJ, I just moved the coil buckets in the back when triangulated the rear. Pretty simple and my WB is now 100".

http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/projects/claytons-Images/15.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/projects/claytons-Images/16.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/projects/claytons-Images/20.jpg

Finished product on Guardrail
http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/tellico-2004/tellico-2004-Images/6.jpg
and Schoolbus
http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/tellico-2004-II/tellico-2004-II-Images/25.jpg

sarvemr...What kind of XJ leafs are you using? And how do you like them?

like i said, its my brothers rig, but he likes them. they are stock XJ rear leafs with a 63" chevy main with the eyes cut off added under the XJ main. they're pretty flexy. he had to add a traction bar because they would wrap so much. no problems now. its pretty balanced with the waggys in front.

i don't really have any good flex pictures. here is what i have:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/242000-242999/242380_334_full.jpg


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/242000-242999/242380_365_full.jpg

Just wanted to get this straight. With stock waggy springs they equal about a 2" lift compared to stock YJ springs. So the 4" lift waggys from BDS equal about a 6" lift on a YJ. What about the Rancho 44044's? Are my other facts straight?

That's my understanding and the 44044s are the same as the BDSs. I believe Texas Blake had a pic of his on 44044s and it was way up there. His pic scared me away from the Ranchos.

do you think using the waggy main leaf, and the rest of a yj pack would get u less than 2" of lift out it? or are their issues with centering holes with amix of yj and waggy springs?

The waggy main leaf is longer and the YJ other leafs (except for the one with the eyes) will be kinda spaced. I am debating this week what direction to go. I got a set of YJ springs, waggy fronta nd rear springs, and XJ springs I will play with to build a custom pack. I am trying to escape having to build a rera track bar for anti-wrap if possible.


Doug, how is your CJ's rear setup? Did u end up going in teh custom spring direction?

THX,,
gui

Here is how I did mine: WB 106"

http://img86.exs.cx/img86/7792/DSC00523.jpg

http://img83.exs.cx/img83/6281/DSC005201.jpg

Here is how I did mine: WB 106"

http://img86.exs.cx/img86/7792/DSC00523.jpg

http://img83.exs.cx/img83/6281/DSC005201.jpg
That is Beautiful! Nice jeep dude!

Scott

Hey Original D....got some info on that rig?
What springs u running?
Where did u get those tabs for the rear shackle hangers?
I'm looking to put some leafs in the rear of mine & i'd like to get a lil' stretch out of it while i'm at it

Where u located in Tulsa? maybe i could meet up w/u & take a look @ it

Yeah, I am interested in knowing a little more on this setup as well. Looks good! :smokin:

do you think using the waggy main leaf, and the rest of a yj pack would get u less than 2" of lift out it? or are their issues with centering holes with amix of yj and waggy springs?


I tried something similar to this when I flattened my stock springs out. (sua) The main leaf was yj and the rest was an assortment of yj and waggy stuff. It gave me 1-1.5 inches of lift. It flexed pretty decent. They were a set of 5 leaf packs that I built. It also had no spring clamps to keep it from opening up too far. When I finally lifted my jeep, I gave them to someone that was soa. He destroyed them fairly quickly. They were a bit too soft for an soa setup.

Hey Original D....got some info on that rig?
What springs u running?
Where did u get those tabs for the rear shackle hangers?
I'm looking to put some leafs in the rear of mine & i'd like to get a lil' stretch out of it while i'm at it

Where u located in Tulsa? maybe i could meet up w/u & take a look @ it

The springs are 3" Alcans double millitary wrapped factory length. I completely cut out the pos rear crossmember and replaced it with the 2x4 3/16 tubing you see in the pic. The rear shackle hangers are just DOM 2" 0.25 wall tubing welded to the new rear crossmember. I just moved the factory main spring hangers back like Insayn to get the streach.

