Worth the trouble to make them the same span as the front? Have to make new spring mounts on the axle and frame anyway, now's the time to make drastic changes!

Are you thinking this in order to get more flex? I think that would work in theory. I don't see why not!

I am making my own frame and it is 32.5" OC stem to stern. So I have to move in the perches on the rear.

I think its a trade off of flex for stability. I'm starting to build more for a stable pradictable rig with good flex. I say screw it sell one of your kidneys and go coil over

Inboarding works real well for added flex. Check out John's Toyota on the Mountian High toys site. If I remember correctly they are inboarded 5" on each side, Chevy springs and his own home brewed missing link.

Anyway, after seeing his rig work, I'm sold.

Originally posted by SquirrelMaster:
<STRONG>I think its a trade off of flex for stability. I'm starting to build more for a stable rig with good flex. </STRONG>

STABILITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why in the world would you want that!!!!!!!
Isnt it cooler to have somthing with gobs and gobs of travel on a ramp, and can't drive even the steightest of dirt roads!!!!

Good man S/M, I was starting to think I was the only one.
eric@fatcity
<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: FatCity ]

Would you narrow the frame too for tire clearance or ???
Jay

Narrowing the springs, or widening the axle, should get similar results. If your worried about stability on the road, add a stabilizer with QD's. I know when I asked this ? over a year ago, I got my butt fried. But I still think it would work. Of course, I'm also putting my shackles in front on my SAS <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

I inboarded the rear springs on my XJ once a while back, only a couple of inches on each sice.

I HATED the result - it ruined the ride out of all proportion to what you would think. I even used a rear sway bar, and I still hated it.

I mucho glad I moved them back - much better,

Originally posted by BillaVista:
<STRONG>I inboarded the rear springs on my XJ once a while back, only a couple of inches on each sice.

I HATED the result - it ruined the ride out of all proportion to what you would think. I even used a rear sway bar, and I still hated it.

I mucho glad I moved them back - much better,</STRONG>

Did the rear axle "twist" horizontally and give death wobbles, or what was the problem?

Originally posted by ROKTOY:
<STRONG>Would you narrow the frame too for tire clearance or ???
Jay</STRONG>

Naw, rear end will be 64" WMS to WMS, should be plenty of frame clearance I reckon.

Where the hell have you been I did this last year! This combination rocks! Gobs and Gobs of flex! I am running Chevy's in the rear moved in 4" on each side!! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
<IMG width=550 height=385 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/SBug01.JPG">
<IMG width=350 height=518 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/SBugpic02.JPG">
Drew, you might not remeber this truck, cauz three years ago on the Forth of July when you Showed me out of the Rubicon is was a tiny little black yota on 33" boggers! By the way this set-up works awsome. Flex'z way out! You have to get rid of the fuel tank though! I put in a 16gal. fuel cell in the rear where the spare tire used to go! Just for added fun I built new cross members! I thought that I would see more people doing this during summer, cauz everyone who noticed what I had done wanted to copy it! So far this summer in my 9+ trips to the con and fordice I have not seen anyone else with this done! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

or what was the problem?


The problem was the excessive body roll I couldn't control.

It "flexed" well for sure - but it was unstable and uncomfortable. I drive my rig on the road too - and it was spooky - coming around a tight off-ramp was a religous experience.

Even on the trail, I found it too tippy to be comfortable - when the rear wheels encountered a rock or obstacle the whole truck would tip uncomfortably. I think there's a big difference between controlled usable flex and just plain unstable.

For me, on my truck, it didn't work - for others it may.

For me this isn't really a problem! Body roll on the road is somewhat bad, but not to the point that you feel you will tip over! I think it works well and am glad that I did it!

Originally posted by imuz me:
<STRONG>
<IMG width=550 height=385 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/SBug01.JPG">
</STRONG>

What are the diagonal tubes in this photo?

Just extra bracing! and they look cool too! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> I put them there to keep the new x-member from tortional twisting, I just build everything tooooo beefy!

i've been thinking about doing this for a few weeks now, how did you make the crossmember jeremy? also, does the type of spring you use make a difference? and you said you used a fuel cell, where did you get it and did you mount it between the springs, or in the bed?

I mounted it under the bed where the spare used to go! I built brackets and all the needed bracing! It is a 16gal cell from Jegs.
<IMG width=846 height=616 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/Rear end.JPG">
<IMG width=754 height=510 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/rearend2.JPG">

ive been thinkin about this also. do you have any flex pics? or is it still a work in progress. thanx

ttt for anymore opinions or pictures <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">