A while back we built a prototype back half frame rail set for the Jeep YJ. I thought I would post up and see who all may be interested. This is something I am thinking about putting into production. The kit would consist of the frame rail pieces and rear bumper. The kit would move the frame rails in and under the tub just like the TJ Back Half Kit we offer. With the frame rails moved in under the tube it allows a lot more room to mount coil over shocks or air shocks. The rear section of the frame rails are cut through the sheet metal below the tail gate. Post up if you have any questions about the kit or if you would be interested in something like this for a YJ.

You can see the TJ version here:

http://bluetorchfab.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=86&products_id=141

Here is a pic of the Jeep TJ version. The YJ version is very similar.

http://www.bluetorchfab.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1746&g2_serialNumber=3

Thanks
Dan DuBose

I will someday be interested when I feel it is time to link mine----------Kyle

Before I built my back half i did check you guys out to find out you didn't make one. I think there would be a solid market for the YJ. Good luck

Well guys I do have the prototype built. We are just looking into putting the money out there for inventory. I am going to go ahead and say I will most likely be adding this part to the line up very shortly. If you have interest and want more info feel free to call me at the shop.

Thanks
Dan

What about a version without the rear bumper? Just attaches to the stock TJ crossmember?

I will buy one when I start my build...I will be running XJ's....

Would it be wide enough to use my BTF stretch tank with it? Yet narrow enough to fit under the tub? Then I'd be interested, especially if it had mounts for your tank skid.

I assume this kit will run about the same cost of the TJ version?

I'd but one if the money was right. I think you'll find YJ guys won't pay what the TJ guys will though.

I assume this kit will run about the same cost of the TJ version?

Yes, both the TJ and YJ versions should be priced the same.

-Dan

Would it be wide enough to use my BTF stretch tank with it? Yet narrow enough to fit under the tub? Then I'd be interested, especially if it had mounts for your tank skid.

The frame rails on the back half kit are much higher that the stock bumper location in the rear. With this the fuel tank would not have room to stay under the vehicle completely. I am working on a TJ out in the shop now. I am going to build a fuel cell for this build that will go through the floor to the bottom of the frame rails. Be sure to check out the build thread in General 4x4. It is called Scary Canary.

-Dan

What about a version without the rear bumper? Just attaches to the stock TJ crossmember?

I do see the need for what you my be looking to gain. Some may want to keep the stock rear bumper location and only gain room for coil overs. If we brought the frame rails under the tub and then back out to fit the stock cross member there would be other challenges faced. What we are looking to gain with this kit is: moving the frame rails under the body for more clearance, and moving the rear bumper up for better departure. At this point I do not have any plans to make this kit work with the stock cross member. The rear bumper in this kit is more that a bumper. With it welded into the rest of the assembly it becomes part of the frame.

-Dan

I'd but one if the money was right. I think you'll find YJ guys won't pay what the TJ guys will though.

Wes,

It is what it is. We have cost and overhead involved in building a part like this. The price point is set depending on these factors. The part is very similar to the TJ version. It should be priced the same as that part. If you have any other questions be sure to let me know.

I have a set of the YJ frame rails here welded and ready to go. I do have a YJ project vehicle coming in this week that the kit will be installed on. I will post up a build on that vehicle soon.

-Dan

I will buy one when I start my build...I will be running XJ's....

If you are refering to leaf springs on the rear this kit was not designed for that application. The frame rails angle in under the tub. The center line distance where they exit the rear of the Jeep may cause a couple issues when trying to run leaves. The frame at the rear of the Jeep would be much narrower that where the spring buscket would mount in the frame under the vehicle. You would have to fabricate some what to move that mount toward the center of the vehicle. You may find that would have to move them too far. Thus making the vehicle less stable on side hills because the springs would be so close together. I am not saying it can not be done. I am simply pointing out the biggest problem you may be faced with. The second issues would be the shackle hanger location would be much higher. This could be a benifit if you are looking to build a vehicle low to the ground.

If this is not the question please let me know. I just assumed that you meant leaves when you mentioned "running XJ's"

-Dan

I will someday be interested when I feel it is time to link mine----------Kyle

Well let me know when you get ready. I have done enough of them over the years I should be able to tell you exactly what you need. We dont just make parts here... we build rigs also.