this is how mine is currently streached.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=119785&stc=1

there is a 10 inch addition to the rear of the frame (insert in frame,plug welded and then fishplated)
pardon da' booger ass welds :flipoff2:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=119805&stc=1
front is shackle reversed and mount moved forward 2-3inches
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=119806&stc=1

this in combination with XJ springs with the short side out front and rear makes it fall around 103"


but its all getting cut off before even seeing any trail time to make for coils because in my flawed logic it is the same amount of effort to coil it as it is to weld all the new shit to my new axles :laughing:

im in the process of putting a hp44/9" under my yj...the rear body is gone and im going to put my tank behind the seats...i was wondering what shackles you used for the rear and how you mounted them ..thanks Lane

OK so here is my question what is a good wheelbase for 42's yes im sure 120" would be awesome but what number is reasonable 106" 108"?? So the plan for now is xj springs in rear with offset spring perches which gets me 7" or 5" (using btf rear bumper) Then for the front what do i want to get to a good wheelbase number. Trying not to move steering box nor going hydro steer. A few posts back i saw a 4 inch foward stretch with no steering box change. So will waggy springs get me there with an offset spring perch, or should i go with xj's in front and manipulate the rear hanger to keep it from stretching beyond my 4" saftey zone? Also what are the heights of each of these springs, i.e. will the jeep be of a level front and rear height with xj and waggys?

You can also achieve a fair amount of strtech by running XJ springs. One end is the same as CJ/YJ length the other is almost 6" longer.

So.. I'm not sure if this belongs here, has anyone done anything in the way of shortening wheelbases? I have a 1977 J20 (132"), and want to take out about 15". I plan on tossing the bed and making my own, so body won't be an issue. I was looking, and it looks like I can take it out of the frame about a foot ahead of the rear wheel wells. It seems a bit too easy to me. Any help or secrets would be great.

We shortened the wheelbase on my buddy's long bed Isuzu P'up by about 10". We desided to keep the bed by sectioning 10" out between the wheelwells and the cab. And then we cut about 9" out of the back of the bed b/t wheelwells and tail gate, bobbed it. As for the springs we just cut the mounts off the frame and remounted them were we wanted. It turned out really cool to still have the bed on, just a much shorter version. These are the only picures I have of it right now, there kinda distant. Its the grey & brown truck, you may need to scrole down some to see all of them. http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=623709

I'm in the process of stretching my wheelbase on my CJ7. I picked up a set of Dakota springs at the junkyard for $40. I left the forward hanger in the stock location but that may change. They rear of the spring sticks out quite a ways past the tub. The rear axle moved back 10" from where it was with the stock yj springs.

http://img92.exs.cx/img92/6499/dodgespringsjpg640x4801bq.jpg

I plan to extend the frame with a piece of 3x3 square tube and the 1/4" 2.5x2 angle bumper that was on the jeep when I bought it 12 years ago. That should put the bumper over the rear eye. Then I'll build a tire carrier or something to fill in the space. If it ends up looking retarded, I'll just move the spring forward a few inches.

http://img92.exs.cx/img92/4377/bumperjpg640x4800xw.jpg

I'm using stock Waggy fronts but I had to outboard them for the new Waggy 44 front(axle swap in progress too). They moved the front axle forward 2" from the location with the CJ springs.

http://img172.exs.cx/img172/9674/jeepproject0118eh.jpg

http://img92.exs.cx/img92/3035/fronthangersjpg640x4807ev.jpg

The wheelbase is now 106" but that may change if I move the rear springs forward. I hope to make it work though. I'll be able to run DesertCJ's 231/300 doubler kit and still have a longer driveline than before.The tires in the pics are 33's but 38's are in the near future.

Here is 108" w/ 39.5's:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/sthede/P1010021.jpg

Rear frams extentions:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/sthede/P1010020.jpg

Front extention:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/sthede/capped.jpg

CJ5 with dakota rears plus another 4-5" on the fixed mount. About 98" wheelbase with 38.5's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/beyer05/disney/Disney006.jpg

Gotta love the CJ5's! Looks great!

