thinking about extended wheelbase on the cj5, any info out there?

webdr · 03-22-2006, 08:10 PM

Well, Ive gone up, Ive gone out, not I want to go back......by stretching the wheelbase a little. Ive read a little and I want to stretch the rear maybe a few inches at most.
Are there any good write ups about problems people have run into along the way?
I guess I should state I have a welder and skills and plan on doing this myself.

Dangle · 03-23-2006, 08:57 AM

first you need to know how far back, (or forward if you so choose to stretch the front) you want to stretch it...second you need to consider how in detail and how complex you want to make it, if you just want to keep the leaf springs in the back you can always use xj springs that have been reversed...alot of guys including myself have done this on tjs, and love it...look in the jeep projects right now, my thread titled **extended wheelbase pics** or something like that....or you can use coils or coilovers...youll have to worry about brakelines, hitting the body, moving the gas tank, and a new driveshaft, and a traction bar if you dont already have one...hth

**BESRK** · 03-23-2006, 06:52 PM

Good advice from Dangle.. I sort of "backwards plan" my projects. I visualize what I want in the end product. Then, I start at the wheels/tires and work my way in and up the drivetrain. I let that kind of dictate what I'm gonna do to the frame. For a small stretch, you could keep stock frame length, add 2"x4" crossmembers/bumpers front and rear, and mount shackle/spring hangers off the bumper faces. For something more drastic, the rear is easier to extend. I'd probably do a comp cut of the body, cut the frame where it peaks over the axle and graft in some 2"x4" straight frame rails that go back as far as you like. The front is more involved because of the grill, steering box but you can do something similar. If you go with a link suspension, then you don't really have to mess with lengthening the frame at all.. just do your links and shove your axles/tires out past the bumpers for awesome approach/departure angles. I haven't really altered my frame's length too much (I think only about 2" in back) but my wheelbase is 108" on a 71 CJ5..