-Dan

Nice fix! Those YJ frames never lasted more than 6 years. We have a nice frame here at our shop that you can put your finger through in the back.

Nice fix! Those YJ frames never lasted more than 6 years. We have a nice frame here at our shop that you can put your finger through in the back.

I know what you mean. I have had a number of Florida Jeeps in the shop with rusted frames. Seems many of them have an issue around the rear shackle hangers. This kit is not a fix for the problem because of the fact that it is not designed to run leaf springs. If you have any questions please let me know.

Dan

The second issues would be the shackle hanger location would be much higher. This could be a benifit if you are looking to build a vehicle low to the ground.

If this is not the question please let me know. I just assumed that you meant leaves when you mentioned "running XJ's"

-Dan


This is exactly what I was thinking. By having a back-half kit that did not narrow, you could run a flat spring with a 5-6" shackle and have a frenched spring hanger on the other end leaving nothing to get hung up on anymore. I know I used to get hung up on my hangers all the time in my old YJ.

Any chance you'd make such a kit for a CJ? I know the frame sucks in comparison, so maybe it's not worth it?

This is exactly what I was thinking. By having a back-half kit that did not narrow, you could run a flat spring with a 5-6" shackle and have a frenched spring hanger on the other end leaving nothing to get hung up on anymore. I know I used to get hung up on my hangers all the time in my old YJ.

Any chance you'd make such a kit for a CJ? I know the frame sucks in comparison, so maybe it's not worth it?


I have not thought about building something like this. I will look into it. Anyone else interested in something like that?

-Dan

Ok I'll ask. Thinking of using air bags on the rear of my 88 YJ. Would like to stretch the rear out, not sure how far, but don't want a fuel tank or cell coming up and replacing my rear seat. Would this kit do what I want?

Ok I'll ask. Thinking of using air bags on the rear of my 88 YJ. Would like to stretch the rear out, not sure how far, but don't want a fuel tank or cell coming up and replacing my rear seat. Would this kit do what I want?

You can build a custom fuel cell and skid to fit behind the axle depending on how far you want to go with the rear axle. If you do need to go through the flloor a little with the fuel cell it would not be much. You would not loose the rear seat. Depending on how much fuel you want to carry you may have a rise in the rear 10-12 inches of your floor behind the seat. The one I am working on now may have roughly 5 inches sticking through the floor. I plan to build a cover over the top of the cell.

If you are going to move the axle back and run bags you will need to flatten out the frame rails behind the axle. If not the frame will most likely be too close to the axle and not allow for enough movement.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Dan

Any plans of making a set for an LJ?

While I'm not really interested I do see the potential in it. And if you don't offer it someone else will I'm sure.

:mad3: Damn YJ's. I'm in the process of back halfing my CJ right now. Never thought that many variables would come into play by just cutting the back of the frame off. Sure wish I had a YJ frame now. Kit looks great, your company has a lot of nice products.

Any plans of making a set for an LJ?

Made one a few years back. I have the drawings ready to fire off. Give me a call at the shop. If you want to order one I will put it through the shop.

Dan

CURRENTLY HAVE ON FILE READY TO BUILD:

Back Half Frame kits for
Jeep YJ
Jeep TJ
Jeep LJ
Jeep CJ

Dan

I can't believe I forgot about the CJ we built about 5 years ago. We already have a back half kit ready for Jeep CJ7's. Here is a pic of the part. If anyone wants one I can put it into production.


here is a pic of the CJ Back Half Kit.

http://www.bluetorchfab.com/images/cjbackhalf.jpg

Dan,

What is the width on the YJ rails when installed (outer-most dimension). Trying to decide if this will work with the coil-over mounts I had planned on using. Depending on the width I may take the back-half kit and have you guys make some CO mounts to go with it if the others wont fit. :smokin:


Matt

I think the YJ rails are 35" apart on the outside.

I would definitly be interested in something like this, probably in the spring, closer to summer.

The TJ seems to be priced fairly reasonably, so hopefully the YJ will be around there, possibly lower cause YJs are better :D

I would definitly be interested in something like this, probably in the spring, closer to summer.

The TJ seems to be priced fairly reasonably, so hopefully the YJ will be around there, possibly lower cause YJs are better :D

The price is the same for all except for the LJ because of the added material.

Dan