I went with XJ springs. SUA to keep it low.

http://www.usjeeps.com/members/p705-1117497385.jpg

http://www.usjeeps.com/members/p705-1117475621.jpg

http://www.usjeeps.com/members/p705-1116981531.jpg

http://www.usjeeps.com/groups/p705-1117672097.jpg

http://www.usjeeps.com/groups/p705-1117672223.jpg

Sorry for the quality on that last one.

Some updated pics. I'm at 111"...

http://www.midwestjeepthing.com/jeep/member/images/Bushwhacker/tirecoursesm.jpg

http://www.midwestjeepthing.com/jeep/member/images/Bushwhacker/stuck%20on%20tires.jpg

TJDale - I like the look of yours w/the low C.O.G. Nice setup.

To everyone else who posted here, THANKS! This thread has been a huge help to me.

I'm planning on using the BTF rear bumper (Wrangler Rear Axle Relocation Kit) on my YJ/XJ/CJ-10a project. I'll have to cut off the rear main eye hangers and move them back about 5 1/2"-to-6". I'm also going for a low setup, using JC Whitney Waggy springs all-around (~2" lift over stock), and a Daystar 1" BL.

Here's the initial mock-up with the stock rear spring setup. The 35" tires would contact the rear of the tub if I used it this way. Can't wait to get that BTF setup! :D

http://www.altelco.net/~emenaker/YJ_CJ-10/initial_mockup_2.jpg

Craig

Thanks. You got to keep it low. The BTF kit is nice. I did this...

http://www.usjeeps.com/groups/p705-1117046294.jpg

Thanks. You got to keep it low. The BTF kit is nice. I did this...

http://www.usjeeps.com/groups/p705-1117046294.jpg


Thanks for the better pic of the rear. That's another option I have considered, but didn't know how the stock CJ spring hangers would hold up. My concern was having them "open up" due to the orientation of the hanger. Did you just weld the seam where the "tube" meets back with the flat part of the hanger? That would definitely be a cheaper route to go...something I may still consider.

Craig

That seem is welded. You can buy other designs but I think these will work. And as you can see I added a 2x4x1/4" square tube cross member to strengthen the rear and to have something better to weld to. I got to thank T. Willis for the help on this. I'm still playing with the shackle position.

1X1 THAT CJ-10 TUB IS THE SHEAAAT!!!!!That is what I am in the process of building out of my cj-7 tub with rust replacement parts.Now that I have seen yours I wish I could find a cj-10 tub,I will have to start looking.After I get the body work done on mine I will be stretching the frame and making some sort of bed for it.Keep the prodject pics coming.

i have a 79 cj5. its about 91" now.

shackle reversal, buggy spring, moved front about 2"(soa w/stock springs).

rear is 4 linked and moved about 5"(stock rear tj springs).

ruff guesses. wheel base isnt very important in southeast texas, mostly mud, i just wanted it to drive a lil better.
frame is stock with a few extra cross members. steering is high steer and gas tank was replaced with fuel cell. full width 60 and 44 (front 60 cast to much) and 38.5 15X16.5 boggers.

1X1 THAT CJ-10 TUB IS THE SHEAAAT!!!!!That is what I am in the process of building out of my cj-7 tub with rust replacement parts.Now that I have seen yours I wish I could find a cj-10 tub,I will have to start looking.After I get the body work done on mine I will be stretching the frame and making some sort of bed for it.Keep the prodject pics coming.

Thanks MACHINIST. I'm going for "light, low & inexpensive" with this project. I'll be sure to post more pics once I get the rear axle moved back, and as I make progress on other stuff, as well.

Craig

100 inches

http://www.geocities.com/cjames63/pkrawler.JPG

100"wb, plan on going coil over and streching front out to 103"wb

stock waggy's in the rear and moved the front foraward 3 or so inches with lift YJ springs. Final WB just under 99 inches. We had to move the YJ steering box forward two inches also

http://img174.echo.cx/img174/31/img02585lr.jpg

Here is my jeep, stretched 9" out the back in these pics for a total of 102" WB.

