I almost rolled my TJ last sunday. It would have been quite a tumble. Has anyone rolled a TJ with a stock cage? How did it hold up? Pictures?

I wouldn't count on it for much. At least the front, which I'm sure would buckle, since it's really only the windshield frame. I still have my stocker, but if I had a scare, I'm sure a good cage would jump right up the front of my priority list. You had your scare, now you can beef it up <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

NO pics but I used to work at a Jeep dismantler. I have seen some VERY bad Jeep wrecks. The cages usually hold up very well except for hard flops or rollovers at high speed. Generally they hold there shape. Put in a full cage with extra gussets and be done.

For those that don't know, the windshield frame on a TJ is NOTHING like the ones on CJ's and YJ's. The frame is actually VERY strong and VERY heavy and is a structural part.

Originally posted by TornadoTJ:
<STRONG>For those that don't know, the windshield frame on a TJ is NOTHING like the ones on CJ's and YJ's. The frame is actually VERY strong and VERY heavy and is a structural part.</STRONG>

So what you're saying is I can go ahead and click it down a few noches on the propority list? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Well, I'm not saying you don't need a cage, just passing on some information.

Well I can say this for the TJ cage I rolled mine on a two lane highway and it held up well I rolled it 1.5 times. I was doin about 30 mph. The only thing that happened is it bent the passenger sport bar(the one that goes from the main rollbar to the windshield)but that did not break and it bent in the side of the windshield frame about an inch.It was not fun and don't plan on doin that again. But if you need it to it will hold up but I would advise gettin a full cage and be done with it. HTH Trey <IMG SRC="smilies/skull.gif" border="0">

[ 10-04-2001: Message edited by: WildBlueJeep ]

Originally posted by Ian Hunt:
<STRONG>I almost rolled my TJ last sunday. It would have been quite a tumble. Has anyone rolled a TJ with a stock cage? How did it hold up? Pictures?</STRONG>

Seen a few they hold up otay usually bend the windshield frame. I am amazed at just how strong that TJ windshield frame is.
I have my cage with downbars thru the dash and it still ties into the W frame I'm hoping that someday it will save my arse

<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I don't care how much they beefed up the windsheild frame it still is no relacment for a front hoop and 4 spreaders added to the stock roll BAR ( I don't concider that setup a cage)

the windshield is very strong for stock, but could be better with some reinforcement.

Originally posted by Ian Hunt:
<STRONG>I almost rolled my TJ last sunday. It would have been quite a tumble. Has anyone rolled a TJ with a stock cage? How did it hold up? Pictures?</STRONG>

Stock set up is OK, but adding a front hoop, anchored to the floor or frame is money well spent, IMO. You might want to check out OR Fab (which is what I have)at www.o-rfab.com (http://www.o-rfab.com)

Pretty good mod.

The main hoop on the TJ is a 3 section unit held together with bolts, no thanks!!! Better safe than sorry.

I went to http://www.bigdogcustomfab.com

http://yellowtj.homestead.com/files/cage1.jpg

See the build up @ http://www.yellowtj.com

Regards

MT
<IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

dam, MT

Little bit top heavy? <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> I like it.

You must have had a big scare to go that extreeme... <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/csmile.gif" border="0">

IAN, a good friend of mine rolled his stock TJ at 70 mph on a straight section of road. he crossed a frozen bridge and when he did it spun sideways. then when he exited the bridge the tires caught dry pavement and flipped him over on to the cage. then wheels, then cage then side then cage. then side.

After he climbed out. He and a passer by flipped it back onto its wheels and he drove home.

Dented and shook up yes, bent yes but he was ok.

True about the windshield being a structure support. <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

that looks sweet, but don't you think it is a little MUCH. With the money that it took to build that you could have done a axle change or somthing. <IMG SRC="smilies/idea.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by TornadoTJ:
<STRONG>For those that don't know, the windshield frame on a TJ is NOTHING like the ones on CJ's and YJ's. The frame is actually VERY strong and VERY heavy and is a structural part.</STRONG>

I'll vouche for that!!!!
I rolled mine 2 3/4 times down an embankment. It leaned the whole cage and windshield forward about an inch.. and broke the windshield. I had the windshield frame straightened and put a new windshield in it. Took a few inches out of the bars from rear cage to windshield frame to pull the windshield back to where it belongs.. That was hmmmm 3 years ago.

granted I dont trust it for roll #2. I had a budy make me an external roll cage that looks and has use like a roof rack. Welded it to the windshield hinges in front and bolted thru the body to a piece of angle Iron that is welded above the rear roll bar pad. Stock Rear cage is still there. External is just for extra support not to act as replacement roll cage in itself.

Cool looking cage, but what happens when the rear seat passengers crack their heads open on the steel headrests?

You guys are kidding yourself if you call that a real roll cage. The factory doesn't call them "Sport Bars" for nothing. Great deal that it has saved some lives...consider yourselves lucky & write Daimler/Chrysler a nice thank you note. Personally, I feel a cage is something that should be re-usable. IOW - use it today & keep wheeling tomorrow. Otherwise the whole jeep, & everything inside, is just disposable.
Matt B <IMG SRC="smilies/massey.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by hungryjpr:
<STRONG>You guys are kidding yourself if you call that a real roll cage. The factory doesn't call them "Sport Bars" for nothing. Great deal that it has saved some lives...consider yourselves lucky & write Daimler/Chrysler a nice thank you note. Personally, I feel a cage is something that should be re-usable. IOW - use it today & keep wheeling tomorrow. Otherwise the whole jeep, & everything inside, is just disposable.
Matt B <IMG SRC="smilies/massey.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

There called sport bars cause the lawyers tell them too, other wise; I agree one hundred percent...Full super cage, then roll all ya want and drive away is best..... No poroblemmmm...I'll go out and get a cage tommorow..... What the hell... I'll get a Titanium one! NO problem!

ahhh anyone want to rob a bank with me?

[ 10-07-2001: Message edited by: coachgeo3 ]

Thats one tough looking rollcage, how about those cages that bolt to the firewall and run a bar along the top of the windshield frame. Its got to be better than nothing.

how strong is the stock bars? It would probably depend on if you rolled at the bottom of the hill, or at the top of the hill... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by Cutter:
<STRONG>how strong is the stock bars? It would probably depend on if you rolled at the bottom of the hill, or at the top of the hill... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

HAAHHAHA this is a very good point. A few hundred dollars to save a loved ones life seems like money well spent to me. To bad every one thinks all TJ owners are rich, it seems all the front hoop kits a very high priced for what they are