After the front coilovers go in it should end up around 104"

http://www.beast40.com/JeepPictures/102WB/dsc00009.jpg

http://www.beast40.com/JeepPictures/102WB/dsc00017.jpg

http://www.beast40.com/JeepPictures/Uwharrie/Nov242004/dsc00185.jpg

And one with the 42s...best pic I have online

http://www.beast40.com/JeepPictures/42sRockShoppics/jeep42s.bmp

"It maybe the half-a$$ way of doing it, but I'd love to see some YJ's running wagoneer "offset" center pin springs, I believe these can gain you two inchs at each axle. Please flame away if that is too easy...

chad"



is this a bad idea????



newbie

"It maybe the half-a$$ way of doing it, but I'd love to see some YJ's running wagoneer "offset" center pin springs, I believe these can gain you two inchs at each axle. Please flame away if that is too easy...

chad"



is this a bad idea????



newbie


It is the most common and been done idea. Very easy

Gui

It is the most common and been done idea. Very easy

Gui


what about driveshaft length and steering???

I currently have a gm steering box, high steer, etc.

Have you been following along? Read two or three pages ago.

I got a couple questions. A freind asked me to help him add some wheelbase to his CJ-5. To run XJs on the rear of a CJ all we have to do is unbolt the factory rear shackle hanger, flip it arround and bolt it back up, right? And to run Waggys in the front what is needed to fit the 2.5" wide spring?

How about stretched AND widened heres a couple of pics of a friend of mines Jeep thats pretty wild. Its on a hand made frame and tub widened 9 inches and stretched to over a 110" wb

http://www.users.qwest.net/~partspro/chucks1.jpg
http://www.users.qwest.net/~partspro/chucks2.jpg
http://www.users.qwest.net/~partspro/chucks3.jpg

How about stretched AND widened heres a couple of pics of a friend of mines Jeep thats pretty wild. Its on a hand made frame and tub widened 9 inches and stretched to over a 110" wb
http://www.users.qwest.net/~partspro/chucks3.jpg

Could I get a underhood shot. It might be my imagination, but I see 5 primaries on that header

to run Waggys in the front what is needed to fit the 2.5" wide spring?

Ok these CJ to YJ conversion shackles will work fine. Will Waggy springs move the axle to far forward for the factory CJ steering or should we just use YJ springs? Any help?

http://www.ultimatejeepstore.com/ProdImages/RE2785.jpg

WOW! I can actually contribute some information to the Jeep section:eek:

I started out with a rusty CJ-2A. I stripped the tub off the frame, and took all the BS off of the frame. The floor of the tub was shot, so I cut out the floor, propped up the tub and chopped in the door...Next I made a subframe/new body mounts out of 1x2 rectangle tubing. the subframe goes from the rear wheel wells to the front body mount on the tub... Now that the body was one, I cut some 18ga up for new filler panels on the. I used a flanger, and a nibbler to work around some of the other body work, and tacked the panels in, taking my time, so I wouldn't warp the body even more. After the panels were secure I bent the upper lip over so it matched the stock door sill, weld some more, and it is ready for bondo:) The floor consisted of cutting 18ga to fit, and weld in..all my floor really needs to hold is the weight of my feet, but it is strong enough to jump on...

The frame I torched one of the front portions off, brought it in the garage, and made a mock up out of cardboard, try ing to maintain the top contour, so the body would match easier. After I had my dimensions I drew it up in CAD, so I could easily find out what angles I needed to cut the steel (.188 2x4) so each angle would fit flush, and their wouldn't be any overlap. To ease actually finding the angle with the huge effin band saw I printed the frame drawing 1:1, to use as a template. Choped it all up, clamped the fawk out of the parts on the welding table Probably 15 C-clamps for each section of frame..welded it up, and now I am waiting to put my new front frame on the old frame (time hasn't allowed)

The Frame attaches right where the t-case x-member bolts up. It is 10" longer in the mid section, to match the body, and 6" in the nose so I can accmodate longer springs..and if I don't need the length, I'll chop 'em off later. Wheelbase with YJ springs will now be 96" I might make it a bit longer with different spring combos.

The tub


Looks good. I am in the process of doin the same surgery. Do you have any more pics of progress, or detail?

Thanks in advance

Ron

You know that was paosted back in 2002, right?

NO, Wasnt paying any attention. :smokin:

At least he fawkin searched !!!!

I tried this same line with a wheel base of 101" and couldnt keep the front tires planted on the ground. Now running 112" and it made the BIGGEST difference in climbing. As you can see from the pic it still looks and feels solid.

GC, that's on the Con right? If it is, that spot kicked my arse

Yes your right, its the con. Its to the right of soup bowl. Its called "The Soup Kitchen" :grinpimp:

At least he fawkin searched !!!!
:D

my rear is pushed about 6" and the gas tank had to move. I mounted it right behind the front seats and decked it in.

My rear bumper is about 4" angle so my rear shackle mounts were simple.

http://www.jeepaholics.com/support/files/russ/20051004120728_P1010433.JPG

I stacked my junk out to 103" on 37" trxus MTs using reversed XJ leaf springs in the rear and RE 3.5s on a long arm up front. It sits really low especially when I air down. At the moment I am using a ford 8.8 rear with 1.5" spacers in the rear and 3 5/8 bs so it sits pretty wide until I get my 14/60 combo up and running.

Here are some pics.

http://members.cox.net/irunintercotires/hutchlake1.jpg
http://members.cox.net/gettinthird/andybigledge.jpg

hey is your tj spring under or over in the rear?

hey is your tj spring under or over in the rear?

I would have to guess looking at the picture and the lack of arch in the rear springs that it is SOA.

hey is your tj spring under or over in the rear?



SOA. I run a traction bar to control spring wrap. If you need any specifics I have tons of pictures! :)

G. C. Bandit...


I ran into you on the Rubicon... I think you had the neon and stereo going. Late at night, stereo going girls in the back. Looked like a good time. You guys passed us on the way out the next day, I wanted to look at your rig but you guys were on a mission to get out.

KILLER setup man that is bad ass!!

135" WB 4 Door TJ

102" w YJ's rear.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/mdurham_02/xmas05023.jpg

135" WB 4 Door TJ
holy crap what axles and tire size are you running??!??!!?!?!?

holy crap what axles and tire size are you running??!??!!?!?!?

rockwells and 52s it looks like

holy crap what axles and tire size are you running??!??!!?!?!?
Yes I am running Rockwells and 53" Michelins.

here is what I was thinking of doing ... tell me what you think

I have a tj frame, I thought about adding approx. 11 inches to the center of it just in front of the rear wheels. then take the tub and add the same amount to bring it to an unlimited length, again just in front of the wheelwell. that way I would have access to an easy soft top, instead of something custom to keep the snow and rain out, and also would allow more room with the benifits of the extended wheelbase?

For the TJ guys. Blue Torch is making a TJ2YJ stretch kit for the rear that looks much like what Mr Clifford has done to his. I am planning on doing leaves in the rear to give me 6" or so and then try to get a few inches out of a RE long arm in the front? Anyone had any luck with gaining a few inches by lengthing the front long arms out?

I stretched the body and frame on mine to 105".

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1156/pic397hz.jpg

My stupid noob question of the week:

I am in the process of gathering parts for my CJ-5 stretch build and so far I am planning on using waggy fronts and stock XJ rears. My question/concern is, can I keep the body "whole" when I go this route? I realize I am going to have to trim the rear sheet metal a bit and flatfender or tube fender the front, but I want to be able to run a TJ flare in the back to keep it street legal. I am looking at running a 36-37" tire. Most of the ones I have seen in this thread are comp cut and I want to avoid this at all costs! I would rather relocate and french the hangers to keep my body "whole." I would just rather avoid that right now, if I could.

My stupid noob question of the week:

I am in the process of gathering parts for my CJ-5 stretch build and so far I am planning on using waggy fronts and stock XJ rears. My question/concern is, can I keep the body "whole" when I go this route? I realize I am going to have to trim the rear sheet metal a bit and flatfender or tube fender the front, but I want to be able to run a TJ flare in the back to keep it street legal. I am looking at running a 36-37" tire. Most of the ones I have seen in this thread are comp cut and I want to avoid this at all costs! I would rather relocate and french the hangers to keep my body "whole." I would just rather avoid that right now, if I could.

Not to sound pesimistic(spelling?), but if you stretch it with XJ springs, the gas tank is gonna have to be pushed up, or a fuel cell put in place. Either of which...by DOT standards....is not legal.

If you want to see if how much you are going to have to cut it.......measure from the backside of your rear tire back 7". I say that...because the XJ springs move them back about 5.5"....plus movement from the rear shackles...plus a schoshe for good measure. Then go up about 6"....cause that's about the uptravel your gonna get.

That will give you an idea of where your tire is gonna be in relation to the tub. My odd's....of all the CJ5's I've seen stretched that far, I've not seen one that wasn't comp cut. Good luck on the build.

this is mine with just the rear streached out 8in so im around 101-102wb
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f9/prostock3/100_1107.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f9/prostock3/100_1104.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f9/prostock3/100_1106.jpg

and this is it before the streach and rear coilovers
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f9/prostock3/HPIM0319.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f9/prostock3/RTI.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f9/prostock3/done23.jpg

Ok so i'm looking to stretch my cj-7. I'm not a rock guru or anything so i'm not looking for that 106 inch wheelbase, although it would be nice. I live down in Mississippi so it's really mud and the closest we get to crawlin is big clay hills. I'm currently running BDS 3.5 yj springs sua all around. I want to run a 42 or 44 inch tsl. Without moving the springhangers or adding frame, can I just reverse the center pin for SOA and redrill the center pin hole for the offset wheelbase gain? I'm on a pretty tight budget being in college and all so I'm trying to get this done as right as possible and as inexpensive as possible. I'm also looking for some options with steering setups and fuel tank locating. Also, will my stock driveshafts stretch say 3 inches in the front and 3 in the back? What have some guys done with moving their stock fuel tanks up or further back? And for axles I'm going to pull a 60 front and either a 60 or 14 for the rear. All help would be greatly appreciated. Just looking for some good advice before I stop dropping the cash. Thanks.

so if 56" dakota springs work would 56" K5 blazer springs work? I know i would have to remove some leafs but as far as length there the samw leafs right?

so if 56" dakota springs work would 56" K5 blazer springs work? I know i would have to remove some leafs but as far as length there the samw leafs right?

yes it'll work if its 2.5" wide but not sure about the center pin. the dakota springs has a 10" offset center pin so your axle will be moved back 10".

I saved this information from a thread some time ago, I was pretty suprised that it wasn't in this thread. I'm not sure who compiled it originally. I hope it's accurate. :D

spring lengths & offsets

Wagoneer front leaf springs
44" long 2.5" wide
21/23 center pin location
2.5 " center pin offset

Cherokee XJ/Waggy rear leaf springs
51" long 2.5" wide
23.5/27.5 center pin location
4" center pin offset

Dodge Dakota rear leaf springs
54" long 2.5" wide
22/32 center pin location
10" center pin offset

Ford F-150 rear leaf springs
58" long 2.5" wide
25.5/32.5
7" center pin offset

I'm not sure who compiled it originally. I hope it's accurate. :D


My bestest buddy RebelGp...

http://www.universityofjeep.ca/stretching_yj.html